Scouting report

MSU offense: The Spartans delivered a fairly productive performance in their 34-28 double-overtime win over Wisconsin on Oct. 15, with quarterback Payton Thorne putting together an efficient 21-for-28, 265-yard effort. The offensive line produced some room for Jalen Berger and Elijah Collins to help pace MSU’s 99 yards rushing – enough to force the Badgers to respect the run. MSU ranks 127th out of 131 Football Bowl Subdivisions in possession time (25:06). The Spartans are 116th in rushing (106.1 yards per game) and 104th in total offense (349), scoring 27 points a game to rank 78th.

Michigan defense: Michigan is top 10 in the country in nearly every major category: fifth in total defense (250 yards per game), fifth in rushing defense (85.9), sixth in passing yards allowed (164.1) and third in points allowed (12.2). First-year coordinator Jesse Minter loves to mix and match his blitzes and stunts, a major reason why 14 players have recorded at least part of a sack and eight have two or more. Michigan offense: Michigan has leaned on the ground game and ranks eighth in the nation in rushing yards per game (241.1). The passing offense hasn’t been stellar, but hasn’t needed to be. J.J. McCarthy has flashed his elite skillset while showing he is willing to remain poised and take what the defense gives him. MSU defense: Expect the Spartans to continue to play more 4-3 against the run-dominant Wolverines, who use multiple tight end packages that will require both Jacoby Windmon and Aaron Brule to show their ability in coverage. MSU remains among the nation’s worst in total defense (422.3, 104th), pass defense (269, 111th), third-down defense (43%, 105th) and yards per play (5.94, 102nd).