Michigan Football: 3 reasons for confidence against Michigan State

While Detroit sports personality Justin Rose is predicting a Spartans upset of Michigan football, here is why UM fans should feel good heading into 2019.

When it comes to Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh, the big topic of conversation is how he hasn’t beaten Ohio State or won a Big Ten championship.

Before last season, not being able to beat Michigan State was also part of that narrative. Harbaugh and Michigan football did beat the Spartans back in 2016, a 3-9 Michigan State team, but last year’s win in a matchup of ranked opponents improved his mark to 2-2.

The way Michigan dominated the game was also impressive. The final score may have been 21-7 but it was a blowout. The Spartans were held under 100 yards and only got on the board because of a Michigan fumble and a trick play. Brian Lewerke was 5-of-25 passing for 66 yards.

The win also cemented Shea Patterson as the quarterback in Ann Arbor. He made this throw to Donovan Peoples-Jones which allowed UM to take control of the game in a play that will live on in Michigan lore for some time.

Turning to 2019, Michigan seems destined for great things. Despite two losses to end the year to Ohio State and Florida, a new offensive coordinator, the return of Patterson and the retirement of Urban Meyer are all signs of hope.

The Wolverines get Ohio State and Michigan State at home this year. While some Wolverines fans are probably overlooking the Spartans, they shouldn’t. Mark Dantonio has won two Big Ten titles for a reason and has made a career of out winning games he isn’t supposed to.

Michigan State had no business beating Michigan at the Big House in 2015 or 2017, yet the Spartans won both of those games. Justin Rose, a local Detroit sports personality and MSU graduate, thinks it will happen again this season. You can hear why on his interview with Wolverines Wire.

Some Michigan fans have laughed this off. In some ways, you can see why. Michigan State went 7-6 a year ago and Michigan football has much better talent across the board. Still, MSU shouldn’t be overlooked.

Yet, that doesn’t mean I think Michigan State is beating Michigan November 16 and here are three reasons Wolverines fans can remain confident.