A rivalry game can be all about unpredictability, and that is just what The Spartans are hoping for Saturday Night in East Lansing.  Most are going to be putting their money on Michigan to win this game but there could be a couple surprising trends that may make some Wolverine fans uneasy. Here are three bold predictions for Saturday night's contest between Michigan and Michigan State...

1. Michigan's defense will force a decisive turnover for a touchdown

Michigan's offense, under the leadership of true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, has shown flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency this season. While the Wolverines are built to be dominant in the trenches and run the ball effectively, the passing game and overall offensive rhythm have been a work in progress.

This means the defense, a seasoned and elite unit, will be called upon to make a game-changing play. While Michigan State's Aidan Chiles has a solid passing record and talent at wide receiver, he has also been turnover-prone this season, with three interceptions to so far this year. The aggressive defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, which leads the Big Ten in interceptions, is perfectly positioned to capitalize on a mistake. Expect a strip-sack from a talented edge rusher like Derrick Moore or an interception returned for a score by a savvy veteran in the secondary like Jyaire Hill. This defensive touchdown will not only swing the momentum but also provide the final margin of victory in a game that may be tighter than oddsmakers suggest.

2. Aidan Chiles out-duels Bryce Underwood in a passing shootout

This prediction defies the conventional wisdom that Michigan will dominate in the trenches and control the game with its rushing attack. Instead, this forecast calls for Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles to have a breakout performance, silencing some of his critics. Chiles has a talented receiving corps and facing a Michigan defense that has shown susceptibility in the secondary, particularly without knowing if injured star Rod Moore will play, provides a window of opportunity.

The game devolves into a surprisingly high-scoring affair where both quarterbacks are forced to sling the ball. In a hostile environment, Michigan's freshman Bryce Underwood faces immense pressure, leading to some of his own mistakes. Chiles, playing with the desperate energy of a team fighting for its postseason life, keeps the Spartans in the game with his arm. While it may not result in a win for the Spartans, this bold prediction would see Chiles outperform his counterpart and remind everyone of his immense talent.

3. Bryce Underwood scores at least once with his legs

I don’t think much of this game is going to come easy for the Wolverines, including their ground attack. They are going to have to incorporate some different wrinkles to get through this amped up MSU defense.  With the uncertainty of Justice Haynes, most of the load is going to fall on Jordan Marshall again.  While many teams would be elated to have him as their lead back, he cannot do it alone, and young star Bryce Underwood is going to need to utilize his legs to keep the chains moving.  I believe if Haynes doesn’t play, this prediction could even increase to multiple touchdowns on the ground for Underwood.  The play action from the success of their rushing attack will complement some read option opportunities in the red zone.  Underwood may not realize the same amount of success he had against Central Michigan on the ground, but look for his legs to be an integral part of the offense Saturday night.