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Michigan State vs. Oregon College Football Week 6 Picks: Can the Spartans Cover?

Ohio State v Michigan State
Aidan Chiles #2 of the Michigan State Spartans. Rey Del Rio/Getty Images/AFP

The Michigan State Spartans have a challenging matchup when they travel to face the Oregon Ducks on Friday night. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best college football odds from the top sportsbooks.

NCAAF Pick: Michigan State +24 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)


Michigan State vs. Oregon

Friday, October 04, 2024 – 09:00 PM ET at Autzen Stadium


Turnovers Prove Costly for Michigan State Against Ohio State

Michigan State showed resilience early against Ohio State, hanging with the Buckeyes for much of the first half. However, a series of costly mistakes turned what could have been a competitive game into a 24-7 deficit at halftime, paving the way for Ohio State to cruise to a 38-7 victory on Saturday.

The Spartans repeatedly shot themselves in the foot with turnovers and missed opportunities. Against a top-tier opponent like Ohio State, even a couple of miscues can spell disaster. Michigan State had several promising drives deep into Buckeyes territory in the first half but failed to capitalize, resulting in a lopsided halftime score.

Despite being down 17 at the break, the Spartans showed they have the talent to go toe-to-toe with the nation’s third-ranked team. But the persistence of turnovers and penalties was disheartening and ultimately derailed their upset bid.

Keys for Michigan State to Compete Against Oregon

If Michigan State can eliminate the mistakes and finish drives, they’ll have a shot to compete with almost any team in the nation, including Oregon. The Spartans are still not at full strength, but cleaning up their play could unlock the team’s potential. There’s reason for optimism if Michigan State can reduce these costly errors.

Aidan Chiles completed 13 of 19 passes for 167 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jaron Glover with 7:22 remaining in the first half, narrowing the gap to 10-7. However, his momentum was halted when he threw an interception in the third quarter.

Michigan State started strong, reaching the red zone on its first two drives, but came up empty both times. Chiles was stuffed on a fourth-down sneak at Ohio State’s 20-yard line, and Jack Velling lost a fumble at the Buckeyes’ 11-yard line. Later in the second quarter, Chiles fumbled again at the Ohio State 16, adding to Michigan State’s turnover woes.

The Spartans entered the game with 10 turnovers through four games and added three more against the Buckeyes, a troubling trend that has plagued them all season.

Gabriel Guides Oregon Over UCLA

In other action, Dillon Gabriel had a standout performance, throwing three touchdown passes and cementing his place in the NCAA record books as Oregon rolled past UCLA, 34-13, at the Rose Bowl on Saturday. Tez Johnson was a major contributor, hauling in 11 receptions for 121 yards and two scores. Jordan James added 103 rushing yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.

Gabriel, who completed 31 of 41 passes for 280 yards, became the fourth FBS quarterback to surpass 16,000 career passing yards. He also moved into a three-way tie for third place with 134 career touchdown passes.

While Gabriel and the offense garnered the spotlight, Oregon’s defense was just as impressive, not allowing an offensive touchdown. The Ducks have recorded 11 sacks this season and are limiting opponents to just 154.8 passing yards per game.

NCAAF Pick

Take the points in this matchup. Michigan State kept it close against Ohio State for much of the contest and would have easily covered the spread if not for several turnovers and some questionable officiating. Meanwhile, Oregon is in a potential trap spot with a big game against Ohio State looming on the horizon.

The Ducks have only covered the spread once in four games this season.

Michigan State doesn’t need a perfect performance on Friday—if they can limit turnovers and play solid defense, they have a good chance to cover the sizable spread against the Ducks.

NCAAF Pick: Michigan State +24 (-110) at Bet365 

*21+ Seek help with a gambling addiction at 1-800-Gambler

*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.

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