Bookmaker’s opinion on Michigan State’s chances against arch rival

Coach Jonathan Smith and his coaching staff have already had their fair share of ups and downs this offseason. While Coach Smith and Michigan State have overcome almost all of the adversity they have faced so far this offseason, the season will undoubtedly bring many more challenges.

Michigan State has one of the most challenging schedules in the Big Ten and the country. They play three teams ranked in the top five of the preseason rankings, and Michigan State plays all three in a five-week span. Arguably the worst part of Michigan State’s brutal five-week schedule is that they have to play archrival Michigan last after battling through the first three games of perhaps the most difficult four-game series of any team in the country.

Most would agree that it’s fair to say that Michigan State and Michigan’s respective football programs have followed very different paths over the past few seasons. This will likely continue for the foreseeable future as Michigan State rebuilds itself. While a new coaching staff and a somewhat revamped roster have created some excitement in the Michigan State football program, most college football experts aren’t as convinced that Michigan State will have a winning season this season.