There isn’t a hotter team in the nation than Michigan. The Wolverines lost a tough battle with Utah in the season opener (which looks better and better every week as the Utes remain undefeated and have climbed into the No. 4 spot in the AP Top 25), and haven’t allowed an opponent to score more than seven points in a game since. Actually, no one has scored a single point against Michigan since Week 3 as the Wolverines have rolled to shutout victories over BYU, Maryland and Northwestern.
Most though Jim Harbaugh would make a big impact in Ann Arbor, but did we really expect this? Michigan has the nation’s best scoring defense (6.3 points per game) and ranks second to Boston College in total defense (181.3 total yards) and has played a much tougher schedule than BC. Now, Michigan is a touchdown favorite over Michigan State – who was ranked No. 2 in the nation just a few of weeks ago.
The Spartans are still a very good football team – they haven’t lost a game, after all. However, they have been disappointing in closer-than-expected victories over Purdue (24-21) and Rutgers (31-24) over the last two weeks, and the 31-28 win over Oregon in Week 2 looks worse by the week aver the Ducks were blown out by Utah and lost to Washington State. In fact, Michigan State is 0-6 this season against the spread.
But, that doesn’t mean the Spartans won’t go into the Big House and come out with a victory. Quarterback Conner Cook is one of the most talented signal callers in the nation and he has completed 97 of 162 pass attempts (59.9 percent) for 1,334 yards this season. He’s also taken care of the football. Cook has thrown only two interceptions, and the offensive line has only allowed him to be sacked four times. Top target Aaron Burbridge (34 receptions, 560 yards, 4 TD) can stretch the defense, and Michigan State can also run the football with L.J. Scott (418 yards, 6 TD) and Madre London (399 yards, 3 TD).
Expect Michigan State to snap the Wolverines’ three-game shutout streak, and don’t be shocked if Michigan’s five-game winning streak also comes to an end.
Next: LSU