CMU vs. Michigan St. Total Pick
Will No. 21 Michigan State have a defensive battle with its in-state rival, Central Michigan, when the two teams meet up on Saturday at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
113 Central Michigan at 114 Michigan State
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Noon ET – Spartan Stadium
TV: FS1
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Michigan State is favored at home, as the Spartans are getting odds of -28.5 points against Central Michigan. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 46 points. The public betting for this game currently has 56 percent going on Central Michigan on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
CMU woeful on offense
Central Michigan is coming off its first win, a 17-5 decision over Maine. The Chippewas are just 1-3 on the season, but are 3-1 against the spread. They have hit the under in three straight to move to 3-1 with the under on the season.
For the year, CMU is averaging just 15 points and 258.5 yards per game. Their quarterback play has been very suspect. Tony Poljan started the season but was pulled for lack of production. Tommy Lazzaro got the start last week and he is 20 of 38 for 210 yards and two touchdowns on the season. The CMU run game is the strength, but Jonathan Ward is the leading rusher with just 156 yards. Defensively, CMU has been respectable, as the Chippewas are allowing 23.8 points and 334.3 yards per game, including just 140 passing yards per game.
Spartans get road win
After a bye week, MSU went to Indiana this weekend and grinded out a 35-21 victory over the Hoosiers. They are 2-1 on the season, 1-2 against the spread and 2-1 with the over. MSU has hit the over in four of its last five as a program.
Michigan State has potential on offense, but is posting just 28.7 points and 393 yards per game thus far. Brian Lewerke has thrown for 814 yards and five touchdowns with four interceptions to lead the offense. LJ Scott is the team’s stud back but he has just 103 yards on 30 carries this year and is dealing with a hamstring injury that could keep him out of this game. Defensively, MSU is giving up just 22.7 points and 356.3 yards per game. Their run defense is limiting opponents to just 32.7 yards per game.
College Football Betting Trends
Central Michigan
CMU has hit the under in six of its last seven games in September and the over in five of its last six road games.
Michigan State
Michigan State has hit the under in five of its last seven against MAC opponents and five of its last seven games in September.
Prediction:
This game should be a close call on the total. Central Michigan’s offense is putrid and facing a really physical MSU team up front. The Chippewas aren’t going to be able to air things out like other teams that have moved the ball on the Spartans. MSU has had its moments of struggling on offense, but should be able to light up this CMU defense. The Chippewas gave up 31 at home to Kansas and 35 on the road to Kentucky. The MSU passing game should be able to score and the Spartans have a chance to get their run game going. Still,, I could see CMU being held to 10 or less in this one and Michigan State isn’t a team that typically blows people out or runs up the score. I could see a 35-7 victory for MSU.
College Football Prediction: Central Michigan/Michigan State Under 46