The Michigan State Spartans jumped to No. 3 in the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 poll after their impressive comeback win over the Michigan Wolverines in Week 9. They will look to cement their standing in the top 3 this Saturday when they square off with the Purdue Boilermakers. Read our preview for a breakdown of this Michigan State vs Purdue game.
Michigan State Spartans enter Week 10 as -2.5 favorites
There is just no stopping Michigan State right now. The Spartans preserved their unbeaten slate with a stunning 37-33 come-from-behind win over the Michigan Wolverines in Week 9. Kenneth Walker III starred for the Spartans, who overcame a 16-point deficit in the second half.
Walker III bolstered his Heisman credentials, running for 197 yards and a school-record five touchdowns against the Wolverines. Three of those touchdowns came in the second half, helping Michigan State turn a 30-14 deficit into a four-point win in the end.
Kenneth Walker III was turning heads in a Heisman-level performance against Michigan.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 30, 2021
🟢 5 TD
🟢 197 YDS
WOW 😤 pic.twitter.com/x9eVYVqx0z
His five touchdowns against Michigan were the most by any FBS player against a top-10 team since Colorado running back Chris Brown scored six times against Nebraska in 2001.
This season, the Wake Forest transfer has been a beast for Michigan State, averaging 149.2 yards per game on the ground. He has already racked up 15 rushing touchdowns this campaign. Walker will be licking his chops at the prospect of facing a Purdue side that allowed 290 yards rushing and three scores in their game against Wisconsin two weeks ago.
Related Article: AP Top 25 Poll: Michigan State Enters Top 5; Georgia, Cincinnati, Alabama in Top 3 After Week 9
Purdue Boilermakers installed as +2.5 underdogs
The Purdue Boilermakers returned to the win column in Week 9 with a thrilling 28-23 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers. A much needed win for the Boilermakers who suffered an embarrassing 30-13 loss to the Wisconsin Badgers in Week 8.
Purdue's defense starred in the Week 9 win, as the Boilermakers intercepted four of Adrian Martinez's passes. Two of those picks came courtesy of Jalen Graham. The Boilermakers have now recorded four interceptions in two out of their last three games.
Purdue's ground game was superb as well, running for 116 yards against Nebraska, the first time the Boilermakers went over 100 yards rushing against a conference opponent since November of last year. It certainly helped that running back Zander Hovarth returned to the side after missing five games with a broken fibula.
Grabbing the win against Michigan State won't be easy, though, for Purdue, as the Boilermakers have struggled against the Spartans lately.
It is crucial for Purdue that Aidan O'Connell delivers a standout performance against Michigan State. He completed 34 of 45 passes for 233 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in the win against Nebraska.
Writer's Prediction
Michigan State wins and covers the spread.
READ MORE ON SWN:
Chicago Bears vs Pittsburgh Steelers Week 9 Predictions, Picks, Odds, and MNF Preview
Buffalo Bills vs Jacksonville Jaguars Week 9 Predictions, Picks, Odds, and 2021 NFL Preview
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.