Tony Paul

The Detroit News

It's getting pretty hard to find a college football fan in this state who's not expecting a big-time blowout by Michigan over Michigan State in East Lansing on Saturday.

And there's steak — or, more accurately, no steak — to prove it.

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Ann Arbor already is completely booked from Sunday through Thursday, in anticipation of big-time discounts.

A couple weeks ago, Ruth's Chris started a promotion giving UM fans a percentage discount on their meal equal to UM's margin of victory the prior Saturday, up to 50 percent (and not included alcohol or gratuity).

The deal started during Rutgers week, and that led to the maximum discount following a 78-0 Michigan victory.

This week, fans have been treated to 33 percent off following a 41-8 win over Illinois.

Michigan is ranked No. 2 in the country and dominating, while Michigan State has lost five in a row and is a 23 1/2 point underdog in the rivalry game. The betting line opened around 18.

An employee who answered the phone at Ruth's Chris on Wednesday afternoon would only say, "No comment," when asked if all tables are booked for the five days after the Michigan State game.

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But a search for a reservation on OpenTable.com found no available tables between Saturday and Friday, Nov. 11.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh even enjoyed the benefits of a discounted steak, dining at Ruth's Chris following the Rutgers victory.

Word is, the staff was so caught off guard by the response to the promotion the first night, an employee at a rival steak house was tapped to help with food-running.

Since, the steak house has beefed up staff.

Speaking of staff, if you're lucky enough to get a table for a heavily discounted meal, you're expected to tip based what the regular price would be. Your hard-working server shouldn't have to suffer like UM's opponents.

tpaul@detroitnews.com

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