Western Michigan vs. Michigan State Week 1 Betting: Can the Spartans Extend Their Win Streak Against the Broncos?

#15 Michigan State will start off their season by hosting Western Michigan on Friday. This will be their 4th meeting in the last 10 years, and the 12th meeting overall.

Michigan State is undefeated against the Broncos with an 11-0 record all-time. They have played 10 of 11 at home, and that margin will get even wider, as they will host for the 3rd straight meeting.

The Spartans finished 3rd in the Big 10 East in 2021 with an 11-2 record. They also made the Peach Bowl and defeated the Pitt Panthers to end their season on a high note.

Western Michigan made a bowl game as well, winning their second bowl game in team history over Nevada. They finished the season dead last in the MAC West, but still managed an 8-5 record.

The Spartans, to no surprise, are heavy favorites at home against a MAC opponent. They are favored by 3 touchdowns, which they have managed to win by only twice in the last 5 meetings between the two.

Western Michigan vs. #15 Michigan State Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Western Michigan Broncos (0-0) vs. Michigan State Spartans (0-0)
• Venue & Location: Spartan Stadium (East Lansing, Michigan)
• Date: Friday, Sept. 2, 2022
• Game Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time
• Where to Watch Western Michigan vs. Michigan State: ESPN2

Western Michigan vs. #15 Michigan State Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• Western Michigan Broncos +21.5 (-110)
• Michigan State Spartans -21.5 (-110)

Over/Under

• Over 54.5 (-114)
• Under 54.5 (-106)

Moneyline

• Western Michigan Broncos +890
• Michigan State Spartans -1700

Over/Under in Play

With Michigan State as the heavy favorite, there will be less value in the money lines. However, this series has been closer than the record indicates.

Western Michigan has lost by 14 or less points in 5 of 11 games against the Spartans. Considering they are in a less competitive division, and they have been on the road in 10 of those games, it is quite impressive.

The Over and the Under have similar value on Friday, so it will take some research to figure out exactly what will happen in the game. Luckily, we have the trends to look at.

Western Michigan vs. #15 Michigan State Over/Under Betting Trends

• Under is 7-1 in Western Michigan’s last 8 games vs. Big Ten opponents
• Under is 4-1 in Western Michigan’s last 5 games in September
• Over is 4-1 in Michigan State’s last 5 home games
• Over is 7-3 in Michigan State’s last 10 games in September

Western Michigan vs. #15 Michigan State Prediction and Picks

Western Michigan vs. Michigan State Prediction: Michigan State 35, Western Michigan 17

Western Michigan vs. Michigan State Best Bets: Under 54.5 total points (=106 at BetOnline)

I believe that the game will be closer than the spread indicates, but it is still risky to bet the Broncos to cover against a strong Big 10 school. Instead, let’s just stick with the Over/Under bets in this one.

I will take the Under, but just barely. It is honestly a coin flip, but if the Broncos can keep it close with their defense, Michigan State won’t run away too much.

Michigan State has had a history of starting fast in September, but the Broncos have looked strong on defense at the start of the last few seasons. I trust the defenses to be in sync more so than the offenses earlier in the season.

Other NCAA College Football Stories on Betting News

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• Notre Dame vs. Ohio State Week 1 Betting: Can Buckeyes Cover Massive Spread?
• Cincinnati vs. Arkansas Week 1 Betting: Back the Under, Razorbacks at Home
• Houston vs. UTSA Week 1 Betting: Expect Roadrunners to Keep Things Close
• Colorado State vs. Michigan Week 1 Betting: Is 30.5-Point Spread too much for Wolverines?
• NC State vs. ECU Week 1 Betting: Expect Wolfpack to Be Victorious on the Road