“I think (the excitement) does build,” head coach Mark Dantonio said. “It’s exciting for those guys to see what team they’re on, to get to pick guys and establish who their team is.”

The format for the game will be four 10-minute quarters with a running clock with the winning team earning a steak and bean meal in the future.

Senior quarterback Kirk Cousins looks to follow up a successful junior season by leading what should be a high-powered offense to a follow-up performance this season and leads the Green Team, which is coached by defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi and features junior running backs Edwin Baker and Larry Caper, senior wide receiver Keith Nichol, senior safety Trenton Robinson and junior cornerback Johnny Adams.

The White team is coached by offensive line coach Mark Staten and led by sophomore quarterback Andrew Maxwell, sophomore running backs Le’Veon Bell and Nick Hill, senior wide receivers Keshawn Martin and B.J. Cunningham and junior defensive lineman Jerel Worthy.

The honorary coaches are Spartan greats Norm Masters for the Green Team and Lynn Chandnois for the White, while the Spartans’ format of drafting teams is one of several methods employed by NCAA teams for their spring games, but one that is popular among the players.

“I think it creates the most competitive environment possible,” Cousins said. “We actually play a full game with special teams and two separate sidelines and I think it’s the best format out there.”

One of the biggest storylines appears to be the play of a young offensive line, which is missing two possible starters in redshirt freshman offensive lineman Skyler Schofner and senior offensive lineman Joel Foreman, as well as several other players.

The injuries mean several young players will be starting against the defensive line, which is the Spartans’ most experienced unit on the defense, and will provide a major test. The Green Team will look to follow up its 17-10 win last season.

After the game, the team will have a picnic and receive its rings from last season’s Big Ten championship run. The game will showcase some young players, but senior safety Trenton Robinson said he’s not putting too much pressure on himself to mentor the young players, instead letting his play speak for itself.

“I just try to go out and play the game the way it’s supposed to be played,” Robinson said. “When you start thinking putting all this pressure on yourself, that’s when you start not performing.”