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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nNorthwestern vs Michigan State Key Matchups and Handicap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\nSpartans Face Fitzgerald's Former Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n
This game is loaded with storylines. Pat Fitzgerald needed a reminder to cool down after cameras caught him making an obscene gesture during last week's overtime loss to Illinois, and the emotions should run even higher this week as he faces his former program. In 2023, David Braun was hired as Northwestern's defensive coordinator and became head coach six months later when Fitzgerald was fired amid locker room allegations. Braun has done a strong job in Evanston, and now he brings the Wildcats to Fitzgerald's new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Michigan State's Defense Running Out of Depth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Michigan State opened the season with three straight covers, but injuries and attrition have started to pile up. The Spartans caught a break last week when Illinois quarterback Katin Houser was injured, yet they still could not finish the job despite a furious fourth-quarter rally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
The bigger concern is the defense. The unit Fitzgerald fielded against Eastern Michigan and Notre Dame early in the season looks nothing like the one that took the field against Illinois. The depth simply is not there anymore. Nebraska, Wisconsin and Illinois have all scored 30 or more points against Michigan State, which means the Spartans will likely need to start winning shootouts to stay competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Northwestern's Offense Humming Under Chip Kelly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n
While Michigan State was grinding through an overtime battle, Northwestern essentially got a tune-up game as a 35-point home favorite against Ball State. Former Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles continues to grow in Chip Kelly's offense, completing 17 of 23 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns against the Cardinals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Northwestern's games have been consistently high scoring. The over is 4-1 in the Wildcats' games this season, and the lone under missed by just a half-point against Penn State. Facing a depleted Michigan State defense, Northwestern should join the list of teams to top 30 points against the Spartans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
NU vs MSU Betting Trends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nNU vs MSU Key Injuries and Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nNorthwestern vs Michigan State ATS and Total Picks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\nNorthwestern -7.5 Spread Pick<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n
The market moved two points toward Michigan State, but the matchup points the other way. Northwestern is coming off an easy week while Michigan State spent its energy on an overtime loss. The Spartans' defense no longer has the depth to slow quality offenses, and Aidan Chiles is playing with confidence in Chip Kelly's system. Getting Northwestern below the opening number makes laying the points more attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nNU vs MSU Over Pick<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n
The over is 4-1 in Northwestern's games, and the only miss came by half a point. Michigan State has allowed 30 or more points to three straight Big Ten opponents and will likely need to win a shootout to stay in this game. If Northwestern reaches the 30s as expected, Michigan State only needs a modest offensive output to push this total over 48.5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nNorthwestern vs Michigan State Best Bets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nThe over is the strongest play, supported by Northwestern's scoring trend and Michigan State's defensive collapse. Northwestern on the spread is also appealing after the line dropped two points, and the Wildcats on the moneyline is the safest way to back the healthier, more rested team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Final Score Prediction for Northwestern vs Michigan State<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Aidan Chiles makes a statement against his former team, picking apart a thin Michigan State defense. The Spartans keep pace for a while with plenty of emotion on their sideline, but the depth issues show up after halftime. Northwestern pulls away in the second half and sends Fitzgerald to another frustrating loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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