Pittsburgh and Michigan State get set to face off in the Peach Bowl after very successful seasons. It's time to continue our college football odds series with a Pittsburgh-Michigan State prediction and pick.

No. 12 Pittsburgh might just have the first quarterback selected in next year's NFL Draft. Because of that, he will not play against Michigan State to prepare for the draft. Kenny Pickett opened many eyes this year as he ended with 4,319 passing yards and 42 touchdowns. He even forced the NCAA committee to change a rule that he surfaced the internet with. The Panthers will desperately miss his presence. They finished the year 11-2 but could've been 12-1 if it weren't for the fourth-quarter collapse in the loss against Western Michigan in Week 3. Pittsburgh found a way to bounce back and win the ACC Championship against Wake Forest. The Panthers now have their toughest opponent yet in Michigan State on Thursday.

Michigan State's undefeated season was ruined by Purdue when they lost 40-29 after beating No. 6 Michigan 37-33. Two weeks later Ohio State crushed them 56-7 to end their chances at a National Championship run. The offense is led by running back Kenneth Walker III who finished the season with 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns. He could very well be one of the top running backs taken in the NFL Draft, so he will not play in the Peach Bowl to prepare. He was the only running back to find the end zone this season for the Spartans. Quarterback Payton Thorne will need to take control and find ways to score against Pittsburgh. It's going to be interesting to see how both of these teams play without their stars in offense.

Here is how FanDuel set the Pittsburgh-Michigan State line for the Peach Bowl.

College Football Odds: Pittsburgh-Michigan State Odds

Pittsburgh: +2.5 (-105)

Michigan State: -2.5 (-115)

Over: 56 (-110)

Under: 56 (-110)

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Why Pittsburgh Could Cover The Spread

Backup quarterback Nick Patti completed 12 passes for 140 yards this season. He will be the starter for this game in Pickett's absence. The offense will still look pretty similar as sophomore Jordan Addison will be playing at receiver. He led the team with 1,479 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. If Patti can get Addison the ball on a regular basis then they should be just fine in the passing game. The run game will feature multiple backs like usual and so if they stick to the game plan, they will have a chance to cover this spread. The offense averaged 43 points per game but a lot of it was in part of Pickett. If the defense can stop the run then they will keep it close in the end. Pittsburgh is 10-3 against the spread this year.

Why Michigan State Could Cover The Spread

This is going to be a tough task for the Michigan State offense without their top running back. They will need to rely on the backups Jordon Simmons and Elijah Collins to step up and try to fill that void. Thorne is the third leading rusher for the Spartans and in this situation, it's not a good thing. Jayden Reed led the team with 53 catches and 946 yards with eight touchdowns on the season. If he and the receiving corp step up and make it easier for Thorne, then they will have a good chance of winning this game. Pittsburgh only allowed 91 rushing yards per game so the Spartans will need to establish the run and make it a priority. Michigan State is 8-3-1 against the spread and is the favorite in this game.

Final Pittsburgh-Michigan State Prediction & Pick

I'm going to take Michigan State to cover this spread and just barely sneak by Pittsburgh. I have a feeling it's going to be a close game and one that will go down to the wire. Pittsburgh doesn't get enough credit on defense because their offense was so stellar. The defense will keep them in this game but I believe Michigan State has the experience to push them through this game. Without Walker III, the offense will struggle at times but I expect them to get the job done.

Final Pittsburgh-Michigan State Prediction & Pick: Michigan State -2.5 (-115)