Re-entering the AP Top 25, Michigan journeys to East Lansing for a highly anticipated rivalry clash against Michigan State in Week 9 of the college football season. This marks the 118th all-time encounter between the Wolverines and Spartans — and although these two programs are on divergent paths, the Paul Bunyan Trophy consistently elicits the finest (and occasionally the most challenging) performances from both teams.

Currently, Michigan boasts a record of 5-2 overall and 3-1 in Big Ten competition, coming off a commanding 24-7 triumph over Washington that showcased to the nation why their defense is regarded as one of the elite in the country.

In contrast, Michigan State has endured four consecutive losses, remains winless in Big Ten contests, and ranks 121st nationally in scoring defense, surrendering nearly 33 points per game. This sets us up for some interesting #25 Michigan vs. Michigan St. picks.

#25 Michigan vs. Michigan St. Predictions for College Football Week 9, Saturday, 10/25

Don’t underestimate the inherent unpredictability of this rivalry. That said, Michigan’s prowess in the second half juxtaposed with Michigan State’s spirited start creates a fascinating dynamic for bettors.

Currently, Michigan’s full-game line hovers around -14, yet our #25 Michigan vs. Michigan St. predictions for this particular matchup are ideally suited for a second-half wager rather than a full-game spread. The reasoning is clear: Michigan may start off slowly, but they finish with the ferocity of a freight train.

 

 

 

#25 Michigan vs. Michigan St. Spread Pick: Wolverines 2H -6.5 (-125 at DraftKings)

Throughout the season, Sherrone Moore’s Wolverines have exhibited a tendency to be sluggish at the outset, frequently exchanging early punts or field goals before tightening their grip after halftime.

This has become a recognizable trend — whether it was the disappointing first half against USC or the 7-7 deadlock with Washington before a commanding finish — Michigan has consistently reserved its finest football for the concluding 30 minutes. Against Michigan State, we can expect this trend to persist once more.

The Spartans have developed a troubling habit of fading in the latter stages. In their last four defeats, Michigan State has seemed to come out and make it a game in the first half. Then halftime hits. Their defense simply lacks the depth and conditioning to maintain pace once the opposing offensive line begins to wear them down.

For Michigan, quarterback Bryce Underwood may not dazzle early on, but his dual-threat capability becomes devastating once Michigan establishes the run. Running backs Jordan Marshall (who amassed 133 yards and a touchdown last week) and Justice Haynes (if healthy) serve as the powerhouse of this offense, and his robust style tends to gradually wear down defensive fronts.

The Spartans, in stark contrast, have seen their tackling deteriorate. This situation sets the stage for Michigan’s backfield to dominate in the latter stages of the game. For those considering a wager on Michigan this week, the most advantageous option isn’t the full-game line of -14.5 — rather, it lies in the Wolverines at -6.5 for the second half. 

You’re effectively placing your trust in Michigan’s superior depth, physicality, and prowess in the second half, while sidestepping the slow-start issues that have haunted them throughout the season. Yes, this is a rivalry game — and history indicates that peculiar events often unfold when these two teams clash.

However, this year’s iteration of the Spartans lacks the necessary firepower to exploit any early advantages. Quarterback Aidan Chiles has emerged as a bright spot, yet he’s up against a Michigan defense that will be coming after him all night long. When the Spartans find themselves behind the chains, their one-dimensional offense falters — they currently sit at 106th in rushing and 108th in total offense.

Anticipate Michigan to maintain a relatively close score at halftime (perhaps something like 14-10), before pulling away in the latter stages with defensive turnovers and a relentless ground game. That’s the way we’re playing our #25 Michigan vs. Michigan St. predictions.

 

 

 

How To Watch #25 Michigan vs. Michigan St. College Football Week 8

  • Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Location: Spartan Stadium — East Lansing, MI
  • TV Channel: NBC

#25 Michigan vs. Michigan St. Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

As we let you in on our #25 Michigan vs. Michigan St. predictions for the clash, we’re thrilled to present the latest #25 Michigan vs. Michigan St. odds from DraftKings Sportsbook for this exhilarating encounter:

  • Money Line (ML): Wolverines -575 | Spartans +425
  • Spread: Wolverines -14 (-115) | Spartans +14 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

 

 

 

#25 Michigan vs. Michigan St. Injury Report & Latest News

Michigan Injury Report

  • M. Ka’apana (RB) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • M. Klein (TE) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • D. Warren (QB) – Questionable, Knee
  • C. Charleston (WR) – Out, Undisclosed
  • J. Haynes (RB) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • B. Norton (OG) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • D. Baxter (DL) – Out, Undisclosed
  • J. Hood (LB) – Out, Undisclosed
  • D. Johnson (RB) – Out, Undisclosed
  • I. Stewart (WR) – Out, Undisclosed
  • A. Babalola (OG) – Out, Knee

Michigan State Injury Report

  • G. Kelly (DL) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • S. Ramil (OG) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • T. Ahmetbasic (K) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • J. Savoury (TE) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • M. Pulliam (LB) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • B. Parachek (TE) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • K. Phillips (OG) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • A. Willie (CB) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • A. Brown (WR) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • N. Martinez (CB) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • A. Lepo (OG) – Out, Undisclosed
  • K. Schickel (LS) – Out, Undisclosed
  • A. Lafaele (DL) – Out, Undisclosed
  • L. Vincic (OG) – Out, Undisclosed
  • B. Pretzlaff (LB) – Out, Undisclosed
  • A. Brinson IV (CB) – Out, Undisclosed
  • C. Gash (CB) – Out, Undisclosed

 

 

 

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