Michigan, Michigan State Rivalry Game Saturday in East Lansing

Michigan visits East Lansing in a rematch of last year’s classic encounter that saw Michigan State prevail after returning a muffed Wolverines punt for a touchdown as time expired. This contest figures to be radically different as the Wolverines enter play unbeaten and the No. 2 team in the country while Michigan State is reeling with a 2-5 record.

Coach Jim Harbaugh has his squad playing like a well-oiled machine as Michigan has outscored its seven opponents by an average of almost 39 points per game. Only one team (Colorado, who scored 28 points) has mustered more than 14 points against the Wolverines. Michigan completely shut down Illinois last week, holding the Illini to 172 total yards in a 41-8 destruction. The Wolverines were brutally effective on the ground Saturday, rushing for 270 yards and 3 touchdowns. Quarterback Wilton Speight also enjoyed a prosperous outing as he threw for 253 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Even at home, beating Michigan will be a tall order for a Spartans team that has lost five consecutive games, including last Saturday when Michigan State fell to Maryland 28-17. The Spartans’ rushing attack was effective against the Terrapins, as it ran for 270 yards on 44 carries (a 6.1 yard per carry average) and 2 touchdowns. Quarterback Brian Lewerke struggled, though, as he completed only 11 of 24 passes for only 156 yards and no touchdowns. He also tossed an interception.

Kickoff time: 12 p.m. ET
TV and radio: ESPN, Local listings
Point spread: Michigan is favored by 20.5 points, according to scores and odds.
Tickets: Tickets are available at Stubhub.com.

Photo of Spartan Stadium by Betsy Weber via Flickr Commons