College football rivalries: Key dates in Michigan–Mich. State history
By Joel Greer
The downtrodden Michigan Wolverines (3-4, 1-2 Big Ten), are expected to be double-digit road dogs when they travel up US-23 to meet the once-beaten MSU Spartans (6-1, 3-0) Saturday (Oct. 25, 3:30 pm) in one of the great college football rivalries.
The Spartans, looking for their second-straight Big Ten crown, have dominated the rivalry recently, winning five of the last six meetings, often convincingly.
More from Michigan Wolverines
- Betting Preview: Best Bets for Michigan vs. Ohio State Rivalry
- Michigan Coach Shockingly Fired as Sign-Stealing Scandal Continues
- Betting Preview: Best Bets for Michigan vs. Penn State
- Known Blowhard Paul Finebaum Makes Ridiculous Michigan Prediction about National Championship
- Michigan Wolverines New Betting Favorite to Win National Championship
An upset by Michigan would be a large step in salvaging one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory.
Chatter around Ann Arbor has called for the resignations of both head coach Brady Hoke and athletic director Dave Brandon. Now in his fourth season, Hoke’s team has shown little of the expectations he brought to Michigan in 2011.
The Wolverines this season have been vicorious over such “powerhouses” as Appalachian State, Miami (Ohio), and the Penn State Nittany Lions, who are still smarting from the Jerry Sandusky scandal.
The Spartans, while in a dogfight with Ohio State (5-1, 2-0) for the East Division lead, are —like the Wolverines—having a tough time getting students to the games on time, if at all. Apparently tailgating, cornhole tournaments or a quiet day in the library are competing for their attention.
While Michigan actually had one of its better games in the 18-13 win over Penn State a week ago, the Wolverines are simply outmanned by the high-scoring Spartans.
During the past six seasons, Michigan State has won with smothering defense, a conservative offense and a nasty streak which has made the Wolverines look soft in comparison.
It hasn’t always been this way since Michigan won six straight before the recent Spartan streak. The Wolverines hold a commanding 63-33-5 advantage in the series which dates back to 1898.
Let’s follow along with the following slide show which reviews a few of the more intriguing games of the series.
To voice your opinion, please scroll down to the comment area.