Michigan Football vs. Michigan State: GBM Staff Predictions

Oct 3, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) runs the ball on a quarterback keeper during the 2nd half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

CRAIG PETERSON

I’m going against the grain and picking Michigan State: 27, Michigan: 17, and here’s why…

For starters, I’m assuming my fellow staff writers are going to pick Michigan so this gives me the best chance to pick up a “win.” I’m also picking with my head and not my heart. I want to buy into the Michigan hype this year and I want to believe that this defense makes the Wolverines a legitimate contender in 2015 but we haven’t faced a quarterback like Connor Cook yet this season. The Spartans will come into this game with something to prove — as they have done the last several years under coach Mark Dantonio — and I worry about this Michigan offense. It hasn’t had to play from behind really since Week 1 against Utah and the Spartans will certainly put up points in this one, so if Jake Rudock has to go shot-for-shot with Cook I don’t think it bodes well for the Wolverines.

Next: Mike Moeller UM: 17, MSU: 10