Michigan Football vs. Michigan State: Q&A with Spartan Avenue

Today’s game against Michigan State will be the most important to date for Michigan football. A win could send it into the playoff picture, while a loss would mean it’s in bad position to represent the Big Ten East in the Big Ten Championship.

There’s a lot on the line today, with a whole variety of consequences and rewards.

To help you get ready for the game, I’ve exchanged a Q&A with Connor Muldowney of Spartan Avenue.

(You can read my answers here.)

Q. Where will Michigan State have a distinct advantage in this game?

The most distinct advantage I can see for the Spartans is the quarterback play. Everywhere else is relatively even, although the Wolverines’ secondary is far better.

Connor Cook is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation and he thrives in big games like this. If Michigan is going to beat MSU this year, it will need to figure out how to stop Cook.

Q. Do you think Michigan State will be able to move the ball on the ground?

Michigan Wolverines /

Michigan Wolverines

The ground game will dictate the game for both sides. The Spartans haven’t faced a front four like Michigan’s all year, but LJ Scott is the real deal. I think getting two offensive tackles back for this game will help the run game, but it will be 3-4 yards all game.

First team to break a long run wins.

Q. Both teams need this game for different reasons. Who’s got more on the line?

Honestly, I think Michigan State has far more on the line than Michigan in this one. The Wolverines weren’t even expected to be competitive in this game at the beginning of the year, so a win for them here would just be further exceeding expectations.

If Michigan State loses, that would basically kill all College Football Playoff hopes and deem this season a failure. The Spartans have underachieved up to this point.

Q. Do you think Michigan State fans like that Jim Harbaugh is at Michigan?

Michigan State fans like the idea of having the series more competitive, but the fact that Harbaugh is doing so well already is alarming to some. Yes, Harbaugh is great for the rivalry, but that also means recruiting will be tougher in-state, games will be more heart-wrenching, and a win is no longer expected.

Also, hearing about the Harbaugh hype can be nauseating for most fans, especially when that means Dantonio gets no love, but overall if it wasn’t for the media’s over-exposure of Jim, Spartan fans would love him in AA. Great for the series, Big Ten.

Q. Final prediction?

I know I’m going to get major hate for this one but at the beginning of the year I said MSU would win by two scores. Even though Michigan currently is hotter, I think MSU still has yet to reach its potential and Coach D always has them hyped for Michigan week.

Michigan State 34, Michigan 20

Next: Key to the game: 3rd down

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