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Big Ten Predictions: Picks against the spread for Week 7

By Barry Leonard Jr.

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Oct 10, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) throws pass during the second quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

  • Date: Saturday, October 17, 2015
  • Time: 3:30 PM Eastern
  • Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  • TV Channel: ESPN
  • Spread: Michigan -8
  • Over/Under Total: 40.5

Easily the game of the day, Michigan State versus Michigan has all the makings of a great college football game. The Spartans are ranked No. 7, while the Wolverines come in at N0. 12.

Michigan State, though undefeated, comes limping into Ann Arbor after narrowly escaping at Rutgers last Saturday night. That performance caused Michigan State to drop three spots in the poll. The Spartans have seemed to regress since the start of the season and have struggled in some games that should have been blowouts.

Quarterback Connor Cook was a Heisman candidate before the start of this season, is still having a solid season. He’s thrown for 1,334 yards with 12 touchdowns and two interceptions. His favorite receiver, by more than double, has been Aaron Burbridge, who has 34 receptions for 560 yards and four touchdowns.

A pleasant surprise for the Spartans this season has been freshman running back L.J. Scott, who’s coming off back-to-back two-touchdown performances. The biggest disappointment for the Spartans has been the normally tough defense.

Michigan, in contrast, has been outstanding on defense. The Wolverines are ranked No. 2 in total defense and are in the middle of an amazing stretch of three shutouts in a row. Michigan has not allowed an opponent to score since Week 3.

The Wolverines haven’t been spectacular on offense, but quarterback Jake Rudock has done enough to get the job done. The rushing attack has been the best part of Michigan’s offense.Head coach Jim Harbaugh has his team playing great and the Wolverines are one of the biggest surprises in all college football.

As for the game with the Spartans, I like the Wolverines. They are on a great streak and I like the momentum they are carrying. However, as far as the spread, I do think it’s too high. Michigan wins, but not by more than a touchdown.

Next: Rutgers at Indiana

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