CFB Betting Preview: Michigan State vs. Rutgers ATS Pick

Michigan State Spartans (2-3 SU, ATS 1-2-1) vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-2 SU, ATS 3-0-1)

Date: Saturday, October 14th

Location: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ

TV: BTN

Point Spread: MSU +5.5/Rut -5.5 (Move the line 20 points with a massive CFB teaser at Wagerweb!)

Money Line: Mich St +170/Rutgers -210

Over/Under: 40.5

The Michigan State Spartans and Rutgers Scarlet Knights matchup in a Big Ten showdown at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ. The over/under for this matchup is currently 40.5, while Rutgers is favored by -5.5.

Head-to-Head Matchup

The last time Michigan State and Rutgers faced off came last year, ending in a 27-21 win for Michigan State. In the win, Michigan State ran for 197 yards and threw for 256. On 3rd down, the Spartans went 4/11. On the other side, Rutgers completed 20 of their 35 passes for 236 yards and ran for 224 yards.

Michigan State Spartans Recent Form

With an overall record of 2-3, Michigan State is prepared for this game. Unfortunately, their most recent performance resulted in a loss to Iowa, with a score of 26-16.

Even though Michigan State lost straight-up, they finished with an ATS push as 10-point underdogs. The game’s combined 42 points surpassed the over/under line of 36 points.

During their most recent game, quarterback Noah Kim had 44 passing attempts against Iowa. He finished the game with 193 passing yards and a completion rate of 56.8%. In addition, he threw three interceptions in the loss.

Against Iowa, Nate Carter carried the ball 20 times, leading the team with 108 yards in rushing. However, he was unable to score a touchdown on the ground. For the game, Montorie Foster Jr. hauled in eight receptions for a total of 79 yards which led the team.

Michigan State’s defense gave up 297 yards of offense vs. Iowa. In the passing game, they allowed 110 yards while on the ground they gave up 187 yards. The Michigan State defense, going into this week’s game, holds 68th place for points allowed, allowing 23.8 points per game. Opponents have been gaining an average of 226.8 passing yards each game against them (93rd in the country). On the ground, they’re yielding 115 rushing yards, ranking them 44th in college football.

Away Injury Report

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Recent Form

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights take on Michigan State with a 4-2 record, including 0-1 on the road and 3-0 at home. So far, Rutgers has been a good bet vs. the spread, as they are a perfect 3-0-1. Their average scoring margin this season is at +13.2, while being favored three times and the underdog in one game.

In the loss against Wisconsin, quarterback Gavin Wimsatt wrapped up the game with a QB rating of 59.35 after completing 16 of 35 passes for 181 yards. He also added one touchdown to his performance.

Not only did Gavin Wimsatt led the team in passing against Wisconsin, but he was also Rutgers’ top rusher with 43 yards on 9 carries. Rutgers’ most productive receiver in the game was Isaiah Washington, who finished with 53 on three receptions.

On defense, Rutgers finished their game against Wisconsin, by giving up a total of 361 yards. Wisconsin threw the ball 31 times for 145 vs. Rutgers. While on the ground, the Scarlet Knights gave up 216 rushing yards. The Scarlet Knights defense heads into this week’s matchup with 17 sacks and sitting 1st in QB hurries. So far, they’ve allowed 14.7 points per game (45th). In the pass defense department, they’re 21st nationally, giving up 165.2 passing yards per game. Additionally, when it comes to defending the run, Rutgers’ defense is allowing 118.2 rushing yards per contest.

Home Injury Report

Betting Trends

• Michigan State’s three most recent games vs. the spread has seen them go 1-0-2 against the spread.
• Rutgers is 1-2-1 Against the spread in their last five games at home.
• Scarlet Knights is 1-3-1 in their last five games as underdogs.
• Over their last five games as the betting favorite, Michigan State has an ATS record of 3-2.

Free Pick

Rutgers is 4-0 at home and has outscored its opponents 37-8, but didn’t play much (Temple & Wagner are awful). The Scarlet Knights’ run defense at home is excellent statistically, but it’s that competition thing again. They were run over in two road games, but I think it was once again who they played giving up 201 yards to Michigan and 212 yards to Wisconsin. The Spartans run game is better than most people think, with Nate Carter getting around 100 yards in all but the game against Washington and I think he’ll have big runs on Saturday. Additionally, Michigan St. has also out-yarded their last two opponents but lost the turnover battle, finishing -4 against Maryland and -2 versus Iowa and any improvement on that gets them close here. I think that MSU can win this game, but I’m taking the points in what should be a game decided by a field goal. Take the Spartans +4.5.