Michigan-Michigan State headed for historic showdown in Week 9

Michigan rolled Northwestern in Week 8, setting up a dramatic rivalry showdown in Week 9.

Facing off against the Wildcats, Jim Harbaugh’s squad put a slow start behind them and ran away in the second half for a 33-7 win. Michigan State was idle for a bye week.

Now, the Spartans and Wolverines can turn their full attention to the in-state rivalry and the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Obviously, bragging rights alone are worth playing for, but both teams have bigger goals in mind. Both Michigan and Michigan State are undefeated and ranked inside the top 10.

According to BTN, this year’s showdown will be the first undefeated matchup between the two sides in over a decade. The last time that happened was in 2010 when a No. 17 Michigan State team beat No. 18 Michigan.

Next Saturday at Spartan Stadium:

7⃣-0⃣ Michigan at 7⃣-0⃣ Michigan State 👀 pic.twitter.com/YDgyoYAhP8

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 23, 2021

According to MSU Associate AD Kevin Pauga, this will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides with both teams at 7-0 or better. In 2010, the 2 sides entered at 5-0:

Next Saturday’s Michigan at Michigan State football game will be the first ever meeting between the two schools when both are 7-0 or better.

— Kevin Pauga (@KevinPauga) October 23, 2021

A win for either program will define the B1G East race heading into November and provide a huge statement for two programs putting together a bounce-back season. The game will be in East Lansing.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.