In some ways, Michigan football and rival Michigan State aren't too different -- both have good (to elite) defenses, and offenses that are, let's just say, lagging behind.

Of course, it's more stark in Ann Arbor, with the No. 3 overall defense and No. 127 offense. However, in East Lansing, the Spartans have the No. 64 defense, and somehow, an even worse offense, at No. 133 overall -- the worst in the Big Ten. And while the Michigan offense has languished, it looked much improved three weeks ago, in the second half against Penn State, and last week at Rutgers.

With Tommy Carr at quarterback, it's been enough to grab Michigan State defensive coordinator Joe Rossi's attention.

"I've been really impressed the last couple weeks," Rossi said. "I thought they improved in a couple areas. I think their inside zone game has been able to give some people some problems, especially with the motions and some of the things that they do to kind of move your eyes. I think they've done a good job being efficient on first and second down. They've thrown some really – did a good job with some open access and RPOs and things like that.

"And then I think the quarterback has been impressive. No. 1, you know, I think he's been efficient and accurate. But two, even when maybe a play breaks down, or a play isn't open to start, he's able to move. And No. 1, he's able to scramble and gain yards on his own. But he's also able to get his guys open on the scramble drill. So, I've been impressed. They did a nice job last week and the week before, really being his first full week."

On the other side for the Spartans, Michigan alum Nick Sheridan will be tasked with trying to get his second win as a coach at any school going up against his alma mater. He has one win in seven tries, with the sole one coming as the Indiana offensive coordinator in 2020. However, whether in Bloomington, at Washington, or Alabama, Sheridan has struggled to find much offense against various Wolverine defenses.

And now that he's staring down the barrel of a Jay Hill defense, he sees a lot of talent that will be lined up across from him.

"I think every defense you face is -- there's differences to them," Sheridan said. "I think what you notice certainly really quality players at all three levels and then very well coached. And they play hard, and they play tough. And so, and they've done a really nice job.

"You know, they played well in the games. And so it always usually, you know, the defenses that you play that have a lot of success, it starts up front with good fundamentals, good technique, good players, good personnel.And then certainly the coaches getting them to play the game the right way. So, they've been outstanding this year. We understand the challenge. And so, yeah, it's a big week of prep for us to get ready to go play."

All signs indicate this will be a defensive slugfest on Saturday. Michigan and MSU will kick off at 7:40 p.m. EST at The Big House, with the game set to stream on Peacock.