Michigan State California Line, Spread, Odds & NCAA Football Picks
August 28, 2008
On Saturday, August 30th at 8 PM EST on ABC the Michigan State Spartans will head to Berkeley to take on the California Bears. The Spartans are somewhat excited after their first winning season since 2003, ending with an 8-5 record after losing 24-21 to Boston College in the Champs Sports Bowl. Jeff Tedford on the other hand has had more success at Cal, leading the Golden Bears to six straight winning seasons. That is part of the reason Cal opens up as a 4.5 point favorite according to the JustBet betting line.
Michigan State moved the ball via the ground last year, with two solid running backs carrying the load to the tune of 198 rushing ypg. Javon Ringer is back, so the team should still be able to move the ball with their speedy back, but Jehuu Caulcrick is gone and so is his 872 yards and 21 touchdowns. Quarterback Brian Hoyer needs to get better as he is inconsistent at best, especially now that Devin Thomas, his top receiver from a year ago is gone.
The defense will be led by the secondary, which has three starters returning. The leader of the unit is Kendell Davis-Clark, who is a tough safety that racked up 72 tackles. The linebacker corps is led by Greg Jones and Eric Gordon, two guys who combined for over 140 tackles a year ago. Up front their is talent with a strong tackle in Justin Kershaw and two talented ends, Trevor Anderson and Brandon Long. Wager on the Spartans +4.5 spread at JustBet.
Nate Longshore was supposed to be a star at quarterback, but he has struggled and then was hurt last year. Kevin Riley filled in admireably and then beat out by Longshore for the starting role. It’s going to be tough for whoever is throwing the ball, since four of the top receivers from last year are gone. Justin Forsett is gone, so there are question marks filling the back field with the undersized, but speedy Jahvid Best starting.
Defensively the Bears are returning eight starters from last year and they should be tough to move the ball against. The front line is a question mark, but the linebacker corps is solid as three starters return to the fold. Both Anthony Felder and Worrell Williams racked up more than 100 tackles a year ago. The secondary might be exploited with their inexperience at corner, but two solid safeties should help the Bears improve their pass defense numbers. Bet on Cal -4.5 at JustBet.
Predicted Score:
California 25
Michigan State 30
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