Saturday's game is generating great anticipation throughout the state of Michigan. With this intense rivalry between Michigan State and Michigan being a fairly even matchup, the special teams performances of both teams could be the difference between winning and losing in this game.

A perfect snap from the long snapper, key field flip punts and explosive returns are just a few of the key things fans should look for in this matchup. There is a portion of football fans who believe that special teams is all about whether the kicker makes it between the field goal posts or not, but realistically there is a lot more to the special teams phase.

For Spartans fans looking forward to the big rivalry game, there should be a confidence boost when they consider what Michigan State has to offer when it comes to special teams play on Saturday. The Spartans have one of the best kicker and punter combinations in the Big Ten with Jonathan Kim and Ryan Eckley. Kim had a great performance in the last game, shooting a 93 percent field goal percentage.

Eckley continues to hit long punts and turn the field when the offense is struggling, as he averages nearly 48 yards per punt. Kim has also completed the most kickoffs and has provided 19 touchbacks so far this season.