College football will be here before you know it, and fans of both Michigan and Michigan State both have reasons to be excited. The Spartans and the Wolverines have been productive this off-season are seem ready to make a run at both the Paul Bunyan Trophy and the Big Ten Title.

Nationally, Michigan Vs. Michigan State is an underrated rivalry, but it crosses sports, generations, and families across the state.  The heat of the rivalry seems to be as strong as it's ever been, and the 2012 NCAA Football season will have huge bragging rights attached.  Michigan fans look to add to lead in all time wins, with the Wolverines having the advantage at 67-31-5.  Sparty fans are trying to shake the "Little Brother" image and will try to keep the Paul Bunyan trophy in East Lansing for the 5th year in a row.  The teams will meet up for the 104th time on Saturday, October 10th as the Michigan State Spartans march into "The Big House" to take on the Michigan Wolverines.

Michigan State Spartans

Spartan fans should be excited for a big year from junior linebacker Max Bullough.  Bullough had 89 tackles in his sophomore season, and he has already been put on a player-to-watch list for the Lott Impact Trophy, which honors college footballs best defensive player.  Bullough comes from a long line of Spartan men, as his father, Shane, uncle, Chuck, and grandfather, Hank, are all legendary Spartan football players.

The quarterback position is still an area of concern though, as Andrew Maxwell, will step into the starting role.  Maxwell has gotten ringing endorsements from his coaches and former QB Kirk Cousins, but still has to prove himself on the field.  Maxwell seems to be a talented, smart player and will have all eyes on him as he tries to live up to great expectations.

Michigan Wolverines

Denard Robinson needs to have a big season, and I think he's going to be able to do it.  Shoelace had an underwhelming 2011 season, running for 526 less yards than 2010, and passing for 400 yards less.  The good news is that Robinson is a year deeper into a new offense and lingering stench of Rich Rod is finally out of the locker room.

The defensive line is one cause for concern for the Wolverines as they lost 3 big d-linemen in Mike Martin, Ryan Van Bergan, and Will Heininger from this past season.  Michigan relied heavily on their defense and multiple young players are going to have to step up if the Wolverines want to remain "Big Brother".