Michigan Wolverines football vs. Michigan State projected spread in 2023

The 2023 Michigan Wolverines football season is set to kick off in less than 60 days on September 2nd when ECU comes to Ann Arbor for opening weekend. The Maize and Blue have won back-to-back Big Ten titles and appeared in the College Football Playoff twice in a row. Heading into the new season, Michigan is expected to be in contention for yet another conference championship and perhaps even a national title. Recently, The Action Network released its projected 2023 betting lines, with the Wolverines opening as nearly a 20-point favorite over their in-state rival, the Michigan State Spartans.

Michigan Wolverines football favored by nearly 20 points against Michigan State in projected betting lines

Last year, the Michigan Wolverines football team finished the season with a record of 13-1, while the Michigan State Spartans ended with a 5-7 record, marking the second losing season for Mel Tucker in three years as head coach in East Lansing. During Michigan’s impressive season last fall, they defeated Michigan State by a margin of 22 points in Ann Arbor, securing their fourth victory over the Spartans during Jim Harbaugh’s eight seasons as head coach.

As the 2023 season approaches, Michigan football is expected to continue progressing, while the Spartans are projected to face further setbacks. This year will be the Wolverines’ first visit to East Lansing since the 2021 season when Michigan State defeated them 37-33, during Mel Tucker’s only winning season with the team.

Recently, The Action Network released projected 2023 college football betting lines, which included the matchup between Michigan football and Michigan State. Although these lines are not official, it is anticipated that the Wolverines will open as 19.5-point favorites against their in-state rivals this year, possibly marking Harbaugh’s first road win over Michigan State since the 2018 season when the Wolverines emerged victorious by a margin of 14 points.

Currently, Jim Harbaugh holds a 2-1 record against the Spartans in East Lansing, but his overall record of 4-4 against MSU is seen as a slight blemish on his coaching resume. This year, Harbaugh will aim to even up his series with Mel Tucker and take the lead in their overall head-to-head matchups, as he strives for another Big Ten title and a berth in the College Football Playoff.

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