Michigan State Spartans at Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview

Saturday features a battle of top-10 Big Ten teams as the No. 7 Michigan State Spartans (9-1, 6-1 in Big Ten East) take on the No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes (9-1, 7-0 in Big Ten East). This matchup could have huge implications not only for the Big Ten conference standings but also potential standings for the College Football Playoffs. The Buckeyes will host this one at Ohio Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 pm ET.

After being upset 40-29 by Purdue, the Spartans bounced back with a 40-21 victory over Maryland last week. In the win, Payton Thorne threw for 287 yards and four touchdowns. Kenneth Walker also added 143 yards and two scores on the ground.

After being beaten in Week 2 of the regular season, the Buckeyes have reeled off eight wins in a row. Last week, they took down Purdue 59-31. CJ Stroud was fantastic last week, throwing for 361 yards and five touchdowns. TreVeyon Henderson added two more touchdowns on the ground.

The Buckeyes are the overwhelming favorite playing at home. They are -1400 to win while the Spartans’ moneyline sits at +760. The spread features Michigan State +19.5 (-110), and the over/under for total points is 68.5.

More Odds

The Spartans currently have the fifth-best odds of winning the Big Ten Championship at +4000. The Buckeyes are the favorites at -250.

In terms of the National Championship, Ohio State has the second-best odds of winning it all at +350. The Spartans +10000 to win the National Championship.

By The Numbers

Ohio State has been the best team in the nation offensively this season. They currently rank first in scoring averaging 46.3 points per game. The Spartans rank 24th averaging 33.8 points per game.

Defensively, it is once again the Buckeyes with the edge. They rank 17th overall, allowing 20.2 points per game to opponents. Michigan State ranks 44th, allowing 23.4 points per game.

Spartans Looking To Overtake Big Ten Lead

While the Spartans are longshots in this one, a win would be monumental for the program. Not only would it have huge implications for their overall rankings, but it would also propel them to first in the Big Ten.

Even though their lone loss this season was on the road, Michigan State has still played well in enemy territory as they are currently 4-1 when the away team.

Leading the way for the Spartans is sophomore quarterback Payton Thorne. On the season, he has thrown for 2,460 yards, 21 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He has also rushed for 147 yards and another three scores.

The biggest threat on the ground, though, is junior running back Kenneth Walker. He has rushed 227 times for 1,473 yards and a whopping 17 touchdowns.

Through the air, Thorne’s best targets are wide receivers Jayden Reed (829 yards, seven touchdowns) and Jalen Nailor (587 yards, six touchdowns).

Buckeyes Look To Flex Dominant Offense

The Buckeyes’ offense hasn’t just been good this year; it has been dominant. Two weeks ago was their lowest output of the season as they scored 26 in a win over Nebraska. Crazily, they have scored over 40 points seven times and over 50 five times.

For a middle-of-the-road defense in Michigan State, that could lead to a long afternoon.

Leading the way for the Buckeyes is quarterback C.J. Stroud. On the season, he has thrown for 3,036 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.

Stroud’s favorite target has been Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He currently has 59 receptions for 1,027 yards and five scores.

He isn’t the only one, though, as Garrett Wilson (813 yards, nine touchdowns) and Chris Olave (708 yards, 11 touchdowns) have also been impressive.

On the ground, TreVeyon Henderson has led the way with 141 rushing attempts for 1,035 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Take Ohio State To Win And Cover

This one might come down to the passing game for Michigan State. While Kenneth Walker has been huge for the Spartans, he is going up against Ohio State’s 13th ranked rushing defense (allowing just 99.7 yards per game at home).

If Thorne can be efficient, the Spartans have a chance of at least covering the spread, if not winning. Still, with Ohio State’s dynamic offense, there will be a lot of pressure on Thorne.

Unfortunately for Michigan State fans, it is hard to see him doing enough to make up for the vulnerabilities in the Spartans’ defense.

Take Ohio State to not only win but to cover the massive spread as well.