Michigan Revenge Tour 2016: Michigan State Week

Before we get to Michigan State week, the next stop on the Jim Harbaugh what we will call "Forget You" tour, let's put a bow on Homecoming.

Michigan welcomed Illinois to The Big House following a bye week.  Once again, the No. 1 defense in the country put on a stellar display of hustle and execution.  Illinois was only able to muster a total of 172 yards and 6 first-downs.  Offensively, Michigan hit the half-century mark in yards and dominated the time of possession battle.

As the sunset on Ann Arbor, Michigan had another double-digit victory over another opponent: 41-8.  Shockingly, Michigan has only faced adversity in one-half of football over the course of their first 7 games.  

Now onto the business at hand: Michigan State Week.

Do you see the look on this man's face?  While it is a look of utter disbelief, it also shows the gears grinding.  It shows mental pictures being taken and memories being stored away for a later date.  That time is NOW. 

This photograph was taken of Jim Harbaugh in the wake of last year's stunning last-second Michigan State victory in Ann Arbor.  You remember, when Blake O'Neill botched the punt, then tried to recover the ball instead of just jumping on it, and then some guy who nobody really remembers wearing a white and green jersey running it into the end zone as time expired.  Yeah, you remember, and so does Jim Harbaugh.  

Which is bad news for the Spartans this week who host Michigan in The Backyard Brawl on the heels of their 5th straight loss.  Yes, Michigan State is 2-5 and have not won a football game since September 17.  The Spartans offense could best be described as sputtering and their defense is not nearly the unit it has been in the last several years.  

Michigan is playing for much more than just revenge - which ordinarily is more than enough motivation to beat Michigan State.  Michigan is playing for much more than the Paul Bunyan trophy, while is looking to return to Schembechler Hall for the first time since 2012.  Michigan is playing for much more than in-state bragging rights.  Michigan is the No. 2 team in the country behind only Alabama.  Michigan is off to their best start since 2006 - when Michigan lost a thriller against Ohio State in a battle of No. 1 vs. No. 2. 

Michigan is in the driver's seat to another 11-0 start heading into their game against Ohio State.  But don't expect the Wolverines to look past a single opponent.  After all, Jim Harbaugh was challenging a ball spot with 2 minutes left in a blowout against Illinois.  That is why, as much as the Revenge Tour *should* be fun, it is a business trip for the Wolverines.  Fans should scrap ideas of a massive blowout.  This game is the only thing Michigan State has to play for this year and they will show up, along with their fans (those who haven't sold their tickets), ready to play.  

A win on Saturday would put Michigan at 8-0 with only two road games left. You're up Michigan State.