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The most intense week in the Michigan State football season is here. The Spartan Dawgs face off against interstate rival, the Michigan Wolverines at the Big House on Saturday, Nov. 16. Michigan is playing its best football so far and Michigan State is at an all-time low in the Mark Dantonio era.

Here are three things to watch in this game:

Gridiron Warfare

This game is going to be gritty and grimy. Both teams absolutely loathe one another. Mark Dantonio referred to Jim Harbaugh as “intense” earlier this week. Michigan DB Ambry Thomas said this game decides who is the big brother and who is the little sister. Personally, I’m not a fan of his rhetoric, but, it points to the intensity of this rivalry game.

Both the players and fans are heavily invested in this game’s outcome. Both teams are going to lay it all on the line. What else does MSU have to play for this year? The Michigan rivalry game is the last chance for the Spartans to salvage any positive sentiments for this season. On the other hand, the Wolverines want to make a statement against Michigan State.

The QB Battle

Shea Patterson and Brian Lewerke are the Spiderman meme in which two Spidermen point at one another. They are one in the same. Both are athletic QB’s that put their heads down and run while also having a pretty strong throwing arm. Note, both QB’s suffer from the same issue: inaccuracy.

Through nine games, Lewerke has thrown for 2,102 yards and 12 touchdowns with a 55.7 completion percentage. On the other hand, Patterson has thrown for 1,773 yards and 12 touchdowns with a 57.2 completion percentage. What’s the difference? Lewerke has thrown three more interceptions than Patterson. The QB matchup is pretty even. Whoever plays better will lead their team to victory.

Michigan State’s Receiver Core

Mark Dantonio recently revealed that TE Matt Dotson is out for the remainder of the season with a torn Achilles. Michigan State is still without WR Darrell Stewart as well. These are two huge holes in their receiver core. So far, Stewart has tallied up 694 yards on only 47 receptions along with four touchdowns to boot. He has been a quintessential part of the Spartan’s offense.

Note, Michigan State sees the return of sophomore WR CJ Hayes. Hayes is back after an injury kept him out for a few weeks. Luckily, I think Hayes can easily replace Stewart. All the while, Cody White has stepped up big time in the past few games. Look for both White & Hayes to have a big game if MSU has a chance to win.

Tune in at 12 P.M. this Saturday on Fox to catch this game. Cheer on the Spartans, they certainly need it.

Stay locked on SpartansWire for more coverage to come.

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