It’s a game like no other.

For the 113th time, Michigan State will be taking on in-state rival Michigan in the Great Lakes State’s fall classic. This Saturday’s game in Ann Arbor features a pair of teams that are heading into the weekend in different positions.

For the Wolverines, they are flying high after manhandling Minnesota on the road, 49-24. The Spartans are in an opposite spot, licking their wounds after a 38-27 home loss to Rutgers.

It wasn’t all bad for MSU, as the defense allowed just 276 yards to Rutgers, forcing three turnovers. Having lost seven starters from last year, including an All-American defensive end, the showing was solid. Aside from the Scarlet Knights’ 10-play, 75-yard opening drive, most of the remaining points from Rutgers could be attributed to good, and sometimes great, field position.

The Michigan State defense wasn’t nearly as bad as the 38 points may suggest, but they will need to dramatically step up their game to have any chance in the Big House.

In an effort to get things charged up, MSU basketball coach Tom Izzo lends his narration to the Spartans’ hype video about the “game like no other.”

https://twitter.com/MSU_Football/status/1322176513693896704?s=20

The Spartans will be searching for their first win over their archrivals since 2017. If Mel Tucker and company have serious hopes of knocking off the Wolverines, they will certainly need to improve on the 50 yards rushing and seven turnovers from the season-opening loss to Rutgers.

Saturday’s kickoff is set for 12 pm EST on FOX.