The Michigan Wolverines face the Michigan State Spartans in the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy.
While the 2014 season has unfolded very differently for each team, igniting this fierce rivalry puts the previous seven weeks in the rearview mirror for the time being.
Records:
Michigan: 3-4 (1-2 Big Ten)
Michigan State: 6-1 (3-0 Big Ten)
Last Meeting: Michigan State won 29-6 in 2013
Key Stat: The team with the most rushing yards has won 41 of 44 games in this rivalry.
Michigan Outlook: The Wolverines took a slim victory over Penn State last week, getting back on track after a few rough games.
Devin Gardner is back under center and playing better - completing 16/24 passes last week - but still has room for improvement.
The defense has been solid however, allowing just 21.4 points per game this season.
Michigan State Outlook: The Spartans rank #8 in the nation coming into this game. At 3-0 in the Big Ten, they are in a position to extend their lead over Ohio State (2-0) before the two matchup next week.
Quarterback Connor Cook has thrown for over 1,600 yards and 16 scores this season, leading the offense to score 40+ points in all but two games this year.
What to watch for: Who can establish a running game in this matchup? The team that has had the most success running the ball in this rivalry has been the team to come out on top.
Both teams can put up points through the air, but establishing a ground attack will be the single most effective strategy to victory.
What they're saying - Michigan:
Inside the Numbers: Win the Ground, Win the Game (Maize N Brew)
Michigan still searching to create more turnovers (MLive.com)
What they're saying - Michigan St.:
Michigan State confident it can win rushing battle (MLive.com)
Connor Cook "it's going to be a blood bath" (Spartan Nation)
Prediction:
Michigan - 24, Michigan State - 37
The Spartans have the upperhand on paper, but a rivalry like this always brings out the best in both teams.
Michigan State should hold off a Wolverines team that is still looking for consistency on the offensive side of the ball, as the Spartans have averaged over 40 points per game this season.
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