College football Week 8 games of the week: Battle of ACC unbeatens on tap

College football Week 8 games of the week: Clemson-NC State in a battle of ACC unbeatens

CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 15: Trevor Lawrence (16) quarterback Clemson University Tigers throws a pass during action between Georgia Southern and Clemson on September 15, 2018, at Clemson Memorial Stadium in Clemson S.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 13: Shea Patterson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts to a a Karan Higdon #22 first half touchdown while playing the Wisconsin Badgers on October 13, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

(6) Michigan at (24) Michigan State – 12:00 p.m. ET – FOX

Michigan State has won eight of the last 10 games against Michigan and look to stay hot after upsetting Penn State last weekend.

The Spartans will field the best defense Michigan has faced since losing to Notre Dame to open the season. Michigan State is only allowing an average of 63 yards rushing per game, which leads the nation, but the passing defense has been less than impressive. The Spartans rank outside the top-100 and have given up over 280 yards per game through the air. If Mike Dantonio doesn’t have the secondary prepared, quarterback Shea Patterson will torch them through the air.

Last weekend, the Wolverines destroyed Wisconsin 38-13, in what was arguably John Harbaugh’s biggest win since taking over the Michigan program. The Michigan defense has been dominant all season and comes into the game ranked No. 2 in the nation in total defense.

Michigan State doesn’t do anything on offense particularly great, so the Wolverines should have no issue holding the Spartans in check, but the key to victory will be on the offensive side of the ball. Whether the Wolverines attack the Spartans through the air or on the ground will be something to watch, but regardless, Michigan has enough weapons offensively to beat them either way.

With both teams riding high after big victories, each is looking to avoid a let-down. That said, don’t expect it to be the Wolverines, who should cover the seven-point spread against the Spartans on Saturday.

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