Michigan State football: Final score predictions vs. Michigan

It’s that day again. It’s the annual Michigan vs. Michigan State football game with the Paul Bunyan Trophy on the line.

This year, neither team is ranked in the Top 25 which is the first time in a while that this is a completely unranked battle. The Wolverines are trending in the wrong direction, too, going from top-10 to begin the season as the reigning national champs to unranked after a second straight loss. They are now 4-3 on the year and they went from 24-point favorites in this game in the preseason to now sitting at just 4-point favorites.

Michigan State, on the other hand, is 4-3 but is trending up after two bowl-less seasons. The Spartans are coming off a big win over Iowa at home and they head into Saturday night’s game with some confidence and momentum.

Jonathan Smith and Aidan Chiles are being introduced to the rivalry with a real chance to win their first edition of it.

But what do the Spartan Shadows writers think?

Connor Muldowney: This is the first time in a while that I truly believe Michigan State has a real chance to win. Chiles is playing better and I think he’s going to lead the Spartans to a huge win in Ann Arbor. Michigan State 20, Michigan 17.

Maxwell Klitzke: Michigan State 38, Michigan 17

Chris Norman: 24-17 Spartans

Emmett Matasovsky: As said by Matt Seybert, “They could dress 9 players and I’d still go Spartans.” My biggest takeaway on this game is that the first to 20 wins, but I have doubts if either team reaches 20. It might be a matter of who throws the less timely pick. Michigan’s pass offense and Michigan State’s run offense are going to be battling over who can gain traction first. Regardless, Go Green 17-10 Spartans.

Daily MSU: Michigan State 20, Michigan 17

MilkManMSU: Michigan State 34, Michigan 17

Owen Schuchaskie: Aidan Chiles has his first mistake-free game and Michigan State’s defense holds Michigan to under 150 total yards. The record of No UM first-year head coach beating MSU in their first season holds true since 1948. Michigan State 26, Michigan 10.

Joey Shaver: Michigan State 16, Michigan 14

Zack Theis: Michigan State 24, Michigan 20

Liam O’Malley: 20-10 Sparty

Anthony Garvert: 17-13 MSU

Chris Davis: 20-17 Michigan State