Week 9 of the 2025 college football season features a notable game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans. The Wolverines, ranked 25th in the AP Poll, hold a season record of 5-2 with a conference record of 3-1. They head to Spartan Stadium in East Lansing for a Saturday night showdown, televised nationally on NBC.
Michigan State enters the game with a 3-4 record but has demonstrated strength at home, achieving a 3-1 record on their own turf. However, the Spartans have struggled in conference play, standing at 0-4. This game presents an opportunity for them to secure a significant conference win against a ranked opponent.
The odds favor the Michigan Wolverines, with a moneyline of -617 compared to Michigan State’s +442. The spread is set at 14 points in favor of Michigan, while the over/under is pegged at 48.5 points. With both teams looking to make a statement, this game is set to be a captivating Big Ten contest.
Michigan State vs Michigan At a Glance
- Game Venue: Spartan Stadium (MI) in East Lansing, MI
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM
- TV Broadcast: NBC
- Michigan Wolverines Record: 5-2 (AP Rank: #25)
- Michigan State Spartans Record: 3-4
- Game Odds: Michigan -617, Michigan State +442
Can the Michigan State Spartans Turn the Tide Against the Michigan Wolverines?
Offensive Performance Insights
The Michigan State Spartans have accumulated 190 points this season, ranking them 51st in the nation. Their passing game has generated 1,496 yards, placing them 83rd, while their rushing attack has managed 868 yards, ranking 97th. The Spartans have secured 133 first downs, standing 46th in that category.
Aidan Chiles leads the passing attack with 1,262 yards and 10 touchdowns. Makhi Frazier has been the top performer on the ground, amassing 384 rushing yards. Nick Marsh has been the primary target for Chiles, with 36 receptions for 404 yards.
Defensive Analysis
Defensively, the Spartans have struggled, conceding 229 points, which ranks them 121st in the nation. However, they have been effective in creating turnovers, with 3 interceptions ranking them 4th and 2 fumbles recovered placing them 8th. The pass rush has been a strong point with 13 sacks, positioning them 16th overall.
Despite their defensive ranking, the Spartans have shown resilience in critical moments, as evidenced by their high turnover ranks. The defense will need to step up significantly to challenge the Michigan Wolverines’ offense.
Recent Game Performances
The Spartans are coming off a 38-13 loss to Indiana, where they managed 293 passing yards but only 74 rushing yards. Previous losses to UCLA, Nebraska, and USC have highlighted similar issues, with the team often struggling to contain opposing offenses.
In their sole victory this season, the Spartans defeated Youngstown State 41-24. This game showcased their offensive potential, with 270 passing yards and 174 rushing yards.
Injury Report Concerns
Michigan State’s injury report lists several key players as questionable, including wide receiver Alante Brown and defensive back Grady Kelly. The absence of players like Kaden Schickel and Ashton Lepo, both out for the season, further complicates their lineup.
The potential absence of these players could impact both offensive and defensive strategies, necessitating depth players to step up against the Wolverines.
Betting Trends
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 7 Games (2024–2025) → 7-0 (100.0%)
- SU – As Favorite: Last 21 Games (2021–2025) → 17-4 (81.0%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 5 Games (2024–2025) → 5-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – As Underdog: Last 3 Games (2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 30 Games (2021–2025) → 19-11 (63.3%)
These trends suggest that while the Spartans have struggled in recent games, they tend to perform well against the spread as underdogs. Their ability to cover the spread may provide some optimism for bettors in their upcoming game against Michigan.
Michigan’s Dominance: Wolverines Prepare for Another Away Game Challenge
Overview of the Opponent
As Michigan travels to face Michigan State, they arrive as 14-point favorites. Despite this advantage, the Wolverines must remain vigilant against a Spartans team eager to defend their home turf.
Michigan has displayed impressive resilience on the road, as evidenced by their 18-6 record in away games since 2020. This consistent performance showcases their ability to handle the pressures of playing outside Ann Arbor.
Offensive Strength
The Wolverines’ offensive prowess lies in their balanced attack, highlighted by the dynamic duo of Bryce Underwood and Justice Haynes. Underwood has thrown for 1,440 yards and seven touchdowns this season, maintaining his role as a key playmaker.
Justice Haynes, leading the rushing game with 705 yards and eight touchdowns, provides the Wolverines with a robust ground game. His ability to gain yardage consistently places Michigan among the top rushing teams in the country.
Defensive Capabilities
Defensively, Michigan stands strong with a focus on pressuring quarterbacks, evidenced by their 18 sacks, ranking 11th nationally. The defense’s interception skills, with 11 picks, further solidify their status as a formidable unit.
The Wolverines’ ability to recover fumbles, highlighted by their seventh-ranked three recoveries, adds another layer to their defensive strengths. This capability to force turnovers can be a game-changer against any opponent.
Recent Game Performance
In their recent game, Michigan triumphed over Washington 24-7, showcasing their defensive strength by limiting the Huskies to just 40 rushing yards. This win followed a challenging 31-13 loss to USC, marking their only defeat in the last five games.
Prior to that, Michigan had secured a victory over Wisconsin 24-10, demonstrating their ability to bounce back after a loss. The Wolverines’ consistent performance in recent games highlights their potential for success against Michigan State.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Bryce Underwood remains a pivotal figure for Michigan’s offense, leading with his passing yardage and playmaking ability. Additionally, Justice Haynes’ rushing capabilities can break through defenses, offering Michigan a dual-threat option.
On the receiving end, Donaven McCulley and Andrew Marsh are key targets for Underwood, with their combined 42 receptions and four touchdowns this season. Their contributions in the air game can be crucial in exploiting the Spartans’ defense.
Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 29-1 (96.7%) in the last 30 games
- SU – Away Games: 18-6 (75.0%) since 2020
- ATS – After Loss: 5-0 (100.0%) in the last 5 games
- O/U – As Favorite: 13-7 (65.0%) in the last 20 games
- SU – After Win: 25-5 (83.3%) in the last 30 games
Michigan State vs Michigan Prediction: Over 48.5
The Michigan Wolverines have shown a strong offensive performance this season, ranking 46th in points scored with 201. Their rushing game is particularly impressive, ranking 20th nationally. This offensive capability suggests they can put up a significant number of points against Michigan State.
On the other hand, Michigan State has had its struggles defensively, allowing 229 points, which ranks them 121st in the nation. Given Michigan’s ability to score and Michigan State’s defensive vulnerabilities, it seems likely that this game will see a fair amount of scoring.
Moreover, Michigan State’s recent trends support the over, as they have gone over the total in their last seven games when playing as underdogs. Coupled with Michigan’s offensive firepower, this game seems poised to exceed the 48.5 total.
Given the offensive and defensive dynamics at play, a projected final score of Michigan 35 – Michigan State 21 aligns with a pick of the over. Both teams have the potential to find the end zone multiple times, contributing to a higher-scoring affair.
- Michigan State vs Michigan Prediction: Over 48.5
- Michigan State vs Michigan Score: Michigan 35 – Michigan State 21
