The Big Ten – West runs through Evanston and a big game is on the schedule for Saturday, November 28, 2020, when the #11 Northwestern Wildcats (5-0) visit the Michigan State Spartans (1-3). Northwestern has a nice lead in the Big Ten – West and Michigan State is flirting with the bottom of the Big Ten – East. This game will air live on ESPN2 at 3:30 p.m. EST.
Through five games, the Northwestern offense is averaging 25.8 points per game and 336.4 yards per game, 192.4 through the air and 144.0 on the ground. Drake Anderson leads the team with 211 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman has a team high 22 receptions for 290 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, the Wildcats are allowing just 12.6 points and 314.6 yards, 214.0 passing and 100.6 rushing.
Four games into their season, the Michigan State offense is averaging just 15.3 points per game and 323.8 yards per game, 250.0 through the air and 73.8 on the ground. Jordon Simmons leads the team with 147 rushing yards and Jalen Nailor has a team high 13 receptions for 280 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, the Spartans are allowing 33.8 points and 391.5 yards, 242.3 passing and 149.3 rushing.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaaf/michigan_state” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Below is my pick for the #11 Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan State Spartans. All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook.
#11 Northwestern Wildcats (-11.5) at Michigan State Spartans: O/U 42.5 (-115/-106)
Last time out, Northwestern hosted the then #10 Wisconsin Badgers and left with an impressive 17-7 victory. This game was tied at seven at the end of the first quarter, but the Northwestern defense dominated from there and the offense did just enough to get the huge win. QB Peyton Ramsey went 23/44 for 203 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Northwestern was only able to rush for 24 yards on 23 carries, a cool 1.0 average. The Northwestern defense allowed 366 total yards and forced five Wisconsin turnovers, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Michigan State is coming off a bye, but you could say they started the bye week early as they hosted the then #10 Indiana Hoosiers, two weeks back, and lost 24-0. Another poor performance by Sparty. QB’s Payton Thorne and Rocky Lombardi combined to go 13/27 for 131 yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Michigan State defense allowed 433 total yards and forced two Hoosiers interceptions.
Series History: Michigan State won the meeting last season and extended their all-time series lead to 38-20.
CFB Predictions: I like Northwestern to win, but Michigan State +11.5 to cover.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 42-25