Michigan's Denard Robinson has never beaten Michigan State. (US Presswire)

Michigan State (4-3, 1-2 Big Ten) at No. 23 Michigan (4-2, 2-0 Big Ten) 

Kickoff: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network) 

Spread: Michigan by 10 

Watchability: Saturday’s game has massive appeal not only for the nasty nature of the rivalry, but also for the impact on the Legends Division standings. Toss in the number of NFL caliber players and the game is a must-see. 

Shining stars: Michigan: Denard Robinson’s 287 total yards last weekend against Illinois made him just the eighth player in conference history to achieve 10,000 total yards of offense. Robinson’s obvious scrambling ability may meet its match against the Spartans, who allow just 91 rushing yards per game, the eighth-fewest in the country. As Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio said on the Big Ten teleconference Tuesday: “They go as he goes. That’s the way it is with a dual-threat QB with as much success as he’s had.” Michigan State: Le’Veon Bell has been the lone consistent performer on what’s been a bad Spartan offense. The team averages just 21 points per game, the 104th fewest in the country, but Bell has consistently enforced his will on defenses, averaging 130 yards per game. Facing a Michigan defense whose secondary is giving up just four more yards per game through the air than Bell is averaging, you can be sure the powerful back will see about 30 carries. His 200 rushes are 28 more than the next leading rusher in the Big Ten. 

Who could steal the show: Michigan: Linebacker Jake Ryan, the Big Ten’s conference player of the week, has been at the forefront of the Wolverines defensive resurgence. Ryan’s had 17 tackles and 2.5 sacks in the last two wins over Purdue and Illinois. Collectively, the Michigan defense has allowed an average of just 173 total yards the last two games, including 29 total passing yards to Illinois. Ryan leads the team with 42 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss, but fellow LB Kenny Demens, who had eight tackles and an interception last week, has been instrumental as well.  Michigan State: The Spartans don’t get their bye week until Nov. 10, a significant hindrance to the injury-riddled team but it also gives more time for first-year quarterback Andrew Maxwell to get into a rhythm. Maxwell leads the conference with 1,607 passing yards, a substantial accomplishment having played against Notre Dame, Ohio State and Iowa. Last Saturday’s loss to Iowa was the first time he’d regressed in his production, but rain was a significant factor. Those prior experiences should serve as excellent primers for his first installment of the in-state rivalry. 

You going? Ranking the road trip: With the Wolverines ranked and hosting their hated in-state rival, it’s a shame that Saturday’s game isn’t a night game. The noise level could be a significant factor in the Big House, especially against Michigan State, who missed a FG opportunity last weekend vs. Iowa due to a sideline miscommunication before the first half ended.

Magic number for Michigan: 9. It’s not as magical as quirky, but nine Wolverine receivers caught one pass, and one pass only, against Illinois last week. It shows that OC Al Borges feels comfortable playing numerous receivers but also suggests no one has separated from the group halfway through the season. 

Magic number for Michigan State: 826. As in the number of rushing yards the Spartans have amassed in the last four installments of the rivalry, all victories. The Wolverines have rushed for just 356 yards during that span and the Spartans’ four-game winning streak matches MSU’s longest streak in the 105-year history of the series. 

The game comes down to: Who can rush the ball more effectively and exhaust the other’s defense. 

Eye on College Football's take: If Michigan State wants to extend its win streak against Big Brother, it's going to have to figure out how to move the ball through the air. -- Tom Fornelli

Prediction: Michigan 34, Michigan State 21

For more Big Ten coverage, follow Mike Singer and Dave Carey @CBSSportsBigTen.