Michigan State had a wonderful start to the Pat Fitzgerald era with a 30-20 win over Toledo – the Michigan issues with Western Michigan weren’t a bad part of the equation, either.
But this is a rebuild; it’s going to take a little while, and there are plenty of things to work on when Eastern Michigan comes to town looking for a program-changing upset.
Michigan State vs Eastern Michigan: Quick Hits
- Eastern Michigan started the season with a win over Sacramento State, but lost last week at home 27-21 to San Jose State.
- Michigan State is 7-0 all-time against Eastern Michigan, and none of the games were remotely close. The Spartans won by an average of 49 to 9.
- Eastern Michigan goes to Wisconsin next. Michigan State has to deal with a trip to Notre Dame.
How To Watch Michigan State vs Eastern Michigan
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: BTN
Location: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
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Why Eastern Michigan Will Win
Michigan State needs to get working on its running game. It struggled to move the ball on the ground against Toledo, averaging just over three yards per carry, and Eastern Michigan has to sell out to hold up when the Spartans try to get physical.The Eagle run defense has been terrific so far, allowing just 3.5 yards per carry in the first two games.
Why Michigan State Will Win
Yes, the Spartans have to get the ground game working, and they have to do a better job of closing out drives with scores, but they showed a bit of what the program will be like under Fitzgerald.Toledo is a good team, and Michigan State was able to hold the ball for over 43 minutes. There weren’t any turnovers, and the penalties were kept to a minimum. Eastern Michigan needs the Spartans to screw up, and that’s not going to happen.
Michigan State vs Eastern Michigan Prediction, Betting Lines
Michigan State will come out firing again.It knows it can throw, with Alessio Milivojevic completing a crisp 26-of-34 passes against Toledo. This is the game to hammer away.
Sacramento State didn’t do much running against the Eagles, and San Jose State won through the air. Michigan State will run 50 times, and it should push well past 200 yards in a strong win.
Michigan State 38, Eastern Michigan 13
Latest Consensus Line: Michigan State -17.5, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.