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Michigan Wolverines vs Michigan State Spartans Game Preview
The Michigan Wolverines travel to East Lansing to face the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in one of college football’s oldest and fiercest rivalries. The game kicks off at 7:30 PM ET from Spartan Stadium, with national coverage on NBC.
No. 25 Michigan (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) rebounded from a loss to USC with a 24-7 victory over Washington last week, but the Wolverines know the rivalry will demand their best effort. Coach Sherrone Moore has emphasized urgency and attention to detail as Michigan continues to fight for position in the Big Ten standings.
Michigan State (3-4, 0-4 Big Ten) is mired in a four-game losing streak and desperate for a turnaround. Coach Jonathan Smith called this rivalry matchup “a huge opportunity” for his team to reset the season and deliver a statement performance in front of their home crowd.
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Line Movement and Betting Odds
Michigan Moneyline: -320
Michigan State Moneyline: +260
Michigan Spread: -8.5 (-110)
Michigan State Spread: +8.5 (-110)
Total Over/Under: 50.5 (-110)
Michigan opened as an 8.5-point road favorite and has drawn early betting support from sharps. The total sits just above 50, reflecting expectations for a balanced mix of offense and physical defense typical of this rivalry.
Find expert consensus picks and projections in the college football picks section.
Matchup Breakdown
Michigan’s balanced offense has been led by freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who has thrown for 1,440 yards and seven touchdowns with only two interceptions. His poise and mobility have allowed the Wolverines to stay efficient even without star running back Justice Haynes, who missed last week’s win with an abdominal injury.
Haynes remains a key piece, leading the team with 705 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in just six games. Wide receivers Tyler Morris and Semaj Morgan have been reliable targets, combining for 728 receiving yards. Michigan’s defense, anchored by Derrick Moore (4.5 sacks) and Cole Sullivan (four takeaways), ranks among the top 15 nationally in scoring defense.
Michigan State’s struggles stem largely from defensive breakdowns — the Spartans have allowed 38 or more points in four consecutive games. Offensively, quarterback Aidan Chiles has shown flashes of potential, throwing for 1,262 yards and 10 touchdowns, but protection issues and turnovers have stalled drives.
The Spartans’ best hope lies in forcing takeaways and controlling the clock with a steady running game. Linebacker Jordan Hall leads the team with 51 tackles and remains a bright spot on a defense looking for answers.
More matchup data and performance insights can be found in the expert betting guide.
Key Storylines
• Michigan seeks its fourth win in the last five meetings in East Lansing.
• Michigan State aims to end a four-game losing streak and secure its first Big Ten win.
• Bryce Underwood continues to develop as Michigan’s long-term answer at quarterback.
• Justice Haynes’ return could spark Michigan’s ground attack after a one-game absence.
• Coach Sherrone Moore emphasized “urgency” and discipline entering this rivalry matchup.
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Injury Report
Michigan Wolverines:
Running back Justice Haynes (abdomen) is expected to return. Offensive lineman Giovanni El-Hadi (ankle) remains questionable. Cornerback Will Johnson (knee) is day-to-day.
Full injury report for Michigan Wolverines
Michigan State Spartans:
Linebacker Jordan Hall (shoulder) is probable. Wide receiver Jaron Glover (hamstring) and running back Nate Carter (ankle) are questionable. Safety Malik Spencer (undisclosed) remains out.
Full injury report for Michigan State Spartans
Prediction
Michigan’s defense and superior balance on offense should be enough to keep the Paul Bunyan Trophy in Ann Arbor. Michigan State’s offense lacks the consistency to exploit the Wolverines’ secondary, and Michigan’s ground attack should wear down the Spartans’ defense over four quarters.
Projected Score: Michigan 31, Michigan State 17
Best Bet: Michigan -8.5 (-110)
Secondary Lean: Under 50.5 (-110)
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