ESPN's FPI predicts the winner of the Paul Bunyan Trophy
ESPN’s Football Power Index is leaning heavily to one side of the Michigan-Michigan State matchup.
FPI gives Michigan a 90.2% to win the matchup. The Wolverines have an FPI rating of 22.1, while the Spartans have an FPI of only 6.4. This means that on a neutral field against an average opponent, the Wolverines would be projected to win by 22.1 points on average.
The Wolverines have a substantial advantage in both offense and defense. The Wolverine defense only allows 250 yards per game, while the Spartan defense is allowing 422.3.
The Michigan offense is led by a dynamic one-two punch at RB, with Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. Michigan sports a top 10 rushing offense, averaging over 240 yards per game on the ground. Michigan State allows over 153 rushing yards per game, good for the 72nd-best rushing defense.
The Spartan pass defense is even worse, ranking 106th in the nation in passing yards allowed. The Wolverines sport an elite passing defense, allowing only 164 yards per game.
The Wolverines will be especially motivated for this game due to their current two-game losing streak in the series.
The game will be played at 7:30 PM EST on Saturday, October 29, in Ann Arbor.