Michigan State Win Total Prediction
The Michigan State Spartans return a slew of starters from last year’s team but look to be flying under the radar when it comes to challenging in the Big Ten. Is their win total for the 2018 college football season set too low?
The Odds
According to oddsmakers, the Spartans have an over/under of 8.5 for the number of wins for the 2018 regular season. The over carries 4/5 odds while the under carries juice of 20/21.
An Overview
Michigan State found a star at quarterback last year in Brian Lewerke, who threw for 20 touchdowns and 2,793 yards. He also rushed for an additional 559 yards and five touchdowns. Lewerke will throw to an emerging group of receivers in Darrell Stewart Jr., Cody White and Felton Davis III. Senior tight end Matt Sokol also returns to provide extra blocking while LJ Scott returns for his senior season after rushing for 898 yards and eight touchdowns in 2017. Four of MSU’s five starters along the offensive line return.The Spartans are also led by a solid defensive unit that ranked seventh in the nation in total defense a year ago. Nine starters are set to return, including a trio of juniors in tackles Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk, as well as defensive end Kenny Willekes. Cornerbacks Justin Layne and Josiah Scott, as well as safeties David Dowell and Khari Willis all return to a unit that ranked 17th in team passing efficiency defense last season.
Our Season Win Total Prediction
I love the over when it comes to Michigan State. Phil Steele notes that Sparty enters the 2018 season tied with Florida and Kansas for the most returning starters in the country with 19. Nine starters on defense and 10 on offense return to MSU next season. With that amount of experience returning, this program should be able to eclipse the 9-win mark.
While things can change quickly because of injuries or unexpected teams emerging, the schedule also sets up favorably for MSU to win at least nine games as well. Their only road game that’s daunting is Penn State, while they get Michigan and Ohio State at home this season. This team always seems to play with a chip on its shoulder and Mark Dantonio usually has his team ready to play.
2018 College Football Season Win Total: Michigan State Spartans over 8.5 wins