Michigan State vs. Central Michigan prediction, odds: 2023 college football picks, Week 1 bets by top model
The 2023 college football season kicks off for two teams when the Central Michigan Chippewas go on the road to play the Michigan State Spartans on Friday evening. Both teams are looking to improve this year after underwhelming campaigns last season. Michigan State went 5-7 in 2022. Meanwhile, CMU logged a 4-8 record last year. The Spartans lead the all-time series 8-3 over the Chippewas.
Kickoff from Spartan Stadium in East Lansing is set for 7 p.m. ET. The Spartans are 14-point favorites in Central Michigan vs. Michigan State odds, while the over/under for total points scored is 45. Before making any Michigan State vs. Central Michigan picks, be sure to check out the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer simulation model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Since its inception, the proprietary computer model has generated a stunning profit of almost $2,500 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Michigan State vs. CMU and just revealed its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Now, here are several college football odds and trends for CMU vs. Michigan State:
- Michigan State vs. Central Michigan spread: Spartans -14
- Michigan State vs. Central Michigan over/under: 45 points
- Michigan State vs. Central Michigan money line: Spartans -610, Chippewas +439
- MSU: Michigan State has 3-6-3 ATS last season
- CMU: Central Michigan has 4-7-1 ATS last season
- Michigan State vs. Central Michigan picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why Central Michigan can cover
The Chippewas had a very solid defense in 2022. CMU's unit possesses plenty of athletic defenders spread across the field. They were fourth in the MAC in total defense (374.5) and fifth in pass defense (221.9). Junior linebacker Kyle Moretti owns superb instincts and play recognition skills to constantly be around the ball.
Moretti is a reliable tackler, leading the team in total stops (92) along with three sacks. The Colorado native recorded at least eight tackles in eight games last season. Junior linebacker Justin Whiteside is another effective difference maker in the second level on defense. Whiteside tallied the third-most tackles on the team (67) and one interception. See which team to pick here.
Why Michigan State can cover
Junior linebacker Cal Haladay makes plays all over the field for the Spartans. Haladay is very instinctive and gets downhill in a hurry. The Pennsylvania native has been effective in zone coverage with the ability to defend running backs. Haladay was first on the squad in total tackles (120) and led the Big Ten with 10 tackles per game. He racked up double-digit stops in three straight games to end the 2022 campaign.
Senior linebacker Jacoby Windmon owns a quick get-off with violent hands. Windmon has good bend and burst to get after the quarterback. The Louisiana native ranked first on the team in both sacks (5.5) and forced fumbles (6) with 49 total stops. Windmon missed the final four games of the 2022 season due to suspension and will look to make an impact in the first game of the year. See which team to pick here.
How to make CMU vs. Michigan State picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 50 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations. You can only see the model's pick at SportsLine.
