Michigan State Spartans (4-5) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (6-3)
November 16, 2024 2:30 pm EDT
The Line: Illinois Fighting Illini -3 / Michigan State Spartans +3; Over/Under: +47.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini meet in week 12 college football action from Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Michigan State vs. Illinois prediction.
Michigan State Recap
The Michigan State Spartans come into this one looking to rebound from a 47-10 loss at the hands of Indiana last time out prior to their bye week. After this game, Michigan State will head home for a matchup with Purdue.
Sparty Falls Flat
Aidan Chiles has thrown for 1,850 yards, 8 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on 61.6% passing while Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams has a team-high 469 rushing yards and Nate Carter has 418 rushing yards as well on the year. Nick Marsh has a team-high 553 receiving yards along with 3 TDs while Montorie Foster Jr. has a team-high 36 receptions for 453 yards. Jack Veiling also has 318 receiving yards as well on the year. On defense, Jordan Turner has a team-high 51 total tackles along with 3 sacks while Khris Bogle has 3 sacks as well and Charles Brantley has 3 interceptions. As a unit, Michigan State’s defense has combined for 15 sacks and 8 interceptions on the year.
Why the Michigan State Spartans will win
- Michigan State has won each of its last three November games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Illinois has lost three of its last four November games as a home favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Illinois has failed to cover the spread in 11 of its last 12 home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Michigan State has covered the spread in five of its last six games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
Illinois Recap
The Illinois Fighting Illini will be out to bounce back from a 25-17 loss at the hands of Minnesota in their last matchup. After this game, Illinois will head out on the road for a date with Rutgers.
Illini Struggling To Close Out
Luke Altmyer has thrown for 1,893 yards, 16 touchdowns and 3 interceptions on 62.8% passing while Josh McCray has a team-high 330 rushing yards with 4 touchdowns and Aidan Laughery has 287 rushing yards as well. Pat Bryant has a team-high 582 receiving yards and 39 grabs with 7 touchdowns and Zakhari Franklin has a 41 receptions for 515 yards this season. On defense, Dylan Rosiek leads the Illini with 60 total tackles while Xavier Scott has a team-high 3 interceptions. Gabe Jacas also has a team-high 6.5 sacks as well on the year. As a unit, Illinois’ defense has combined for 22 sacks and 9 interceptions.
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
- Michigan State has lost five of its last six games.
- Illinois has won five of its last six games at Memorial Stadium (Champaign).
- Michigan State has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last 10 November games as a road underdog.
Michigan State vs. Illinois Prediction
I’m on Michigan State and the points here. I think this is a game that could genuinely go either way, with it being senior day for Illinois and Michigan State running out of chances to snag bowl eligibility. Should be an interesting one, but I’ll back the Spartans and the points.
