In an eagerly anticipated Big Ten showdown, the Penn State Nittany Lions will face off against the Michigan State Spartans this Saturday. Both teams have struggled this season, entering the game with matching 3-6 records and not a single conference win between them.
Despite their similar standings, the Nittany Lions are favored to win. The latest odds give them a 7-point advantage.
This game feels like a bit of a crossroads for both squads, each desperate to snap a six-game losing streak. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.
You can catch the action on CBS or stream it through Paramount+ if that’s more your speed.
Game Preview: Penn State vs. Michigan State
The Penn State Nittany Lions and Michigan State Spartans are set to clash in a matchup that means more than just another number in the standings. Both teams have had a rough ride so far, so this one could be a turning point—at least, that’s the hope.
Penn State came heartbreakingly close to upsetting No. 2 Indiana last week, losing 27-24. Meanwhile, the Spartans had a bye but are still stinging from a 23-20 overtime loss to Minnesota back on November 1.
Team Records and Recent Performances
Both squads are sitting at 3-6 overall and 0-6 in Big Ten play. That puts them in the same boat as Purdue—none of these teams have managed a conference win.
The Nittany Lions’ near-miss against Indiana showed they can hang with top teams, while the Spartans’ overtime loss showed they’re still fighting, even if the results haven’t gone their way.
Betting Odds and Predictions
According to the latest odds, Penn State is favored by 7 points. The over/under for total points is set at 49.5.
The money line sits at Penn State -274 and Michigan State +221. These numbers pretty much sum up where both teams are at right now.
SportsLine Projection Model
The SportsLine Projection Model has simulated this game 10,000 times, which is a lot of simulations for one Saturday afternoon. Since it launched, the model’s been profitable, racking up over $2,000 for $100 players on its top college football picks.
This week, the model sees the game going under 49.5 points, predicting a total of 43. That’s mostly because both teams are starting inexperienced quarterbacks, and, well, the offenses haven’t exactly been clicking.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback play is going to be a big storyline. Michigan State’s Alessio Milivojevic has only started once at the FBS level, while Penn State’s Ethan Grunkemeyer has three starts under his belt.
It’s been a bit rough for both. Milivojevic was sacked seven times in his debut, and Grunkemeyer has thrown four interceptions and lost three fumbles in his starts.
Offensive Struggles
Offense has been hard to come by for both teams, mostly because of those young quarterbacks. Milivojevic’s debut saw him on the ground a lot, and Grunkemeyer has just one passing touchdown so far.
The model actually expects more turnovers than passing touchdowns in this one, which says a lot about how this game might go.
Game Day Information
Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET, and you can watch on CBS or stream on Paramount+. If you’re new to Paramount+, there’s a free one-week trial you can use to catch the game.
For those thinking about betting, there are a few promos out there. DraftKings is offering $300 in bonus bets and three months of NBA League Pass if your bet wins. Not bad, honestly.
Where to Watch and Bet
Fans can tune in via CBS or Paramount+. If you want to add a little extra excitement, both DraftKings and FanDuel have promos for new users.
FanDuel, for example, gives $150 in bonus bets if your $5 bet wins. Might be worth a shot if you’re feeling lucky.
Final Thoughts
This matchup between Penn State and Michigan State feels like more than just another game. It’s a pivotal moment for both teams, honestly.
Both squads are trying to snap their losing streaks. That alone should make for a pretty intense battle on the field.
The SportsLine Projection Model is hinting at a low-scoring affair. That under 49.5 points bet? It actually looks kind of tempting.
There’s no telling exactly how it’ll play out, but it’s shaping up to be a classic Big Ten showdown. Fans and bettors might want to keep an eye on this one.
For more detailed predictions and betting tips, check out CBS Sports.
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