Battle for Paul Bunyan's Trophy

Michigan and Michigan State square off tomorrow, in case you haven't heard, and it's a pretty big deal. Both teams go into this one undefeated and a lot riding on this game. Big Ten title hopes will be dashed for one side, and bragging rights are at stake. 1072 days and counting I believe? Tons of pressure on the Wolverines to end that streak. But before we go into the details of the game, lets take a look at the Bearded Top 3 games of the Michigan Michigan State Rivalry. (In my life and memory)

Number 3: Caper's OT winner.

This game was exactly like quite a handful of Michigan v State games. State gets a sizeable lead against Michigan, 20-6 in the 4th quarter. Michigan then rallied to tie the game at 20, including a touchdown on the last play of the game to tie it. Forcier in overtime would then throw an interception in OT, which was followed by Larry Caper's 24 yard touchdown winner.

Michigan State 26 Michigan 20

Number 2: "Little Brother"

Ah yes, the Little Brother game. Spartan fans hated Hart for his comments (now love him because State hasn't lost since.) Michigan dominated the first half, took a 14-3 lead to the third quarter. Everything was going according to plan. State scored the next 21 points and fell down 24-14 with 8 minutes left in the 4th. Chad Henne left one play with an injury, Mallett fumbled, Mike Hart recovered and got a first down, but Henne immediately returned, hobbling, and led Michigan on a touchdown drive to make it 24-21 State. After a defensive stop, Henne and the Wolverines got the ball back, and every Spartan fan had seen this before... A few minutes and plays later, Henne found Mario Manningham in the corner of the endzone for the game winning score with 2:30 left. Michigan 28 Michigan State 24.

Number 1: The Braylon Game

Who could forget what happened on October 30, 2004? One of the greatest football games I have ever seen. A tremendous comeback by the Wolverines, or collapse by the Spartans, depending on your perspective. Michigan State jumped out to a 27-10 lead with only 8:43 left in the 4th quarter. The game appeared out of reach; three scores with so little time. But this is the Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy we're talking about, it's never over til there's 0's on the clock.

But how could a true freshman (Chad Henne) lead a comeback in his first start in this rivalry game. Michigan drove down to get a field goal to make it 27-13 with 6:27 left in the 4th. Still a big hole to climb out of. Rivas then did a kangaroo kick (type of onside kick) and Michigan recovered. On the next drive, Michigan scored a TD on a jump ball to Braylon Edwards. Michigan forced State to punt and a good return gave them great field position. And Henne would throw it up for you know who and he did you know what, that's Braylon for the TD in case you don't... to tie the game at 27's with 2:59 left in the 4th. Dave Rayner couldn't make the 52 yard field goal to win, and this game was going to overtime.

But this game didn't just go to one overtime, this game went to three. First OT, both teams were held to field goals. Second OT State scored a touchdown and Michigan would answer on a tremendous catch by Avant. In triple overtime Michigan faked the deep fade to Braylon, and they ran a post to the exposed middle of the field for the score, and got the two point conversion when Henne found Massaquoi in the back of the end zone. State was unable to get into the endzone and Michigan's miraculous comeback was complete.

Michigan 45 Michigan State 37 3OT

But where will 2010 rank? Will it be a blow out or another instant classic? This match-up has the chance to be another classic in this rivalry. And who does the Bearded One having winning this one? Well let's take a look at who I give the edge to, shall we?

Defense: Push.

Both defenses are horrendous. MSU's defense as a group is probably better, but in this game both will be justa as effective. The D will be a difference maker in this one, if one can manage to get a big stop, but both secondaries are awful, Michigan's is ranked dead last. I can't give either side an edge on D in this game because their D's are just so bad. I think State's is slightly better but Michigan has a better chance of stopping State than the other way around. Mike Martin and Craig Roh will pressure Cousins and disrupt the running game. Greg Jones will make his pressence felt IF Michigan runs it up the middle. But if he has to chase Denard, sorry Spartans, he won't catch him. He is physically unable to chase down Denard if he is at full speed. No one on State is. If Denard gets past the front seven, he could get passed everyone.

On the flip side, Kirk Cousins will be able to throw at will against Michigan. Also the trio of backs (Baker, Bell, Caper) will all be effective against the Michigan D. I don't expect the Wolverines to be able to consistantly stop the Spartan attack if the Spartans do a good job at mixing in run and pass.

Offense: Michigan.

I have to give the edge to the Wolverines on this side of the ball. Denard puts up more yards per game than most FBS teams. I have never seen such a dynamic and electric player. I refuse to play the "YEAH BUT GREG JONES GONNA INJURY HIM!!!!" game because that's not how a journalist should base a prediction. Can Greg Jones even get a clean shot at a player as fast and as elusive as Denard? I doubt it... Even if Denard goes down, Tate proved he can be efficient enough throwing the ball to move the offense. State's secondary is terrible, and if Tate has to come in, he will tear up the secondary. Michigan's wideouts are way faster than States corners. Michigan will score.

However, the Spartans will put up their fair share of points. Cousin's is a very good, and underrated, quarterback who will have a field day against the Michigan secondary. The ground game will be efficient as well. However, it is not enough for me to give Sparty the edge here, Denard is just that good. No one has stopped him, and I don't see anything in State's D that screams "Denard Stopper."

Special Teams: Michigan State

Okay quick and short. MSU has a good returner, Michigan doesn't. MSU has a kicker, Michigan doesn't. MSU has a punter, Michigan doesn't. That pretty much covers special teams...

The Bearded Edge: Michigan Wolverines.

I'm going with the Winged Helmet in this one. Denard is too good, and I don't see State stopping him. He will put up 150 rushing and 150 passing at least. Greg Jones is one guy who can't stop Denard every single play. Denard will have a prototypical Denard Robinson day. It will be a shootout, but I expect Michigan to pull this one out.
Michigan 42
Michigan State 38