Clash of the Hungry: Are you ready for some football? The 2023 college football season kicks off with a bang as Michigan State squares off against Central Michigan in a Week 1 matchup that promises fireworks on the field. Both teams are eager to shake off the disappointment of their losing campaigns in 2022, and what better way to start fresh than with a hard-fought victory on a Friday evening showdown?
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In their last encounter back in 2018, Michigan State emerged victorious with a 31-20 win over the Chippewas. The Spartans have historically held the upper hand, boasting an impressive 8-3 record against Central Michigan. Will history repeat itself, or can the Chippewas stage an upset in front of a passionate crowd?
The Odds and More
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET at the iconic Spartan Stadium, and the oddsmakers are already buzzing with excitement. According to the SportsLine consensus, the Spartans are formidable 13.5-point favorites, suggesting a tough battle for the Chippewas. The over/under for total points is pegged at 45, creating ample opportunities for both teams to showcase their offensive prowess.
Before you rush to place your bets, it’s crucial to take a peek at the predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s acclaimed simulation model. This proprietary computer model has been a money-making machine, churning out nearly $2,500 in profit for $100 players who followed its top-rated college football picks against the spread. This model is tried, tested, and trusted.
Central Michigan’s Defensive Prowess
Central Michigan might be the underdogs, but they’re not to be underestimated, especially on the defensive front. The Chippewas showcased their mettle in pass defense last year, ranking fifth in the MAC with an average of 221.9 passing yards allowed per game. Junior defensive back Donte Kent, a Pennsylvania native, was a standout with 15 pass deflections and 51 total tackles in 2022. He’s a ballhawk with exceptional skills.
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Junior safety Trey Jones is another defensive gem for CMU. Jones excels at run defense and contributed significantly with 85 total tackles and 2 interceptions last season. Don’t forget about sophomore defensive back De’Javion Stepney, who combines agility with a knack for breaking up passes. With 40 tackles and eight pass breakups in 2022, Stepney is a key asset for the Chippewas’ defense.
Michigan State’s Relentless Rushers
On the flip side, Michigan State boasts a formidable defensive line, complete with relentless pass rushers. In the 2022 season, three players from the Spartans recorded at least four sacks. Junior defensive lineman Simeon Barrow Jr. utilizes his strength and power to disrupt the opponent’s backfield. His 2022 stats speak volumes: 40 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks.
Senior linebacker Aaron Brule is a speed demon who can quickly penetrate the offensive line. Hailing from Louisiana, Brule’s agility and speed make him a force to be reckoned with, recording four sacks in the 2022 season, with three of them coming in the final four weeks of regular play. Junior defensive lineman Avery Dunn adds depth to the Spartans’ defensive arsenal, showcasing his strength with a sack in three consecutive games to close out the last season.
The Model’s Take
SportsLine’s model has crunched the numbers and is leaning toward the Over for total points, projecting a combined score of 50. Moreover, the model suggests that one side of the spread has a favorable outcome in well over 50% of its simulations. For the precise pick and to gain the upper hand in your betting decisions, head over to SportsLine.
The 2023 college football season begins with a clash of titans as Michigan State and Central Michigan lock horns. It’s a battle of redemption, with both teams hungry for victory. Will the Spartans maintain their dominance, or can the Chippewas spring a surprise? The only sure bet is that this game promises heart-pounding action under the Friday night lights. Don’t miss it!