Although Saturday’s Michigan State vs. UCLA game isn’t exactly a matchup between Big Ten titans, it’s going to have some postseason implications for the Spartans.
A loss for Michigan State likely means that the Spartans are going to be struggling to get to six wins as this is the most winnable game left on the schedule. A win means that the Spartans are right on track to make a bowl game with two wins left to hit in the final six games.
UCLA, on the other hand, just won its first game of the season against No. 7 Penn State and have a little momentum. That could bode well for the Bruins.
Michigan State has lost two straight games and Vegas believes this game is going to be a little closer than everyone expects. Just how close? One score.
Final odds courtesy of DraftKings.
Spread: Michigan State -7.5
Over/Under: 52.5
Moneyline: Michigan State -285 | UCLA +230
Are you surprised by the line? I am, too, especially since Michigan State started as an 8.5-point favorite. The line has only moved in the Bruins’ direction this week. That means that the public is high on the Bruins, which makes sense considering they just beat the No. 7 team in the country and scored over 40 points in the process.
What do I think? I think Michigan State comes in with a little something to prove. The Spartans will come out motivated and Aidan Chiles will pass for 250 yards and two touchdowns with no picks. Michigan State gets back on track with a win while covering.
Prediction: UCLA 20, Michigan State 34