Despite significant player losses for both teams, the refreshed Central Michigan Chippewas are expected to keep the game within two possessions against the Michigan State Spartans, who have lost key players and struggled in recent seasons. Read on for our free match preview and betting picks.
Match Live Friday 1 Sept, 7:00 PM ET
Key Stats
– The Spartans’ ground game averaged just 3.8 YPC (85th in the country) in 2022.
– The Spartans’ defense ranked 101st in the nation in passing defense in 2022, giving up 416.5 YPG.
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Central Michigan Chippewas vs Michigan State Spartans predictions: A Refreshed Chippewas Squad to Watch Out For
The Central Michigan Chippewas are set to face the Michigan State Spartans in what is expected to be an exciting match. Despite the Spartans’ reputation, they have gone from being College Football Playoff contenders to potentially competing for a bowl game at best, all within two seasons. This decline is credited to Mel Tucker, who led the program towards the bottom of the Big 10 after Kenneth Walker III left. On the other hand, the Chippewas had an unexciting year as well, finishing with a 4-8 record.
A Winning Season for the Chippewas?
Historically, the Chippewas have alternated between winning and losing seasons for the past eight years under head coach Jim McElwain. Although they have lost their starting QB, leading rusher, top-two receivers, and two elite-level offensive linemen to the NFL, it’s not necessarily a bad thing to have fresh faces, considering they finished 93rd in Yards Per Game (YPG) (353.0) last season. While it’s uncertain what this almost entirely new offense will look like, McElwain is an experienced coach capable of turning things around with new talent.
Spartans’ Key Players Lost
The Spartans also lost key playmakers from what was a bad team by Big Ten and Michigan State standards. Quarterback Payton Thorne and top wide receiver Keon Coleman have both transferred, and their secondary option in the passing game from 2022, Jayden Reed, is now with the Green Bay Packers. Their ground game averaged just 3.8 Yards Per Carry (YPC) (85th in the country), and the offense will likely take some time to settle in. Their defense, which ranked 101st in the nation in passing defense in 2022 while giving up 416.5 YPG, doesn’t seem to be shaping up much better in 2023.
While the Spartans should have the tools to beat a Mid-American Conference (MAC) opponent at home, there is faith in a refreshed Chippewas squad to keep things within two possessions. The prediction is for Central Michigan to cover the spread.
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