Michigan State Spartans runningnback Elijah Tau-Tolliver (right) takes a handoff from quarterback Aidan Chiles during football practice in East Lansing, Michigan.

The Western Michigan Broncos and Michigan State Spartans meet Friday at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (FS1). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NCAA football odds around the Western Michigan vs. Michigan State odds and make our expert college football picks and predictions for the best bets.

The Spartans are coming off a 5-7 season in which they went 3-6 in Big Ten action. After going 11-2 in 2021, they have consistently disappointed, having ended the last 3 seasons a combined 14-22. ESPN's FPI has the Spartans as the fourth-worst team in the conference. They are led by QB Aidan Chiles, who had 13 TD passes, but a Big Ten-high 11 interceptions a season ago. Coming from the Sacramento State Hornets, starting RB Elijah Tau-Tolliver is a name to keep an eye on as well.

Western Michigan finished last season 6-7 overall and 5-3 in Mid-American Conference play. This will be their third season under Lance Taylor, who was the offensive coordinator at Louisville prior to taking over for the Broncos. They will be led by JUCO transfer QB Brady Jones and Indiana transfer QB Broc Lowry as Taylor has yet to name a starter and has suggested both will lead the team. The Broncos played 2 Power 4 sides last season (the Wisconsin Badgers and No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes) losing a combined 84-14.

Michigan State leads the all-time series 15-2, with a 35-13 victory in their last meeting in East Lansing in 2022. The Spartans have won 13 straight games over the Broncos since 1919.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

WIN YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE! The Huddle has been turning players like you into winners for over 25 years. This season, it's your turn. Custom fantasy football rankings, sleepers and tools are just a click away. Subscribe now!

Western Michigan at Michigan State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:02 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Western Michigan +900 (bet $100 to win $900) | Michigan State -1600 (bet $1,600 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Western Michigan +20.5 (-105) | Michigan State -20.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 49.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Western Michigan at Michigan State picks and predictions

Prediction

Michigan State 35, Western Michigan 13

Moneyline

PASS.

Michigan State (-1600) should take its opener at home with relative ease, but it is far too pricey to consider. Similarly, avoid Western Michigan (+900) as a massive underdog.

Against the spread

BET MICHIGAN STATE -20.5 (-115).

There's no good reason to think the 2-QB system for Taylor is going to work with the options he has as neither of his starting weapons have much experience. Western Michigan had an awful defense down the stretch last season, allowing 30-plus points in 3 of its last 5 games against MAC-level opponents.

While Chiles undoubtedly had his struggles, he did perform well to end the regular season, throwing for 256 yards and 2 TDs with no interceptions against Illinois in their third-to-last game, and the Spartans scored a combined 56 points in their 2 games against non-Power 4 foes. Michigan State held those opponents to 10 points as well.

Considering the experience the Spartans will enter with compared to Western Michigan, back MICHIGAN STATE -20.5 (-115) in this one.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 49.5 (-105).

Both the Spartans games a season ago against lesser foes went Under this total, and they scored 20 or fewer points in 7 of their last 9 games overall. Michigan State has experience on its side, but it didn't improve that much on the offensive side of the ball.

The Broncos topped this total in one of those 2 Power 4 games, only because Ohio State scored a 56 points. The Spartans don't have the firepower to do that. Without much high-level QB experience, expect the Broncos offense to struggle for most of this one.

Take UNDER 49.5 (-105).

Stream live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+!

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Duke / Florida / Florida State / Georgia / Iowa / Kentucky / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / Washington / Wisconsin / College Sports Wire / High School / Recruiting

This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan State Spartans odds, picks and predictions

Reporting by Nathan Beighle, Sportsbook Wire / Sportsbook Wire

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect