Mark Dantonio, Michigan State Look to Continue Success over Michigan

If the Michigan State Spartans want to remain the only undefeated team in the Legends Division of the Big Ten and have a shot at the Big Ten title, then they will need to get a win over the Michigan Wolverines when they come to East Lansing on Saturday.

Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio seems to be an expert in that area. Dantonio has had plenty of success against the Wolverines during his time at Michigan State, boasting a 4-2 record over the Wolverines. This 4-2 record means Dantonio has a .667 winning percentage in these rivalries games with Michigan, which is the best winning percentage any Michigan State coach has had against them.

Besides Dantonio, only two other Michigan State head coaches in the program’s 118-year history have a winning record against Michigan.

The Spartans’ loss last year in Ann Arbor snapped Dantonio’s four-game win streak. Dantonio and Michigan State are looking to get some revenge, start another win streak against the Wolverines on Saturday, and stay undefeated in the Big Ten. They have a good chance to do so. Besides playing in East Lansing, the Spartans have some other advantages over the Wolverines.

They have the best defense in the Big Ten going against a Michigan offense that is still trying to figure out who goes where on the offensive line, along with a virtually nonexistent running game and a quarterback that struggles with turnovers every game.

Michigan State has had their own offensive struggles as they could not make a decision on who their starting quarterback would be earlier this season. They’ve since decided on Connor Cook to be their starter and he seems to be a good choice.

The Spartans definitely have the edge over the Wolverines. Dantonio has a good chance to get his fifth win over them and start another win streak.

It’ll be a good game. Rivalries always are, no matter what.

Jenna Aquino is a Big Ten Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter, “Like” her on Facebook, or add her to your network on Google.