Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from beat down of Michigan State

Michigan football knocked off Michigan State 21-7 Saturday at Spartan Stadium, but it should have been more lopsided. Here are three takeaways.

Michigan football fans have been waiting a long time for a win like the one they got Saturday, as the Wolverines dominated Michigan State 21-7. It wasn’t easy, but in the end, the Wolverines showed a grittiness we haven’t seen in some time.

In the first half, Michigan football dominated. The weather didn’t help as there was an hour-long delay in the first half. However, after the break, Shea Patterson hit Nico Collins for a touchdown that put UM in front 7-0.

While the offense got on the board, the defense dominated. Michigan State didn’t do anything in the first half and didn’t even cross midfield. It was a mismatch of epic proportions. The Spartans couldn’t run and they certainly couldn’t throw.

At the same time, Michigan couldn’t take advantage of field position. Multiple times, they got the ball in State territory and didn’t score. Quinn Nordin also missed a 35-yard field goal. That kept the Spartans in the game, but after halftime, a Chris Evans fumble gave the Spartans the ball first and goal. Eventually, on a trick play, Brian Lewerke caught a touchdown.

7-7.

That was scary. A Karan Higdon fumble also seemed like a bad omen, ending another potential scoring drive. However, Patterson had ice in his veins. A 79-yard touchdown pass to Donovan Peoples-Jones put UM in front. And then a touchdown run by Ben Mason, – which capped a long drive –was the final nail in the coffin.

The Paul Bunyan Trophy is coming home and at least for now, all feels right in the world. With that said, here are three important takeaways from the win.