Michigan vs. Michigan State: Top Matchups, X Factors and Predictions

After sprinting out to a 6-0 record, Michigan is now one of the hottest names in college football and the Wolverines have the No. 11 ranking to prove it.

This weekend, Brady Hoke’s bunch will be looking to keep that momentum going when they head up to East Lansing for a big battle with in-state rival Michigan State.

The Spartans really put it on Michigan last year, handing them a 34-17 loss that eventually sent the Wolverines into a late-season tailspin.

You can bet that star quarterback Denard Robinson and the rest of the maize and blue remember what happened in 2010 and they’ll be looking for revenge on Saturday.

Here’s a preview of everything you need to know for the crucial Big Ten showdown.

Michigan Offensive Breakdown

Key Numbers

Points Per Game: 38

Total Yards Per Game: 457 

Passing Yards Per Game: 200

Rushing Yards Per Game: 257

Yards Per Play: 7.4

Total First Downs: 130

Third Down Conversions: 57 percent

Red Zone Efficiency: 93 percent

Some thought that it could be tough for Denard Robinson and the rest of the Michigan offense as they switched from Rich Rodriguez’s spread attack, but so far, you really couldn’t have asked for a more seamless transition.

Robinson has adapted to his new role very well and he’s managed to find his big play weapons like receivers Roy Roundtree, Junior Hemingway and Junior Gallon on a regular basis.

The emergence of running back Fitzgerald Toussaint has helped kick start this offense in recent weeks and linemen like David Molk and Taylor Lewan are some of the best the conference has to offer.

Michigan’s Key Offensive Player: QB Denard Robinson

What’s there to say about Denard Robinson that hasn’t already been said?

He’s one of the most electric and explosive players in college football and he has the ability to change the complexion of an entire game all by himself.

Michigan's offense will only go as far the junior quarterback can take it. 

Robinson has adjusted well to Al Borges’ system and he’s showing signs that he’s developing as a passer, even though he has tossed nine picks already.

Michigan State may have had Robinson’s number last season, but you can bet that the talented and versatile dual-threat quarterback will have payback on his mind.

Michigan State Offensive Breakdown

Key Numbers

Points Per Game: 28

Total Yards Per Game: 398

Passing Yards Per Game: 269

Rushing Yards Per Game: 129

Yards Per Play: 5.6

Total First Downs: 108

Third Down Conversions: 35 percent

Red Zone Efficiency: 72 percent

It’s been surprising that Michigan State has relied on its passing game for success in the early part of the season, as it was expected that a deep backfield made up of bruising backs like Edwin Baker, Le’Veon Bell and Larry Caper would carry the offense.

The Spartans haven’t really gotten it going on the ground yet, though, as they only rank 79th in the country in rushing offense.

The reliance on the pass has allowed quarterback Kirk Cousins and his top receiver B.J. Cunningham to take center stage.

Michigan State’s Key Offensive Player: QB Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins is one of those quiet quarterbacks who you never hear much about, yet he always seems to find a way to get the job done.

Sure, he isn’t flashy, and he probably doesn’t have the type of physical tools that are going to make you forget about Andrew Luck, but he’s got a great arm, solid overall skills and some great intangibles to round everything out.

The 6’3’’ senior has completed nearly 68 percent of his passes so far, and although he threw two picks against Ohio State, he’s looked very efficient throughout the season.

Cousins may not be the type of quarterback you’re going to hinge the hopes of an NFL franchise on, but he’s a heady leader who knows how to get things done when it counts.

Michigan Defensive Breakdown

Opponent's Key Numbers

Points Per Game: 12.5

Total Yards Per Game: 336

Passing Yards Per Game: 202

Rushing Yards Per Game: 134

Yards Per Play: 5.4

Total First Downs: 111

Third Down Conversions: 39 percent

Red Zone Efficiency: 58 percent

After last year’s dismal performance, things couldn’t get much worse for the Michigan defense, but you have to give the unit credit for at least looking respectable in the early part of the season.

Sure, no one’s going to confuse the Wolverines with the LSU defense any time soon, but this secondary, which was the main cause of the problem last year, has tightened up this season, while the front seven, led by defensive linemen Mike Martin and Ryan Van Bergen and linebackers Kenny Demens and Craig Roh, has remained a strength.

Michigan State hung 34 points and 536 yards on the Wolverines in last year’s meeting, and that simply can’t happen again if Michigan has any hope of winning this game.

Michigan’s Key Defensive Player: LB Kenny Demens

After putting together an eye-opening sophomore campaign in 2010, Michigan LB Kenny Demens has taken his game to the next level this season and really matured into a true leader on the Wolverines defense.

Demens currently ranks sixth in the Big Ten with 45 total tackles, and he also has two tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble under his belt as well.

The 6’1’’, 250-pound junior is strong against the run and he’s also adept at rushing the passer.

If the Wolverines want to slow down the Spartans offense, they’re going to need Demens to be a huge factor on Saturday.

Michigan State Defensive Breakdown

Opponent's Key Numbers

Points Per Game: 10.2

Total Yards Per Game: 173

Passing Yards Per Game: 109

Rushing Yards Per Game: 64

Yards Per Play: 3.2

Total First Downs: 59

Third Down Conversions: 29 percent

Red Zone Efficiency: 80 percent

While everyone is talking up defenses like LSU’s and Alabama’s, nobody really seems to be mentioning the fact that Michigan State leads the country in total defense.

Sure, they haven’t exactly been playing terrific competition, but give credit where it’s due.

The Spartans are well balanced on all three levels and they’ve got emerging impact players like CB Johnny Adams, DT Jerel Worthy and LB Chris Norman all over the field.

When you can get consistent pressure on the quarterback and play lock-down coverage, you're going to have the opportunity to win a lot of ball games.

The Notre Dame game seems to be an aberration because this defensive unit is shaping up to be one of best in college football this season.

Michigan State's Key Defensive Player: DT Jerel Worthy

The Spartans may have lost All-American linebacker Greg Jones, but they’ve managed to stay strong up the middle with the presence of big, imposing defensive tackle Jerel Worthy.

Worthy may not be the flashiest defender, but he’s got the size and bull-like strength to occupy space in the middle and cause problems for opposing running games.

The 6’3’’, 310-pound junior has already racked up four tackles for loss and two sacks this season, and he’s the type of disruptive force that can penetrate into the backfield and really give opposing linemen headaches all game long.

Special Teams Comparison

Michigan

Kicker: Brendan Gibbons (4-for-6)

Punter: Matt Wile (41.1 AVG)

Kick Returner: Vincent Smith (18.4 AVG)

Punt Returner: Jeremy Gallon (10.6 AVG)

Michigan State

Kicker: Dan Conroy (6-for-9)

Punter: Mike Sadler (40 AVG)

Kick Returner: Nick Hill (26.8 AVG)

Punt Returner: Keshawn Martin (7.2 AVG)

Prediction: Michigan State 30, Michigan 21

This is one of the most evenly matched games of the weekend and it’s a real tough one to call.

I can see it going either way, but there’s just something about this Michigan team I really like.

Call it magic, energy, swagger, I can’t put my finger on it, but as they proved in the Notre Dame game, the Wolverines have that never-say-die attitude.

That type of attitude seems to be a direct reflection on first-year coach Brady Hoke.

Michigan seems to be re-energized with Hoke at the helm, and it’s never fun to bet against Denard Robinson because he’s just ridiculously dangerous.

Still, I like the balance of this Michigan State team on both sides of the ball a whole lot, and I think the Spartans will really feed off the home crowd on Saturday.