Frustrating runs by a talented rusher, untimely miscues by freshmen, and very questionable refereeing decisions all played a part in last season’s disappointment in East Lansing, but when the Michigan Wolverines host their rivals this Saturday the story is likely to be much different.
It is hard to make too many definitive statements in games against Michigan State, but the numbers are undeniably one-sided coming into this edition of the bitter rivalry. Michigan’s playoff aspirations are still very much alive, while year two under Mel Tucker has gone even worse than expected. This weekend is more or less the only thing left for the Spartans to play for.