This matchup is all about defensive strength and offensive limitations. The Spartans put up 32 points against Iowa last week, but that was an outlier as they averaged just 12 points per game in their previous three outings. Overall, Michigan State ranks 110th in scoring with 21.6 points per game.

On the other side, Michigan’s offense has struggled even more, ranking 130th in passing and 112th in scoring, averaging only 21.1 points per game. Both teams are likely to rely heavily on the run game, which will keep the clock moving and limit scoring opportunities.

Defensively, these are two of the stronger units in the Big Ten. Michigan State is allowing just 20.9 points per game, while Michigan’s defense has given up an average of 22.1 points per game. With both teams leaning on their defenses and focusing on the ground game, this matchup has all the makings of a low-scoring affair. Expect a grind-it-out battle with points at a premium.