College Football Predictions: Picks for Top games of Week 3

No. 8 Washington (-16.5) at Michigan State (Peacock, 5 PM EST)

This game got overshadowed a little bit due to the Mel Tucker suspension, which many believe will lead to the Spartans head coach getting fired.

As far as this week, don’t expect Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies to feel sorry for the Spartans. Washington had its coming out party against the Spartans last September and I don’t expect the Michigan State defense to be able to slow him down.

Harlon Barnett leads a team that’s allowed just 107 yards per game through the air in two weeks, but Penix is averaging over 425 passing yards per game along with eight touchdowns.

Mark Dantonio is going to be back as an assistant to the interim head coach and I do think Michigan State will be inspired. Plus, quarterback Noah Kim has five touchdown passes in two weeks. Nate Carter has also rushed for 224 yards and four touchdowns, with an average of 6.1 yards per attempt. Three Michigan State pass catchers are already over 100 yards.

Washington has allowed just 14 points per game, but this Michigan State offense is the best the Huskies have played so far. I don’t see the Spartans having the horses to pull the upset, but Michigan State is going to cover and play a competitive game.

Washington 38, Michigan State 30