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Michigan State Football: Game preview, prediction vs. Michigan in Week 6

By Connor Muldowney

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 17: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans reacts on the sidelines during the second quarter of the college football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 17, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Spartans defeated the Wolverines 27-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 17: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans reacts on the sidelines during the second quarter of the college football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 17, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Spartans defeated the Wolverines 27-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State football will be traveling to Ann Arbor to take on in-state rival Michigan in Week 6. Here’s what you need to know.

The rivalry is alive and kicking. Michigan State football will travel down the road to Ann Arbor to take on the Michigan Wolverines in Week 6. There’s plenty on the line for Michigan as it’s the No. 7 team in the country and a College Football Playoff appearance is still in its minds.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 reasons Spartans can beat Michigan

Michigan State has been given little to no chance to upset the Wolverines, but if you asked Mark Dantonio, he’d say that’s just the way he likes it. The Spartans always seem to play better as the underdog, but Michigan’s defense has been stymying just about everyone it plays this season.

Will the Spartans bounce back after a 32-23 loss last season in East Lansing to recreate some of the magic from the 2015 meeting?

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Michigan State vs. Michigan game online:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 7
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Ann Arbor, Mich.
Venue: Michigan Stadium
TV: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

The key for the Spartans on offense is up front. The offensive line must collectively have its best game yet — by a wide margin. The Wolverines are going to run a multitude blitz packages under the direction of Don Brown and if the line isn’t careful, Michigan will be in Brian Lewerke’s face before he can even call hike. The line needs to put together a full game and open running lanes for the talented trio of MSU backs if the Spartans want to have a chance.

Defensively, it’ll be up to the front-seven to replicate what happened against Iowa. Michigan’s offensive line has struggled this season while the Spartans’ defensive front has exceeded expectations. Get to John O’Korn early and often to make him feel uncomfortable in the pocket, and the rest will take care of itself. Stopping the run will be crucial as well.

Betting Odds

Odds via SportsBook Review

Point Spread: Michigan -10.5
Over/Under: 39.5

Next: MSU Football: 5 bold predictions vs. Michigan

Prediction

Although this has all the feel of a “chip on the shoulder” type of rivalry game for the Spartans, Michigan’s defense is far too good. Unlike two years ago where Michigan State had Connor Cook in his senior year slinging the ball around with confidence against Michigan’s defense, the Spartans are young on offense and it could be a long day for that offensive line. Michigan will be in the backfield early and often. It’ll be a hard-nosed Big Ten battle, but Michigan will come away with a win, but Michigan State covers.

Final Score: Michigan State 17, Michigan 24

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