Preview: #17 Michigan St. @ #18 Michigan

Michigan Quarterback Denard Robinson

It's been years since both these teams have been relevant in the Big Ten race. Michigan (5-0, 1-0) is coming off back to back losing seasons while the Spartans have hardly been nationally relevant. The winner of this contest will take a huge step forward. Michigan is coming off of a thrilling a thrilling 42-35 shootout win over the Indiana Hoosiers. Denard Robinson made FBS history in the win,  becoming the first player to throw and run for 200 yards in a game twice in their career in the regular season. The heisman hopeful has already amassed over 1,000 yards through the air and 900 yards on the ground. When Robinson doesn't have the ball in his hands, Vincent Smith and Michael Shaw have done a formidable job carrying the load on the ground. They have racked up over 500 yards on the ground, making the Wolverines running game on the best in the nation.  The defense has been suspect, giving up 35 points to FCS Massachusetts and Indiana. Indiana quarterback Ben Chappell lit up the Wolverine's secondary last week, throwing for 480 yards and scores in the air.

Michigan St (5-0, 1-0) certainly haven't been perfect this year either, however they looked like a force to be reckoned  with last week against #11 Wisconsin. The Spartans are led by quarterback Kirk Cousins who has looked good in his second year as a starter. Cousins accuracy has improved greatly from last season, and he is holding onto the ball. Michigan St.'s ground duties have been shared by Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell, who each have ran for over 470 yards this season. It's possible we could see two 1,000 yard rushers by the time the season is finished in Lansing. The Spartans defense looked good last week, giving up only 292 total yards. They are going to need another impressive effort in order to shut down Michigan's potent spread offense.

The Big House will be ready for the Spartans

Keys to the Game:


Michigan: The Wolverines need to hold onto the ball and keep their offense on the field. One of the problems of their potent offense has been time of possession. Last week their offense was only one the field for 18 of the possible 60 minutes. The Wolverine's defense was worn down and probably the reason for Indiana's gaudy offensive numbers.

Michigan St: Their keys to the game are going to be the same that every team will have when they play Michigan. Slow down Denard Robinson and keep him in the pocket. Nobody has been successfully able to do it and that is why nobody has beaten Michigan. If Michigan St. can use a spy and keep Denard Robinson in front of them they have a great chance to win the game.

Prediction: I don't see any reason that heisman hopeful Denard Robinson doesn't have a huge game. Therefore, Michigan will prevail.

#18 Michigan 35 #17 Michigan St. 24