The biggest college football battle of the week is the clash in Michigan between undefeated rivals No. 6 Michigan (-4) and No. 8 Michigan State.
But, at least as far as bets go, it’s not close. The boys from East Lansing are getting most of the support.
Michigan State will host the Wolverines on Saturday in a game with major implications for both the Big Ten and College Football Playoff rankings.
The two are the only remaining undefeated teams in the Big Ten with Ohio State losing earlier to Oregon and Iowa falling to Purdue. The winner will hold sole possession of first place in the Big Ten East Division and own the inside track to a College Football Playoff berth.
Of course, both teams still have to deal with dates against Penn State and Ohio State down the road.
But for now, all eyes are on the state of Michigan.
Let’s take a look at how sportsbooks have seen the bets come in, both nationally and in the state of Michigan.
National Betting Numbers on Michigan State +4
| Sportsbook | Bets | Handle |
|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | 69% | 71% |
| PointsBet | 69% | 68% |
| DraftKings | 66% | 65% |
| Caesars | 65% | 55% |
| FanDuel | 64% | 61% |
State of Michigan Betting Numbers on Michigan State +4
| Sportsbook | Bets | Handle |
|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | 74% | 75% |
| PointsBet | 82% | 83% |
| DraftKings | 77% | 84% |
| Caesars | 69% | 94% |
Michigan and Michigan State are among the top 10 in covering the spread this year. Michigan is 6-1, while Michigan State is 5-1-1.
Perhaps playing into the betting is Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh’s past record. He is 4-10 as the Wolverines head coach against the spread against Top-10 opponents.
As for the interest in this rivalry, PointsBet spokesman Patrick Eichner notes that no other game in terms of betting volume compares to Wolverines vs. Spartans. The current handle, as of Thursday morning, is three times any other college game.
This marks the first matchup in the rivalry where bettors in the state of Michigan can legally bet on the game.
