Quarterback
Some might find it rather amusing that Michigan quarterback Chad Henne is even being compared to junior quarterback Drew Stanton.
Stanton has been almost flawless in the first four games for the Spartans, while Henne has struggled, notably against Notre Dame and Wisconsin - two big games for the Maize and Blue.
It's obvious who has the advantage in this category, but unlike past quarterback matchups, this edge is massive.
Advantage: MSU
Running backs
This is one of the categories that U-M normally has the edge in.
Not this year.
Michael Hart hasn't played since the Notre Dame game and even if he sees some snaps Saturday, how effective can he really be?
The Spartans have freshman Javon Ringer, sophomore Jehuu Caulcrick and senior Jason Teague to hand the ball to. They're three backs capable of making the big play.
If Hart sees limited action, Max Martin and Kevin Grady, who haven't done a whole lot, will get most of the carries.
Under the circumstances, U-M is entering the game with a questionable running game, and under the conservative offense that the Wolverines run, questionable isn't good enough.
Advantage: MSU
Receivers
U-M has two of the better wide receivers in the Big Ten in Steve Breaston and Jason Avant.
The problem with U-M receivers so far is that they haven't had the ball enough to make many big plays.
The Spartans, on the other hand, have a variety of guys to throw to and Stanton isn't afraid to throw to all of them.
Seniors Matt Trannon and Kyle Brown are the main go-to-guys, but junior Jerramy Scott and sophomore Terry Love have caught passes and have been more active in the offense as well.
The depth of the Spartans at receiver against the two big threats from U-M makes this category too close to call.
Advantage: Even
Offensive line
MSU's offensive line is experienced and very underrated. They've provided gaping holes for the three running backs and significant time for Stanton when throwing.
U-M, on the other hand, is experienced as well. Four seniors and one junior make up a line that has provided great blocking for the run game in the past.
These offensive lines match up very evenly, but in the end, ask yourself this: Who's 4-0, and who's 2-2?
Advantage: MSU
Defensive line
MSU's defensive line comes into this game coming off its best game of the season.
Senior tackle Domata Peko has become more active in the past two games and has stepped up. He recorded five tackles and a quarterback hit against an inexperienced Illinois offensive front.
U-M's front three of Alan Branch, Pat Massey and Rondell Biggs have recorded just two sacks, both by Branch. They will have an even tougher time getting through this week against MSU's tough offensive line.
Expect U-M's Gabe Watson to also be some sort of factor in the game. He was benched by Carr earlier in the season.
Advantage: Even
Linebackers
All three of MSU's linebackers, junior David Herron Jr. and sophomores Sir Darean Adams and Kaleb Thornhill have become big playmakers. Adams has shown instincts beyond his years while Thornhill and Herron always seem to be around the ball.
U-M's linebackers aren't half bad, either. LaMarr Woodley, Prescott Burgess, Dave Harris and Chris Graham have combined for 90 tackles with Woodley recording three sacks and two forced fumbles. He also leads the team with five tackles for loss.
The edge goes to experience here.
Advantage: U-M
Defensive backs
U-M has an extremely experienced secondary, led by fifth-year senior Grant Mason, who leads the team with 36 tackles and one interception.
Left cornerback Leon Hall has been the all-around playmaker. He has two sacks, three pass breakups and one interception.
MSU senior Ashton Watson and junior Demond Williams have played above expectations to this point, but will have their hands full with a talented group of Wolverines receivers.
Senior Eric Smith is fully healthy and will always be around the ball. He leads the team with 32 tackles and one interception. His play in stopping both the run and the pass will be key for the Spartans.
Advantage: U-M
Special teams
MSU's kicking game still hasn't been tested, but MSU head coach John L. Smith has confidence in junior John Goss to get the job done when called upon.
Junior Brandon Fields continued to struggle in the punting game, but not as much as previous weeks.
He was lifted from kickoff duties with Goss taking his place against Illinois.
U-M's Garrett Rivas is 6-for-7 on field goals and 11-for-12 on extra points. He has big game experience, no doubt.
Advantage: U-M
Coaching
Smith has yet to defeat U-M head coach Lloyd Carr, but this season, it is Smith coming into the game with a 4-0 record and Carr stumbling in with a 2-2 mark.
Carr's decision-making has come into question this season while Smith and his staff continue to be right on the button with most of their calls.
The big key is that Smith is not afraid to take chances.
Advantage: MSU
