Joel Klatt picks Michigan to win, Michigan State to cover in rivalry game

Few things in college football are better than in-state rivalry games. East Lansing hosts one of the best on Saturday, as the Michigan State Spartans go up against the Michigan Wolverines. The second showdown between Jonathan Smith and Sherrone Moore, many expect the Wolverines to emerge victorious.

Including FOX’s Joel Klatt, officially picking Michigan to win the game. However, when looking at the point spread, Klatt thinks Michigan State will wind up covering. Something to possibly track late in the fourth quarter after a well put-together performance by the road team.

“For me, on the Michigan State side, this is a kitchen sink-type of game,” Klatt said. “You throw the kitchen sink at Michigan. You’re at home, it’s a rivalry game. And let’s face it, Michigan has not run away from anybody this year. So, the 14.5 looks like a big number. The score I land on is Michigan 30-17, which means a 13-point win, which means I’m going to take the home points for Michigan State. Maybe a backdoor cover, something along those lines. Michigan dominates, wins by multiple scores. But Michigan State, I’ll take the 14.5 there.”

Michigan finds itself in need of a win in order to stay in the Big Ten Championship race. Dropping to two conference losses would all but guarantee they are on the outside looking in a few weeks from now. Getting the rivalry victory over Michigan State keeps them afloat.

As for the Spartans, they are still searching for a Big Ten win. Things have not gone to plan for Smith thus far, dropping four straight after starting the year 3-0. No better way to rejuvenate your program than taking down Michigan.

Unfortunately for the green and white, Klatt does not see that playing out. His biggest key of the game is making sure Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood is put in a great position to win. Making sure the ground game is secure before letting Underwood drop back to pass in favorable situations. Similar to what we saw play in front of our eyes last week against the Washington Huskies.

“Run the football first,” Klatt said. “Get him in a position where you can run RPOs. Run action pass outside of the pocket. Play action pass. Throw the ball when you want to vs. when you have to… That’s the blueprint, that’s where Michigan needs to sit. And I think they will.”

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