Antjuan Simmons
FILE - Michigan wide receiver Cornelius Johnson (6) rushes after making a catch to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State in Ann Arbor, Mich., in this Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, file photo. Johnson had 16 receptions for 254 yards and a team-high three touchdowns last year and has a shot to at least double his production in each category this season. (AP Photo/Tony Ding, File)
14 Big Ten players poised to break out in 2021

By Eric Olson Apr. 26, 2021 04:30 PM EDT

FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, file photo, Indiana head coach Tom Allen looks toward his players on the sideline during a break in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan in Bloomington, Ind. Allen is coach of the year on the Associated Press All-Big Ten football team. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler, File)
AP All-Big Ten: Ohio State's Fields, Indiana's Allen honored

By Eric Olson Dec. 22, 2020 12:00 PM EST

Ohio State's Master Teague III rushes against Michigan State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Ohio State at Michigan State 12/5/2020

Dec. 05, 2020 02:55 PM EST

Indiana quarterback Jack Tuttle (14) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 27-11. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
No. 10 Hoosiers, No. 18 Badgers meet with undefined stakes

By Eric Olson Dec. 03, 2020 01:28 AM EST

Michigan State's Jayden Reed (5), Jalen Nailor (8) and Tyler Hunt (97) celebrate Reed's touchdown reception against Northwestern during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Northwestern at Michigan State 11/28/2020

Nov. 28, 2020 05:37 PM EST

Northwestern quarterback Peyton Ramsey throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. Northwestern won 17-7. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
No. 11 Northwestern brings unbeaten mark to MSU matchup

By The Associated Press Nov. 27, 2020 01:47 PM EST

Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker pumps his fist after the team defeated Michigan in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
What a difference a week makes for Michigan State, Michigan

By Noah Trister Nov. 01, 2020 02:25 PM EST

Michigan State defensive tackle Naquan Jones (93) reacts after sacking Michigan quarterback Joe Milton during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Lombardi helps Michigan State stun No. 13 Michigan 27-24

By Larry Lage Oct. 31, 2020 04:08 PM EDT

Rutgers linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi (3) knocks the ball away from Michigan State running back Jordan Simmons (22) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
No. 13 Michigan hosts Michigan State in fan-free Big House

By Noah Trister Oct. 29, 2020 01:08 PM EDT

Rutgers defensive lineman Julius Turner (50) tackles Michigan State running back Connor Heyward (11) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Loss to Rutgers shows how far Michigan State has to go

By Noah Trister Oct. 27, 2020 05:53 PM EDT

Mel Tucker, Michigan State's new football coach, speaks during a news conference Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Tucker, Schiano ready for opener between Spartans, Rutgers

By Noah Trister Oct. 22, 2020 12:33 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2019, file photo, Colorado head coach Mel Tucker looks on before the start of their NCAA college football game against Utah, in Salt Lake City. A person familiar with the decision says Colorado coach Mel Tucker has agreed to lead Michigan State's football program. The person spoke Wednesday morning, Feb. 12, 2020, to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the hiring had not been announced. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
Michigan State rallies to hire Tucker away from Colorado

By Larry Lage Feb. 12, 2020 07:54 AM EST

Ohio State linebacker Malik Harrison pressures Rutgers quarterback Johnny Langan during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Piscataway, N.J. Ohio State won 56-21. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Michigan State needs to beat Rutgers for postseason hopes

By Tom Canavan Nov. 22, 2019 12:09 PM EST

Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio watches against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Dantonio says he plans to return as Michigan State coach

By Noah Trister Nov. 19, 2019 12:51 PM EST

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, right, and Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio, back to camera, meet after an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
It wasn’t Ohio State, but Michigan has pounded other rivals

By Noah Trister Nov. 17, 2019 02:39 PM EST

Michigan linebacker Devin Gil (8) carries the Paul Bunyan Trophy after beating Michigan State 44-10 in an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
No. 14 Michigan, behind Patterson, rips Michigan State 44-10

By Larry Lage Nov. 16, 2019 04:08 PM EST

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, center, congratulates Giles Jackson after he returned the opening kickoff from Maryland for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Michigan-Michigan State rivalry goes beyond just the games

By Noah Trister Nov. 15, 2019 03:50 AM EST

Penn State coach James Franklin watches the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
No. 6 Penn State handles Michigan State 28-7

By Noah Trister Oct. 26, 2019 07:17 PM EDT