But the author suggests a lot of tension among Michigan fans in the stands. I think it will be more like boos.
I was thrown off in my Illinois preview by Brian Cook, Mgoblog, who predicted Michigan's lines would be a positive and Michigan will win. I don't like to predict scores because I tend to compromise or water down what I really think. I thought Michigan would lose to Illinois 27-10. As I wrote then, Michigan usually looks/starts lethargic coming off a bye; that was certainly true.
This one I think will be around what the Lansing Journal writer says.
Iowa is not the same away from home, and they are sometimes not great on turf at night (see Big Ten Championship). Michigan State looks as expected: upbeat, energetic, rising, young and gaining confidence. Aiden Chiles looks the part of someone to build around--some skillful throws and one really bad one at the outset. He is young and probably can be rattled, unless, Texas gameplanned for quick releases, and it worked. Several Michigan players (e.g., Josaiah Stewart and TJ Guy) have shown nasty streaks and, something I don't like about this iteration of Michigan football, Michigan will take cheap shots and try and knock Chiles out of the game.
Wow, Chiles just threw another awful ball and this one was caught. Earlier, he tossed one out of bounds for intentional grounding. Then he ran around for about 10 seconds holding the ball vulnerably.
But in this one the opposing quarterback is Cade McNamara. And Michigan State has had success gang-tackling Iowa's fullback, Michigan-like offense. Anyway, McNamara threw a couple of uncatchable passes and Iowa missed a field goal.
Chiles is back to slinging it and getting slammed to the ground. What happens when... a 6th-year transfer QB is now in. Freshman WR Nick Marsh is ballyhooed and is probably as dangerous as anyone Michigan has seen this year. Same for Michigan State's kicker Kim. Yardage is 180 MSU, Iowa 50.
Chiles runs the option too. He is more than a scrambler, he is a dangerous runner. He has quick feet and a pocket escape move similar to that of a former Michigan quarterback. With Chiles State's offense is versatile and the playcalling supports it.
Strange game: 12-0 State with 4 field goals and they have a touchdown-scoring problem. It is a fun game to watch. Michigan State plays clean and with energy; Iowa is always tough and disciplined.
Iowa's offense is as bad as ever; Michigan, with Mullings and Loveland, may even be better. At times.
Switch gears.
Michigan is not just unsuccessful--against decent competition they are a .500 team at best, with blow-out losses--they are directionless. In other words, Sherrone Moore is not only not a plus, he is a minus.
Michigan has more star power than Michigan State. They should be better than Michigan State, I would say, still watching the Iowa game... it is close, but Michigan State may be the better team now. They will definitely be the better team next year.
BTW, State has already played Oregon and Ohio State. That is also a robust prediction of what is going to happen to Michigan.
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