Michigan vs. Michigan State Score Prediction: Will the Wolverines Roll Under the Lights in Ann Arbor?

Michigan and Michigan State will renew their bitter rivalry Saturday night in Ann Arbor, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The Wolverines enter as 13.5-point favorites, and on paper, they should have a significant advantage over the Spartans.

Michigan has struggled offensively throughout the season, but its defense remains one of the nation's best. Against a Michigan State team struggling on both sides of the ball, the Wolverines have an opportunity to put together one of their most complete performances of the season.

Michigan's offense has been anything but explosive this season, averaging just 21.25 points and 316.4 yards per game. The Wolverines are producing 138 rushing yards and 178.4 passing yards per contest, numbers that have made sustained offensive success difficult.

However, Michigan State presents an opportunity to get things going.

The Spartans are surrendering 25.75 points and 355.1 total yards per game, including 153.8 yards on the ground. They've also forced just six turnovers in eight games.

Michigan freshman quarterback Tommy Carr showed encouraging signs against Rutgers, and another week of experience should help him continue developing. With Jordan Marshall, Savion Hiter and the rest of Michigan's rushing attack facing a vulnerable defense, the Wolverines should emphasize establishing the ground game early.

Michigan's biggest concern remains finishing drives. The Wolverines have scored touchdowns on just 14 of 24 red-zone opportunities, something that could prevent this game from becoming a blowout.

This is where Michigan has an overwhelming advantage.

The Wolverines rank third nationally in total defense, allowing just 250 yards per game. They're also surrendering only 16.4 points per contest while limiting opponents to 99.4 rushing yards and 150.6 passing yards.

Michigan State's offense, meanwhile, is averaging just 19.9 points and 291.4 yards per game.

The Spartans have struggled to establish consistency on the ground, averaging 110.1 rushing yards per contest, and quarterback Alessio Milivojevic will face a defense capable of creating significant pressure, if he can go. He's currently questionable, so freshman Kayd Coffman is preparing as well.

Michigan has recorded 18 sacks and seven interceptions, while Michigan State enters with a minus-six turnover margin.

If the Jay Hill's unit can eliminate Michigan State's running game and force obvious passing situations, the Spartans could struggle to sustain drives throughout the evening.

Everything about this matchup suggests Michigan should win comfortably. The Wolverines possess a dramatically better defense, have home-field advantage and should benefit from a fired-up crowd under the lights.

Still, Michigan's offensive inconsistencies make covering a 13.5-point spread less automatic than the talent disparity might suggest.

The Wolverines don't necessarily need an explosive performance from Carr to win. They simply need to protect the football, establish the running game and allow their defense to dictate the contest.

Michigan State's offense doesn't appear equipped to consistently move the football against this defense, and that should ultimately be the difference.

The rivalry factor could keep things competitive early, but Michigan should gradually pull away as its defensive superiority takes over.

The Wolverines cover the 13.5-point spread, improve their offensive production and secure a convincing rivalry victory in Ann Arbor. Paul Bunyan will stay at The Big House for another year.