Michigan State (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) at Michigan (4-3, 2-2), Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (BTN)

BetMGM college football odds: Michigan at 3 1/2.

Series record: Michigan leads 73-38-5

What is at stake?

Possibly a bowl bid for both teams. If the defending champion Wolverines lose, they will likely have to pull off an upset in one of three games against top-ranked Oregon, No. 13 Indiana and No. 4 Ohio State to qualify for the postseason and beat Northwestern at home. If the Spartans win, they’ll be in a good position to perhaps get a sixth win against Purdue or Rutgers.

Key match

Michigan’s running game against Michigan State’s defense. The Wolverines simply can’t throw the ball effectively, giving three quarterbacks a chance to make unsuccessful starts. They will likely try to win by running the ball early and often. The Spartans give up 131 yards rushing per game, ranking 12th in the Big Ten and 53rd in the FBS.

Players to watch

Michigan State WR Nick Marsh. He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the second time after setting a career high with eight catches and 113 yards receiving in last week’s win over Iowa. Marsh is just 58 yards away from breaking Cody White’s true freshman single-season mark of 490 yards in 2017.

Michigan RB Kalel Mullings. He will likely carry the heaviest load in a run-heavy offense. Mullings, who has been more effective than Donovan Edwards, leads the team with 676 yards on 110 carries and seven touchdowns. The converted linebacker runs powerfully and surprisingly quickly.

Facts & Figures

Both teams are led by first-year coaches: Sherrone Moore of Michigan and Jonathan Smith of Michigan State. … The last time Michigan State played at Michigan, there was a fight in the tunnel after the game. Seven Spartans were charged with felonies, Michigan State was fined $100,000 for “hitting, kicking, or using their helmet” to hit Michigan players, and the Big Ten reprimanded Michigan , because it “did not provide adequate protection for both home and away team personnel entering and exiting arcades,” according to conference policy. … Michigan lost as many games this season as it lost in the previous three years combined under former coach Jim Harbaugh. … Michigan State is one win away from surpassing last season’s total under fired coach Mel Tucker and interim coach Harlon Barnett.