The Spartans are an absolute wagon right now, and you'd just hate to be in the way of it. Well, that wagon is rolling on to Tuesday night's Michigan State vs Rutgers game, and everyone is just expecting an easy win -- including Vegas.
In years past, though, Rutgers has been a tough opponent. The Scarlet Knights have had some NCAA Tournament-caliber seasons, but Steve Pikiell has fallen on some hard times.
Rutgers got off to a 4-0 start this season and some were thinking the Scarlet Knights might be something even without Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. They then proceeded to lose six out of the next seven games, including an embarrassing loss to Central Connecticut by 13 at home. They lost to Purdue, Michigan, and Seton Hall in back-to-back-to-back games by a combined 79 points. This team has been struggling.
Michigan State, on the other hand, has won six straight Big Ten games by double figures, including the latest blowout win over Maryland by 43 points. The Spartans have been the best team in the country since Jan. 1, and a win over Rutgers would tie them for their best start in school history at 19-2.
Vegas thinks that may be a lock.
Opening betting line for Michigan State vs Rutgers
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of Monday, Jan. 26
Line: Michigan State -14.5
Over/Under: 136.5
Moneyline: N/A
I don't love the spread for a road game. Although Indiana did just come to town last week to beat the Scarlet Knights by 23 points, they beat a pesky Northwestern team the previous home outing. Rutgers also beat Oregon at home, kept Ohio State within seven, and Purdue did blow them out.
Winning at Jersey Mike's Arena is never a given, but Michigan State may have just a little too much defensive firepower for the Scarlet Knights who average just 69.7 points per game.
A win for Michigan State would put the Spartans in prime position to move into a first-place tie with Nebraska, Illinois, and Michigan if the Wolverines are able to beat the Cornhuskers in Ann Arbor.
I like Michigan State to win by double figures, but 15 is a lot of points on the road.