Michigan Football vs Michigan State: How to watch, storylines and more
Michigan Football and Michigan State will play for the Paul Bunyan Trophy tonight in Ann Arbor. Here is all you need to know before kickoff.
There is always plenty of anticipation before Michigan football takes on Michigan State. But with the game being held tonight in the Big House, there seems to be even more excitement surrounding the heated rivalry.
Related Story: Michigan vs MSU: 3 Predictions
When it comes down to it, Michigan and Michigan State don’t like each other. Over the past few years, Michigan football has asserted itself as the dominant program in the state again, a point the Wolverines will want to hammer home with a win tonight.
But, Michigan also remembers the last time the Spartans came to Ann Arbor. We all know what happened that day back in 2015, so no need to talk about it further.
With Michigan at 4-0 and Michigan State at 3-1, it’s an important game early in the season. It’s also a game that the Wolverines can’t afford to lose if they want to be in the playoff race and contend for the Big Ten title. It will also probably be Michigan’s toughest test since the season opener against Florida.
Game Info
Game 5: Michigan vs Michigan State
When: 7:30 PM EST
Where: Michigan Stadium (The Big House)
TV: ABC
Streaming: WatchESPN
Radio: WWJ (950 AM) in Detroit
Spread: Michigan -10
Who are the Spartans?
Michigan State comes in 3-1. The Spartans first two wins came over MAC opponents Bowling Green 35-10 and Western Michigan 28-14. MSU also lost to Notre Dame 38-18 before knocking off Iowa last week 17-10 in East Lansing.
Like Michigan football, the Spartans rely on defense. They have the third best defense in the Big Ten, as well as the fourth best rushing offense. Defense and running the football will be the key for an upset to be possible. The turnover battle will also be key. The Spartans have just one interception and one forced fumble coming in, that will need to change against UM.
This Week’s Coverage
If you want a more in-depth look at Michigan State, our Peter Arango sizes up the Spartans.
Also, I breakdown one of big questions heading into the week, looking at how John O’Korn will hold up as the starting quarterback. He played well against Purdue, but this Michigan State defense should offer him a much tougher challenge.
Hopefully, the senior who threw for 270 yards and one touchdown against the Boilermakers will be up for the challenge. In another post, our Marshall Johnson looked at how the Wolverines could improve during the bye week.
Our other editor, Ty Fenwick, took the time to examine the state of the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State. And finally, here are some predictions for tonight’s game.
Next: Top 10 Michigan Running Backs of All Time
Ultimately, there is a reason why the Wolverines are a double-digit favorite. However, the Spartans are more than capable of making it close and even winning. Either way, expect plenty of defense and physical play. This should be fun.