The No. 4 Michigan State Spartans have to be kicking themselves for their nail-biting 24-21 victory over unheralded Purdue in Week 5 of the college football season. But being in such a close game should have the Spartans wide awake and looking for blood against their next opponents, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Can Michigan State blow out their opposition, or are we in for another thrilling game?
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[sc:NCAAFArticles ]Michigan State Spartans vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Preview
Where: High Point Solutions Stadium, Piscataway
When: Saturday, October 10, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Michigan State Spartans (-16) at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+16) – view all NCAA Football lines
TV Broadcast: Big Ten Network
Betting on the Michigan State Spartans
It didn’t come easy. The Michigan State Spartans took a 21-0 lead into the half against Purdue, but were outscored 21-3 in the second half. They didn’t look much like one of the top teams in the league. But that kind of game should keep the Spartans alert ahead of their game against Rutgers on Saturday night.
Quarterback Connor Cook went 13 of 19 for 139 yards and a touchdown in the victory over the Boilermakers. He also became the school’s all-time wins leader with his 28th victory as the starting quarterback. Cook is now 28-3 starting for Michigan State.
[sc:NCAA240banner ]While the Spartans didn’t get much going through the air, their running game was very sufficient to give their offense a boost. Running back L.J. Scott ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Madre London also had a solid game, rushing for 97 yards on 17 carries. The two running backs should be able to run amok against Rutgers’ front seven, which allows 4.3 yards per carry (11th in the 14-team Big Ten).
Cook could have a much better game against Rutgers as well. He faces a passing defense that ranks 12th in the conference, allowing 274 yards per game.
While Michigan State’s passing should rack up the yardage at High Point Solutions Stadium, the Spartans defense could turn Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano into a turnover machine. Laviano has thrown five interceptions in his last three games. The Spartans have a secondary with Montae Nicholson, R.J. Williamson and Vayante Copeland that could cause some interceptions. Nicholson and Williamson each have two interceptions this season, while Copeland has one.
The Spartans have failed to cover the spread in any of their five games this season.
Betting on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights took a much needed win into their Week 5 bye week. Take note that six players were kicked off the team, while their coach and their top receiver in Leonte Carroo are suspended. Rutgers’ defensive captain is also out for the year with an injury. But the Scarlet Knights responded quite well with quarterback Chris Laviano throwing for two touchdowns and running back Josh Hicks running for two more in a 27-14 victory over Kansas.
Laviano made 18 of 25 passes to nine different receivers, with the scoring plays going to Carlton Agudosi and Matt Flanagan. However, he also threw two interceptions. So if Rutgers is to cause a major upset in the Big Ten, it’ll have to be through its running game.
The Scarlet Knights have a pair of running backs who each had 100-yard games against Kansas. Hicks ran for 113 yards on 21 carries, while Robert Martin ran for 102 yards on 17 carries. Both should be able to get themselves past Michigan State’s front seven, which allows 128 yards rushing per game (ninth in the Big Ten). The Spartans have also allowed the third-most rushing touchdowns (six) in the conference.
Using the running game more should help Rutgers keep Michigan State’s offense off the field, as the Scarlet Knights’ defense may not be able to stop Cook’s strong arm for much of the game. Rutgers ranks second in the Big Ten in time of possession, taking control of the ball for more than half of any given game (33:43).
Rutgers has won seven of its last 10 at home, going 5-5 ATS.
Writer’s Prediction
The Spartans make sure that there won’t be another outing like the one in Purdue. Michigan State blows out Rutgers to cover -16.
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