Michigan State vs Rutgers head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 13, Saturday, November 28, 2026.
The Breakdown
Michigan State 62 to Rutgers 57: veteran-built Spartans, few blue chippers, lean on a 3.3★ D-line.
When Michigan State has the ball: 2.8★ O-line meets Rutgers' 3.0★ D-line; 3.0★ receivers versus a 2.8★ secondary — both even.
When Rutgers has the ball: The 2.6★ O-line draws Michigan State's 3.3★ D-line, the game's clearest gap, both averaging 3.8 years.
Swing factor: Michigan State rebuilt through the portal: 55% of starters are new, including three first-year transfers on the O-line.
X-factor: Rutgers hosts a Week 13 Saturday in late November — Michigan State travels east for the stretch run.