Michigan State Football: 5 most important games in 2018

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 11: Kendall Sheffield #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Tuf Borland #32 of the Ohio State Buckeyes wrap up Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans after a short gain in the third quarter at Ohio Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Michigan State 48-3. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against against the Michigan Wolverines Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Surprised to see this one on the list? Of course you’re not. The Spartans and Wolverines don’t like each other — it’s that simple. This rivalry is as old as any in college football and it hasn’t always gone in the Spartans’ favor — as we all know — but it has tilted in Michigan State’s direction lately.

Last year, the Spartans weren’t expected to give Michigan much of a battle in Ann Arbor, but the underdogs came out victorious, beating the Wolverines in the Big House, 14-10.

Michigan State has won eight of the last 10 meetings between the two teams, but this season’s matchup may be the most important of any in the past decade. Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines return just about every starter, with a few exceptions, and should be ranked close to the top-10 or top-five range in 2018.

Brian Lewerke didn’t have his best game, but showed toughness throughout and the defense stepped up in a big way, picking off the Wolverines five times.

This one should be an intense battle and likely a prime time showdown between the two ranked teams.

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