Eastern Michigan vs Michigan St. Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 12 2026

The Eastern Michigan Eagles travel to Spartan Stadium in East Lansing to face the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday, September 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET on Big Ten Network. Eastern Michigan is 1-1 after losing 27-21 to San Jose State, while Michigan State opened the Pat Fitzgerald era with a 30-20 victory over Toledo. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. Before placing your wagers, check out our free college football picks for more predictions throughout the season.

Eastern Michigan Falls Short Against San Jose State

Eastern Michigan carried a 21-17 advantage into the fourth quarter against San Jose State before allowing 10 unanswered points in the 27-21 loss. The Eagles were outgained 453-281 and converted only three of 16 third-down attempts.

Noah Kim completed 24 of 43 passes for 174 yards, one touchdown and one interception. A.J. Blue provided the biggest offensive play with a 50-yard touchdown run and finished with 81 rushing yards. Eastern Michigan generated 107 yards on the ground overall.

The Eagles need more efficiency through the air against Michigan State. Eastern Michigan averaged only four yards per pass attempt against San Jose State, and consistently facing third-and-long situations would allow the Spartans to dictate the game defensively.

Michigan State Controls Its Season Opener

Michigan State defeated Toledo 30-20 in Fitzgerald's debut, producing 397 total yards and controlling possession for an incredible 43:16. The Spartans ran 83 offensive plays compared with only 41 for Toledo and finished with a 26-10 advantage in first downs.

Alessio Milivojevic threw for 247 yards, while Cam Edwards rushed for 98 yards and Rodney Bullard Jr. led the receiving corps with 90 yards. Michigan State also produced 150 rushing yards and converted six third downs.

The Spartans settled for five field goals against Toledo, leaving some points on the field despite dominating possession. Finishing drives will be important, but Michigan State should again have opportunities to control the football against an Eastern Michigan defense that just surrendered 453 yards.

E. Michigan vs Michigan St. Picks and Prediction

Pick: Michigan State -14.5 or Better

With a conventional line not consistently available yet, Michigan State -14.5 or better is my target. The Spartans controlled Toledo for more than 43 minutes and generated 397 yards, while Eastern Michigan was outgained by 172 yards against San Jose State. If Michigan State improves its red-zone efficiency, the Spartans should create significant separation at home. Take Michigan State if the spread is 14.5 or lower.

Pick: Under 51.5

For the total, Under 51.5 is my target. Michigan State's ability to sustain long possessions should reduce the number of opportunities available to Eastern Michigan, while the Eagles managed only 281 yards against San Jose State. The Spartans also relied heavily on field goals against Toledo. Something around 31-14 or 34-14 fits the matchup. Take Under 51.5 or higher.

Final Picks: Michigan State -14.5 or better and Under 51.5 or higher