Rivalry games don’t get much better than undefeated top-10 matchups, and there’s no love lost between the No. 6 Michigan Wolverines and the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans. The winner not only gets bragging rights but takes over the top spot in the Big Ten East at 5-0. Kickoff at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing is set for Noon on Saturday with ESPN’s College Gameday in town and a national audience on FOX.
This rivalry for the Paul Bunyan Trophy dates back to 1898, and the Wolverines hold a 71-37-5 advantage. The last time both teams were in the top 10 when they faced off was 1964, and this marks the first time both teams are 7-0 or better when they play. Last year Michigan State won 27-24, and the Wolverines won the last game played in East Lansing in 2018.
Wolverines
Michigan is 6-1 against the spread this season, and the under is 4-3 in their seven games. The Wolverines are off to their best start since 2016 at 7-0. The run game ranks fifth in the nation at 253.3 yards per game, and Michigan is 15th in the country at 37.7 points per game.
The Wolverines defense has also been outstanding, ranking second in the country in scoring defense (14.3 ppg) and 11th in total yards (298.1 ypg). They have allowed just 115 rushing yards per contest through the first seven games.
Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins lead the Michigan run game this season. Corum has 729 yards with a 6.3 average per carry and ten touchdowns. Haskins also has ten touchdowns rushing to go with 602 yards and a 4.9 average.
Cade McNamara has completed 63 percent of his passes this season but averages just 7.6 yards per pass, 61st in the nation. He has 1,115 yards to go with five touchdowns and one interception.
Cornelius Johnson is the top target with 17 receptions for 312 yards and three touchdowns. Daylen Baldwin has 12 catches for 219 yards and two scores, while tight end Erick All has 16 catches for 157 yards.
Spartans
Michigan State is 5-0-2 against the spread in 2021, and the under is 4-3 in their seven games. The Spartans offense averages 453 yards per game, 202 on the ground. They are 30th in the country at 34.3 points per game but scored just 20 points in their last game at Indiana.
The defense has been middle of the road in most categories, but they do rank 20th allowing just 18.7 points per game. The rush defense allows 120 yards per game, but teams have passed for 286 yards per contest against the Spartans this season.
Wake Forest transfer Kenneth Walker is the key for the Spartans. He is second in the country with 997 rushing yards this season and has nine touchdowns on the ground.
Payton Thorne has thrown for 1,701 yards with a 61.2 completion percentage on the season. He has 15 touchdowns passing, two rushing, and four interceptions.
Jaylen Reed is the Spartans big-play threat as he averages 20.8 yards per catch. On the season, he has 27 receptions and five touchdowns. Jalen Nailor is right behind Reed with 27 catches for 512 yards and six touchdowns, while Tre Mosley has 21 catches for 321 yards.
Betting Analysis
- Michigan Wolverines -4 (-105). -195 Money line
- Michigan State Spartans +4 (-115). +165 Money line
- Total points: 50. Over -120, Under +100
Michigan is 2-11 ATS in the last 13 against the Spartans, and MSU is 4-2 straight up against Jim Harbaugh, despite being the underdog each time. The Spartans Achilles heel may be themselves as they rank 117th in the nation in penalty yardage, and those plays could be the difference against a top 10 team. Look for the Wolverines to go after the Spartans’ shaky secondary and do more than run the ball.
Betting Pick: Michigan -4 (-105)
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