Entering the 2021 season, No. 5 Michigan State wasn’t expected to make many waves. But the Spartans are undefeated, coming off a big win over in-state rival No. 9 Michigan. The Spartans handed the Wolverines their first loss of the season in the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy in a 37-33 slugfest.

Michigan State heads to West Lafayette to take on Purdue this weekend, and ESPN’s FPI Predictor is giving the Spartans a 60.7% chance of heading home with a victory. A win would move Michigan State to 9-0 on the year.

But history isn’t on the Spartans’ side this time. 22 years ago Michigan State went to Purdue ranked 5th after a home win against the Wolverines.

Does this sound familiar?

It didn’t go well for the Spartans, and they left West Lafayette with a 52-28 loss. So will this weekend be another “trap game” for MSU, or will the Spartans continue to build momentum and remain unbeaten?

The 5-3 Boilermakers are looking to snatch just one win during their remaining four games to reach the postseason, but to get it done with an upset this weekend appears unlikely.