College Football 2018: 3 reasons to be excited for Week 8

3. Michigan vs. Michigan State

The Wolverines travel to East Lansing, Mich., to face the Spartans of Michigan State on Saturday afternoon. The rivalry contest can be seen on FOX at noon ET. Michigan is 6-1 and ranked 4th overall per the S&P+ while Michigan State is 4-2 and ranked 33rd overall. Jim Harbaugh needs a convincing victory over a rival to make the money worth it for the boys from Ann Arbor. Mark Dantonio has a winning record over his rival Jim Harbaugh but the Spartans are struggling.

Michigan beat up on ranked Wisconsin in week 7 behind Shea Patterson‘s arms and legs. Michigan’s Patterson, the transfer quarterback from Ole Miss, is averaging 8.2 yards per passing attempt and has tossed 10 touchdowns while only throwing three interceptions. Across the field, Michigan State’s Brian Lewerke is averaging only 7.1 yards per passing attempt while throwing eight touchdowns to seven interceptions.

Karan Higdon could be the difference maker for the Wolverines with his over 600 yards rushing and six touchdowns in comparison to the Spartans measly run game. The Michigan defense led by coordinator Don Brown could tee off on Lewerke. Chase Winovich, Rashan Gary and Devin Bush combine for eight sacks and 18 tackles for loss in 2018.

Prediction: Michigan by 10