Michigan Wolverine Football: Michigan at Michigan State — What May Happen
Oct 11, 2014; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans warm up prior to their game at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Posted at 5:45am — 10/25/2014
Michigan Wolverine Football: Michigan at Michigan State — What May Happen
Perhaps the article title should read — What We Hope Will Not Happen! Few people are giving Michigan much of a chance, but as the saying goes, the game is yet to be played. Michigan has talent, but as the opening article this week noted, consistency is the hallmark of a champion. Inconsistency, unfortunately, has been a trait of the Michigan program, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The quarterback position, manned, to start the game, by a wounded Devin Gardner, is the centerpiece of anti-karma. There is no need to again document his trials and travails.
Oct 11, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) looks to the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY SportsHounding Michigan are certain facts:
* Michigan is at the bottom of the pole in forcing turnovers.
* Michigan has not solved Michigan State’s defensive scheme over the span of two coaches and several defensive coordinators.
* Michigan State’s offense is much improved, placing increased pressure on Michigan’s defense to play at the level of the Spartan unit.
* Michigan has not shown an ability to win on the road, improve as the season progresses, or run a functional offense against a high level defense.
The picture is on the surface bleak, somewhat like a guy bringing a water gun to combat a fire hose. But, this scenario can either cause the Michigan players to fold up, through execution and toughness deficiencies, or put all their troubles aside and just go to war. Going to war may help keep the Wolverines in the game, but other things will need to happen for any chance at a win.
Oct 11, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Dennis Norfleet (23) runs the ball getting away from Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Jordan Lucas (9) during the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY SportsThe dream list goes like this:
* The turnover situation must be reversed; the Wolverines probably need at a minimum a plus two advantage.
* The offense must be able to run the ball for at least four yards a carry to accomplish keeping drives alive and taking pressure off of the Michigan quarterback.
* The passing game must hit some big plays, the question will be how Doug Nussmeier will attack the aggressive Michigan State defense. Will Nussmeier forego some of the tight end look that pretty much advertises the mode of operation due to the injury to Khalid Hill? Will Justice Hayes or Dennis Norfleet be used to attempt a run at the edge or run to the soft spots against the A Gap blitzes? Michigan’s receivers cannot afford drops as each opportunity is precious.
* The defense will be tested by a balanced Spartan offense. Mission number one is to prevent big plays, like the simple post pattern at Rutgers where one safety bit on the run and the other went with the out pattern on the opposite side of the field.
* Michigan’s offensive line needs to play by far its best game, both running the ball and providing pass protection.
* A collective team goes to East Lansing both prepared and genuinely playing to win, not just to have a close first half.
Oct 11, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY SportsThe above is daunting, but reality wins the day. There will not be a luxury of Michigan State being asleep or looking ahead. This is feeding day and the Spartans come in as the predators. Everything will be tested Saturday, from patience to character, let alone football skills. Michigan needs to change spots and that is going to be at best a very difficult venture.
The fans, or football observers, are powerless to affect any part of Saturday’s event. So, choose to support and see what happens or mow the yard and read all about it later. At a bare minimum, fans need to show support and the players need to clear the baggage and not accept the game as an inevitable disaster. The back is to the wall and no shovel is in sight. This Sparty team is consistent and free of the baggage of losing. Cook and the offense present a difficult challenge, but not as difficult as the Michigan offense faces against the most consistent unit in the Big Ten, the Spartan defense.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu
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