This could be the difference between a competitive game and an absolute blowout. Michigan’s front seven has dominated every team its faced this season, basically wire-to-wire. The Spartans, meanwhile, have played one defense that’s even close to this — and Wisconsin demolished them.
MSU has struggled to run the football all season (No. 10 in the Big Ten) and has had a myriad of issues in pass protection. Michigan’s defensive front is active, multiple, athletic and it runs eight deep. If MSU can tread water here, it has a chance. But if not, Michigan should dominate this football game.