Two of the top three scoring teams in the Big Ten face off in their intrastate rivalry. In the last 14 years, MSU has had the most success of any conference team against U-M, winning five times in 14 tries. Only Ohio State comes close to that, going 4-9-1 in that same time span. With all the offense, it could be the U-M defense or the MSU special teams which make the difference in this game.
Quarterbacks
There is no question that U-M freshman Chad Henne has been good, but over the last four games, MSU sophomore Drew Stanton has been great Henne's job is to not make too many mistakes, Stanton's job is to lead the MSU offense. The difference in roles, and the fact that Stanton is effective running the ball, gives MSU the edge here. Remember, each player has only lost once as a starter, Henne is 7-1 and Stanton is 3-1.
Advantage: MSU
Running backs
U-M freshman Mike Hart is the real deal, rushing for 200-plus yards in the last two games. It's been a one man show for the Wolverines, it's a three-man show for MSU and four if counting Drew Stanton. Yes, Hart is good, but the three MSU backs combined have outgained Hart. Add Stanton and MSU have a big edge here. However, talking strictly about the running backs, MSU has everything in three backs and U-M has just the one.
Advantage: Even
Receivers
There is no doubt, MSU has the power in numbers, but what they don't have is U-M senior wide receiver Braylon Edwards. Edwards is one of the best wide receivers in the nation, if not the best. Couple him with junior Jason Avant and the tight ends, and the Wolverines have a formidable pass catching core. For MSU, junior Matt Trannon and sophomore Jerramy Scott are the leading receivers, but they will need to get some help in this game. Edwards is the reason to give U-M the edge here.
Advantage: U-M
Offensive line
The group of six MSU offensive lineman, which Drew Stanton took out to eat for blocking so well, will have a chance to prove just how good they are against the Wolverines. The Wolverines group is solid as well, but this decision is based on the numbers. The Spartans group have given up less sacks, and MSU gains more rushing yards, more passing yards and has a better red zone offense. All these things can be contributed to the big fellas up front.
Advantage: MSU
Defensive line
The MSU defensive line showed they can stop the run against two of the better backs in the nations. They are healthier, except for senior defensive end Clifford Dukes, according to head coach John L. Smith. However, there is no stand-out player. For U-M, nose tackle Gabe Watson stands out. Because Watson is so good, U-M head coach Lloyd Carr changed to a 3-4 defense.
Advantage: U-M
Linebackers
Senior linebacker and captain Ronald Stanley and senior bandit Tyrell Dortch give MSU experience and leadership at this position. However, redshirt freshman Kaleb Thornhill and sophomore David Herron Jr. have little or no experience in this big game. The Wolverines feature four senior starters at linebacker in their 3-4 scheme. When someone needs a break, talented sophomore LaMarr Woodley and senior Joey Sarantos go into the game. U-M has the depth, experience and talent.
Advantage: U-M
Defensive backs
Michigan has great defensive backs in seniors Ernest Shazor and Marlin Jackson, but their pass defense is worse than the Spartans. Only junior cornerback Jaren Hayes is new in MSU's secondary. I give the edge at safety to MSU, with seniors Jason Harmon and Eric Smith. I give the edge at cornerback to U-M, because of Jackson. Similar statistics and a split between the safeties and corners make this an even matchup.
Advantage: Even
Special teams
MSU takes this category, hands down. Senior place-kicker Dave Rayner and sophomore punter Brandon Fields are both better than the two U-M kickers. Rayner has been much better in conference play and Fields has been among the nations top punters all season long. The Wolverines have a good returner in junior Steve Breaston, who handles both punt and kick returns. MSU Senior DeAndra Cobb and Breaston cancel each other out, and MSU junior receiver Kyle Brown is not as experienced nor as fast as him at punt returner. MSU kicks U-M in special teams.
Advantage: MSU
Coaching
John L. Smith has only coached one game in this rivalry and he lost it. But, maybe that was a good thing, because Smith says he likes the underdog role.
Carr has been in plenty of Wolverine-Spartan clashes over the years, as he has been at Michigan since 1980. With the win last year and the experience in the rivalry, Carr gets the edge, otherwise the two are fairly even.
Advantage: U-M
