Michigan State is ready for its first major rivalry tilt of the season with the Spartans heading into Ann Arbor to face Michigan. Friday’s primetime matchup will be for the lead in the Big Ten, and Michigan State is looking to keep its recent momentum in the series alive.

Tom Izzo and his Spartans have won 5 of the last 7 in the rivalry series, including a clean sweep of both matchups last year. It was a nice way to snap a 4-game losing streak in Ann Arbor, but things will not be easy this time around.

Led by twin towers Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin, Michigan is riding a 6-game winning streak and holds a half-game lead in the B1G standings ahead of tip-off. The Wolverines are a 3.5-point home favorite per bet365, so it will be a big moment in an elite rivalry environment on Friday.

In the afternoon, Michigan State confirmed the road threads for the game, and it will be the class green jerseys for MSU with “Spartans” in white across the chest. The traditional numerals and piping on the side of the jerseys and shorts is included.

Everyone associated with the program knows what it means in the rivalry game, but it’s especially meaningful if the Spartans want to maintain a shot at the league title. MSU must still face at Maryland, vs. Wisconsin, at Iowa and home vs. Michigan in the regular season finale. Falling 1.5 games behind in the standings with 4 games to play would make it a difficult climb.