Michigan State opens up its campaign at Spartan Stadium against the Florida Atlantic Owls, with both teams looking to rebound off disappointing 4-8 seasons last year.
With plenty of question marks on defense for both teams, our Florida Atlantic vs. Michigan State predictions believe points will come fast and furious on Friday night.
Find out more in my college football picks for Friday, August 30.
Florida Atlantic vs Michigan State prediction
My best bet
Over 45.5 (-105 at BetMGM)
My analysis
While both teams have reloaded their rosters after disappointing 2023 campaigns, there’s a throughline that we can follow on both sides: the offenses boast plenty of firepower.
The Michigan State Spartans are hoping sophomore quarterback Aiden Chiles can grow into the position, as the athletic dual-threat quarterback will get his first start at the college level. He’s surrounded by plenty of talent — or, at least, potential talent — in skill position players like running back Nathan Carter, Oregon State transfer Jack Velling, and receivers like Montorie Foster and freshman Nick Marsh.
Most importantly for the Spartans, it looks like they may finally have an offensive line that can allow their skill position players to make plays. All-American transfer Tanner Miller should provide a great anchor for the line and will be joined by a group of younger linemen who were highly touted as recruits.
That adds up to a lot of talent the Florida Atlantic Owls will struggle to deal with on the defensive end. Thankfully for FAU, it should at least be able to stay in the game thanks to its bevy of offensive weapons.
Like many teams, Florida Atlantic went hard in the transfer portal to upgrade its roster heading into the season. The Owls picked up quarterback Cam Fancher from Marshall, where he threw for 11 scores and ran for four more last year.
However, the biggest factor may not be the talent the Owls bring to the field, but how they'll choose to play. Head coach Tom Herman is known for his fast-paced offensive approach and will be looking to push the tempo while attempting to keep the Spartans out of rhythm early.
Michigan State is a deeper, more talented team, and that will show over 60 minutes, but both offenses are talented and will find ways to score. That’s enough for me to take the Over in what should be an entertaining and high-scoring opener for both teams.
Florida Atlantic vs Michigan State same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 45.5
Michigan State -13.5
Florida Atlantic team total Over 13.5
I’m expecting points for Friday’s game, and that gives me some ideas for how to fill out my SGP. Along with the Over, I’ll also take the Spartans to cover this 13.5-point spread. Michigan State has more talent and has a history of blowing out its early season, out-of-conference competition, even when it hasn’t ultimately had great teams.
Still, I can't see MSU shutting down an FAU offense that's going to try to run a ton of plays, get players in motion, and utilize its speed as much as possible. I'm taking the Owls to score 14+ points, a target that's reasonable even on the road against the Spartans.
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Florida Atlantic vs Michigan State odds
Florida Atlantic vs Michigan State live odds
Florida Atlantic vs Michigan State opening odds
- Spread: Florida Atlantic +11.5 | Michigan State -11.5
- Moneyline: Florida Atlantic +360 | Michigan State -500
- Over/Under: Over 48.5 | Under 48.5
Florida Atlantic vs Michigan State spread and Over/Under analysis
- Michigan State went 5-6-1 ATS last season, while Florida Atlantic put up a 5-7 ATS mark in 2023.
- The Spartans are 4-0 ATS in their last four games in which they were favored by 13+ points.
- The Under went 7-5 in Michigan State’s games last season and had the same 7-5 record when the Owls played last year.
- The Under is 3-0 in head-to-head meetings between these two schools, though the most recent game in the series was in 2011.
Florida Atlantic vs Michigan State betting trend to know
Michigan State has allowed 21+ points in nine of its last 10 games. Find more college football betting trends for Florida Atlantic vs Michigan State.
Florida Atlantic vs Michigan State game info
| Location: | Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI |
| Date: | Friday, 8-30, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | BIG10 |
Florida Atlantic vs Michigan State latest injuries
Florida Atlantic vs Michigan State weather
The forecast is calling for partly sunny skies and 91 degree weather at kickoff. The indoor humidity will be 73% with wind gusts of nine miles per hour. Monitor gametime conditions with our College football weather info.
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