Michigan State football: Spartans' history proves program has chance to upset Wolverines

Michigan State is a 21.5-point road underdog against Michigan on Saturday. The Wolverines are unbeaten and the team is loaded with talent. Since 2008, the Spartans have gone 10-4 against the Wolverine team. They are 4-3 against Jim Harbaugh and 2-0 with Mel Tucker at the helm.  “It’s not just another game for us.”

Michigan's run game is a concern for the Spartans. The Wolverines are averaging 153.3 yards per game against MSU's front 7. Michigan State's defense is also averaging 4 yards a pass attempt. Michigan's quarterback has only surpassed the 300-yard mark once this season.

Wolverines have pushed the passing attack to the side in favor of a more dynamic run game. The Spartans' secondary might be the worst among B1G programs.

The only way to know if McCarthy is made of is to force the offense to become one-dimensional.

Payton Thorne needs to throw deep to beat the Wolverines' defense. Michigan State's best chance of keeping things close relies on the deep ball. Keon Coleman and Jayden Reed are productive receivers. The Wolverine's secondary has allowed 5 touchdowns in coverage.

Tucker wants to win the rivalry game against Harbaugh. He wants the team to keep the momentum going for the rest of the season. Last season, Tucker stopped trying to attack the middle of field with the passing attack and instead, the Spartans attacked the perimeter with guys like Reed and Jalen Nailor. If the running game falters early, he will try to establish the run.

Tucker is undefeated against Michigan. The Spartans have won all their games against the Wolverines.