So, my wife just got back from a trip to Dallas, Texas. She calls me on the phone from some bar on Monday, and everyone at the bar is talking about Michigan State-Michigan. Not about Texas, not about TCU, not about Oklahoma, not about scUM, but saying that "Man, Michigan State has a GOOD team." Sigh, we're getting there. Now to BEAT scUM Yellow Bellies to actually earn some respect. We are getting close, but we need, desire, pray, and cry to seal the deal. It's our turn. Let us go kick their friggin' ass!

Predictions are beginning to trickle out for the Michigan State - Michagan matchup, so far in Sparty's favor. Here is a start. More, plenty more to come. Lots of national build up to this one.

Picking Sparty:

• CFN/Scout (MSU 45-37) - "the Michigan State offensive balance, especially the power running game, will be enough to control the clock."
• Bleacher Report (MSU 38-28) - "Michigan State's hatred for Michigan far outstrips Michigan's hatred for the Spartans."
• Pat Forde/ESPN (MSU 35-34) - "Spartans have been the pluckiest team of the season so far"
• Sports Interaction (MSU) - "I expect plenty of time consuming drives by the Spartans"
• Dan Welin/Bleacher Report (MSU) - "the Spartans are battle tested."
• Locksmith Sports (MSU) - " I like the balance of the Michigan State offense and they do have some talented players on defense also."
• Whatifsports.com (MSU 38-37) - " Michigan will have to stop the Spartans on offense a few times"

Picking scUM:

• BetFirms (scUM 41-38): "even if Michigan wins this game it is going to be a close game throughout "
• RM Herald/Bleacher Report (scUM 31-27) - "they won't "Stop Denard!"

Says Joey Johnston of NBC.com, "The Michigan State-Michigan winner should be a top-10 level team."