Players make MSU/U-M rivalry

It seems this game has become an afterthought this week with the Tigers and Lions grabbing the headlines.

Mark Dantonio made the rivalry personal when he came to MSU. Brady Hoke is doing the same at Michigan. But neither played in the game. As Dantonio said Tuesday, the rivalry is about the players.

Here is my story on the players who will be between the sidelines Saturday and their thoughts on the game.

Notebook: Anchored by line play, MSU defense remains solid

MSU leads the Big Ten in total defense, and while that could be indicative of the opponents, it's hard to ignore the fact that MSU's defense has been more consistent than its offense so far this year.

MSU seems to finally be getting pressure with four linemen, and the secondary is benefitting.

Here is my story on the defense, along with some other tidbits.

Video: Dantonio talks about CMU win

Thoughts and stories on the game coming later. For now, here's some of Dantonio's postgame presser.