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Michigan State vs Colgate Week 1 Betting Preview
Tom Izzo begins his 31st season with No. 22 Michigan State hosting Colgate on Nov. 3 at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. The Spartans aim to open strong after a 30-win season and Elite Eight run. They lost their top three scorers, but forward Coen Carr, center Carson Cooper, and guard Jeremy Fears Jr. return to anchor the rotation.
Colgate, coming off a 14-19 campaign, looks to reclaim its Patriot League title form. Head coach Matt Langel trusts returning guard Jalen Cox to lead the offense with Parker Jones and Brady Cummins providing secondary scoring. Bettors can follow all early college basketball lines and updates on the NCAA odds page
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Line Movement and Odds
Michigan State opened around a -20.5 spread, -4500 moneyline, and total 146.5. As of Saturday, lines have stayed steady with most public action on the Spartans, while sharper bettors have hit the under. That makes sense considering MSU’s defensive identity and Colgate’s low-tempo offense.
To compare how these odds move against other upcoming matchups, check the full college basketball previews section
Matchup Breakdown
Michigan State Outlook:
Izzo’s roster blends veterans and newcomers, with transfer Trey Fort (14.6 ppg at Samford) adding scoring punch. Michigan State ranked top-10 nationally in defensive efficiency last season, holding opponents to 41 percent shooting. Expect the same physical, half-court pressure that wears down mid-majors.
Colgate Outlook:
Colgate allowed over 74 points per game last season and struggled on the glass, ranking 305th in rebound margin. The Raiders shoot well from outside but face a Spartan defense that limited opponents to 30 percent from three.
For bettors, a key stat: Michigan State went 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games, while Colgate finished 1-6 ATS down the stretch. You can track additional team trends on each squad’s page through the college basketball teams directory
Injuries and Conditions
Michigan State Injury Report: No major absences entering the opener, a good sign for depth and rotation stability. Check the Spartans injury report for any late updates.
Colgate Injury Report: No reported injuries so far, but any late lineup changes will post on the Raiders team page
Best Bets and Prediction
Michigan State’s size and pace control should overwhelm Colgate early. Expect long defensive stretches forcing low-percentage looks. If the Spartans keep turnovers down, they’ll cover comfortably.
Projected Score: Michigan State 86, Colgate 61
Best Bet: Michigan State -20.5
Secondary Lean: Under 146.5
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