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 a 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.