Players to watch in the showdown

▶ Aidan Chiles, quarterback: The sophomore transfer from Oregon State has a steep learning curve ahead of him, and he's had his fair share of struggles – with a few foul fumbles and nine interceptions this season. But you can see his confidence and poise growing week by week, just in time for the biggest game of his college career, against a heated rival, under the lights, in a hostile environment. He threw a pick last week, but it wasn't the worst, on third-and-long, and the end result wasn't much different from a punt. He also appears to have found a connection with senior receiver Montorie Foster Jr., giving MSU several weapons.

▶ Charles Brantley, defense attorney: Michigan doesn't have much, if any, passing game. But if the Wolverines try to run the ball all day, that will be a problem — as MSU Iowa showed last week. At some point, and especially when falling behind, UM will have to try to throw the ball, which will be music to the ears of Brantley, a redshirt junior who leads the Spartans with three interceptions this season (MSU has eight ). with five pass breakups. Two games ago he had a season-high nine tackles against Oregon. He is the counterpart to junior defensive back Nikai Martinez, who has two interceptions, including one in a big win over Iowa.