The Michigan State Spartans look to avenge last year’s loss to Arizona State when they welcome the Sun Devils to Lansing on Saturday for an afternoon kickoff. Both teams are 2-0, although the Spartans were far more impressive last week in a 55-17 win over Western Michigan than Arizona State was in a tight victory over Sacramento State.
Arizona State Sun Devils vs Michigan State Spartans (Matchup Report)
Date/Time: September 14, 4 p.m. ET
TV Coverage: FOX
Sportsbook Odds: Michigan State -10.5 | O/U 44.5 (Line History)
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
Michigan State opened as a 10.5-point favorite, and early action quickly moved the Spartans to 12-point chalk.
Arizona State News & Notes
The Sun Devils had to work a lot harder than expected last week, clinging to a 12-7 lead over Sacramento State with five minutes left in regulation before hitting a long screen pass for the game-clinching touchdown. Arizona State was outgained 131-78 in the first half by its FCS opponent and routinely shot itself in the foot with penalties and mental mistakes, failing to score a touchdown on any of its five trips into the red zone. Perhaps the Sun Devils offense was looking ahead to this visit to Michigan State, but head coach Herm Edwards was not impressed at all. “We can’t play offense on our heels,” Edwards told reporters.
The defense has been a different story through two games for the Sun Devils, who allowed just seven points in each of them. It’ll be interesting to see if they can continue that success in their first road game of the year, particularly with a young roster that has seen nearly 30 freshmen get their first taste of college football so far.
Michigan State News & Notes
The Spartans may have Big Ten rival Northwestern on deck next week, but there’s no way they’re looking past the Sun Devils. In fact, Michigan State players probably have this game circled on their calendar, looking to avenge the 16-13 loss they suffered in Arizona State last year in Week 2. The Spartans pass defense was shredded for 380 yards through the air and squandered a 10-point fourth-quarter lead, losing at the gun on a 28-yard field goal.
Beyond providing motivation for the Spartans, however, last year’s meeting may not have much carryover into this one. Michigan State struggled to get pressure on Devils QB Manny Wilkins in that game, but Wilkins is now with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers and the banged-up Arizona State offensive line has allowed six sacks through two games this year. Meanwhile, the Spartans have racked up nine sacks through their first two outings.
Betting Pick
This game’s all about revenge for Sparty, and I expect them to get it. Michigan State’s offense got untracked last week and will be the toughest challenge yet for a young Arizona State defense, while the Spartans pass rush should be a factor as well. I’ll grab Michigan State -12 and may sprinkle a bit on the Sun Devils team total UNDER as well.
- Michigan State is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 games vs the Pac-12.
- Arizona State is 7-2 SU and ATS in its last 9 games vs the Big Ten.
- Arizona State is 5-15 SU in its last 20 road games.
