Oregon Ducks vs. Michigan State Spartans
The Oregon Ducks travel to Spartan Stadium to take on the Michigan State Spartans for the marquee matchup in the second week of college football action. Ducks quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. is good to go coming into this game, but the high-scoring Ducks will be up against a formidable opponent in Connor Cook and a well-oiled machine of a Spartans team.
Details for Saturday’s game are below:
Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, MI
Stadium: Spartan Stadium
TV Info: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: Here
Ticket information: For Michigan State ticket information click here. For Oregon Ducks ticket information click here.
Keys to Victory
Adams being healthy is huge for the Ducks, not just for his arm, but because of the dynamic he adds to their rushing attack. In a game that ultimately became a sort of shootout against the Eastern Washington Eagles last week, Adams and running back Royce Freeman combined for 35 carries for 274 yards on the ground. That’s the type of production they are going to have to have against a Spartans run defense who allowed just 18 total rushing yards against the Western Michigan Broncos in their season-opener. Meanwhile, the Ducks defense is going to have to look much better against Cook and the MSU passing attack than they did in their opening matchup.
For the Spartans, it’s obvious that their run defense is going to be as vital to their success as getting the rushing attack going is for Oregon. They are going to have to prepare for the up-tempo, highly creative attack of the Oregon backfield and from Adams, ready to plug up holes up front and on the outside. For the Spartans offense, maintaining balance is going to be key. While Cook has the talent to light up the Oregon defense if they play as poorly as they did last week, the MSU offense isn’t designed to do so if they don’t maintain a balanced attack, using LJ Scott and Madre London on the ground.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Michigan State -3
Moneyline: Michigan State -170
O/U: 65
Prediction
This game has the makings of one that is going to live up to the hype of a top-10 matchup. We should see a ton of scoring and a ton of big plays in this one. However, a defensive stop or two could ultimately determine the outcome and the Spartans seem better equipped to come up with those stops.
Final Score: Oregon Ducks: 27, Michigan State Spartans: 31
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