FAU vs. Michigan State Prediction, Odds, Picks for College Football Week 1

Jonathan Smith begins his career at Michigan State where they face FAU. It's time to continue our college football odds series with a FAU vs Michigan State prediction and pick.

FAU is entering its second season under coach Tom Herman. It was an uphill battle for Herman and FAU in the first season. After starting the season with a win over Monmouth, they lost three games in a row. October went well, winning three of four games, but a four-game losing streak to end the year resulted in a 4-8 season with just three conference wins for Tom Herman and the Owls.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Smith arrived from Oregon State. Mel Tucker began the season as head coach, but was suspended without pay after two games and eventually fired due to sexual harassment allegations. Harlon Barnett took over as interim coach for the rest of the year. While Mel Tucker went 2-0, they finished the year 2-8, resulting in a four-win year for Michigan State.

Here are the college football odds, courtesy of FanDuel.

College Football Odds: FAU-Michigan State Odds

FAU: +13.5 (-105)

Money line: +430

Michigan State: -13.5 (-115)

Money line: -600

Over: 45.5 (-105)

Under: 45.5 (-115)

How to watch FAU vs Michigan State

Time: 7:00 p.m. ET/ 4:00 p.m. PT

TV: Big Ten Network

Stream: fuboTV (Free Trial)

Why FAU could cover/win the spread

Cam Fancher will be the starting quarterback for FAU. He has spent the last three seasons at Marshall, starting on and off for the last two seasons. During his time at Marshall, he threw for 3,766 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also threw 17 interceptions during that time. Fancher was solid in the running, however, running for 757 yards and five touchdowns during his time at Marshall.

Still, Fancher can't count on many returners at receiver. BJ Alexander is the best returner. He has only ten receptions and 104 yards with one touchdown. They bring in Marlyn Johnson from Buffalo. He has 40 receptions for 495 yards and four touchdowns. Milan Tucker comes from Appalachian State. He had 21 receptions for 305 yards and one touchdown last year. There aren't many returners in the running game either. Zuberi Mobley is the best returner with only 62 yards last year. CJ Campbell comes from Florida State. He had 117 yards and one touchdown last year.

On defense, Marlon Bradley returns. Last year he had three sacks and was one of the league leaders in tackles for loss. He also missed a large portion of last year due to injury. Jackson Ambush is also back. The linebacker led the team last year with 86 tackles. He also had one sack and one interception.

Why Michigan State could cover the spread/profit

Jonathan Smith, who comes from his alma mater, Oregon State, to take over at Michigan State, brings with him quarterback Aidan Chiles. Chiles was the backup to DJ Uiagalelei at Oregon State last year. Chiles threw just 35 passes last year and was successful 24 times. That would be 309 yards and four touchdowns. He also did not throw an interception. In addition, Chiles ran for 79 yards and scored three touchdowns.

In addition to Aiden Chiles, Jack Velling comes from Oregon State. The tight end had 428 yards and eight touchdowns last year. Montorie Foster returns as a receiver for Michigan State. He caught 43 balls for 576 yards and scored three touchdowns. Jaron Glover is also back and caught 14 balls for 261 yards. The running game brings back Nate Carter. Even behind an offensive line that struggled last year, he ran for 798 yards and scored four touchdowns. They also bring in Kay'Ron Lynch-Adams from UMASS. He had 1,157 yards and 12 touchdowns last year.

The defense is led primarily by transfers. Jordan Turner comes from Wisconsin, while Wayne Matthews comes from Old Dominion. Turner had 61 tackles and three sacks as a linebacker last year. Matthews had 135 tackles and 3.5 sacks last year. He also forced three fumbles last year. Dillon Tatum returns to the secondary. He had seven passes defended last year, but failed to make a single interception.

Final FAU-Michigan State Prediction and Pick

Michigan State's defense was terrible last year and will now try to bring a brand new unit into this game. Meanwhile, FAU hasn't been great on defense either. They are replacing a lot of their offensive players this year. Both teams are starting new quarterbacks this year, but Aiden Chiles is expected to be the better quarterback. Still, expect FAU to score in this game. Take them as cover in this game.

Final FAU-Michigan State prediction and pick: FAU +13.5 (-105)