There’s no telling what to expect from the Spartans offense on a game-by-game basis. However, Michigan State is back in the Top 25 because of a defense that’s allowing 11.0 points per contest. Sparty’s also won the last seven home games over Indiana by an average margin of 26.3 points
Prediction: Michigan State (-14)
Mississippi (2-2) at No. 2 Alabama (4-0), 3:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral is dealing with bruised ribs, and his status for this contest is uncertain. Regardless who is under center for the Rebels, Alabama’s defense should be eager for the chance to get after the quarterback. The Crimson Tide have outscored Mississippi 128-10 while winning the last two meetings.
Prediction: Alabama (-37.5)
Northwestern (1-2) at No. 8 Wisconsin (3-0), Noon, Saturday, ABC
Badgers star Jonathan Taylor has rushed for 440 yards and seven touchdowns in three games, but he’s totaled 126 in two vs. Northwestern. Even if the Wildcats find a way to again contain the Heisman Trophy candidate, the visitors and their struggling offense don’t expect to have an easy time against a Wisconsin defense that’s yielded 14 points and 514 total yards this season. But we do think a backdoor cover is in store for this one.
Prediction: Northwestern (+24.5)
Texas Tech (2-1) at No. 6 Oklahoma (3-0), Noon, Saturday, Fox
The Jalen Hurts Show took a week off but should be back in full force against the Red Raiders. Regardless if whether its the system or not, Hurts (1,253 total yards, 14 total touchdowns) is off to a remarkable start. However, it will be interesting to see if a Texas Tech defense that’s allowed 41 points in 2019 can come close to containing him.
Prediction: Oklahoma (-27)
Rutgers (1-2) at No. 20 Michigan (2-1), Noon, Saturday, Big Ten Network
Nothing like a visit from lowly Rutgers to make a struggling team feel better about itself. Michigan has outscored the Scarlet Knights 204-37 during a four-game winning streak in the series and should get back on track for at least one week. From there, it gets dicey. These Wolverines might not be underachieving. They just don’t seem that good.
It would be unfair to think Iowa is looking ahead to next week’s meeting with Michigan, because there is business to take care of in this non-conference matchup. The Hawkeyes have won six straight and 15 of the last 17 games against non-Big Ten opponents at home. MTSU is 0-17 against Top 25 teams since the start of the 1999 season but this number is way too high for Iowa team and is inflated because of their win last week!