The No. 11 Michigan State Spartans (5-0, 2-0) return to Piscataway, New Jersey for the first time since 2019 to take on Big Ten East Division foe, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-2, 0-2). RU has struggled historically since joining the Big Ten in 2014, but second-year head coach (in his second stint with the program) Greg Schiano has the Scarlet Knights heading in an upward trajectory these days. Still, MSU hopes to move to 6-0 Saturday for the first time since 2015, and to move to 3-0 in Big Ten play for the first time since 2017. As for the current 5-0 mark, it is the 13th time in school history the team has achieved that and the second time a head football coach has managed that in just his second season (Charlie Bachman started 5-0 in 1934).

While the Spartans enter the matchup undefeated, Rutgers has the second strongest defensive unit Michigan State will face so far this season, at least according to advanced metrics rankings. However, the Scarlet Knights are coming off a 52-13 drubbing at the hands of Ohio State.

All-time, Saturday’s matchup marks the thirteenth meeting between the programs, and the eighth time as conference foes. Michigan State leads the all-time series 8-4, but is no longer undefeated in Big Ten action against RU. In a game that saw seven total turnovers by the Spartans last season, Rutgers came into Spartan Stadium to open the abridged, conference only 2020 season with a hard fought 38-27 win over Michigan State. The victory marked the first win by Rutgers in East Lansing since 1991, the first win over Michigan State in league play, and the first win over MSU since the season opener in 2004 in Piscataway. However, Michigan State is 4-1 all-time in Piscataway, and 6-1 in Big Ten play.

Michigan State features two players leading the FBS in important categories on offense. The game should offer an exciting duel between offenses. Junior running back Kenneth Walker III is No. 1 in rushing yards per game (136.0 ypg) and total rushing yards (680), while redshirt junior Jayden Reed is No. 1 in all-purpose yards per game (176.6 ypg) and total all-purpose yards (883).

No. 11 Michigan State Spartans (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten)

Date: Saturday, Oct. 9
Kickoff: 12:01 p.m. EDT

MEDIA COVERAGE

TV: Big Ten Network
Web/Mobile: Foxsports.com/FOX Sports App
Play-by-Play: Brandon Gaudin
Analyst: James Laurinaitis
Sideline: Rick Pizzo

RADIO: Spartan Media Network
Play-by-Play: George Blaha
Analyst: Jason Strayhorn
Sideline: Steve Courtney
Broadcast Host: Will Tieman
Website/Mobile: msuspartans.com/MSU Spartans app/Tune In radio
Flagship Stations: Lansing: WMMQ (94.9 FM)/WJIM (1240 AM); Detroit: WJR (760 AM); Grand Rapids: WBFX (101.3 FM)
Affiliates: 30 affiliates listed at msuspartans.com
Satellite: Ch. 111 (Sirius), Ch. 195 (XM), Ch. 957 (SiriusXM.com)
Pre-game Show: Begins at 10:30 a.m

Location: Piscataway, New Jersey
Stadium: SHI Stadium (52,454)
Surface: Field Turf
All-Time Series: MSU leads, 8-4
All-Time Series in Piscataway: MSU leads, 4-1
Last Meeting: RU 38, MSU 27 (2020)
Current Series Streak: one by Rutgers (2020- )

COACHES:
MSU Head Coach: Mel Tucker
MSU Record: 7-5 (second year)
Overall Record: 12-12 (third year)
Record vs. RU: 0-1

Rutgers Head Coach: Greg Schiano
RU Record: 74-75 (13th year)
Overall Record: 74-75 (13th year)
Record vs. MSU: 2-1

Don’t forget to follow along during the game with The Only Colors on Facebook and Twitter (@TheOnlyColors) all game long, and as always here on the website in our game thread.

Go Green!