SPONSOR NOTE: Two truths that are beyond reproach: 1) Rivalry games are better when spicier. 2) Weed is better at Winewood. In a sea of corporate dispensaries, Winewood Organics is the sole Cannabis Microbusiness in Ann Arbor. Located across from Kroger on S. Maple, their small-batch flower, bubble hash, edibles, carts, dabs, and drops are all derived from plants grown with love in living soil. MGoBlog readers receive $10 OFF your order when you mention this ad. New customers also get a 25% discount on their first order. Go Blue! Essentials WHAT #4 Michigan (7-0) vs Michigan State(3-4) WHERE Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI WHEN 7:30 Eastern THE LINE M –22.5 TELEVISION ABC (McDonough/Blackledge) TICKETS From $221. WEATHER clear, 0% chance of rain minimal wind mid 50s dropping to 40 by 11 PM Overview Your author takes no pleasure in reporting this, but Michigan State is bad. So bad that Michigan has been installed as more than a three-touchdown favorite despite the recent history of the series. Before last week's double OT win over a flailing Wisconsin program, Michigan State had not been in anything resembling a competitive game against P5 opposition. After a couple of MAC walkovers to open the season, here is Michigan State's season: @ Washington: 39-28 loss that was 39-14 with 9 minutes left despite two different goal-line stands by MSU. Minnesota: 34-7 loss in which total yards are 508-240. @ Maryland: 27-13 loss featuring another goal-line stand; total yards are 489 to 321. Ohio State: lol @ Wisconsin: A win in which MSU actually outgains Wisconsin 389-283. That is four hideous blowouts that are not as close as the scores indicate—even when those scores are lopsided—and then a competitive game against a Wisconsin team that just got its coach fired. If you squint you can see some reason for MSU's improvement in that game: they got a couple of key defensive contributors back. But given all the other results that game feels like the "how bad is Wisconsin" moment. So, like, gird thyself. Anything short of defeat without dignity is going to be annoying, and if there's a fluky half like Penn State game people are going to be watching from open windows, ready to plummet. [After THE JUMP: Mel Tucker job approval rating tracks NFT prices]