Michigan vs. Michigan State: Matchups to Watch

The Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans will take the field at the Big House on Saturday in one of the biggest games in the rivalry's history.

There are more than a few storylines and matchups to watch going into this game, so let's get right to it:

Both Quarterbacks vs. Both Secondaries

This will be the big one to watch for both teams.

For MSU's Connor Cook, it will be about a first-round NFL prospect up against the best secondary in college football. He is going to have to play huge for the Spartans to walk out of Ann Arbor with a victory and it all starts with how he and his skill players are able to succeed against Michigan's secondary.

The Wolverines counter with Jake Rudock, who has played clean football the last few weeks following a rough start to the season. Michigan will have to be able to throw the ball on Saturday and MSU's secondary should give them chances to do so with injuries and inexperience on the back end.

Does this mean one quarterback necessarily has to outplay the other? No, not exactly, but the one who plays better within the gameplan his team sets will be in great shape to lead a winning battle.

Michigan's Offensive Line vs. MSU's Defensive Line

The Spartans have one of the best defensive lines in the country with players like Shilique Calhoun and Malik McDowell and that unit will make it tough on the Wolverines to get the run game going.

Michigan's run blocking has been a work in progress and improving each week and the pass protection has been stout, keeping Rudock upright and giving him time to make decisions.

Mason Cole will have his hands full with Calhoun, but played admirably against him last season as a true freshman. We will see who the dominant force is this weekend.

Expect Michigan to open up the playbook and dial up passing plays to even out the offense.

Jim Harbaugh vs. Mark Dantonio

Jim Harbaugh may be the best coach at any level of football there is, but Mark Dantonio is absolutely a guy that has the chops to go toe-to-toe with him during the game and this will be a really interesting chess match to follow along with.

Both of these guys have throw their fair share of tricks plays out there in the past, so be on the lookout for some of that during this game, as well.

Who will have his team better prepared remains to be seen, but they will both be ready to play, which is the first time that has been said in awhile.

What matchups will you be looking for? Sound off in the comments below!