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How do you contribute at home or at work? Do you carry your load?

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Cyle Young

November 3, 2007: Michigan at Michigan State

THE 2007 SEASON WAS SUPPOSED to be great. University of Michigan entered the season ranked number five in the country. The nation expected Michigan, with a large group of returning players, to be one of the teams to beat. However, after humiliating losses to University of Oregon and Appalachian State, Michigan had slipped from frontrunner to disappointment.

A late-season meeting between Michigan and in-state rival Michigan State would make or break the season for both teams. After the rough start to the season, Michigan had managed to win seven straight games and brought a 7–2 record into the rivalry game. Michigan State struggled through their first season with new head coach Mark Dantonio. The team’s 5–4 record was nothing to be excited about, but a victory over Michigan would end the Spartans’ season on a high note.

As with any UM and MSU game, players on both teams traded barbs via the media. Anticipation built in the weeks leading up to the game, and even though neither team entered the game with a championship-caliber season, in-state bragging rights were on the line.