In Week 3 of the 2025 regular season, the Youngstown State Penguins will travel to East Lansing to meet the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. This game will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 3:30 PM and will be broadcast on BTN. The Penguins enter the game with a challenging road record, having lost their only game of the season so far.
The Michigan State Spartans are off to a strong start with a 2-0 record this season, both victories coming at home. Their recent win against Boston College, 42-40, showcased their ability to hold their own in high-scoring situations. With a favorable spread of -23.5, the Spartans are clear favorites against the Penguins this weekend.
Youngstown State is looking to improve upon a tough previous season, where they ended with a significant defeat against Pittsburgh. Despite this, they managed to accumulate 238 passing yards in that game, indicating potential in their offensive play. However, they will need to tighten up defensively to compete with a confident Spartans team.
Michigan State vs Youngstown State At a Glance
- Game Location: Spartan Stadium (MI) in East Lansing, MI
- Game Date & Time: Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 3:30 PM
- TV Broadcast: BTN
- Current Odds: Michigan State is favored with a moneyline of -2450
- Weather Outlook: Outdoor game, check local forecasts for updates
- Team Standings: Michigan State is 2-0 this season, while Youngstown State is 0-1
Michigan State Spartans Ready for Another Gridiron Challenge
Offensive Performance
Michigan State’s offensive unit has demonstrated solid scoring ability early in the 2025 season, ranking 29th nationally with 65 points scored. The Spartans have shown promise in their ground game, accumulating 335 rushing yards to rank 61st.
In the air, Michigan State has managed 386 passing yards, placing them 83rd. Despite the moderate ranking, Aidan Chiles leads the charge with a commendable five passing touchdowns.
Defensive Capabilities
The Spartans’ defense has stood firm, ranking 36th in points against with 46 conceded thus far. Their pass rush has been particularly effective, with four sacks positioning them 7th nationally.
Turnover creation has been a strength for Michigan State, as they rank 2nd and 5th in interceptions and fumbles recovered, respectively. This defensive proficiency is pivotal as they prepare for upcoming games.
Key Players
Aidan Chiles, the standout quarterback, has thrown for 386 yards over two games, contributing significantly to the Spartans’ aerial attack. On the ground, Makhi Frazier leads the rushing efforts with 184 yards, ranking 38th nationally.
In the receiving corps, Nick Marsh and Omari Kelly have been instrumental. Marsh has caught 10 passes for 100 yards and three touchdowns, while Kelly leads the team with 11 receptions and 135 receiving yards.
Recent Success
Michigan State kicked off their 2025 season with a commanding 23-6 victory against Western Michigan, showcasing their defensive strength by limiting the Broncos to only 29 rushing yards. Their offense also excelled, particularly in the rushing department with 186 yards.
Following that, they edged past Boston College in a nail-biting 42-40 win. The Spartans demonstrated resilience, overcoming a high-powered Eagles’ offense with a balanced attack on both sides of the ball.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU in Night Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU in Home Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
Youngstown State Penguins Prepare for an Exciting Game
Offensive Overview
The Youngstown State Penguins have struggled offensively, ranking 127th in points for the 2024 season. Their passing game, averaging 238 yards, places them at 151st, while their ground game ranks even lower at 183rd with only 89 rushing yards. Despite these challenges, they managed to record 18 first downs, positioning them at 111th in the nation.
Defensive Challenges
On the defensive front, Youngstown State has allowed 73 points against them, placing them 31st in this category. The Penguins have recorded one sack and zero interceptions, highlighting areas that need improvement. Their ability to recover fumbles ranks 16th, indicating some level of defensive resilience.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Beau Brungard has been a standout for Youngstown State, recording 233 passing yards and two touchdowns in one game. His performance will be crucial in leading the offense. Additionally, wide receiver Cyrus Traugh, with 87 receiving yards and two touchdowns, will be pivotal in the passing game.
Running back Ethan Wright has shown potential, accumulating 35 rushing yards and contributing with four receptions for 30 receiving yards. His dual-threat capability adds versatility to the Penguins’ offense. On special teams, kicker Andrew Lastovka has made one field goal and two extra points, offering reliability in scoring situations.
Recent Game Performance
The Penguins faced a tough opponent in the Pittsburgh Panthers, losing 73-17. Youngstown State managed to secure 18 first downs and 238 passing yards, showcasing their ability to move the ball through the air. However, their rushing game lagged with only 89 yards, and two interceptions further hindered their efforts.
Betting Trends
- Youngstown State has struggled offensively, ranking low in both passing and rushing yards.
- Defensively, the Penguins have allowed a significant number of points, impacting their ability to compete effectively.
- Key players like Beau Brungard and Cyrus Traugh will be essential in improving the team’s performance.
- The recent heavy defeat against Pittsburgh may influence betting perspectives for upcoming games.
Michigan State vs Youngstown State Prediction: Michigan State -23.5
Michigan State comes into this game with a strong start to the season, boasting a 2-0 record and impressive home field advantage. Their offense is ranked 29th in points for, indicating their ability to put up numbers on the board. Given this strength and their home performance, they are likely to cover the -23.5 spread against Youngstown State.
Youngstown State struggled last season, with a road record of 0-1 and ranking 127th in points for. Their offensive struggles continue to be a concern, particularly against a Michigan State defense ranked 36th in points against. This disparity further supports the likelihood of Michigan State covering the spread.
Michigan State’s performance against the spread (ATS) has been strong, going 1-0 so far this season. Their ability to perform as favorites, particularly in home games, suggests confidence in taking them to cover -23.5. Additionally, their previous encounter saw Michigan State defeating Youngstown State 42-14.
With Michigan State’s high-scoring offense and solid defense, it’s reasonable to project a final score that supports their ability to cover the spread. Youngstown State’s struggles on both sides of the ball make it difficult to envision them keeping up with Michigan State’s pace.
- Michigan State vs Youngstown State Prediction: Michigan State -23.5
- Michigan State vs Youngstown State Score: Michigan State 45 – Youngstown State 13
