COLUMN: Student predicts Michigan vs Michigan State game

Michigan State(4-5) vs #14 Michigan(7-2)- 12 p.m. on FOX

This will be the 112th meeting between Michigan State and Michigan, and the 66th meeting with the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Michigan leads the entire series 70-36-5, however Michigan State has owned this decade. Even going back, to 2008 Michigan State has won eight of the last 11 meetings between Michigan. Michigan owns the longest winning streak at 14 games from 1926-1939. But, both teams are looking to beat their bitter rival and claim the Paul Bunyan Trophy. 

The Michigan State Spartans are traveling to Ann Arbor for the historic battle for Paul Bunyan Trophy. Michigan opens up as 13.5 point favorites, according to the ESPN Power Index. Michigan won last years matchup 21-7 and will be looking to beat Michigan State two years in a row for the first time since 2006-2007. Michigan State is looking to reclaim the Paul Bunyan Trophy and win nine of the last dozen games. Both teams need this win for different reasons. Michigan needs this win to keep their slim chances of winning the Big Ten alive while, Michigan State needs this win just to get their season back on track. 

The key for Michigan to win this game is to avoid turnovers. Michigan averaged over two turnovers in the first six games of the season in which mainly cost them their two loses on the season. If Michigan wants to win, they need to limit the turnovers and win the turnover battle.

The key for Michigan State win this game is the run game. Michigan’s front seven isn’t what they used to be and they definitely have a weakness in stopping the run game. Michigan is allowing 112.7 yards a game and is something Michigan State needs to take advantage of it. Whoever has more rushing yards in this series usually wins the game so it’ll be important to have a strong run game and to let Lewerke ease into the game. 

Michigan is the more talented team, and it seems like an easy bet to pick the Wolverines However, almost every time these two teams play it’s always close; it’s always chippy and it’s always physical. Michigan State will play like there’s no tomorrow. Michigan State will come out with a chip on its shoulder and Dantonio will have the Spartans ready to play, especially if the rumors are true and this is his last season. The talent of Michigan will be too much and Shea Patterson will target the Spartans injured secondary to put the game away in the fourth.

Michigan 27-Michigan State 14