Battle in the Mitten

Michigan State (23) will host in state rival Michigan (11) in East Lansing in a Big 10 showdown that could decide the Legends division on Saturday.
Battle in the Mitten
Kristen Meriwether
10/14/2011
Updated:
10/24/2015

Michigan State (23) will host in state rival Michigan (11) in East Lansing in a Big 10 showdown that could decide the Legends division on Saturday.

The Spartans will have their top ranked defense tested, with defensive tackle Jerel Worthy and company hoping to coral Michigan’s nimble quarterback, Denard Robinson. Michigan’s signal caller will have to cut down on the interceptions if they’re going to be victorious, as he already has nine on the season.

Robinson’s ability to adjust throughout the game has been Michigan’s saving grace thus far, but playing from behind against the Spartans will prove much more difficult than the unranked opponents they have faced this year.

Michigan State’s senior quarterback Kirk Cousins is looking to finish his career undefeated against their rival and keep the Paul Bunyan trophy in East Lansing one more season.

First year Michigan coach Brady Hoke commented on the heated rivalry during a press conference, “The rivalry is a tremendous rivalry because of the passion for both schools that people have. The alums, people within the state, you kind of draw the line that you’re a Spartan fan or you’re a Wolverine fan and that’s what makes college football and that’s what makes it so exciting.” Hoke hopes to give the Wolverines their first 7-0 start since 2006.

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