Week 2: Michigan State vs Akron 9/10/22 College Football Picks, Predictions, Odds
Akron Zips (1-0) vs. Michigan State Spartans (1-0)
September 10, 2022 4:00 pm EDT
The Line: Michigan State Spartans -34.5 / Akron Zips +34.5 ; Over/Under: 56
(Get latest betting odds)
The Michigan State Spartans and Akron Zips do battle Saturday in week 2 college football action from Spartan Stadium. Akron is fresh off a seven-point victory over Saint Francis-PA in their season opener. As for Michigan State, they played Western Michigan in week one. During that matchup the Spartans managed a 22-point win. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
Akron had quite the forgettable campaign in 2021. The Zips finished just 2-10 overall and 1-7 in MAC play. That result left Akron in last place in the East Division—and technically last place in the conference as well.
In their 2022 season opener, the Zips played a very tight game against St. Francis-PA. Akron ultimately needed overtime to post a 30-23 victory. Zips quarterback DJ Irons finished with 273 yards and two scores, while Cam Wiley rushed for 85 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
Over on the Michigan State side, they did pretty well in a difficult Big Ten last season. The Spartans would go 11-2 overall and 7-2 in conference play; good enough for third place in the East Division. Michigan State took a Peach Bowl invite and beat Pittsburgh 31-21.
Last Friday versus Western Michigan, the Spartans scored 14 points in the fourth quarter on the way to a 35-13 victory. QB Payton Thorne logged 233 yards with four touchdowns and a pick. Jalen Berger managed 120 yards and a score on 16 carries.
PICK: I’m probably sticking with Michigan State but not touching it. The Spartans didn’t exactly blow out a plucky Western Michigan team in their first outing; the Broncos held a modest 21-13 deficit going into the fourth quarter. Michigan State was just 3-of-10 on third-down tries, posted two turnovers and held the ball for just 22:38 as well. They’re going to need to tighten the proverbial screws moving forward.
As for Akron, they get credit for a plucky win over St. Francis-PA, but the stats weren’t all that great. The Zips were out-gained on the ground 189-97 and went just 3-of-15 on third-down tries. I don’t think Akron will be able to stay in range for long here.
