Joel Klatt picks Washington to win, cover against Michigan State

Washington is a large favorite on the road at Michigan State this weekend, and Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt isn’t hesitating to take the Huskies and a big number. With all that is happening around the Spartans, Klatt isn’t inclined to take MSU to cover the 16.5-point spread he had — some favor the Huskies by more.

And even absent a suspended head coach and massive off-field distraction, Klatt doesn’t think Michigan State stacks up that well against Washington, anyways. Given the high-octane passing offense helmed by Michael Penix Jr. and the Spartans recent struggles against the pass, it was an easy call.

“I believe that this line is too small. I like Washington. Michigan State’s defense, in particular defending the pass, has been really poor for the last few seasons. There’s no reason to suggest that that’s going to improve all of a sudden this week against one of the more marquee passing games in all of college football. Washington is giving 16.5 and I’m giving it with them because I’m taking the Huskies,” Klatt said.

Currently, Washington is averaging 472 yards per game through the air, the most prolific passing offense in the country on a per game basis. The Spartans have been relatively salty against the pass so far in 2023, but that’s been against Richmond and Central Michigan.

Klatt isn’t sold on the results unless the Spartans can do it against a much higher caliber opponent.

“They have wins over Central Michigan and Richmond. This is a giant step up in competition. You know what Washington did to Michigan State last year,” Klatt said, alluding to an 11-point Husky win in Seattle.

And there is, of course, the matter of Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker being suspended without pay while a sexual harassment case plays out.

“Now you look at that team, and then you look at who they’re facing, Michigan State with all the distractions that they’re facing this week. None of their own accord, as the players, and players, I feel bad for you. Because this is a mess at Michigan State. So Harlon Barnett is going to have to step in as the interim head coach. Now you got Mark Dantonio coming back in. And, I just don’t see how Michigan State plays well. Michigan State is not a very good football team. We’ve seen that now for better part of last year,” Klatt said.