The Associated Press
Michigan (3-4, 1-2 Big Ten) at No. 8 Michigan State (6-1, 3-0), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Michigan State by 17.
Series Record: Michigan leads 68-33-5.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Aside from the usual bragging rights, the Spartans are hoping to continue their march toward a potential spot in the college football playoff. Michigan, which has lost five of six in this series, would like to play spoiler and perhaps set the stage for a strong finish after a dismal start to the season.
KEY MATCHUP
Michigan’s offensive line vs. Michigan State’s defensive front. This matchup couldn’t have gone much worse for the Wolverines last year, when Michigan finished with minus-48 yards rushing in a 29-6 loss to the Spartans. The Wolverines allowed seven sacks in that game. Michigan State’s defensive line features DEs Shilique Calhoun and Marcus Rush.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Michigan: WR Devin Funchess. The 6-foot-5 junior has 36 receptions for 461 yards this season despite being hobbled for a decent part of it. The Wolverines had last weekend off, and they could use a big game from Funchess against Michigan State’s talented defense.
Michigan State: QB Connor Cook. After leading the Spartans to a Big Ten title in 2013, Cook has thrown for 16 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He is coming off a 332-yard, three-touchdown passing performance against Indiana.
FACTS & FIGURES
Michigan State has won 13 straight games against Big Ten competition. … The team with more yards rushing has won 41 of the last 44 games in this series. Over the last six meetings, Michigan State has outrushed Michigan 1,080-471. … Since beating Michigan State 45-37 in 2004, Michigan has scored progressively fewer points in each of the last nine matchups with the Spartans.
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