In an in-state battle for football supremacy, the Western Michigan Broncos take on the Michigan State Spartans on Friday. Both teams are coming off disappointing seasons in 2024 and are eager to prove themselves in the field.
Both teams are seeking a victory to start their respective seasons off, which begs the question – which Michigan-based team is the likeliest to come out on top?
Michigan State vs Western Michigan: Key Players to Watch
Both teams will be bringing their best players to aim for an opening game victory, and Spartans QB Aidan Chiles has plenty to prove. He is entering his sophomore year with the Spartans and still has a lot to work on, and there are questions if he can carry the Spartans to a bowl game after missing one last year. He can prove himself on the field against the Broncos on Friday.
His two main options are either running backs Nate Carter or Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams, as well as wide receiver Nick March. Carter tallied 499 yards and scored five touchdowns last year, while Lynch Adams had 649 yards and scored two touchdowns. For the passing game, March had 41 Rec on 649 yards and scored three touchdowns.
As for Western Michigan, Hayden Wolff will be leading the Broncos for his third season. The redshirt senior, who previously played at Old Dominion, is aiming to do better, especially after their Week 12 loss to South Alabama last year where he was just 17-for-27 in passing for 196 yeards and scoring only one touchdown and had one interception. Despite this, he still had a solid season overall with 2,408 passing yards and a 66.7% pass completion rate.
Meanwhile, Jaden Nixon will be one of his prime targets for next season, with the former Oklahoma State running back rushing for 525 yards on 124 career carries, with two touchdowns for the Cowboys during his three seasons at OSU.
Odds and Betting Lines for Michigan State vs Western Michigan
It is clear that Michigan State is the heavily favored team in this matchup, though upsets can still happen.
Western Michigan will be the +20.5 underdog, with the Spartans having a 94.3% chance to win the contest and is a -20.5 favorite with a -1667 favorite moneyline, as per FOX Sports. Western Michigan will have a +924 underdog moneyline.
Picks and Predictions for Michigan State vs Western Michigan
With the Spartans being the heavy favorites, Michigan State is most likely winning this contest on Friday, with Aidan Chiles getting a good chance to finally prove himself on the big stage.
The game will be held at Spartan Stadium as well, which gives Michigan State the home field advantage. FOX Sports will be airing the game on Friday at 7:00 PM ET.
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