Michigan State at Michigan Football: Final Score Prediction

This Saturday night will mark another chapter in the storied rivalry between the Michigan State Spartans and the Michigan Wolverines.

The Wolverines have held the winning hand and retained the Paul Bunyan Trophy in each of the last four seasons.

Last year, Michigan won by a final score of 31-20, but realistically, the game was never even that close. Despite the officials seemingly having a helping hand for Michigan, the Spartans truly never had a chance.

This year, many would believe the outcome could be much of the same, as the Spartans enter Saturday's game winless in conference play and riding a six-game losing streak.

However, the other side isn't looking much better, as Michigan has lost three of its five conference games. Still, in a smaller sample size, Tommy Carr has now earned two consecutive starts. Carr played well in both games, as well as in the second half three weeks ago when he entered in relief of Bryce Underwood.

Carr helped lead the Wolverines to victories over Penn State and Rutgers while suffering a seven-point loss to Indiana.

Still, neither offense has looked particularly formidable. Michigan defeated Rutgers last week, 28-21, but looking between the lines, Rutgers has allowed at least 30 points to every other Big Ten opponent this season. Michigan couldn't even reach that mark against what is arguably the worst team in the conference.

Michigan State was finding its rhythm before the UCLA matchup, as the Spartans had dropped their previous two games by a combined four points, including a three-point, last-second loss to a ranked Northwestern team.

Injuries have plagued the Spartans all season, and things got even worse in their last game against UCLA two weeks ago, when Michigan State was without its starting quarterback and running back.

In my opinion, Fitzgerald held those players out knowing the following week was a bye and that the biggest game on the Spartans' schedule was coming immediately afterward: a matchup against the Wolverines.

Even though neither team's availability report will be released until later today, that won't stop me from making my score prediction.

This game is going to be a test of courage for both teams.

Two new head coaches are still trying to establish their respective cultures and build their programs. Vegas believes the Wolverines will hold their own at home against the Spartans, making Michigan a 13.5-point favorite.

The two offenses rank among the worst in the Big Ten, averaging the fewest points per game and accounting for the lowest scoring totals among conference teams this season. Both defenses play extremely hard and fast, creating chaos in opposing backfields. However, Michigan's defense is a notch above Michigan State's and looks like a legitimate NFL-caliber unit. In fact, that defense was arguably the biggest reason Bryce Underwood managed to pick up a few wins before being benched.

Now, the two teams will take center stage under the lights at the Big House. It's going to be a physical, potentially unruly game, and hopefully, all extracurricular activity stays between the whistles rather than continuing after the game.

Here's my final score prediction:

Michigan State 20

Michigan 17