The Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans face off for the 118th time in yet another Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. The Michigan Wolverines have a three-game win streak going in this rivalry, but the Spartans almost always find a way to surprise in this game.

Michigan is finally getting back to familiar football as five star phenom freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood is looking more comfortable every week, the defense is finding their pass rush, and the running game is proving to be successful regardless of who is carrying the rock.

Michigan State has lost four games in a row as they’ve struggled to consistently generate anything in their ground game, but Aidan Chiles’ phenomenal arm talent continues to shine when he puts everything all together. That alone could make things tough for a Michigan defense that hasn’t been consistent.

Given how much this rivalry game means to both teams, members from A to Z Sports who cover the Big Ten decided to weigh in, predicting a winner. The picks are in. Enjoy!

Michigan 33, Michigan State 20

The Michigan Wolverines offense has been a rough watch when they play tougher defenses, but since Bryce Underwood has begun finding more chemistry with both Donaven McCulley and freshman Andrew Marsh at wide receiver their efficiency and balance has improved greatly. If Michigan State tries to shut down the Wolverines run attack–and they could given their strength there–Underwood still likely does enough to create explosive plays and score a ton of points against the Spartans poor secondary.

If Michigan State is going to keep this game close it’s going to come via intermediate passing success on offense, the one area where Michigan’s secondary has struggled. That’s where Spartans QB Aidan Chiles clearly feels most comfortable (between 10 and 20 yards downfield). He layers throws well, and finds his second and third reads at that level often when he gets comfortable. Still, the Wolverines’ talent edge and pass rush does enough to win, 33-20. – Travis May, A to Z Sports CFB & NFL Draft Managing Editor

Michigan State 42, Michigan 38

Look, we all know that the Michigan State season has not turned out to be what everyone hoped it would be, but the fact is that they are still in bowl contention. Something happens to this team when they take on Michigan. It’s kind of an “all bets are off” type of situation. The State defense has been very beatable, but they can hang offensively when they play clean. That’s why I’m going with a State win in a shootout. 42-38, Michigan State win. – Mike Payton, A to Z Sports Detroit

Michigan 27, Michigan State 7

This rivalry is always a big matchup, but the state of these two programs couldn’t be any different. Michigan State is 3-4 with their head coach on the hot seat and a team without a strength on either side of the ball, while Michigan is fresh off of demolishing a red-hot Washington team thanks to their resurgent defense. As the Wolverines get healthier, they are only going to keep improving, and they have their sights set on a College Football Playoff bid. I think Michigan’s defensive line is going to dominate up front, and Bryce Underwood has another big game through the air. I’m not expecting much of a game in this one. Give me the Wolverines, 27-7. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

Michigan 38, Michigan State 14

Michigan heads to East Lansing this Saturday riding high after an impressive home win over Washington, where the Wolverines’ defense completely smothered quarterback Demond Williams and bottled up the Huskies’ run game. Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood continues to grow with each start, showing poise and command that hint at even bigger things to come as the season progresses. Aidan Chiles gives Michigan State a capable and confident leader under center, but the Spartans simply don’t have the depth or firepower to match Michigan on either side of the ball. Expect the Wolverines to control the trenches, lean on their ground game, and let Underwood continue his steady rise in a convincing rivalry win. Prediction: Michigan 38, Michigan State 14. – Brentley Weissman, A to Z Sports Oregon

Final Score Predictions for Michigan vs. Michigan State

The A to Z Sports staff is fairly confident that Sherrone Moore and Bryce Underwood find a way to win this tough rivalry game over Michigan State. On average, our staff projects Michigan to win somewhere around 35-20. That kind of statement win could get the Wolverines well on their way to a 9-2 record ahead of their huge rivalry battle against Ohio State at the end of November.

We’ll be back with more Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!