Michigan State Spartans football at Michigan Wolverines

▶ Angelique S. Chengelis: There's too much up in the air about Michigan's quarterback/passing/turnover situation to believe the Wolverines have been able to clean it up since last weekend's loss at Illinois. Yes, it's a big rivalry game and that should be enough motivation for the Wolverines. But it's also a big rivalry game for Michigan State, and the Spartans have shown improvement of late. The win over Iowa had to be a huge confidence boost. Losses of possession have plagued both teams this season, and whoever wins this aspect of the game comes out on top. Pick: Michigan State, 20-17

▶ John Niyo: If this game is decided locally, Michigan will still be in good shape on a cold night at home. But only if the playmaking makes more sense than last week in Illinois and the quarterback play isn't a disaster. Those seem like big challenges, though, which is why the Wolverines are ripe for an upset here. Michigan State has greater talent at the quarterback position and better playmakers at the receiver position. I'm not convinced that what we saw from the Spartans' offensive line against Iowa will show up against a much better front on Saturday, which will put even more pressure on Aidan Chiles to make big plays in the passing game this game win. But that's a formula that's worked for the Spartans in the past, and Chiles is also capable of extending — and making — plays with his scrambling ability. If he does it enough, Michigan's slide will continue. Pick: Michigan State, 24-20