Michigan State-Northwestern Preview

The Michigan State Spartans and the Northwestern Wildcats will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Ryan Field. Oddsmakers currently have the Spartans listed as 1½-point favorites versus the Wildcats, while the game's total is sitting at 47. Despite a late charge by Iowa, Michigan State held on for a 16-13 win in Week 6. The Spartans failed to cover the 6.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the day's posted total of 48. C.J. Bacher threw for 284 yards and three touchdowns and Northwestern rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat Iowa 22-17 in Week 5. The Wildcats pulled off the upset and covered the 8.5-point spread, while the combined score played OVER the day's posted total of 43. Current streak: Michigan State has won 5 straight games. Northwestern has won 5 straight games. Team records: Michigan State: 5-1 SU, 3-3 ATS Northwestern: 5-0 SU, 2-2 ATS Michigan State most recently: When playing in October are 4-6 When playing on grass are 7-3 After being outgained are 4-6 When playing within the conference are 5-5 Northwestern most recently: When playing in October are 4-6 When playing on grass are 8-2 After being outgained are 4-6 When playing within the conference are 5-5 A few trends to consider: Michigan State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Michigan State's last 5 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of Michigan State's last 5 games on the road Michigan State is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road Northwestern is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games Northwestern is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Michigan State Northwestern is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home Northwestern is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Michigan State Next up: Michigan State home to Ohio State, Saturday, October 18 Northwestern home to Purdue, Saturday, October 18