The fact that both teams enter with 5-0 records adds extra significance to the rivalry and adds motivation for both teams.

“That’s why you come to MSU is to play a game like this,” MSU junior quarterback Kirk Cousins said. “They have a tremendous amount of talent and a lot of guys back from last year’s defense and linebackers who have played a lot of football. We’ll have a great challenge.”

The last time MSU began a season 5-0 was in 1999, when it defeated U-M to start 6-0 on its way to a 10-2 finish and victory in the Citrus Bowl.

The series has been decided by the team with the better rushing attack in recent years, with that team being awarded the Paul Bunyan Trophy 37 of the last 40 meetings. MSU has outrushed U-M, 364-112, in its last two games to break a string of six consecutive losses against the Wolverines.

This season, U-M ranks third in the nation in rushing with 324.4 yards per game, led by quarterback Denard Robinson’s nation-leading 905 yards. Although U-M hasn’t faced a rush defense with the quality of MSU’s, its speed, coupled with Robinson’s knack for making big plays, figures to challenge MSU’s defensive players.

“(Robinson) scrambles a lot, makes a lot of plays with his feet,” senior linebacker Greg Jones said. “(The attention) is a good thing for him. He’s earned that with his play.”

The Spartans effectively stopped then-No. 11 Wisconsin and its power running game in last week’s 34-24 win, but U-M’s spread-option offense calls for a new challenge. As much as this game means for the Spartans’ hopes to turn the corner, U-M is eager to show its speedy offense can thrive in the Big Ten.

“It’s not just a big game, because all the Big Ten games are big games. This is a huge game,” U-M head coach Rich Rodriguez said in a teleconference. “Because both teams have started off well, the more you win, the more the stakes. So, it’s made it even bigger.”

If last year was any indication, the rivalry will have a thrilling ending this season. MSU defeated U-M, 26-20 in overtime, with running back Larry Caper scoring the game-winning touchdown after U-M quarterback Tate Forcier led the Wolverines from a two-touchdown deficit in the fourth quarter.

The key for MSU’s defense will be tackling Robinson and running backs Vincent Smith and Michael Shaw, both of whom are capable of busting a big run. Five U-M players have recorded a rush of longer than 30 yards this season.

Although MSU’s secondary has allowed 227.4 passing yards per game, it’s kept its opponents to short-yardage plays, which will serve it well Saturday. Offensively, the Spartans figure to take advantage of a U-M defense that has allowed at least 20 points in its last four games.

“It’s always a game you’re going to remember,” senior punter Aaron Bates said. “As a senior, you like to go on top in your last one.”