Michigan Football: 5 predictions for Wolverines against Michigan State

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 11: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines reacts during the second half of the game against the Washington Huskies at Michigan Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines won 31-10. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 11: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines reacts during the second half of the game against the Washington Huskies at Michigan Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines won 31-10. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Michigan football takes part in what could be the defining game of its season on Saturday and here are five predictions for the Wolverines against Sparty. 

It really doesn’t get much bigger than Michigan football and Michigan State, especially not when both teams are undefeated and ranked in the top-10.

These programs absolutely hate each other. There’s no doubt about that and the fanbases probably like each other even less.

While the Ohio State Buckeyes are Michigan football’s No. 1 rival and the team it plays in “The Game” — Michigan State isn’t far behind and the intensity is on the same level.

Both programs have something to prove too. They are each 7-0 but need this win to show they are a viable contender in the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff.

We have dissected it all week and will continue to right up until kickoff, but here are our five predictions for Michigan football and Michigan State.

Michigan football wins the running battle

This is paramount in this rivalry. The team that runs for more yards almost always wins and while Michigan State has Kenneth Walker III, a legit Heisman contender, Michigan has a two-headed monster in Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins, plus one of the best offensive lines in the country.

I’ll feel much better about this prediction if Zak Zinter is able to play. But the offensive line has been solid, no matter who has played and I expect more of the same Saturday.

I also expect Haskins and Corum to touch the ball a lot. We are talking 30-40 times in an ideal world and that’s the recipe for Michigan football to win this game. Ground and pound.

The same can be said for Michigan State but the Wolverines front is better than any the Spartans have faced and while Walker is special, he will be limited and held under 100.