The time is almost here.
The game Michigan
fans have been waiting for is one day away. It’s the Wolverines’ chance to end
the streak. For the Spartans, it’s their chance to not only prolong the streak,
but perhaps save their season.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 from Michigan Stadium in what will
be a loud and electric environment. I will be covering the game for The Oakland
Press if you want to voice your thoughts on the game, you can tweet me
@ellisdrew.
Here is a look at the keys for each team to walk away with a
victory on Saturday.
Be stubborn – The
Wolverines are a running football team. They are not a passing team. In
previous years, Michigan State has been able to take the running aspect away
from Michigan
and force Denard Robinson to be a passer. If that happens again on Saturday, it
could be another tough day for Michigan .
The Wolverines have had a smart approach to the offense in recent games. It has
been run, run, run, run, run and then pass. MSU still has the top rushing
defense in the Big Ten, but Michigan
has to stick with the run. If a drive needs to last seven minutes for a score,
then let it go seven minutes. Even if the game plan doesn’t work early on, Michigan can’t give up
on the run and try to air it out. This MSU defense has been susceptible to the
big play and I expect Michigan
to get a few big plays from Robinson throughout the game if they stick to what
they do best.
Win on third down –
That goes for the offense and the defense. The offense will need to sustain
drives to win and the defense will help the offense by forcing MSU into
three-and-outs. If the MSU defense is on the field the majority of the game, it
will open up the big plays for the Michigan
offense. Currently, the Spartans are converting just 37 percent of their third
downs, which is the third-worst percentage in the Big Ten. Conversely, Michigan leads the
conference with a 52 percent conversion rate. Third downs should be won by the
Wolverines on Saturday.
Hidden yards – Michigan ranks third in
the Big Ten in punt return average and fourth in kick return average. A big
return on Saturday can go a long way in this game, as points could be at a
premium with the way both defenses have played. Also, the Spartans have been notorious
for making penalties this year. Michigan
has to play with discipline and not retaliate to anything MSU might do after
the play. Penalty yards could rack up quickly in this game and the Wolverines would
be wise to let the Spartans make the mistakes. I don’t doubt that Michigan will be amped
up for this game and want to take it to MSU, but the Wolverines need to win the
game with their play, not their trash talk.
MSU
Don’t be stubborn
– Unlike Michigan ,
I think the Spartans need to mix it up on offense. Le’Veon Bell is a great running back, but the
offensive line for MSU is beat up and not opening up holes consistently enough
for him to control this game. Despite that, the Spartans still feed him the
ball 30 times a game and get stuck in a number of third-and-long situations. Offensive
coordinator Dan Roushar needs to take chances in this contest. Really, what does
MSU have to lose here? The Spartans have to win and get help in order to play
for the Big Ten Championship and they come into this game as a 10-point
underdog. If they don’t let it all hang out in this game, I question what they
would be saving it for. Go with trick plays, jet sweeps, reverses or anything
else you have in the playbook. MSU can’t win this game with a Bell-heavy
offense.
Wake up William
Gholston – I bought some milk this week at the local grocery store and
there was a photo on the carton of William Gholston that said “Missing” under
it. The junior defensive end has not had nearly the impact many were expecting
this season, but Saturday would be a good day for him to change that. On the
year, Gholston has just 28 tackles, 1 sack, 5 tackles for loss and 5
quarterback hurries. Gholston has to have a presence in this game. His speed
and athleticism are a big reason why the Spartans were able to keep Denard
Robinson in check last year. Certainly teams are keying in on him this year,
but if he is the talent that many think he is, he has to overcome that and show
up when his team needs him the most.
Play with discipline –
MSU is averaging six penalties for just over 60 yards per game this season.
In last year’s game with Michigan ,
the Spartans tallied 13 penalties for 124 yards. It is clear that the Spartans
have a chip on their shoulder when it comes to trying to prove their
superiority to Michigan
on the football field, but the post-play penalties will not do them any good on
Saturday. MSU was able to overcome the penalties last year, but I don’t see
that being the case this time around. If the Spartans come out and play
reckless, they will just be digging their own grave. With two losses in the Big
Ten already, MSU needs to play as close to mistake-free football as it can.
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