No. 11 Michigan State vs. Washington Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 3
By Josh Yourish
No disrespect to the wonderful teams of the MAC, but it has been cupcake central for Michigan State and Washington.
The Spartans are No. 11 in the country, but could be in a tough spot at Washington on Saturday. The Huskies have blown out Kent State and Portland State to begin the season. The Spartans have taken care of business against Western Michigan and Akron.
Will Mel Tucker’s squad live up to its billing as a Big 10 contender out in Pac 12 country?
Michigan State vs. Washington Odds, Spread and Total
Washington and Michigan State Betting Trends
- Washington is 2-0 ATS this year
- Michigan State is 1-0-1 ATS this year
Michigan State vs. Washington Prediction and Pick
It is tough to have a read on this game and I think that is reflected in the line. Michigan State is a 3.5-point favorite on the road because we don’t know a ton about either team and I don’t know if can have much trust in either quarterback.
Michael Penix Jr. is out at Washington now playing for Kalen DeBoer in his first year leading the Huskies. Penix Jr. played well against Portland St throwing for 337 yards and two touchdowns. He did have a pick, but it was a really good game. He also played great against Kent State in Week 1, throwing for 345 and four touchdowns. The question is can he keep it up against real competition. Penix Jr. didn’t get a chance to play against Michigan State last year when he was at Indiana. He was out with an injury.
Michigan State came into the year ranked No. 15 in the country and it has beaten two bad teams and moved up as other teams have fallen. Preseason rankings are typically pretty stupid and not reflective of the team that year. Michigan State has not earned a No. 11 ranking anymore than Washington has.
Payton Thorne only threw for 212 yards and two picks against Akron despite a 52-0 win for Michigan State. The week prior he was better against Western Michigan, but Penix Jr. has excelled against poor competition this year while Thorne has been mediocre at best. I’ll lean on Penix Jr. to get it done as the more dynamic playmaker. I’m not sure I have total trust in him yet, but more than I do in Thorne.
Pick: Washington +3.5 (-110)
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