Michigan State (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) will face off against Michigan (4-3, 2-2) this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the game being broadcast on BTN. The current betting odds from BetMGM favor Michigan by 3.5 points.
In the historical context, Michigan holds the advantage in their series with a record of 73 wins, 38 losses, and 5 ties.
As both teams vie for potential postseason opportunities, this matchup carries significant implications. The Wolverines, the defending champions, could find themselves in a precarious position if they lose. They will need to secure victories in their remaining three games against top-ranked Oregon, No. 13 Indiana, and No. 4 Ohio State, in addition to defeating Northwestern at home. On the other hand, a win for the Spartans could set them up well to achieve their sixth victory, potentially against Purdue or Rutgers.
A key point of contention in this rivalry will be Michigan’s running game versus Michigan State’s defense. The Wolverines have struggled with their passing game, utilizing three different quarterbacks without success. Consequently, they will likely focus on an aggressive rushing attack. Conversely, the Spartans are allowing an average of 131 rushing yards per game, placing them 12th in the Big Ten and 53rd in the FBS.
Several players stand out as vital components for each team. For Michigan State, wide receiver Nick Marsh has gained attention after being named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the second time. He recorded a career-high of eight receptions for 113 yards in a recent victory over Iowa, and he is just 58 yards shy of breaking the true freshman single-season record set by Cody White in 2017.
On the Michigan side, running back Kalel Mullings is expected to shoulder a significant portion of the responsibilities in their run-focused strategy. With 676 rushing yards on 110 carries and seven touchdowns, Mullings has outperformed teammate Donovan Edwards. His skill set combines powerful runs with unexpected speed, making him a formidable player on the field.
Notable facts include that both teams are being guided by first-year coaches: Michigan’s Sherrone Moore and Michigan State’s Jonathan Smith. The last encounter at Michigan between these two teams resulted in an unfortunate tunnel incident, leading to accusations against seven Spartans and a fine for Michigan State over player conduct. Moreover, Michigan’s record this season mirrors the total number of losses they faced in the previous three years combined under ex-coach Jim Harbaugh. Meanwhile, Michigan State is on the cusp of exceeding last year’s win total, a feat that would come under the leadership of interim coach Harlon Barnett following the firing of Mel Tucker.