Location: Big House
Weather: 44 No rain
TV: Peacock/NBCSN
Line: Michigan -13.5
This is one game that really doesn't need any introduction. Michigan and MSU clearly just don't like each other. It doesn't help now that Michigan Basketball won a National Championship which Sparty felt was their domain. The uniqueness of this match-up is neither team is very good. MSU has lost 6 games in a row with its new coach Pat Fitzgerald and Michigan is standing at 5-3 struggling on offense with its new head coach. Michigan has 3 ranked opponents after this game, so they dearly need this W.
We also know this game is the only way Sparty can save their season. Fun times.
Dear Coach Whitt,
You seem like a guy that likes a good hypothetical? Is that a fair to say? I've seen comments like we are a couple plays away from being 7-0 and talk like that. Here is a deep hypothetical for you. Should you be fired from Michigan if Utah makes the playoffs this season? Something you were not able to accomplish in your 100 years there. Here is how I see it: You were pushed out because your good teams always had bad finishes and didn't win Championships. You get the Michigan job and take 4-5 of the top players from Utah and bring them to Ann Arbor. Not to mention the struggling OC and some family members who accompanied you as well.
Let's check on Utah who hosts BYU (which is an instate rivalry game if you need a reference for this week). Utah is 8-0 and ranked #3 and hosting #9 BYU. Now there is time for the Utes to implode and not make the playoffs still, so that is why this is a fun hypothetical question. If the place you left, automatically becomes a lot better when you leave after you take staff and their top players. Were you the problem all along?
Since we got that out of the way. Let me try to prep you for this weekend. State is struggling and will put up their best effort of the year on Saturday. They have one chance to hold their heads high this season and Saturday night is it. You know how I told you weird things happen when you play Iowa and that actually happened. This game will have that 2x. Expect fake punts, onside kicks, fake field goals, reverses, everything Sparty has in the playbook your going to see Saturday night.
Here is a special nugget for Saturday. Sparty will try to get Michigan into personal foul penalties, its really important your squad (which has not done a good job with that this year) understands that. Let MSU make the mistakes as your team laughs at the attempts.
As I continue to watch your team this year, I'm starting to draw some conclusions. I believe the offensive line has played poorly most of the year. You have a great backfield full of RB's and there just isn't the holes. Yes, the defense is loading the box, but they have done that for 100 yards of Michigan Football. It would be great if that unit played with some passion and got a 100 yard rusher.
Carr just needs to do what he does. Not be afraid of the moment and execute the best he can. Yes, would like to see a few deep balls completed but love his moxy and his accuracy when throwing the ball. His running game is your only running game at the moment. If he protects the ball and Michigan can move the ball on the ground, it should be a good evening for the Wolverines and its fan base. If your turn the ball over and get dumb penalties, you are going to keep Sparty in it.
I really like Coach Hill and his aggressive style, but that style kept Rutgers in the game last week. We need to be able to get pressure with the front 4 and lock down the WR's, TE's, and RB's with the secondary. Selective blitzs are smart but don't tip your hand.
Coach, don't be naïve the Hate is real between these two teams and programs. Don't under estimate it and make sure the Wolverines play clean and smart on Saturday.
Michigan 28 MSU 14
