Spartans v. Buckeyes a Vegas preview

Adreian Payne could play a huge role in tonight's match up (AP Photo)

The #12 Michigan State Spartans (19-5) and the #3 Ohio State Buckeyes (21-3) face off in a big-time battle at Value City Arena tonight at 6:00pm EST on ESPN. First place will be on the line in this B1G match up.

Ohio State is coming in as an 8 point favorite (-8) with the over/under at 129.

Michigan State was a 77-57 winner in their most recent game at home against Penn State. The Spartans covered the 14.5-point spread as favorites.

Ohio State was an 87-84 winner in their most game at home against Purdue. The Buckeyes failed to cover the 14.5-point spread as favorites. The Buckeyes are 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Michigan State. The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 6 games when playing Michigan State.

Michigan State at a glance: (SU = Straight Up, ATS = Against the Spread)
Team record: 19-5 SU, 15-7 ATS
Current streak: won 2 straight games.

The Spartans are 6-13 SU in their last 19 games on the road.

When playing on the Saturday the Spartans are 5-5 and 6-4 before playing Wisconsin.
Recently after playing Penn State, MSU is 8-2.
After a win this year they are 8-2.

Next up:
Michigan State home to Wisconsin, Thursday, February 16

For an in-depth look at the numbers go to the Spartan Daily Lines page.

Ohio State at a glance: (SU = Straight Up, ATS = Against the Spread)

Team record: 21-3 SU, 12-8 ATS
Current streak: won 6 straight games.

Ohio State is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games and also 5-0 SU the last 5 home games.

The Buckeyes are 7-3 when playing on Saturday.
Before playing Minnesota are the Buckeyes are 9-1 and after playing Purdue are 8-2.
After a win this year they are 8-2.

Next up:
Ohio State at Minnesota, Tuesday, February 14