Michigan Football vs. Michigan State: GBM Staff Predictions

Oct 10, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Anthony Cioffi (31) takes down Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) during the third quarter at High Points Solutions Stadium. Michigan State Spartans defeats Rutgers Scarlet Knights 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

CHRIS GIBBONS

Michigan: 21, Michigan State: 14, and here’s why…

Unlike years past, Michigan State’s strength lies in their offense and even that has struggled at times. The Spartans’ offensive line has been a revolving door of names due to injury and had a terrible performance last week against Rutgers’ defensive line. Michigan has a much better defense and should be able to kill the run and pressure Connor Cook. Cook is one of the best quarterbacks in the conference and will make plays but this defense can stop them. Michigan State’s defense isn’t the powerhouse it has been in recent years and its secondary has been bad. Even if Michigan’s offense takes a step back from last week, it will still be able to make plays through the air. I’m counting on the Spartans to play better than they did against Purdue and Rutgers because this is a rivalry game but Michigan will capitalize in the end.

Next: Tyler Fenwick UM: 28, MSU: 10