Battle for the Paul Bunyan

The interstate rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State has had 105 football games, and this year’s game may be one of the best games in the rivalry yet. Going into this year’s game, Michigan is ranked #23 in the nation and Michigan State is #24. Both of them have one loss on the year, and are looking to compete for a Big Ten Championship.

In the past, Michigan has been the better team, and has always come across as underestimating the Spartans. Michigan players have called Michigan State their "little brother" in the past, and have also said that its amusing watching MSU try to compete with them. These comments have not gone over well with State, and maybe that's why they went on a four game winning streak from 2008-2011, after most of these comments were said. Michigan, under Brady Hoke, has shown the Spartans a lot more respect than in the past, and they are not going to underestimate, the highly underestimated Spartans.

The Spartans are 7-1 this year, with their one loss coming to Notre Dame (17-13). They are 4-0 in the Big Ten, and are looking at the 2014 Rose Bowl in their future. For them to make it into the Rose Bowl, they will have to win the Big Ten, and that will require making it into the Big Ten Championship. In the legends division MSU has the advantage over Blue because of their undefeated record in the Big Ten. So this game pulls a lot of weight for which team will make it into the Championship and most likely face the #4 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. To get there, the Spartans will most likely have to win the rest of their games (same with Michigan), and they face a good Nebraska team, then a struggling Northwestern, and then a underrated Minnesota team. So getting there won't be easy for the Spartans.

Maize and Blue is looking to extend their season by making it to the conference championship, and that is certainly not going to be easy. Michigan faces a strong Nebraska team after they play State, and then they get Northwestern and a good Hawkeyes team. But then the real test, "THEE" Ohio State Buckeyes, who if Michigan makes it to the championship will play again.

The match-up this weekend should be a good one to watch. Michigan's explosive offense versus the strong and talented defense of the Spartans. Michigan is led by their quarterback, #98, Devin Gardner. While the Spartans are led by Shilique Calhoun. Calhoun leads the number one ranked defense in the country against the Wolverines, at defensive end. This matchup of defense vs. offense should be a good one to watch.

The long tradition of Michigan and Michigan State will be continued by what should be an exciting game this Saturday. The Battle for the Paul Bunyan should once again decide who the best team in the state of Michigan is.