Michigan Football: 3 reasons to fear an upset by Michigan State

Turnovers could doom the Wolverines

While a lot of Michigan football fans are licking their chops at the idea of Shea Patterson throwing the football to Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins and Zach Gentry against the Spartans pass defense, which ranks 13th (286 yards allowed per game) in the Big Ten, it may not be so easy.

Michigan State has struggled to stop the pass this season, that’s true. However, the Spartans lead the nation in rushing yards allowed with just 62 per game and are also third in the Big Ten with nine interceptions. The defense also averages 2.5 sacks per game and has a total of 10 takeaways in six games. Michigan football, on the other hand, has eight takeaways in seven games.

The Wolverines have been great in limiting turnovers, with a conference-low of just five giveaways, however, Patterson has shown a penchant for throwing interceptions and if he does Saturday, it could prove costly.

And because the Spartans run defense is so great, Patterson might have to carry the load, which won’t be easy if he’s constantly in third-and-long situations, against a defense that allows teams to convert on third down just 33 percent of the time.

Taking care of the football is always paramount, but if the Wolverines lose the turnover battle in East Lansing, it could be a recipe for disaster.