Washington Huskies vs. Michigan State Spartans 9-16-23 NCAAF Best Picks, Analysis, and Prediction

Washington Huskies vs. Michigan State Spartans 9/16/23 – Washington Huskies (2-0) will square off against Michigan State Spartans (also unbeaten) in an intriguing Week 3 matchup set for September 16th 2023, at 5 PM ET at Spartan Stadium and broadcast live by PEAC. Both teams’ starting quarterbacks, Michael Penix Jr. and Noah Kim bring critical players into this clash and impressive statistics, promising an exciting matchup and promising viewers at home to add excitement to their NCAAF viewing experience, with this game already drawing considerable buzz at Canadian sports betting platforms.

Washington Huskies vs. Michigan State Spartans

Date & Time: Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 5:00 PM ET

Location: Spartan Stadium

TV: PEAC

Washington Huskies vs. Michigan State Spartans 9/16/23 Betting Odds

MoneylineSpreadTotal
Washington-750-16.5 (-108)57.5 over (-110)
Michigan State+550+16.5 (-112)57.5 under (-110)

Washington Huskies Analysis

The Washington Huskies are enjoying a stellar start to their season, owing much of their success to an explosive offense led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. He has not only exhibited precision with a 73.1% completion rate but also proved that he is capable of moving the ball downfield with authority, averaging 11 yards per pass attempt. His passer rating of 196.9 is a testament to his efficiency and decision-making. Penix Jr. is not afraid to throw deep, connecting for a 50-yard longest pass, making him a dangerous weapon that Michigan State will have to carefully strategize against.

Complementing Penix Jr. is running back Will Nixon, who, although not a high-volume rusher, has been highly efficient with his carries. Averaging 6.5 yards per attempt, he has the ability to move the chains and keep drives alive. His agility and vision allow him to navigate through tight spaces, making him a versatile option for Washington’s offense. Wide receiver Rome Odunze has been Penix Jr.’s go-to target, accumulating 239 receiving yards and two touchdowns so far. With his ability to breakaway and gain after-catch yards, Odunze is a big-play threat every time he touches the ball. Together, they form a dynamic duo that is incredibly hard to defend against. The Huskies have an offense that is not just statistically compelling but also visibly dominant on the field, posing significant challenges for defenses.

Michigan State Spartans Analysis

Michigan State, while slightly trailing in stats, has shown considerable prowess on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Noah Kim has been very impressive, completing almost 68% of his passes for 571 yards and five touchdowns. His passer rating of 189.6 indicates high efficiency and a minimized error rate. Kim has a long pass of 72 yards, which suggests that he is more than capable of stretching the field and taking chances downfield.

Nathan Carter, the Spartans’ primary running back, is another potent weapon in the offense. He’s already churned out 224 rushing yards and found the endzone four times this season. Averaging 6.1 yards per carry, Carter provides a balanced offensive approach, which could pose problems for Washington’s defensive setup. His power-running style adds a layer of physicality to Michigan State’s overall game plan. Adding to the Spartans’ offensive arsenal is wide receiver Jaron Glover, who has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his impressive average of 27 yards per reception. Although his volume of receptions is not high, when he does catch the ball, he makes it count. His game-breaking speed makes him a game-changer who could very well swing the outcome of this contest.

Washington Huskies vs. Michigan State Spartans Against the Spread

Looking at betting trends, Washington has an impressive 5-1 record against the spread (ATS) in their last 6 games and an even more striking 9-0 straight-up (SU) in their last 9 games. This strong performance extends to road and September games, where they’re 8-1 SU and 10-0 SU, respectively. On the other hand, Michigan State is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games but has struggled against Pac-12 opponents, going 2-12 ATS. Interestingly, the total has gone over in 5 of their last 6 home games but goes under when they are underdogs.

Washington Huskies vs. Michigan State Spartans Betting Pick

Based on odds, trends, and key players, the following picks are suggested:

Moneyline: Washington -750

Despite Michigan State’s decent form, Washington’s all-around performance makes them the clear choice.

Spread: Washington 

Washington’s strong ATS and SU records, coupled with Michigan State’s struggles against the Pac-12, make the Huskies the safer bet at -16.5.

Total: 57.5 over (-110)

Considering Washington’s tendency for the under on the road and Michigan State’s over at home, the total is tricky. However, given both teams’ potent offenses, going for over 57.5 seems reasonable.

Prediction: 20-38 Washington Huskies win

This Week 3 NCAAF matchup promises to be an exciting game with strong offenses from both teams. Both the Huskies and the Spartans have key players who could tip the scales in their favor. However, the Huskies appear to have the edge when it comes to both form and stats. If you are looking for college football free picks, taking Washington on the moneyline and spread seems like a sound strategy. Keep an eye on this game; it could be one of the season’s best.