Michigan State vs. Michigan: Battle of the Paul Bunyan Trophy predicition

EAST LANSING — It’s here! That time of the year in Michigan where neighbors hate each other for 48 hours.

Saturday’s outcome will decide whether or not some adolescents will rock with maize and blue or green and white for the rest of their lives. According to Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio, “You’re blue or green in this state by age 14, or maybe 10.”

Tomorrow will mark the 105th meeting between the two siblings, as Michigan leads the overall series 67-32-5. However, the Spartans have possession of the Paul Bunyan Trophy as they have won the past four meetings between the two teams.

Michigan leads the overall series 67-32-5 between the two in-state rivals.

Michigan is currently ranked 25th, according to the USA Today Coaches Poll, with an overall record of 4-2 and a 2-0 Big Ten record.

Michigan State has had a disappointing season thus far with an overall record of 4-3 and they’re 1-2 in Big Ten play.

Now that all the facts are presented, let’s get into the prediction:

Michigan State 24, Michigan 21

Le’Veon Bell will carry the load for the Spartans early, as the inexperienced passing game will rely on him to make plays to start the game. Eventually, MSU quarterback Andrew Maxwell will get comfortable in that hostile environment in Ann Arbor and connect on a few big plays with his young receiving corps.

The defense will hold Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson in check for the majority of the game, and look for MSU defensive end William Gholston to have a huge game.

Michigan will strike first in tomorrows game, but once the Spartans score and the atmosphere dies down in the Big House, the Wolverines won’t score again in the first-half.

Michigan State will take the lead right before halftime, predicting 10-7, and never look back.

Dantonio will become the first MSU head coach to reach five consecutive victories against Michigan, and hopefully a win tomorrow will give the Spartans the motivation to finish the season strong.