Tulsa at Michigan State 8/30/19 - CFB Betting Picks & Odds
Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Michigan State Spartans
CFB: 7:00 PM EST
Aug. 30, 2019
TV: FS1
Latest Odds : MSU -21.5 Total
On Friday, August 30, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane visit Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan to play the Michigan State Spartans in the opening game of the 2019 college football regular season for both.
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane were 3-9 overall and 2-6 in the American Athletic Conference in 2018. Quarterback Zach Smith did not play last season after transferring from the Baylor Bears, but while playing in 2017 for the Bears he was impressive in limited action. Seth Boomer improved last season but will likely backup Smith. Leading rusher Shamari Brooks returns, as does Keylon Stokes. The majority of receivers are back, but much of the success will depend upon the offensive line that lost three starters.
Michigan State will be all about defense. Last season the Spartans topped the nation in total defense and against the rush. Nine starters from that unit return. Kenny Willekes is the top defensive lineman in the Big Ten. The Spartans offense will be up-tempo and will start the season with Brian Lewerke under center but that could change quickly. The receiving corps returns three from last season and will be the strength of the offense.
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Baylor transfer Zach Smith should start at quarterback, but Seth Boomer returns from last season when he threw for 1,378 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions. Shamari Brooks is the leading rusher returning for Tulsa. Last season Brooks rushed for 967 yards and seven touchdowns. The top receiver returning is Keyon Stokes who caught 41 passes for 575 yards and two touchdowns.
Returning Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke threw for 2,040 yards, eight touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season. Connor Heyward is the leading rusher returning from last season. Heyward ran for 529 yards and five touchdowns in 2018. The leading receiver returning from last season is Cody who caught 42 passes for 555 yards and two touchdowns.
Recent Betting Trends:
Tulsa is 0-4 ATS in its last 4 versus an opponent from the Big Ten
The UNDER has cashed in 7 of the Golden Hurricane’s last 9 on the road
Michigan State is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 at home
The UNDER has cashed in each of the Spartans last 8
Free Betting Pick: Tulsa Golden Hurricane +21.5
Michigan State’s defense is one of the nation’s best, but the offense remains an unknown. Quarterback Brian Lewerke returns and most of the top skills position players are back, but a new up-tempo system has been added and Lewerke may or may not be suited for that. While the Spartans will dominate due to the defense, the question is can they score enough to cover. The answers is no. Tulsa with new QB Zach Smith will keep it close enough to cover. Final Score Prediction, Michigan State Spartans win but fail to cover ATS 31-13