Michigan vs Michigan State Opening Odds – Wolverines Heavy Home Favorites in Week 9 Rivalry Game

• No. 4 Michigan has opened as an 18-point home favorite against Michigan State in Week 9
• The Wolverines aim to stay undefeated, while the Spartans are just trying to upset their rivals
• Read below for the opening Michigan vs Michigan State odds and line movement prediction

No. 4 Michigan is listed as a 18-point home favorite against Michigan State as the two teams get ready for another Big Ten clash. Michigan State may be facing a long night similar to how they felt facing Ohio State a couple of weeks ago.

So, let’s take a look at the opening Michigan vs Michigan State odds and analyze which direction the line figures to move.

Opening Michigan vs Michigan State Odds

Odds as of October 22nd at DraftKings Sportsbook. Use this DraftKings Sportsbook promo code to bet on the game.

As 18-point favorites, Michigan expects to easily cruise past Michigan State on Saturday night from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ohio State defeated the Spartans by 29 points and the Buckeyes were the road team.

Oddly, the Wolverines are 4-3 ATS this season while the Spartans are just 2-4-1. Michigan has altered wins and losses against the spread and covered last week against Penn State.

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Michigan Is a Huge Home Favorite

Michigan and Jim Harbaugh believe they have a shot to make the National Championship playoff but a conference title would be a great first step. Oddsmakers see the Wolverines second in the Big Ten Conference odds, where they sit at +425 now. That is still behind Ohio State at -380.

When it comes to the National Championship odds, Michigan stands tied with Tennessee for fifth at +1600. Even the college football playoff is not that far-fetched.

Last week’s game against Penn State saw Michigan lead just 16-14 at halftime. However, the second half featured a 25-point explosion by the Wolverines. That definitely turned some heads across the nation.

The Michigan Wolverines football team aced the run, pass and tackling sections in its first true test of the 2022 season. https://t.co/8MB8WX0HXA

— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) October 17, 2022

The Wolverines shut the door in the second half on defense as well allowing just a mere field goal to the Nittany Lions.  Furthermore, Michigan amassed more than 400 yards on the ground as Blake Corum easily ran for 166 yards and two touchdowns. There were quite a few 20+ yard plays as Michigan controlled the offensive line of scrimmage. Even on the defensive side, Penn State had few opportunities after halftime.

With the Michigan game at home on Saturday, does Michigan get a little too cocky or do they simply take care of business?

Can Michigan State Build Momentum Off Their Win?

Head coach Mel Tucker has to feel a bit of relief going into this matchup with Michigan. The Spartans fell out of the AP Poll weeks ago and were mired in a four-game losing streak. Finally, Michigan State managed to beat Wisconsin to notch their first conference win of the season. Their reward was a bye week before going on the road to face the Wolverines.

Wisconsin Football offensive grades: Offense sputters after hot start in 34-28 loss to Michigan State Spartans

(via @RohanChakrav) https://t.co/IIhwDrYLyz pic.twitter.com/ibpglUZKVI

— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) October 20, 2022

Bluntly, Michigan State needed double-overtime to defeat the Badgers. The Spartans got themselves in some trouble with penalties again as they committed nine for a total of 103 yards. Naturally, that kept Wisconsin’s first two touchdown drives alive. Mistakes like that cannot happen at all against a Michigan team that can quickly make a team pay.

Now, this game is part of more clashes on the last Saturday in October.

I will not talk about the Tennessee vs Georgia game until the Tennessee vs Kentucky game is over. Stop overlooking Kentucky!!!!!

— Noah2mey (@nbtwomey) October 22, 2022

There are a few more top-25 battles potentially on the horizon this Saturday. Oklahoma State travels to play Kansas State and Ohio State goes up against Penn State. The Spartans do have a few weapons but nothing on the level of Michigan. Honestly, Michigan State needs to create some turnovers and take the air out of Michigan Stadium. That will not be easy to do.

Consequently, some may think 18 points is still high but “way too early” numbers were in the 21-23 point range.

Can Michigan State score enough early to put Michigan in an uncomfortable position? Will that even make a difference?

Michigan vs Michigan State Expected Line Movement and Early Prediction

So, the early ATS money is split and bettors, moneyline wise, are heavily on the Wolverines’ side. There is a chance this line moves a couple points toward the home team after the second half the Wolverines had last week. Finally, expect Michigan to cover late on Saturday.