NCAA football betting - Ohio State vs Michigan State odds
Posted on 10/14/2008 3:28:40 PM
By Blake Frazier
Ohio State vs Michigan State odds: Spartans looking to upset visiting Buckeyes
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WHO: Ohio State (-3.5) vs Michigan State
- WHAT: NCAA football betting
- WHEN: Saturday, October 18 at 3:30 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan
- KEY STATS: Ohio State is 8-2 against the spread in its last 10 games as a road favorite; Michigan State has won only three of its last 13 games when sportsbook odds have them listed as an underdog
- PICK: Ohio State
The Ohio State vs Michigan State line has the home team listed as the underdog, but this game figures to be a lot closer than originally perceived. Since getting crushed by USC, Ohio State has made a transition at quarterback from veteran Todd Boeckman to freshman sensation Terrell Pryor, which has knocked them down a rung in the BCS Championship ladder.
Heading into the season, Ohio State was among the Championship favorites. Now online sportsbook odds list them as a 20-1 underdog to win it all.
While Ohio State has underachieved, Penn State and Michigan State have emerged as Big 10 contenders. Ohio State will have to deal with a visit from Penn State the following week but right now its focus is on underdog Michigan State.
Before you rush to bet on Michigan State, keep in mind for your Ohio State vs Michigan State pick that Ohio State dominates this series. Ohio State has won 10 of the last 12 meetings overall and five of the last six games (both straight up and against the spread) in East Lansing.
Michigan State has proven to be much stronger mentally than it has been in recent seasons. Typically, the old Michigan State would have an unexpected loss by this point but head coach Mark Dantonio has kept his team focused on the weekly task. Michigan State is 6-0 (3-0 in Big 10) and has its first six-game winning streak since 1999.
The Spartans haven’t been fully tested yet this season but they haven’t played cupcakes the entire way either, topping Northwestern, Notre Dame and Indiana.
Facing Ohio State is a big step up in competition and many bettors who are evaluating the Ohio State vs Michigan State spread are wondering whether Michigan State has enough talent to get the job done.
Last week against Northwestern, although it held them to just 20 points, Northwestern still totaled 469 yards of offense and running back Tyrell Sutton averaged six yards per carry. Michigan State also gave up 473 total yards to Indiana while allowing 6.75 yards per carry a couple of weeks before that.
That’s not a good sign as Beanie Wells is about to come to town.
BLAKE’S PICK: Few people might be willing to trust Ohio State on the road after crumbling at The Coliseum to USC but, as long as the Buckeyes avoid mistakes, they should be able to win this contest against Michigan State.
Go with the favorite in Ohio State vs Michigan State odds and bet on the Buckeyes.
For more NCAA Football lines or insight into the Illinois versus Penn State matchup, visit BetOnline.com. BetOnline.com is a top rated online sportsbook providing reliable sports betting to millions of online betting customers. The Betting Edge regularly offers free picks and advice on Ohio State vs Michigan State odds and other games.
Blake walked onto his college football team and had a
brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to
the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game
that only someone who has played would understand, and he was one of the few
who gave the Giants a chance against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
