It’s Michigan vs. Michigan State football week.

The Spartans (3-4, 0-4 Big Ten) and Wolverines (5-2, 3-1) will kick off Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m. (NBC) at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing for the 118th meeting of the rivalry.

Michigan is a two-touchdown road favorite, according to BetMGM, and owns a three-game win streak in the annual clash for the Paul Bunyan Trophy.

We asked both our college beat writers to provide an early game prediction for MSU vs. Michigan. Here’s who wins and why.

OPINION: Jonathan Smith can change MSU football narrative with a win over rival Michigan

Michigan vs MSU football prediction, pick

Tony Garcia, Michigan beat writer: The Wolverines enter with juice after last week’s impressive second half against Washington. The Spartans appear largely lifeless, with a coach who hasn’t shown a complete understanding of the rivalry, nor the enthusiasm to rally his players or fanbase. This game, often tricky, was won for years by Michigan State when it often out-willed the Wolverines, who would often come in with too much bravado. That was Mark Dantonio’s magic. Those days are past, and while MSU should be able to move the ball and will need to pull out all the stops, Michigan is simply more talented. The pick: Michigan 31, Michigan State 19.

Chris Solari, Michigan State beat writer: The Spartans have shown the ability to move the ball against physical defenses in losses at USC and Indiana. They also have struggled to stop opposing offenses on the ground and through the air. Expect MSU to find enough pass rush to affect freshman QB Bryce Underwood at times but not enough to prevent the Wolverines from breaking big run plays in a game that will come down to the fourth quarter. The pick: Michigan 28, Michigan State 24.

BLUE: Michigan knows what’s at stake vs MSU: ‘This is for the title’

GREEN: Jonathan Smith says MSU rivalry vs Michigan a chance ‘to change the tide’

Tony Garcia is the Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia. Make “Hail Yes!” your go-to Wolverines podcast, available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify).

Chris Solari is the Spartans beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at csolari@freepress.com. Follow him on X @chrissolari. Make “Spartan Speak” your go-to Spartans podcast, available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify).