College Football Picks: Michigan State Spartans vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Michigan State Spartans rank second among opponents in all-time victories over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, which is important to consider when making your college football picks Saturday, as the two teams meet up at Notre Dame Stadium.

Sports bettors will find that the Spartans are 4.5-point road underdogs in the NCAA football odds, with the betting total sitting at 42 in the market.

Let's take a closer look at this non-conference matchup from a betting perspective, while offering up a prediction along the way.

Gambling stats via SBR Forum

Michigan State Spartans

Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

The Michigan State Spartans have won their first three games of the 2013 campaign—led by a defense that ranks first in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in total yards allowed.

College football handicappers will find that the Spartans are 7-2 against the spread as an underdog over the last two-plus seasons.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 10-1 in their last 11 games decided by seven or fewer points, including a 31-24 victory over the Purdue Boilermakers as 17-point road favorites last Saturday.

Over the last two-plus seasons, the Fighting Irish are 2-0 straight up and against the spread as home favorites of 3.5 to seven points.

Prediction

I'm going to recommend that readers back the Michigan State Spartans, as they've covered the number in seven of their last eight trips to Notre Dame Stadium.

College Football Pick: Michigan State Spartans +4.5

Follow on Twitter: @JeffGrantSports