“Cut!”

OK, everyone, that was a solid opening performance, but it is time for the second scene of Act I. The first scene went well, although we could use a little more rehearsal and polish before the real opening night next weekend.

Scene 2 features a new supporting cast, but a familiar script. It is another chance to sharpen the execution, blocking, and timing before the more challenging material later in the show.

Once again, there should be plenty of movement, but it must come with purpose and intention. Hit those lines with intensity, listen for your cues, communicate clearly, and do not miss an entrance. Finish your assignments and avoid improvising at the wrong time.

The theme here is familiar, too, except this scene is more avian and less aerospace. What is it with flight in this production? And why do the next few scenes introduce cranky Irishmen, agricultural day laborers, and literal wild animals? Who wrote this show?

No matter. The show must go on, and I am confident you can get through this scene with minimal mistakes. If you do, some of the understudies may get a little stage time, too.

All right, places, everyone! Break a leg!

On second thought, please do not break a leg. Seriously. It is just an expression. No broken legs this weekend. Let us get through this scene with everyone healthy.

Got it? Good.

"Action!"

Will Michigan State Stay Perfect Against Eastern Michigan?

Saturday's contest marks the 11th time that the Michigan State Spartans have faced the Eastern Michigan Eagles. The teams met three times prior to 1900 and seven additional times since 1996. The Spartans are a perfect 10-0 in that span.

Michigan State also has a strong record against the spread (ATS) versus Eastern. The Spartans are 4-1 ATS since 2002, having only failed to cover the 31-point spread in 2012. In all five of those most recent contests, Michigan State was at least a 21-point favorite.

This year, the Spartans opened as 17.5-point favorites, and the line has remained within a point of that mark. That translates to just under a 90% chance of a Michigan State win straight up and gives Eastern Michigan its best odds against the Spartans since the 1800s.

Both ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) and the SP+ model project a slightly larger Michigan State win, by about 19 points. My model, however, is slightly more pessimistic.

For the final cut, my computer projects a 14.4-point margin and a final score of Michigan State 31, Eastern Michigan 17. That result would put the combined score just under the current total of 49.5 points.

My official prediction is therefore to take the under and Eastern Michigan against the spread.

Big Ten Overview

Table 1 gives a full summary of the Big Ten action in Week 2, including my projected scores, the opening point spreads, and the computers' projected point differentials.

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