Michigan employs a classic structure of higher education – a University of, a State University, a number of directional schools (Eastern, Western, Central). Michigan and Michigan State are the most storied and the greatest of rivals. Overall, however, football is not exactly thriving in the Great Lakes State.

Shall we take a quick autumnal tour?

Michigan State clearly has it together. The No. 9 Spartans (2-1) lost only to Oregon, the No. 2 team, and that was on the road. Sparty takes on Wyoming (3-1) at home on Saturday and should be 3-1, given the Cowboys’ soft schedule.

Michigan is floundering. The Wolverines (2-2) finished a storm-delayed loss at home to Utah with almost no one in the Big House, and it’s not easy to empty 110,000 seats without yelling, “Eek, a mouse!” an awful lot of times (though lightning works just as well). Michigan’s offense can empty a stadium, though. It ranks 100^th nationally in passing and 94^th in points scored. Next up: Minnesota (3-1), in the Big Ten opener for both.

Eastern Michigan is 1-3 after a 73-14 loss to the Spartans. The EMUs have also lost 65-0 to Florida. They’re off this week, back on Oct. 4 against Akron (1-2). Hide your eyes. The EMUs are 127^th in passing, 125^th in scoring, 126^th in points given up.

Central Michigan is 2-2. Not a powerhouse after losing its last two games, and the 40-3 beating by Syracuse was ugly. The Chippewas are 118^th in points. They play Toledo (2-2) on Saturday.

Western Michigan may be our remaining hope among the directionals. The Broncos (2-1) play at Virginia Tech (2-2), which is the Hokies but also the Chokies after blowing leads against Georgia Tech and East Carolina in its two losses.

What we’ll be watching

Florida State at North Carolina State: The No. 1 Seminoles get QB Jameis Winston back from his one-game suspension.

Missouri at South Carolina: Mizzou was upset by Indiana, now goes on the road against No. 13 Gamecocks.

Today’s question

Which game will you be watching, and why?

Answers in the comment box, please.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .