Michigan State at Michigan preview

It is easy to feel sorry for the Spartans.  They weren't able to take advantage of their college football playoff appearance with much of anything.  2016 was a disaster and the off-season saw their attempt at major, national recruits derailed.  Michigan has killed in instate recruiting.  In the meantime the Larry Nassar ordeal--these things take forever--has cast a pall over the entire athletic department.

Michigan has a medical school and we'll assume they have proper medical equipment in the giant building.  They also have something that amounts to a police station and equivalent holding cells.  People who live there and go there know; as long as Mark Dantonio is the coach Michigan State football players will know too.  It is a night game, a social event, and it will be great entertainment.

Most of the "young" Michigan players have been there more than a year.  Hurst, Gary, and Winowich certainly know.  Really young players like Josh Ross, Ambry Thomas, Jaylen Kelly-Powell, and DPJ grew up knowing.

Ditto, of course, Harbaugh.  He knows how important this game is to everyone and no one feels sorry for Michigan State.  There's no way that he'll put up with anything less than a complete war until the end.  

Personally, the thing that I know is that Michigan set the all-time record for TFLs in their own backfield against Michigan State.  Over and over again the running backs and quarterback were smothered.  It was almost like, you, lineman, stand in front of that defensive player.  Just get in his way.  It did not help looking over at the sideline and seeing a freezing, disconnected Brady Hoke.

This is one of the best games in college football.

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Wilton Speight has had injury, "upper body" (between the belt and brain) problems since high school.  Perhaps they have risen to include the brain in game situations too.  John O'Korn should be up to the task given whatever gameplan is designed for him.  And let's hope we see Brandon Peters in mop-up time too.

Michigan is becoming a team where the only way you are going to beat them is with better players.  On offense Michigan State appears too dependent on Brian Lewerke.  The running game hasn't shown it among lesser opponents.  If there are weak links in the offensive line and receivers--and there are--the defense will find them and attack.  Good players will be covered, maybe there will be some plays, but they will be neutralized.  By the end of the game the Spartan offense will be worn down and out.

For Michigan on offense someone elsewhere wrote that the thing to do against MSU is to pass every down.  I also read "Nolan Oluzio cannot pass block."  Finally, it popped-up that John O'korn was always a better choice for QB because he was a gunslinger at Houston and if he makes some mistakes the defense will protect him and the team.

For Michigan their opponent is vulnerable this year and they will pounce.


Predictions

• Look for a very tired Brian Lewerke.
• This is the game we'll see Michigan speed on offense too.  Someone, between Ty Isaac, Chris Evans, and Karan Higdon, will break a few.  Same goes for receivers--after two weeks they'll find a way to break someone free.
• It'll be a (relatively) clean game with zero targeting calls because everyone knows what an excitement-killer that will be.
• At least 20 arrests (hopefully minor incidents).

Michigan 34 Michigan State 10.