Michigan will head to East Lansing Saturday afternoon to play Michigan State for a game that could determine who plays in the Big Ten championship game. 

The match-up is more than just a win--its about national rankings, bragging rights and which team gets an advantage in recruiting. 

But despite the obvious, Wolverines coach Brady Hoke is just focused on the game itself.

"If you get ahead of yourself, you're really going to make a mistake," he said Tuesday during the conference's coaches' call, according to ESPN. "Our thoughts and everything that we're focusing on is going up to East Lansing and competing like hell with Michigan State."

No. 24 Michigan State (7-1, 4-0) has a slight edge over Michigan, who is ranked 23. 

"We have our goals, just like everybody else," Spartans coach Mark Dantonio said. "And among our goals is to be in that championship game and then to win it."

Last time they played each other, Michigan got bungled at Michigan State-- something that the Wolverines has vowed not to happen again. 

"They bullied us," offensive tackle Taylor Lewan said. "That's tough for me to admit because I don't like getting bullied."

The Spartans beat Michigan 28-14 in 2011 for their fourth straight win in the rivalry.

As much as the Wolverines despise the Spartans, its coaches and players have a level of respect for them

Hoke said the Spartans are one of the best defensive teams in college basketball. 

Click here for live stream info. The game is set to begin at 3:30 pm est. 

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