Michigan vs. Michigan State - 2011 Edition

Big 10 fans have an interesting game this weekend, with Michigan State hosting Michigan. In this game we have the "immovable object" against the "irresistible force" with Michigan's #3 most productive offense facing Michigan State's #2 most productive defense. Who will win? Watch and find out, but the model would state that Michigan State is a slightly better (more productive) team than Michigan, but not by much to really be able to give a definitive answer. Each school has a similar non-conference schedule, with both playing Notre Dame and Michigan winning at the very end and Michigan State losing. Michigan's strength of schedule (an average of current ranking) is equal to a 74 and Michigan State's strength of schedule (SOS) is equal to an 80, thus Michigan has played a slightly stronger schedule. Both schools should have a much more challenging schedule over the next two months.

So, let's look at how the two schools have fared thus far this season as of October 7, 2011.

The University of Michigan is 6-0 so far this season and 2-0 in the Big Ten Conference. Michigan is the #14 most productive team overall through this past weekend, with their offense the #3 most productive and their defense the #55 most productive. Here is Michigan's schedule and results as of last weekend.

Opponent				PF		PA		SOS		Result
Western Mich.		Home		34		10		64		W
Notre Dame		Home		35		31		46		W
Eastern Mich.		Home		31		3		98		W
San Diego St.		Home		28		7		57		W
Minnesota		Home		58		0		114		W
Northwestern		Away		42		24		65		W
Michigan St.		Away
Purdue		Home
Iowa		Away
Illinois		Away
Nebraska		Home
Ohio St.		Home

Michigan State University is 4-1 so far this season and 1-0 in the Big Ten Conference. Michigan State is the 10th best productive team overall through this past weekend, and their offense is the #67 most productive (slightly below average) and their defense the #2 in terms of production (only behind Alabama).
Here is Michigan State's schedule for this season:

Opponent				PF		PA		SOS		Result
Youngstown St.		Home		28		6		121		W
Fla. Atlantic		Home		44		0		99		W
Notre Dame		Away		13		31		46		L
Central Mich.		Home		45		7		87		W
Ohio St.		Away		10		7		47		W
Michigan		Home
Wisconsin		Home
Nebraska		Away
Minnesota		Home
Iowa		Away
Indiana		Home
Northwestern		Away

PF = Points For (scored by the team); PA = Points Against (scored by their opponent); SOS = strength of schedule.