The mega guide to week 5: A comprehensive look at Michigan at Michigan State

By Pete Bigelow AnnArbor.com

Posted on Sat, Oct 3, 2009 : 8:16 a.m.

WHAT: Michigan (4-0 overall, 1-0 Big Ten) vs. Michigan State (1-3 overall, 0-1 Big Ten).

WHERE: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing.

WHEN: 12:01 p.m., Saturday.

LAST MEETING: Michigan State 35, Michigan 21 (2008).

BROADCAST INFORMATION: Television: Big Ten Network. Radio: WOMC 104.3-FM. WTKA 1050-AM.

RUNDOWN:Â This was supposed to be the year the Spartans gained ground as the premier Division I-A program in Michigan. Instead, they've sputtered to a 1-3 record, and their window to outshine the Wolverines is closing.

This was supposed to be the year the Wolverines gained nothing but experience, as a crop of young players saw action for the first time. Instead, they've rallied to a 4-0 start and appear headed to a bowl game after a one-year hiatus.

What does that mean for Saturday? Anything goes. It's hard to see anything but another helter-skelter football game for two teams that have already had their share.

While we can't predict the outcome, we can promise a new feature here at AnnArbor.com this week. We've partnered with the Big Ten Network to bring you exclusive highlight videos from Wolverines and other conference games for the rest of the season.

Here's two to whet your appetite: highlights of Michigan-Indiana and Wisconsin-Michigan State.

We'll have video highlights of Michigan-Michigan State online shortly after the game Saturday. In the meantime, here's a recap of all the coverage of this week's game we've had already this week:

FRIDAY (SO FAR)

The running game matters, especially in this series.
Some Michigan fans enjoy traveling to see the Wolverines, and many are traveling to East Lansing on Saturday.

Â How do the players experience the rivalry year-round? Michigan corner Donovan Warren tells a tale about running into one exuberant Spartans fan at the airport.
If you're thinking about camping tonight, Waterloo State Recreaction area is getting into the swing of the game by hosting competitions between the fans of both teams.

THURSDAY

Notes: J.T. Floyd will start ahead of Boubacar Cissoko at cornerback, while Tate Forcier's health shouldn't be a hindrance for the Wolverines.
The folks at bleacherreport.com look at the three freshmen QBs who have started in Michigan history, with special emphasis on Rick Leach.
AnnArbor.com reporter Michael Rothstein chats with Joe Rexrode of the Lansing State Journal about the underachieving Spartans in this Q&A session.
A hard-core Michigan fans convinces Denard Robinson to autograph his forehead. Brian Cook at mgoblog.com has photographic evidence.
Michigan State quarterback Keith Nichol is thrilled to follow in the footsteps of Drew Stanton at the helm of the Spartans.
Walk-ons are playing a prominent role for the Wolverines this season -- and perhaps beyond -- writes Larry Lage of The Associated Press.
Capsule previews of every Big Ten game, including the best one: Undefeated Wisconsin at Minnesota.Â
AnnArbor.com reporter Dave Birkett hosts a live chat each Thursday to answer readers' questions about Michigan and its opponent. Here's the recap of this week's discussion, as well as Dave's prediction for Saturday's outcome.Â
One tale from the rivalry's archives: Michigan equipment manager Jon Falk talks about the time he almost gave the Paul Bunyan Trophy away.
Michigan linebacker Obi Ezeh says the Wolverines defense is still looking for a "statement game" in this Q&A with AnnArbor.com's Jeff Arnold.

WEDNESDAY

For Michigan equipment manager Jon Falk, the Paul Bunyan Trophy has special meaning. He tells AnnArbor.com's Jeff Arnold about the history of the trophy.
If the Wolverines want to reach their goals this season, they'll have to improve their defense, opines AnnArbor.com's Michael Rothstein.
Video: Rich Rodriguez talks about trying to keep his players from adding verbal fuel to the rivalry fire.
Practice update with video: Tate Forcier's feeling better and center David Moosman is practicing his snaps.
Keeping up with Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones, the anchor of the Spartans defense.Â
Wolverines linebacker Obi Ezeh literally gave Michigan and former coach Lloyd Carr the shirt off his back, Dave Birkett writes.
Indiana coach Bill Lynch says he's moved past the controversial ending to last week's game with Michigan.Â
Video: MSU defensive end Trevor Anderson: "I never liked Michigan."
Video: MSU linebacker Greg Jones talks about the Spartans D, as well as the team's rivalry with Michigan.

TUESDAY

AnnArbor.com reporter Michael Rothstein scouts ahead at the Wolverines' opponent, breaking down the Michigan State-Notre Dame game.
Even if it hasn't yielded success, Michigan State is sticking with its two-quarterback system, writes Michael Rothstein.
In this opinion piece, Rothstein writes that Saturday's game is big for both teams, but for the Spartans, their entire season hangs in the balance.
Video: Michigan State receiver Blair White talks about his connections to Michigan.
Kevin Grady is thrilled to be a Wolverine, even if his grandmother is a Spartans fan, writes Dave Birkett.
Saturday's game isn't about reclaiming the state, Rich Rodriguez says on the Big Ten conference call.
More Rodriguez: Michigan's coach is "awfully grateful" for the support he's received during the team's 4-0 start to the season.
For Michigan State, this is it. The Wolverines are their biggest rival. Mark Dantonio discusses the rivalry in this video.
MVictors.com commemorates Tom Harmon's birthday by unearthing photos of the Michigan legend dodging a drunk fan.
Michael Rothstein breaks down more film, this time reviewing the 36-33 Michigan victory over Indiana last Saturday.

MONDAY

Notebook: J.T. Floyd is battling Boubacar Cissoko for a starting cornerback position; Injured center David Molk is using a bone stimulator to help heal a broken foot.
Rich Rodriguez and Mark Dantonio aren't sharing tea and crumpets and emphasize "this is not a normal game."
Tate Forcier talks about his injured shoulder, and coaches say he'll be fine for Saturday's showdown in East Lansing.
Video: Rich Rodriguez talks about what he sees in tape of Michigan State, and sees them in a similar position as the Wolverines: Talented, but hurt by big plays.
Video: Donovan Warren talks about his game-saving interception against Indiana.
Rich Rodriguez is preparing his young players for their first road trip of the season. The key? "Communication," Rodriguez tells Jeff Arnold in his Monday notebook.
Alumni update: The New York Times says Mario Manningham has become a player the New York Giants can count on.
Three unbeaten teams remain in the Big Ten. Here are the standings.

SUNDAY

In his weekly "Birk's Eye View" column, Dave Birkett says the Michigan defense remains a concern; Tate Forcier does not.

STATS AND STUFF

Through four games, here are cumulative statistics for Michigan and its players.
You can find game-by-game box scores for the Wolverines here.
Along the same lines, here are cumulative statistics for the Spartans, and game-by-game box scores are here.
Click here for Big Ten standings and here forÂ Big Ten statistics (note that Michigan leads the conference in scoring offense).Â