Michigan vs. Michigan State: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

While overshadowed by bigger rivalry games on the college football schedule this weekend, the clash between No. 21 Michigan and No. 22 Michigan State has just as much riding on the outcome as any other contest.

Recruiting efforts, not to mention a potential spot in the Big 10 championship game will be on the line when the Wolverines travel to East Lansing on Saturday. 

Michigan enters the contest after a bye week preceded by a loss to Penn State and then a blowout of lowly Indiana. The Spartans, meanwhile, are riding the wave of a four-game winning streak, highlighted by a 42-3 dismantling of Illinois last week.

A classic Big 10 battle with defense serving as the focus for both sides is in the cards, so here is everything fans need to know.

When: Saturday, Nov. 2 at 3:30 p.m. ET

Where: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Mich.

Television: ABC

Live Stream: ESPN3

Betting Lines (via Vegas Insider)

• Over/Under: 46
• Spread: Michigan State (-6)

Wolverines Injury Report (via USA Today)

Player	Pos.	Date	Details	Status	Injury
Russell Bellomy	QB	08/30/2013	will miss the entire season	Out	knee
Joey Burzynski	OL	10/21/2013	will miss the remainder of the season	Out	knee
Amara Darboh	WR	08/21/2013	will miss the entire season	Out	foot
Drew Dileo	WR	10/30/2013	is questionable for Saturday's game against Michigan State	Questionable	undisclosed
Will Hagerup	P	08/30/2013	will miss the entire season	Suspended	disciplinary
Drake Johnson	RB	09/02/2013	will miss the remainder of the season	Out	knee
Ondre Pipkins	DT	10/06/2013	will miss the remainder of the season	Out	knee
Wyatt Shallman	FB	10/28/2013	is questionable for Saturday's game against Michigan State	Questionable	undisclosed
Tom Strobel	DE	10/28/2013	is questionable for Saturday's game against Michigan State	Questionable	undisclosed
A.J. Williams	TE	10/29/2013	will miss Saturday's game against Michigan State	Suspended	team violations

Spartans Injury Report (via USA Today)

Player	Pos.	Date	Details	Status	Injury
Aaron Burbridge	WR	10/28/2013	is questionable for Saturday's game against Michigan	Questionable	leg
Skyler Burkland	T	08/08/2013	is expected to miss the entire season	Out	undisclosed
Jon Reschke	LB	10/28/2013	is questionable for Saturday's game against Michigan	Questionable	foot
A.J. Troup	WR	08/08/2013	will miss the entire season	Out	knee

Will Wolverines Find Success Against Elite Spartans Defense?

Something has to give on Saturday.

Michigan ranks in the top 10 among college football offenses, scoring an average of 42.4 points, but the Wolverines have not encountered anything quite like the Spartans defense. Michigan State leads the nation in both total defense and rushing defense while ranking No. 3 in scoring defense at just 12.3 points per game allowed.

The ground attack is where the Wolverines have found the bulk of their offensive success. Quarterback Devin Gardner and running back Fitz Toussaint have combined for 1,095 yards and 20 touchdowns.

One problem: The Spartans have only allowed 439 rushing yards on a 2.1 per-carry average in eight games.

Michigan has had no issue in rolling up the yardage tally against weaker Big 10 competition, but Michigan State touts one of the nation's best defenses. How Gardner and Co. react to the challenge will decide this game. 

Prediction

Expect a close battle in this one, as the Wolverines will have little room to operate. Spartans quarterback Connor Cook has come on of late with over 200 yards passing in three of the past four games to go with seven touchdowns.

With the Spartans defense holding the Wolverines in check, Cook will find success against a Michigan defense that allows an average of 26.7 points per game. Running back Jeremy Langford and his 655 yards rushing and nine touchdowns will help control the pace of the game and keep Gardner off the field.

The last time these two teams met in East Lansing, the Spartans physically abused the Wolverines on the way to a 28-14 victory. Saturday won't see such a large margin of victory, but Michigan State has won four of the last five with strong defense and a sound running game.

Expect more of the same.

Final Score: Spartans 20, Wolverines 16

Follow B/R's Chris Roling on Twitter for more news and analysis @Chris_Roling

Follow B/R's Chris Roling on Twitter for more news and analysis @Chris_Roling