This is an opinion piece from MLive.com reporter Matt Wenzel
The rough draft of the script was shaping up to be a throwback.
Michigan State would, by the midpoint of the season, be eliminated from contending for anything more substantial than a mediocre bowl game.
Michigan, ranked in the top 10, would be expected to dominate its in-state rival.
It meant the Spartans could define their season by claiming bragging rights and ownership of the Paul Bunyan Trophy for a year.
That, basically, was the backdrop for Michigan vs. Michigan State for years and it was trending in that direction this season until the Spartans came back from the dead with a 21-17 upset win at then-No.