Michigan Football: Michigan State Players to Watch
By Jay Meade
Sep 26, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartan mascot Sparty celebrates a win with the team after a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
This week features a bitter game against Michigan football’s in-state rival, the Michigan State Spartans. This is always a good game, if not only because of how much emotion is involved. Ever since Mike Hart openly made his infamous “little brother” comments, Mark Dantonio and Sparty have had a fire lit beneath them. Though it had always been looked at as such, Hart openly saying it on national television probably stung a little more than hearing the whispers.
Michigan Wolverines
One thing Dantonio has been able to do with Sparty is construct some really good defenses. Offense tends to be hit and miss, depending on the season, but normally he keeps a good running back as well. This year Michigan State has some legitimate weapons and even a shot at the playoffs, as long as it keeps winning. A big test test this weekend and a later one against Ohio State will tell more about the Spartans.
Speaking of this game, this will be the first on-field meeting between Harbaugh and Dantonio. Neither of these coaches lack will, energy, wisdom or passion for the game—especially this game.
Many may remember last year, when Joe Bolden planted a stake on the field. Before this season started a Michigan fan made a statement in East Lansing by painting a Spartan statue more to their liking. The fire for this rivalry, if it was ever in doubt, is definitely still burning. Harbaugh’s return is only making the fire burn brighter.
The Spartans definitely have some players who can do damage, so here are my players to watch in the what could be considered the game of the week.
Next: QB Connor Cook