Aside from the obvious renewal of the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry, Saturday’s game at Spartan Stadium is littered with fascinating subplots.
The U-M cornerbacks against the MSU wide receivers following last year’s air raid in Ann Arbor. Mel Tucker rebuilding the Spartans while the possibility of his departure looms. Jim Harbaugh rebuilding the Wolverines while he does everything he can to stay. The right to remain undefeated in pursuit of a berth in the Big Ten title game and, potentially, the College Football Playoff.
Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson added another layer Tuesday when asked about his relationship with former U-M linebacker Ben VanSumeren, who entered the transfer portal in mid-February and committed to MSU a week later.