GAME NOTES: The resurgent Michigan Wolverines have climbed up to the 15th position in the most recent AP poll, and they will attempt to remain perfect in Big Ten play as they battle rival Michigan State on Saturday. Since losing to Appalachian State and Oregon in succession to open the campaign, the Wolverines have tallied seven consecutive victories, including six by double figures. Last Saturday, Michigan was clearly dominant in a 34-10 romp over Minnesota. With games against Wisconsin and Ohio State remaining after this weekend, the road to a perfect Big Ten season is tough, but the fact that the Wolverines control their own Rose Bowl fate after such a horrendous start is remarkable. The good news for Michigan State is that it is 5-4 overall and one win away from becoming bowl eligible. On the down side, the Spartans are 1-4 against Big Ten competition. Four of the last five outings have resulted in defeat, including a 34-27 double-overtime setback at Iowa last weekend. Michigan holds a commanding 66-28-5 series lead over Michigan State, including five straight wins over the Spartans.

No Chad Henne, no Mike Hart, no problem for Michigan in last weekend's victory over Minnesota. Freshman signal caller Ryan Mallett completed 11-of-20 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown in place of Henne, and sophomore Brandon Minor ran for 157 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries in Hart's absence. Coach Lloyd Carr is optimistic that both Henne and Hart will be available against Michigan State, but it remains to be seen if they will both be good to go. One usual star who did play against Minnesota was receiver Mario Manningham, and he exploded for a career-high 162 receiving yards on five catches. Michigan is averaging 29.0 ppg and 417.8 total ypg, as the club is gaining over 200 ypg both rushing and receiving. Of the 33 offensive touchdowns that have been scored, 18 have come on the ground, including 12 by Hart. The workhorse tailback has already rushed for 1,078 yards despite missing two games and being limited in others.

The fact that Michigan held Minnesota to 10 points last weekend suggests that the defense played quite well. Still, a closer look reveals that the lone touchdown scored by the Golden Gophers came on a fumble recovery, meaning that only three points can be pinned on the Wolverine defensive unit. Michigan surrendered only 231 total yards in the clash, as the Wolverines played well against both the run and the pass. Opponents are only scoring 18.7 ppg against Michigan, which is allowing 317.4 total ypg. Since yielding 71 total points to Oregon and Appalachian State in the first two games of the season, Michigan has not allowed more than 22 points in any contest. Shawn Crable is an absolute force, as he has made 60 total tackles, including 22 TFLs.

Michigan State is averaging 33.6 ppg and 435.8 total ypg, solid numbers for a well-balanced offensive football team. The Spartans are racking up 213.1 rushing ypg, and 23 of their 35 offensive touchdowns have come on the ground. Javon Ringer has already rushed for 1,084 yards and six touchdowns, as he is averaging a staggering 6.3 ypc. As for big Jehuu Caulcrick, he has rushed for 553 yards and 16 touchdowns, taking full advantage of his goal line carries. Brian Hoyer has taken the vast majority of snaps for Michigan State, and the signal caller has completed 60.1 percent of his passes for 1,910 yards and 11 touchdowns with four interceptions. His favorite target has clearly been Devin Thomas, as he has made 51 catches for 906 yards and five touchdowns. In the heart-breaking loss to Iowa last time out, MSU totaled 468 yards of offense. Caulcrick scored three times, Ringer topped 100 yards, and Hoyer threw for 308 yards without an interception.

Opponents are posting 25.8 ppg and 337.0 total ypg against Michigan State, which has allowed 13 rushing touchdowns as well as 13 passing scores. The Spartans have room for improvement against both the run and the pass, and the Michigan offense presents a significant test this weekend. Greg Jones currently leads Michigan State with 60 total tackles, and Jonal Saint-Dic is tops with nine sacks. Against Iowa last weekend, Michigan State only yielded 283 total yards, including 53 passing yards on 5-of-15 completions. Unfortunately, the Spartans allowed the Hawkeyes to score touchdowns on both of their overtime possessions.

It is hard to pick against Michigan, as the Wolverines are playing inspired football. Expect the Spartans to put up a fight but fall just short once again.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Michigan 27, Michigan State 20