We're going streaking! OK, not us (thankfully for you), but certain Big Ten teams have held the edge in rivalry games in recent years. We're taking a closer look at these games and whether things will change or remain the same in 2014.
After examining the battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe, we'll stick with the Bunyan theme with Michigan-Michigan State, who play for this guy.
Series: First meeting in 1898. Michigan leads 68-33-5. The Wolverines hold a 35-24-2 edge when the Paul Bunyan Trophy is at stake (introduced in 1953).
Last meeting: Michigan State smashed Michigan 29-6 on Nov. 2, 2013, at Spartan Stadium in a game that wasn't as close as the score.
The streak: Although the teams have split the past two meetings, Michigan State has won five of the past six contests, including a team-record three straight at Spartan Stadium.
Next meeting: Oct. 25 at Spartan Stadium
The skinny: Last season's game epitomized the season for both teams. Michigan State's nationally ranked defense smothered Michigan, recording seven sacks and forcing eight punts. The Spartans exposed Michigan's offensive line and the Wolverines finished with minus-48 net rush yards, the lowest total in team history. MSU went on to win the Big Ten and the Rose Bowl, while Michigan finished 7-6. Michigan's offensive struggles in East Lansing suggested changes would be coming, and Brady Hoke replaced coordinator Al Borges with Doug Nussmeier after the season.
Nussmeier must get Michigan's offense on track, especially the power run game Hoke wants. The Wolverines return pieces at quarterback, tight end, running back and interior line but need replacements at the tackle and wide receiver spots. This will be the ultimate test for Michigan, as Michigan State, despite losing All-America cornerback Darqueze Dennard and several other standout defenders, should remain a top-10 or top-15 defense. The Spartans return quarterback Connor Cook and more skill players on offense than Michigan, but like the Wolverines, they have some holes to fill up front.
Because of the Big Ten's expansion and the schedule reset that goes with it, MSU will host Michigan in consecutive years for the first time in the history of the rivalry. The rivals are still in the same division, and the winner of this game should have a good chance to reach Indianapolis. Michigan last won in East Lansing in 2007, prompting Mike Hart's "little brother" comment and Mark Dantonio's "pride comes before the fall" retort.
The (very early) prediction: Dantonio's approach to the Michigan game mirrors that of his mentor, Jim Tressel, who went 9-1 against Michigan as Ohio State's coach. The Wolverines will be a better team and a more cohesive offense under Nussmeier, but I have a hard time picking against the Spartans at home with Cook back under center and Dantonio and defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi on the sideline.