This week's rivalry game with Michigan State is about a lot more than bragging rights.

Instead, it's a crossroads game. For Michigan State, a significant win over Michigan will be the final indicator that the Spartans are among the top teams in the conference and among the nation's elite. With weapons like Drew Stanton, RB Javon Ringer and WR Matt Trannon, the Spartans are an explosive offensive team.

For the Wolverines, the game is about getting back on track. After losing to Notre Dame and Wisconsin, the 2-2 Wolverines have fallen out of the AP Top 25 for the first time since 1998 and seem to lack the overall strength to move back among the conference's elite.

Head coach Lloyd Carr, who can be rather distant when all is going well for his team, struck a confident note in assessing his team prior to its matchup with the Spartans. He promised all who would listen that his team would bounce back. He said the team's inability to stop the Badgers in the fourth quarter of the team's loss last week was his responsibility.

"There are some things that are happening to us that are very frustrating, and that to me sums it up," Carr said. "That's where we are. That's some of the things that we need to do to win. And that begins with me. I've got to do a better job. So, I will."

Michigan has not been unranked while facing a top-15 team since the 1993 season. The last time that happened, the Wolverines beat Ohio State 28-0.

The Wolverines were expected to have one of the most explosive offensive teams in the nation but a very questionable defense. Through the first four games, the offense has struggled while the defense has performed above expectations.

QB Chad Henne was outstanding as a freshman, but he ranks ninth among Big Ten quarterbacks this year. So far he has completed 68-of-128 passes for 855 yards with eight TDs and two interceptions. While those numbers are not bad, Henne has not looked as comfortable as he did last year.

The running game -- 174.2 yards per game -- has struggled without Mike Hart (ankle). If Hart can return for this game or Max Martin can step up, the Wolverines should be able to give the Spartans a battle. However, if Henne can't depend on his running game, the explosive Spartans may be in a position to give Michigan more than it can handle.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The Wolverines have to step up their performance. They had 401 yards of total offense against Wisconsin, but a lost fumble at the Badgers one-yard line was damaging. Michigan needs to rediscover its running game. The Wolverines currently rank ninth in the Big Ten with an average 174.2 rushing yards per game. If Mike Hart (ankle, questionable) can't go, Max Martin and Kevin Grady have to step up.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Wolverines are playing much better on the defense than they did last year. Michigan is the second-ranked defense in the conference (behind Ohio State) and is giving up just 269 yards per game. They must contain Spartan QB Drew Stanton, who may be the best offensive player in the Big Ten. Stanton leads the conference in total offense with an average of 326.8 yards per game.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I know this. I don't ever in my life remember going into any game feeling like I was an underdog, and I certainly have never experienced that at Michigan." -- Head coach Lloyd Carr on Michigan's status as a 4 1/2-point underdog against Michigan State.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: at Michigan State, Oct. 1 -- The Wolverines are in the unusual position of having to prove themselves against the Spartans. Usually, it's the other way around. Michigan has not been very good on offense or special teams, but if offensive coordinator Terry Malone can make a few adjustments the Wolverine attack should get back on track.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR Jason Avant -- He has caught 29 passes for 418 yards and four touchdowns. Avant is as good as advertised, but he needs to get some significant help from speedster Steve Breaston, who has struggled with just six catches this season.

QB Chad Henne -- He needs to be a bit more aggressive. Henne was the leader of the offense last year, but he has been tentative through the first four games while completing 68-of-128 passes for 855 yards. Henne needs to be more of a take-charge guy this week against Michigan State.

WR Mario Manningham -- He is the closest thing the Wolverines have to a big-play performer. He has caught 7-166-2 and his 49-yard TD reception in the fourth quarter gave the Wolverines a lead against Wisconsin.

LB Chris Graham -- He has been a solid tackler thus far this season with 23 stops and three TFL. Graham has good range and is one of the quickest linebackers on the team. Despite a lack of size -- 5-11 and 225 pounds -- Graham is quite a bit stronger than he looks.

ROSTER REPORT: Offensive lineman Mike Kolodziej (illness) and defensive lineman Jeremy Van Alstyne (hamstring) are doubtful against Michigan State. Wide receiver Adrian Arrington (ankle), running back Mike Hart (hamstring) and offensive lineman Jake Long (ankle) are questionable. Offensive lineman Grant DeBenedictis (knee) is expected to miss the entire season. Defensive back Ryan Mundy (shoulder) is expected to miss the remainder of the season.