Michigan State football vs. Rutgers: Prediction, preview, how to bet

Michigan State's defense has improved recently. Rutgers' offense is a Big Ten-worst 12.3 points and 252.5 yards per game. MSU has allowed seven touchdowns in its last three games.  Rutgers is averaging 4.2 points per contest in Big League games and 12 points in league games overall.

Michigan State won last week at Illinois because of its offensive line. Rutgers is a lesser defensive front, but it has been a decent rush defense.

Payton Thorne played his best game of the season at Illinois. He's had a rough season. The Spartans are in a good place right now. They play Rutgers on Saturday. The wind should be calm.

Last week, Michigan State was down eight players and coming off an emotional loss to their rival. This week Rutgers is 4-5 and is coming from a home night game against Michigan. Rutgers will have to be all in to beat Michigan, which is the best team in the Big Ten West.

Michigan State plays Rutgers at noon on Saturday. It's the first noon game of the season for MSU. The weather shouldn't be awful. There should be some energy in the building.

Michigan State is a 10.5-point favorite in the game against Rutgers. The Spartans haven't scored more than 23 points in regulation of any Big Ten game this season.