Michigan State vs. Rutgers final odds and a prediction

Jonathan Smith is close to accomplishing something that the program has not done since 2021: make a bowl game. That's right, Saturday's Michigan State vs. Rutgers game stands between the Spartans and a postseason berth.

Smith got the team off to a hot start as Michigan State was 3-0 to begin the season, but it's been downhill since. In fact, Michigan State is 2-6 in its last eight games with double-digit losses to Oregon, Ohio State, Indiana, and Illinois. The Spartans also gave away wins against both Boston College and Michigan. This team could easily be 7-4 right now.

But that's not how sports work. You can't celebrate almost-wins.

Michigan State needs to win this last game against Rutgers in order to play in their first bowl game since Kenneth Walker III was leading the offense.

Rutgers, who is already bowl eligible, isn't going to just roll over and let the Spartans cruise to a victory on Senior Day. No, this one is going to be an absolute battle.

What does Vegas think of this matchup?

Note: Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of Nov. 30.

Line: Michigan State -2
Over/Under: 47
Moneyline: Michigan State -122 | Oregon +102

As you can see, Vegas sees this game being close and Michigan State winning by a slim margin because of home-field advantage, but it's really hard to tell who's going to win. These two teams are pretty even in terms of skill level, but the Scarlet Knights are already bowl eligible.

I think Aidan Chiles continues his rise and he secures his first bowl berth as a collegiate starter and he'll throw three touchdowns in the huge win.

Final score: Rutgers 23, Michigan State 27