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ESPN’s FPI predicts outcome of Michigan vs. Michigan State in Week 8
By Paul Harvey
Published:
ESPN’s FPI is predicting the outcome of games on the Week 8 slate, and that includes the annual rivalry game between Michigan and Michigan State. The series is a traditional grudge match with the winner taking home the Paul Bunyan Trophy.
In recent history, the series has been a back-and-forth and hard-fought affair, but Michigan appeared to turn the tide during a blowout win in 2022. The Wolverines also entered this year’s matchup as a heavy favorite for the matchup in East Lansing.
The FPI sides with Michigan in the matchup, giving the Wolverines a whopping 93.1% chance of walking away with a win. Jim Harbaugh’s squad also heads into Spartan Stadium as a -24 favorite on the road. Fans looking to get in on those odds can use our BetMGM Michigan promo code to get started!
The Wolverines are certainly rolling into the matchup with a 7-0 record and a string of dominant victories, scoring 45+ points in 3 straight games. JJ McCarthy is also developing into a Heisman Trophy candidate for the No. 2 team in the nation.
On the other side of the matchup, Michigan State enters with a 2-4 record and 4 straight losses. That includes a meltdown loss and a blown fourth-quarter lead against Rutgers. QB Katin Houser will also get his first start in the rivalry series after getting his first career start against the Scarlet Knights.
We’ll see how the rivalry plays out in primetime with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.