Northwestern vs. Michigan State Odds
| Northwestern Odds | -13.5 [BET NOW] |
| Michigan State Odds | +13.5 [BET NOW] |
| Moneyline | -715 / +430 [BET NOW] |
| Over/Under | 40.5 [BET NOW] |
| Time | Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Northwestern Wildcats
The Wildcats put on a defensive clinic in a Week 12 victory over Wisconsin. Northwestern didn't give up a point on any Badger trip inside the 40-yard line. Quarterback Graham Mertz had just two passes over 20 yards and generated just one explosive drive in 17 possessions.
The Wildcats stuffed 15-of-37 rushing attempts and stranded Wisconsin on third downs at a 3-for-16 clip. They forced five total turnovers, including three Mertz interceptions that were enough to take control of the Big Ten West.
How can you not love this good, ol' fashioned defensive slugfest?
That's B1G Football. đ
And we know @NUFBFamily fans love this: pic.twitter.com/f4b6AiUyM9
â Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 21, 2020
Opponents are having no success passing the ball against Northwestern, which now holds a top-10 rank in Defensive Passing Success Rate and pass explosiveness. The trench has been just as ferocious. Northwestern ranks 12th in Line Yards and third in Stuff Rate.
Most importantly, the Wildcats moved to second in the nation in Finishing Drives, allowing just 1.8 points to opponents that cross the 40-yard line.
Michigan State Spartans
A COVID-19 disruption kept head coach Mel Tucker sidelined after a game with Maryland was canceled. Tucker commented that the Spartans needed the break to focus on more practices while the virus and injury issues played out within the program.
Michigan State has two losses by a combined score of 73-7 in the month of November. Tucker is dedicated to keeping the team in-house over the Thanksgiving holiday, using the day to continue building a culture.
The Spartans are in a "battle-but-building" phase, playing more true freshman than almost any other team in the country. The numbers may not matter to Tucker, but Michigan State is close to dead last in FBS in Rushing Success Rate, Havoc allowed, Line Yards and Offensive Finishing Drives.
Betting Analysis & Pick
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The biggest question in this game is how the Spartans will score after Northwestern held Wisconsin to just seven points. Purdue put up 20 points up with Aidan O'Connell's arm, while Iowa's touchdown drives started in Northwestern territory. Michigan State does not have O'Connell passing nor the defensive Havoc rank to start drives with excellent field position.
If Michigan State was able to string together a sustainable drive, putting up points in opportunity time has not been its forte. Weather will be a non-factor in this game, but this is a situational hangover spot for the Wildcats off a huge victory. Look for a low-scoring matchup, especially on the Michigan State side.
Picks:Â Under 43 | Michigan State Team Total Under 13 or better
