Friday, October 16, 2015

Michigan State Preview


Time: 3:30 EST
Location: Big House
Weather: Cloudy/Cold 47
TV: ESPN
Line: Michigan -7.5

It's about time. It's about time that both Michigan and MSU have good teams at the same the time.  MSU is un-defeated and has been ranked as high as #2 nationally.  They are currently ranked #7 due to lack luster performances against poor teams   Michigan on the other hand,  after an opening loss to #5 Utah is now ranked #12 in the AP.  The Wolverines have gotten better on both sides of the ball and each week and the Wolverine D has pitched 3 shutouts in a row.  Two out of the three were ranked opponents. 

Tale of Tape

MSU D-Line vs. Michigan O-Line = MSU
MSU Secondary vs. Michigan WR/TE = Michigan
MSU QB vs. Michigan Secondary = Push
Michigan D-line vs. MSU O-Line = Michigan
M Coaches vs. MSU coaches = Michigan
Big House vs. Little Brother = Big House

When you lose a top defensive coordinator in Pat Narduzzi to a head coaching job at Pitt and your head coach in a defensive head coach, you wonder who is riding whose coat tails?  You can probably say the same thing on the offensive side of the ball for Tom Herman and Urban Meyer.  In both examples, both units have struggled at times this year.   Is it the loss of coaches or the loss of personnel?  Dantonio isn't using injuries as an excuse but they have had plenty of them.   Their offensive line is really banged up, on defense they have lost their SAM LB, starting Safety, and both of their CB's are injured.    Who will and won't play?  Dantonio isn't saying. 


Sing Hail to the Victors if.........................
  • Michigan can run the ball against a talented MSU D-line
  • Rudock again plays a clean game
  • Michigan can pressure and get to Cook
  • Michigan's D shows they are the best unit on the field
  • Michigan continues to be sharp in special teams
  • Michigan hits three big plays on offense
Yell, Damn you Sparty! if..................................
  • Connor Cook proves he is a first round NFL QB
  • Michigan gives MSU a short field due to turnovers
  • Mr. Miyagi has healed MSU's injuries
  • MSU proves why they were the #2 in the nation
Vegas believes Sparty is banged up and not playing well for a top ranked team.   Connor Cook and Arron Burbridge have been basically winning games for MSU.    State's offense does not make a ton of mistakes and the worst thing that really happens to them are punts.   The big key for this game is:  can MSU's beat up offensive line stop Michigan's pass rush?  If Wormley and Big Willie are in Cook's lap all afternoon, Sparty is in for a long day.    State's best defensive players are on the D-line in Shilique Calhoun and Malik McDowell.   We all remember Malik's recruitment and his mom not signing the LOI due to hearing Malik wouldn't have to go to class in East Lansing.  The Michigan offensive line will have to stop these guys and let Rudock or the RB's get to the next level against State's shaky secondary. 

Look for Jourdan Lewis to spell Burbridge all day.   I also expect plenty of blitzes from both sides.   Which QB can handle the pressure will be an important aspect of this game.   Look for a ton of throws to RB's and TE's from both sides.   Peppers will again be another important player for Michigan on defense on stopping those short throws. 

MSU is beat up and shouldn't win this game, but we all know this is Sparty's most important game of the season.  They will play very hard and will keep this game close on defense and by not making mistakes on offense.   Michigan's defense is very good and will limit points from Cook and his kitchen staff.    I like Butt against State's secondary.  I'm very interested in this coaching battle and who out coaches who.  My $1 is on Jimmy and staff.

Michigan 24 MSU 13

Time to come home Paul!

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Our D-Line vs MSU's O-Line is the story Saturday Wormley, Henry, GG, Godin vs a Backup Center and possibly OT. UM Wins. A lot of talk about Cook being the best QB this defense will face, yes Not the best Running game that was last week NU, not the best passing offense that was BYU. Dirkin has a plan if we lock down their best receiver with Lewis they have to look elsewhere their TE is bet up too. Injured animals are dangerous and I have no doubt MSU will show up to play this one! Our DEFENSE will be the difference maker. GO BLUE!!!!

Voice of Reason said...

MSU hadn't played particularly well this year, albeit winning their previous six games. We hear MSU is banged up but so is Michigan. I can't help but believe that MSU had been seeing Michigan and Harbaugh coming and that their focus has been towards them. I wouldn't be surprised if MSU sacrificed their early season preparation to focus on Michigan's coming. In other words, MSU hates Michigan so much, it's like the story of the cougar that chewed off his own leg to get out of a wolf trap, their entire season is Michigan. So we are likely to see a lot of things that they haven't showed anyone until this time. I wasn't impressed about NW and I am even less impressed with MSU. I think Michigan wins surprisingly comfortably in this game. IMHO!!!

Bob said...

Good job guys.

Also Kurt Taylor a 2017 RB from GA committed to Michigan today. He is 5'9 and 210 pounds and a 3 star prospect to all services. He visited for the BYU game. Go Blue!

ScottyDoggs said...

Sad day... referee's that made that targeting call are either so useless or were cheating (do not know which), if they are not fired immediately it's another joke on us.

One first down would have won the game... what was wrong with trying to use up 10 seconds with sweeps, and then another run on fourth down, do not depend on punts... they can be blocked, returned, or FUMBLED. Bo knows... Harbaugh turned into Bo at times, should have been more innovative... You have to go on the principle that the best golfers of the world miss 1 foot puts... do not put yourself in that position... It's not on the kicker, should not of had to punt... this one is on Harbaugh... the game does not mean more than others (who are you kidding?) the team played nervous and tight (just like Bo's team's in big games)... (Bo 3-9 in bowls)...
I just go by the comments, but Rudock is rated third string by many...your developing Rudock for what? who's quarter backing next year? develop someone, I do not believe they are as bad as people say... one person on this blog says you have to play Rudock because he will not get anymore transfers... to this I say "There is no free lunch". Harbaugh was playing the traditional "Man-ball crap" and Michigan state made him eat a plate of it.
No I never coached or played football... but keeping your opponent guessing to me is the number one priority... once they know your tendencies, unless your like Alabama your toast.

Brad said...

ScottyDoggs:
"do not put yourself in that position... It's not on the kicker, should not of had to punt... this one is on Harbaugh... the game does not mean more than others (who are you kidding?) the team played nervous and tight (just like Bo's team's in big games)... (Bo 3-9 in bowls)..."

They played tight? Michigan played one of their best games of the year, led a top 10 team the entire game until the last play? What are you talking about?

"I just go by the comments, but Rudock is rated third string by many"?
Who says that? What are you talking about???? If someone actually said that they know nothing about our current QB situation

...your developing Rudock for what?
Because he is the best QB on the team!

who's quarter backing next year? Okorn

develop someone: we are every practice

one person on this blog says you have to play Rudock because he will not get anymore transfers...
You're kidding right? He's playing because he gives us the best chance to win. JH isn't going to play him for any other reasons than that.

Harbaugh was playing the traditional "Man-ball crap" and Michigan state made him eat a plate of it.

What was Michigan State playing? Root for Arizona and Rich Rod if you want to see basketball on grass...


No I never coached or played football...

Probably a good thing.

but keeping your opponent guessing to me is the number one priority...

That is why they run, and then use play action.

once they know your tendencies, unless your like Alabama your toast.

Michigan will be as good or better than Alabama, give it time. JH is an offensive genius.