Michigan St at Arizona St – College Football Predictions
The Game
It’s a sweet PAC-12 vs Big-10 match-up in the desert as SPARTY takes on SPARKY. Michigan St escaped with their lives last week vs Utah St whilst the FIGHTING HERMS destroyed UTSA. Before the season this game looked like an almost-certain layup for Michigan St. Can we really say that now? Let’s take a look.
The Details
Michigan St -6 Arizona St (54)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Michigan St -7
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Michigan St 30 Arizona St 24
The Match-Up:
Michigan St offense vs Arizona St defense
The Spartans were pretty solid on offense last week rushing for 165 yards and passing for 287. QB Brian Lewerke is still one of our favorites and is a dangerous dual-threat. RB LJ Scott is a legit #1 back and the Sun Devils need to respect the experienced receiving group. The Sun Devils have allowed more than 30 PPG in three consecutive seasons but did look pretty good against a mediocre UTSA squad in week one. The hidden gem? Our PAC-12 PASS RUSH INSIDERS made us aware that the Sun Devils lead the NCAA in sacks after bagging NINE (!) in week one. Michigan St will have to be on their toes in this one and we hope they get back LT Cole Chewins this week who broke his 16-game starting streak last week due to injury (he is practicing). The Spartans are efficient and do a good job of sustaining drives. It will be interesting if they can withstand the HEAT from the pass rush, as well as the literal HEAT (more on that below).
Arizona St offense vs Michigan St defense
Michigan St held the Utah St ground game in check (25 yards rushing allowed) but gave up a lot of passing yards (319) in their week one victory. Arizona St QB Manny Wilkins is experienced and provides a dangerous dual-threat problem. They also have one of the best WR groups in the PAC-12 and it seems unlikely Michigan St will be able to stop the Sun Devils passing attack. N’Keal Harry is a star who tallied over 1,100 yards receiving last year (140, 2 TD last week). The Spartans must limit the big plays to the extent possible and bag an interception or two. Aggies QB Jordan Love had success but had a 0-2 TD to INT ratio. If Arizona St can get anything going on the ground they are going to make this a game heading into the fourth quarter. <grabs popcorn>
Trends, Intangibles and More!
Michigan St is just 1-8 L9 ATS as a road favorite…..Arizona St is 9-0 at home vs Big 10 teams.
Summary
How good is Arizona St? That is the question. We are really high on the Spartans this season but they will be tested big time in this game. They will have to deal with a GEEKED UP Sun Devils squad who are full of confidence, not to mention the heat AND a late start time that will feel like MIDNIGHT MADNESS. CROWD WILL BE ROCKING GUY notes that the game will be a “blackout” so make sure to wear your favorite black attire if attending the game. Unless of course you are a Spartans fan.
The more we look at this game, the more we are interested to watch, yet the harder it is to figure out who will cover the spread. The intangibles are pretty hard to ignore.
Conclusion
Official play: None
Side: We lean to the Sun Devils if you can bag 7 points at some point between now and kickoff. Mostly -6 out there as we go to press with the a rogue -5.5 and -6.5 available. If it doesn’t hit -7 then some beer money on Arizona St ML is worth a shot.
Total: Slight lean to the over.
Note:
‘Lean’ implies we are comfortable suggesting ‘small potatoes’ on the game. Nothing more. < but always stay tuned for updates >
‘Slight lean’ implies we are almost certain to avoid the game and/or total from a betting standpoint even for ‘small potatoes’. We give an opinion for those who need to get down and want advice.