Betting Public Likes Michigan State vs. Michigan, But Rivalry Line Moves Toward Wolverines

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The highly anticipated Michigan vs. Michigan State football game, which is being hailed as the most significant in recent history, is merely one day away.

As both teams remain undefeated and hold top 10 rankings, the wagers in the Michigan sports betting scene are pouring in rapidly for this highly anticipated matchup.

Is the public more inclined towards supporting the underdog at home, No. 8 Michigan State, or the favored team on the road, sixth-ranked Michigan?

Michigan at Michigan State: Live NCAA Odds For Rivalry Game

Public backing Michigan State as spread still grows

Unsurprisingly, the matchup has been generating a significant amount of activity in sportsbooks, particularly within the state of Michigan.

On Wednesday, BetMGM Sportsbook shared its findings regarding the game so far, revealing that the majority of bets were placed on MSU as the underdog, along with a significant number of bets favoring the under in the points total category.

“In terms of college football betting, the Michigan vs. Michigan State game is already a clear frontrunner,” expressed Jason Scott, BetMGM’s Vice President of Trading, via email. “This highly anticipated face-off between two top-10 teams has become the most bet game of the week at BetMGM. Michigan bettors are particularly engaged in this intense rivalry, with the majority of tickets and handle favoring Michigan State.”

Michigan initially started as a 3.5-point favorite, but the spread has now increased to 4.5 points (as indicated by the best live odds displayed). Despite this change, BetMGM reports that 70% of its tickets are placed on MSU, with 77% of the total amount wagered also favoring the Spartans.

Michigan’s moneyline has surged to -200, despite only attracting 17% of the tickets and 19% of the handle.

Initially set at 51 points, the over/under total decreased to a nearly unanimous 50.5 on Wednesday afternoon. By then, a significant 82% of the tickets and a remarkable 89% of the handle favored the under.

As of Thursday night, Michigan State had garnered the majority of spread betting dollars at 55% nationally at Caesars Sportsbook. The percentage was even more substantial within the state, with a whopping 94% of in-state wagers placed on the Spartans.

According to a recent report by DraftKings Sportsbook, a significant majority of bets were placed on Michigan State. Specifically, 62% of spread handle bets and 80% of the moneyline handle were in favor of the team.

Caesars Sportsbook: Betting handle expected to be huge for rivalry game

Caesars predicts that the handle for Saturday’s game, which is the largest college football game of the season in the state and marks the first year of online sports betting, will be immense.

“In terms of handle, the game in Michigan will be significant, especially considering the Detroit Lions, the other team in Michigan, have yet to secure a victory. As a result, the local attention on this game is immense,” stated Craig Mucklow, VP of trading at Caesars Sportsbook. “This game has the potential to become our most significant event in terms of handle on Saturday.”

BetMGM: $100,000 bet comes in on Michigan -5 alternate line

On Friday, BetMGM revealed a substantial wager placed on the Wolverines.

According to the sportsbook, a bettor placed a $100,000 wager on the Michigan Wolverines by adjusting the line from -4 to -5, taking advantage of the +105 odds.

A successful bet on Michigan will result in a payout of $105,000 in winnings.

Pressure on Jim Harbaugh, Michigan

Despite having the home crowd advantage, it is widely acknowledged that Michigan is the team that must secure the victory on Saturday.

Despite being in his seventh season at Michigan, Jim Harbaugh has failed to secure a Big Ten Conference title, let alone a Big Ten East title for himself and the program.

In addition to his inability to secure a victory against Ohio State, Harbaugh’s record against Michigan State stands at a mediocre 3-3. This tally takes into account the humiliating 27-24 defeat suffered at home last year.

The Buckeyes already have one loss, making them appear more vulnerable. U-M must secure a victory this weekend to maintain control over their path to a conference championship.

According to DraftKings oddsmakers, the Wolverines are placed at +550 odds to win the Big Ten, while Ohio State holds the favored status at -235.

Michigan’s odds of winning the Big Ten title at Caesars started at +2500 (25/1), but have improved to +550, placing them second behind Ohio State who is the clear favorite at -240. On the other hand, Michigan State’s chances went from +10000 (100/1) at the beginning of the season to +2000 (20/1) currently.

Michigan is currently ranked sixth in the national championship odds race, according to DK, with a listing of +3500.

Mel Tucker can cement his Michigan State status

While MSU coach Mel Tucker may not be under immense pressure to secure a win on Saturday, defeating the Wolverines can significantly solidify his reputation as one of the premier coaches in the nation.

During the bye week, Tucker has already been confronted with speculations about becoming the next coach at LSU.

As 2021 commenced, MSU had an over/under win projection of 4.5. However, the Spartans have surpassed expectations and currently possess an impressive 7-0 record, securing a spot in the top 10 rankings.

If Michigan is defeated in the first two games, and if a winning streak of eight games is achieved in 2021, Tucker would undeniably secure a legendary status in East Lansing.

At present, FanDuel Sportsbook offers the Spartans, led by Tucker, a +3000 chance of winning the Big Ten. This places them fifth in the conference, a considerable difference from U-M’s +500 odds on FanDuel.

FD has listed MSU with odds of +12000 for the national championship, placing them among the top 12 teams with better chances than Michigan.

Heisman Trophy showcase game for a handful

Saturday’s nationally televised game presents a significant opportunity for several Spartans and Wolverines to further their Heisman Trophy campaign.

DraftKings reports that the 2021 honor is still up for grabs, with odds listed for five players from this game who are in contention.

MSU running back Kenneth Walker III (+2200) is at the forefront. He currently ranks second in the nation in rushing yards, amassing a total of 997 yards, accompanied by nine touchdowns. The junior has displayed an impressive average of 6.6 yards per carry throughout the season.

Sophomore Blake Corum (+10000) from Michigan is also a prominent running back in the team. Throughout the season, Corum has showcased his skills by amassing 729 rushing yards and scoring 10 touchdowns out of 116 carries. Additionally, he has made 18 receptions, accumulating a total of 125 receiving yards.

Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara has recently joined Corum with a remarkable +10000 rating. The junior has impressively thrown for 1,115 yards, along with five touchdowns and only one interception. Despite an increase in passing attempts in recent games, McNamara’s average yards per attempt stands at a modest 7.6.

Payton Thorne, the quarterback for MSU, has achieved impressive stats in his performances so far. With 1,701 passing yards and 15 touchdowns, along with four interceptions, the sophomore has showcased his skills on the field. Additionally, Thorne has rushed for 96 yards and scored two touchdowns. As a result of his notable achievements, he is currently listed at +15000.

Jayden Reed, the prime focus of Thorne, has now reached a remarkable +20000. With a total of 27 receptions, 562 yards gained, and five touchdowns scored, Reed has proven himself as a formidable player. Notably, this junior athlete has impressively maintained an average of over 20 yards per catch throughout the season.

The favorites in Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (+160), Ole Miss QB Matt Corral (+300), and Ohio State QB CJ Stroud (+450) appear to have a significant advantage, leaving the others with a considerable amount of work to do in order to catch up.

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