Spartans soar amid Michigan's seasons-long slump

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) Brady Hoke's arrival at Michigan was supposed to signal a return to the program's roots: power football and physicality. In its fourth

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) Brady Hoke's arrival at Michigan was supposed to signal a return to the program's roots: power football and physicality.

In its fourth season under Hoke, Michigan has had a hard time recapturing that identity. Never was that more apparent than when they lined up against Michigan State last year.

Michigan lost 29-6, and the underlying stats were more alarming. The Wolverines allowed seven sacks, finished with minus-48 yards rushing and were shut out in the second half.

For 60 overpowering minutes, Michigan State demonstrated just how drastically this rivalry has shifted.

The eighth-ranked Spartans host Michigan again this weekend and were a 17-point favorite as of midday Wednesday.