No. 11 Michigan State at Washington Prediction for Week 3
Odds, best bets and analysis for this college football matchup
Matthew Horner - Sep 15, 2022, 8:48pm EDT
No. 11 Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans have been doing what they do best this season, which is running the ball with extreme efficiency and winning while doing so. Michigan State is 2-0 after a nice opening week win over Western Michigan and a Week 2 demolition of Akron. The rushing attack has once again been the focal point, but perhaps even more important has been the improvement of the pass defense. Last season, almost everyone went bombs away against this secondary, and they all had success too. Mind you, beating Western Michigan and Akron doesn’t necessarily mean the Spartans have fixed all that ails them, but they have allowed around 200 yards per game with no touchdown passes so far.
My biggest problem with the Spartans has been their turnovers, and they have done that far too much to open the season. If they are doing it against lesser competition, what will they do against Washington? The Huskies are better than anything they have experienced so far, and they will have to limit mistakes.
Washington Huskies
Washington hasn’t been tested yet in easy wins over Kent State and Portland State, and the question remains if they can handle the power rushing attack for the Spartans. Jalen Berger and Jarek Broussard have been pounding away their opponents, but the good news for them is that they should be able to keep up. That improved passing defense of Michigan State is about to face its first real challenge. Indiana transfer QB Michael Penix Jr. has absolutely gone off to start his tenure with the Huskies, the passing attack is averaging around 380 yards so far with six touchdowns in the two games.
The defensive line for Washington is stout, and they should be able to hold their own against the Spartan rushing onslaught. They don't have to worry too much about the Michigan State passing game, because if they can stop the run, it might be curtains. They haven't faced anything like this attack so far, so we'll see how they hold up.
My Prediction
Michigan State is a strong team that can win this game, but I am very concerned about the turnovers they have committed so far. Washington is the exact opposite, they have been firing on all cylinders to start the year, and I'm not sure Michigan State is up to the challenge on the road. We will see how much this defense has improved, that's for sure.
I'll take Washington -3.5. Everyone will be on the ranked team as an underdog, but there is a reason they are underdogs. Washington is a really good team that will be ranked very soon.
