It’s actually hard to know how good Michigan (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten) really is because the best team that the Wolverines have played was a mediocre Notre Dame squad that blew a game it had won in Ann Arbor. As usual, Michigan goes as Heisman Trophy candidate Denard Robinson goes. Last week he threw for 337 yards and two scores and rushed for 117 and two scores. But he also had three interceptions and has had three games this season where he has completed less than 48 percent of his passes. Michigan was down 10 at Northwestern in its first road game of the season last week but rallied to win 42-24. Since 1975, Michigan has landed in the Rose Bowl each time it has started 6-0.

It’s also hard to know what to make of Michigan State (4-1, 1-0). The Spartans were thumped by that same Notre Dame team (although in South Bend) a few weeks ago 31-13. And that’s really the best team MSU has faced. Normally its Oct. 1 10-7 win over Ohio State would be considered huge, but clearly the Buckeyes are way down this year. Spartans QB Kirk Cousins has been just OK of late after starting the season brilliantly. But the MSU defense ranks No. 1 in the nation in yards allowed per game and No. 3 in scoring defense.

Michigan State is seeking its fourth-straight win in the series for the first time since 1959-62. The last six games played in East Lansing have been decided by a total of 25 points.

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