Right now is a different story. The Spartans (18-1, 7-0) and Wolverines (14-4, 6-0) are the lone unbeatens in Big Ten play, and tonight's showdown in East Lansing has the prime-time spotlight (7 p.m. ET).
That might clue the rest of the country in on what Michigan natives already know. This rivalry is as nasty as the nation's best, and now it has the play to match.
Here are 10 reasons why:
- Moving up the ‘ranks:’ The Wolverines and Spartans are both having sustained success at the same time — for the first time. Michigan and Michigan State had just six ranked matchups from 1909-2011. Saturday marks the fifth straight game with both teams in the Top 25. A look at the last four matchups:
Jan. 17, 2012: No. 20 Michigan 60, No. 9 Michigan State 59Feb. 5, 2012: No. 9 Michigan State 64, No. 23 Michigan 54Feb. 12, 2013: No. 8 Michigan State 75, No. 4 Michigan 52March 3, 2013: No. 4 Michigan 58, No. 9 Michigan State 57
John Beilein: Thank Beilein for that success. He rebuilt the Michigan program — the Wolverines are coming off a NCAA championship game appearance and on schedule for a fifth tournament appearance in six seasons. He’s also 4-6 against Michigan State — including 4-2 the last three seasons.
Tom Izzo: Izzo, meanwhile, has maintained a powerhouse in East Lansing that includes six Final Fours and the Big Ten’s last national championship (2000). Izzo, also is 20-12 against Michigan, with a 13-3 record at the Breslin Center.
Closer than it seems: There is virtually no gap between the two programs the last four years. Since the start of the 2010-11 season, Michigan State is 93-33 (.738). Michigan, meanwhile, is 90-36 (.714).
Home-court advantage: In that same stretch starting in 2010-11, Michigan State is 55-6 (.902) at the Breslin Center. Michigan isn’t far behind with a 54-8 (.871) mark in the Crisler Center. The teams have combined for just three home losses against unranked teams at home in that stretch. You better have your “A-game” when you face “The Izzone” or “Maize Rage.”
Star power: The matchups features the Big Ten’s top two scorers in Nik Stauskas (18.5 ppg.) and Gary Harris (18.3 ppg). Keith Appling (15.6) and Glenn Robinson III (13.9) aren’t too far behind. It’s too bad Michigan’s Mitch McGary (back) is out, and Michigan State’s Adreian Payne (foot) is a question mark to play.
Roe vs. Michigan: While Stauskas and Harris will talk on the court, expect former Michigan State forward Delvon Roe (@DelvonRoe10) to tweak Wolverines via Twitter off it. Roe is notorious for his Twitter bombs on Michigan fans during games.
Novak attack: Michigan fans, meanwhile, will rally around YouTube videos of former guard Zack Novak, whose “freakout” helped the Wolverines break an 11-game losing streak at the Breslin Center in 2011.
9. “Little brother/little sister”: Former Michigan running back Mike Hart comparing the Spartans to a “little brother” in 2007. That’s still a sore spot for Michigan State, which has won five of the last six meetings in football. There’s a carry-over effect to basketball, too. Spartans fans are known to serenade Michigan with “little sister” with every opportunity.
- Big Ten implications: The winner is the clubhouse leader for a Big Ten regular season championship. Michigan State must hold serve with road trips at Iowa and Wisconsin looming before a rematch with Michigan on Feb. 23. Michigan, meanwhile, faces road dates at Indiana, Iowa and Ohio State before Round 2 with the Spartans. The Wolverines are coming off back-to-back wins against Top 10 teams. Can they make it three in a row?
