Michigan vs. Michigan State in Game Predictions, Spreads and Odds

The in-state rivalry is finally here. Michigan vs. Michigan State is always a game that has the whole state on the edge of their seats, and with good reason. This year, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about this game for both teams’ fans!

Michigan will need to rely on its defense if it wants to win this game. The offense just hasn’t been clicking like it should be, which is worrisome considering they’re facing one of the best defenses in the country. They’ll have some help from running back Ty Isaac who can break through any hole he sees with his size and speed combination. On the other side of things, Michigan State’s offensive line needs to do a better job protecting quarterback Brian Lewerke. Lewerke has had some very difficult moments in the past few games, but Michigan State should be able to pull through with a strong ground game led by LJ Scott this weekend.

Michigan State’s defense will need to shut down Karan Higdon if they want to win the game. If Higdon is able to rack up some yardage, it’ll help open up the passing game. Also, they’ll have to try and contain quarterback Wilton Speight who has been thrown around pretty frequently over the past few weeks. If the defense can put together a solid performance in this one, Michigan State will come out victorious in what should be an extremely close game!

Coach Harbaugh’s team is going to try and bully us around, Dantonio said. That’s what they want to do, but we’re not going to let that happen.

The first year of the Jim Harbaugh era hasn’t been too kind to Michigan fans. They’ve dropped two games so far against top opponents and can’t seem to find their footing on either side of the ball. For Michigan State, they managed to hold serve and beat a few teams that many people thought they wouldn’t be able to (i.e. Wisconsin and BYU). With the exception of the first quarter of each game, Michigan dominated Northwestern in all three phases of the game; it looks like the Spartans will need to do the same if they want to win on Saturday.

Michigan State’s defense is going to have one of their best days ever, but it still won’t be good enough for them to top the Wolverines. The reason Michigan has struggled this season is because they haven’t been able to put together solid performances in all three phases of the game. If they want to win this game, they’ll have to score some points and play some better defense on Saturday afternoon.

We’ve been accused of being old-fashioned in our ways here at Michigan State, Dantonio said. I guess that’s a compliment as far as I’m concerned, but what we’re going to do is just focus on what we have to do each and every day. In the end, that’s how you’ve got to approach it.

Michigan State will need to contain Karan Higdon if they want a shot at winning this game. If he can break off some long runs early in the game, the offense will have a much easier time moving the ball. Also, they’ll need to do a better job of protecting quarterback Brian Lewerke against what might be the best defense in the country. If this happens, Michigan State will have a great shot at pulling off an upset on Saturday.