Fansided

25 games that will shape the 2019 College Football Playoff

By Jeremy Morris

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 25: Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers rushes during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 25: Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers rushes during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State Spartans quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) scrambles wide and dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Michigan State Spartans quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) scrambles wide and dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Week 8: Michigan at Michigan State

We’ve covered both teams on previous slides and I think it’s been pretty clear that both teams bring a lot to the table. South Point is one of the few sportsbooks in Vegas that releases lines on “Games of the Year” in May/June every summer. They have Michigan State as one-point favorites against Michigan.

Sparty came away with a 14-10 victory on the road last season and are narrow favorites at home in 2018. This game means a lot to both teams and all due respect to the Iron Bowl, Michigan and Michigan State is as exciting an in-state rivalry game as we’ll have on the schedule in 2018.

Aside from the obvious factors like records, which team has looked better, injuries, etc. the Week 7 matchups are going to be huge. Michigan will be coming off a home game with Wisconsin and Michigan State off a road trip to Penn State. It will be very interesting to see which Week 7 game was more physical/demanding, how an emotional loss, big win, gut check, etc.

I love Michigan this year but this is a home game for Michigan State and I expect them to be coming off a loss while Michigan is coming off of a win. Michigan State’s season is on the line in this game and I think they will play like it and come away with another close win. It would be Mark Dantonio’s ninth win in 11 tries against Michigan.