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Michigan State Football: Preview, prediction vs. Michigan in Week 8

By Connor Muldowney

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Khari Willis #27 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a first quarter turn over by the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Khari Willis #27 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a first quarter turn over by the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State football is getting set to host Michigan in one of the biggest games in the rivalry’s history. Who comes out on top?

It’s finally here. Hate week has been going strong for a few days now and Michigan State is gearing up to host a tough Michigan team, arguably the best in the Jim Harbaugh era.

Must Read: MSU Football: Top 5 Michigan rivalry moments in Dantonio era

After a season-opening loss at Notre Dame which was followed by panic throughout the fan base, the Wolverines have won six straight games, gaining bowl eligibility already and looking like the biggest challenger to Ohio State in the Big Ten.

The Spartans, on the other hand, are 4-2 with a couple of head-scratching losses to Arizona State and Northwestern. However, they’re riding high after a major upset of No. 8 Penn State in Happy Valley. Could that have been the turning point in the Spartans’ 2018 season? It sure felt that way, but anything can happen during a rivalry game.

Shea Patters, Karan Higdon and an improved offensive line lead the way for the Wolverines while they’re defense is one of the best in college football.

Brian Lewerke is looking to get back on track and the run game is hoping for a resurgence on Saturday afternoon in a cold, rainy battle.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s big game:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 20
Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, Mich.
Venue: Spartan Stadium
TV: FOX
Live Stream: FOX Sports Go or FuboTV

Keys to Victory

If Michigan State is going to win this one, it needs to force Shea Patterson to beat the defense with his arm. Cutting off the underneath routes and putting pressure on him in the pocket will force him into some uncomfortable spots. He has a decent arm, but if Michigan State can use the same exact game plan it had last week against Trace McSorley, it will work in the Spartans’ favor.

Offensively, utilizing Felton Davis III as much as humanly possible will work out just fine. While he’s going to be a focus of the defense, getting him the ball whenever he’s in single-coverage would be smart. That and utilizing tight ends more for this one as the Wolverines probably realize they haven’t been a focal point of the offense. The more weapons for Brian Lewerke, the better.

Bettings Odds

Courtesy of OddsShark

Line: Michigan -7
Over/Under: 41

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Prediction

This one will come down to whoever has the ball last. The Spartans and Wolverines will have yet another back-and-forth battle and this one will end with a field goal separating the two teams. Like everyone expects, this will be a defensive battle and Michigan State will come up with a crucial turnover late in the game to put this one away. This may be the most intense game in the rivalry’s history, outside of 2015.

Final Score: Michigan 21, Michigan State 24

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