Online sportsbooks had high hopes for the 2009 Michigan State Spartans as they were coming off a 9-4 season and were touted in college football picks as a team that could upset Ohio State for the Big Ten title. Unfortunately the Spartans reverted back to their traditional inconsistent and undisciplined ways to finish 6-7 straight up and with just 4 payouts in college football betting odds. The season ended with a 31-41 Alamo Bowl loss to Texas Tech. Michigan State opened at online sportsbooks a 27-1 choice to win the championship in 2011 BCS odds and a 10-1 favorite to win the Big Ten conference.

Looking ahead to 2010 college football picks, the Spartans could experience a solid rebound season this year as they have 7 starters back on offense led by junior quarterback Kirk Cousins, who threw for 2,680 yards and a 19/9 TD/INT ratio last year. The defense returns 6 starters and must improve from the 26-points per game of last season. Trouble came early last year for Michigan State when they were upset at home in week two by Central Michigan which was followed by another loss in college football odds at Notre Dame. After a loss at Wisconsin to fall to 1-3 the Spartans beat hated Michigan in overtime at home to begin salvaging their season.

Head coach Mark Dantonio begins his fourth season at East Lansing with the best team that he has fielded from a talent standpoint. Unfortunately, a brutal schedule that is one of the toughest in the country could prevent a potential breakout year in college football picks. The Big Ten portion of the slate includes road games at double revenge seeking Michigan, pesky Northwestern, along with top contenders Iowa and Penn State. Wisconsin looks to be the toughest conference home game while Notre Dame will be a tough non conference game at East Lansing. If the Spartans can reclaim the discipline of their first 2 seasons under Dantonio they should make a bowl and have an improved record.