The game plan: How Michigan is designed to beat Michigan State

After almost 30 games and four months, the first edition of Michigan vs. Michigan State is finally here.

The Wolverines aren’t playing as well as they were in November and December. The Spartans are banged up, missing two starters, and dropped three conference games in a row a few weeks back. Despite the ups and downs, both teams are tied for first in the Big Ten with four games to play.

The Spartans and Wolverines have split their last 14 head-to-head matchups, but Michigan has prevailed in the previous three.

A revamped defensive strategy is the foundation of that 3-game winning streak. Over the last two years, the Wolverines have outlined the game plan to beat the Spartans. It is a plan that isn’t any different than their plan in any other game.

It just happens that the strengths of the Wolverine defense oppose the strengths of the Spartan offense. For Michigan, beating Michigan State is as simple as being the best version of itself.

If the Wolverines accomplish these five things, they’ll win their fourth game in a row against their in-state rivals.