Gameday Preview: No. 25 Michigan at Michigan State

Michigan State's offense has struggled against conference opponents. The Spartans scored 31 and 27 during their first two Big Ten games, but have only scored 13 points in back-to-back contests versus UCLA and Indiana.

Now, they will have to try to score points against a Michigan defense that has not surrendered many points this year. The Wolverines are only giving up 17.0 points per game. USC has scored the most points in a game versus UM this year, with 31.

When Michigan has the Ball

Michigan State's defense has struggled more than the offense has. All four of the Spartans' Big Ten opponents have dropped at least 38 points. Through the whole season, MSU is averaging 32.7 points per game, which is the third-worst number among Power Four teams.

UM is going to want to run the ball. The Wolverines might be getting Justice Haynes, the second-leading rusher in the Big Ten, back after he missed the Washington game due to injury. Even if he is out, Jordan Marshall is about as good as it gets for an RB2.

Michigan's passing attack is also a lot more capable with former No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood at quarterback. He's thrown for 1,440 yards, seven touchdowns, and just two picks. Underwood also has 202 rushing yards and three additional scores.

Individual Stats

Starting QBs

MSU - Aidan Chiles: 65.1%, 1,262 yards, 10 TDs, 3 INTs

UM - Bryce Underwood: 62.4%, 1,440 yards, 7 TD, 2 INTs

Notable Rushers

MSU - Makhi Frazier: 384 yards, 2 TDs | Chiles (QB): 234 yards, 5 TDs | Brandon Tullis: 140 yards, 2 TDs

UM - Justice Haynes: 705 yards, 8 TDs | Jordan Marshall: 434 yards, 4 TDs | Underwood (QB): 202 yards, 3 TDs

Notable Receivers

MSU - Omari Kelly: 406 yards, 1 TD | Nick Marsh: 404 yards, 5 TDs | Chrishon McCray: 207 yards, 1 TD

UM - Donaven McCulley: 369 yards, 2 TDs | Andrew Marsh: 297 yards, 2 TDs | Semaj Morgan: 214 yards, 1 TD

Top Defenders

MSU - LB Jordan Hall: 51 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF | S Malik Spencer: 29 tackles, 3 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 3 PBUs | DE Jalen Thompson: 16 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 1 PBU

UM - DE Derrick Moore: 16 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 FF | LB Jaishawn Barham: 24 tackles, 7.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 1 FF | LB Cole Sullivan: 27 tackles, 4.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 3 INTs

Team Stats

Michigan State Offense vs. Michigan Defense

MSU Total Offense: 336.7 yards/game (106th) | UM Total Defense: 307.9 yards/game (24th)

MSU Scoring Offense: 27.1 points/game (t-76th) | UM Scoring Defense: 17.0 points/game (17th)

MSU Pass Offense: 213.7 yards/game (86th) | UM Pass Defense: 215.1 yards/game (t-56th)

MSU Run Offense: 123.0 yards/game (106th) | UM Run Defense: 92.7 yards/game (15th)

MSU 3rd Downs: 39.3% (76th) | UM 3rd Downs Allowed: 38.1% (67th)

Michigan Offense vs. Michigan State Defense

UM Total Offense: 417.9 yards/game (45th) | MSU Total Defense: 382.7 yards/game (87th)

UM Scoring Offense: 28.7 points/game (69th) | MSU Scoring Defense: 32.7 points/game (t-119th)

UM Pass Offense: 205.7 yards/game (94th) | MSU Pass Defense: 251.4 yards/game (109th)

UM Rush Offense: 212.1 yards/game (22nd) | MSU Rush Defense: 131.3 yards/game (52nd)

UM 3rd Downs: 40.5% (67th) | MSU 3rd Downs Allowed: 45.9% (124th)