Michigan State Football: 3 reasons Spartans will upset No. 6 Michigan

1. Most of the pressure is on Michigan

Don’t get me wrong here, I think Michigan State is feeling plenty of pressure heading into this one. But let’s be real, who thought the Spartans would be 7-0 heading into this game, firmly in the mix for a Big Ten East title and a College Football Playoff berth? Absolutely no one.

However, Jim Harbaugh’s seat is always going to be hot when he loses to his rivals and in year seven, he’s supposed to be taking care of coaches in years one or two. He lost to Mel Tucker last year so if he drops to 0-2 against him despite the Spartans’ coach not having a lot of his own guys on the roster, that’s going to raise some serious concern.

A loss to Michigan State wouldn’t cost Harbaugh his job because he still has a top-10 team and a chance to make the playoff even with one tally in the loss column. Plus, Michigan would still control its own destiny with Penn State and Ohio State still on the schedule.

But a loss to Michigan State would be a huge confidence-crusher. Losing to your rival for a second year in a row despite being favored in both games against a team with a new coach would not be a good look and everyone knows it.

No one expected Michigan State to be here contending, but the Spartans are playing with house money while Jim is playing with borrowed time.