Michigan vs. Michigan State: Keys For the Spartans To Win.

The Michigan State Spartans have enjoyed three years of dominance over their in-state and Big 10 conference rival Michigan Wolverines. 

The last time the Wolverines came into East Lansing and beat the Spartans was 2007. That was legendary coach Lloyd Carr's last of 30 years for those of you keeping score; before the Rich Rodriquez era begun eroding the Michigan mystique.

Fast forward to the 2011 match up and the future is looking bright for the Wolverines. They are undefeated, 2-0 in conference, and ranked part-way in the top ten for the first time since 2007. As depending on what poll you prefer, they Wolverines have vaulted up to No. 11 in the Associated Press poll and No. 10 in the coaches poll.

They have a dynamite offense led by Denard Robinson, and first-year coach Brady Hoke has improved the defense to return Michigan to its traditional winning ways.

For the Spartans, 2011 carried high hopes. But after a stellar Big 10 co-championship season in 2010, this year has been a bit of a let down so far.

After an ugly loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Spartans rebounded by beating the Ohio State Buckeyes. However, the Spartan offense has been sluggish. Especially, quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The Spartan faithful are starting to worry.

And if the Spartans are going to win for a fourth consecutive time on Saturday, here are the areas they need to address during the Michigan-Michigan State week.

Offensive Line

The Spartan offensive line has been ravaged by injuries this year.  Their inconsistent performance reflects their overall lack of experience. They are starting at least two players that are converted defensive players.

You can also blame three-year starter Kirk Cousins' inconsistent play—at least in part, to the offensive line woes.

Time is going to be the biggest influence on their success. They need time to play together as a unit. However, how much time? 

The coaching staff reports that good progress has been made, and against undefeated Michigan they need to continue that progress. They can't take a step back.  If so, it might mean misery in East Lansing.

Kirk Cousins

The biggest indicator of the Spartans' success on Saturday will be the performance of Kirk Cousins.

Not to put any pressure on him or anything.

He should be used to it, though, as he's sure to be up for several year-end awards before heading into the looming NFL draft—where he's projected not to escape the second round. Plus, as a fifth-year senior he's seen it all.

Nevertheless, his performance this year has not been award worthy. Inconsistency has plagued Cousins and the Spartan offense.  One could blame the offensive line. One could blame injuries to key playmakers.

However, when it comes down to it, Cousins is the man. He's the experienced leader, and he  simply needs to make the plays to make the players around him better.

MSU Defense

On paper the Michigan and Michigan State defenses are evenly matched. Currently ESPN has them tied for second in the FBS rankings, with both teams having allowed just over 10 points a game.

Ironically, both teams gave up 31 points against Notre Dame, although Michigan State's came in a 18-point loss to the Irish a week after they collapsed to Michigan's comeback by four points.

Honestly, it is hard to gauge either defenses at this time of the year because the majority of games played have been against cupcake teams.

But, conventional wisdom would suggest that the Spartan defense is better. Their defense was very good last year, although they did lose some key components. 

Besides the aforementioned Notre Dame game, the Spartans have held their other opponents to seven points or less a game. That includes Ohio State.

On the other hand, Michigan has given up double digits to Western Michigan, Notre Dame, and Northwestern. 

Michigan's defense was horrid last year.  Despite some new faces and a new attitude courtesy of Brady Hoke, it is hard to believe they are this much better—Regardless of the numbers.

The Wolverines have a potent offense and possibly the most dangerous offensive weapon in the country in Robinson.

If the Spartans have hopes of slowing the Wolverine offense down, their defense has to make big plays, and that includes turnovers. The Spartans cannot rely on their offense keeping up with Robinson and company. A pick-six and a couple fumble recoveries would set the Spartans up nicely for victory.

This is one of the biggest rivalries in college football.  So, the hype machine will be in full effect and gaining a head of steam as Saturday approaches. Regardless of records or numbers, it is all about who plays better on the field. 

Michigan State has concerns, but realistically is the better overall team. They should win. 

However, remember, in this game crazy things can and will happen.