Michigan State 2016 College Football Betting Preview

Michigan State may not have a national championship trophy for their efforts, but the Spartans have been one of the best college football programs in the nation in winning at leas 11 games in five of the last six seasons.  The Spartans will look to do so again in 2016, but they’ll have to do so with an inexperienced starting quarterback following the graduation of senior Connor Cook. Now, let’s find out what lies in store for Michigan State as they get set for the quickly approaching 2016 college football betting season.

Inside Scoop on the Michigan State Spartans 2016 College Football Betting Preview

Offense

Michigan State (12-2 SU, 5-8- 1 ATS) ranked a pedestrian 73rd in total offense a year ago and a modest 61st in scoring (29.7 ppg). With just four returning starters on offense, had coach Mark Dantonio needs to find replacements for quarterback Connor Cook, both starting wide receivers and three starters on the offensive line. Junior Damion Terry, senior Tyler O’Connor and redshirt freshman Brian Lewerke enter spring practice vying for the starting quarterback job with O’Connor currently the slight favorite because of his edge in experience. Running back is also a question mark after scheduled starter L.J. Scott and the offensive line needs to be rebuilt after losing starters Jack Allen, Donavan Clark and especially, tackle Jack Conklin.

Defense

The Spartans were impressive in finishing 26th in total defense (349.8 ypg) and 25th in points allowed (21.7 ppg), but have holes to fill with just six returning starters from last season. Michigan State took a particularly big hit on the defensive line, losing three starters in ends, Shilique Calhoun and Lawrence Thomas and tackle Joel Heath. Not only that, but Dantonio will also have to find suitable replacements at cornerback and safety and that doesn’t bode well for a team that gave up 20 passing scores (the most since 2011) while allowing 22 passing plays of 30 yards or more.

By The Numbers

Michigan State is 5-2- 1 ATS in its last eight games. The Under is 4-1 in Michigan State’s L/5 games. The Spartans are 4-0 SU in their last 4 conference games. Michigan State is 3-0- 1 ATS in their last four Big 10 games. The Under is 3-1 in Michigan State’s last 4 conference games.

2016 Betting Prediction

I’ll get right to the point by saying that’s I’ll be completely stunned if Michigan State manages to record double digit victories in 2016. That’s right gridiron gamblers, the Spartans won’t reach the four-team College Football Playoff this coming season simply because they have to many questions to answer, too many holes to fill and a lack of experience that will ultimately be their undoing.