Michigan Football: 3 bold predictions for Michigan State showdown
By Phil Poling
Michigan football squares off with Michigan State in Week 8 in a game with heavy Big Ten implications. Here are three bold predictions for the contest.
The No. 6 Wolverines (6-1, 4-0) will meet the No. 24 Spartans (4-2, 2-1) in a conference game that could shake up the landscape in not on the Big Ten East, but the College Football Playoff altogether.
Michigan holds the all-time series over the Spartans, having gone 69-36-5, per Winsipedia. Winning last year’s battle – in Ann Arbor – bodes well for the Spartans’ confidence, though, heading into Saturday’s noon kickoff.
Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson‘s been up-and-down for the Wolverines, but he could add to his Ann Arbor-legacy by defeating the Spartans on Saturday. He’s accounted for 11 touchdowns this season, but has protected the ball nicely and thrown only 3 interceptions.
The Spartans, on the other hand, haven’t had as much success from quarterback Brian Lewerke. He’s thrown eight touchdowns to seven interceptions, but added two scores on the ground; Lewerke has the better wide receivers, though.
What can we expect from this 111-year-old rivalry? Follow along for our three bold predictions.