Michigan Football: 3 keys for Wolverines against Michigan State
By Josh LaFond
Undefeated teams collide in Michigan football and Michigan State. Bragging rights are on the line. Who will come out on top and take the Paul Bunyan trophy home?
Your family is divided, and your workmates are talking trash. That’s right, it’s Michigan football vs Michigan State week.
There’s a certain feeling waking up Monday morning of game week when this matchup rolls around. This year, well, even more so.
Entering this game both teams bring 7-0 records to the table — the first time in the history of the rivalry that both teams have entered the game with that type of record.
After the disappointing letdown to the Spartans at home — albeit in front of a crowd of less than 500 due to the COVID-19 pandemic — the Wolverines have revenge on their mind. This time around, they can play spoiler to someone’s season.
For the Wolverines to accomplish the goals they have this year of a Big Ten East Division title and beyond, there is no alternative to winning. What do they need to do to ensure that happens?
Here are our three keys to beating the Spartans.
1. Stop Kenneth Walker III
Kenneth Walker III has been a dynamic running back. The former Wake Forest Demon Deacon now Michigan State Spartan via the transfer portal has taken the Big Ten, and the country for that matter, by storm.
Walker currently ranks second in the nation in rushing yards at 997 yards rushing. And as Michigan State fans refer to him “KW3”, well, he’s the straw that stirs the drink when it comes to the Spartan offense.
Michigan State ranks 84th nationally in passing plays called. Why is that important?
Because Payton Thorne — the MSU starting quarterback — is a gunslinger. His stats and his production are reliant on “KW3” carrying the load. The majority of their passing attack is predicated on the success of the running game.
The Wolverines won’t stop Walker, but if they make him earn his average of 100 yards plus on say, 25-30 carries, instead of his typical sub 20 carries per game, then you’re putting the MSU offense in a position it doesn’t want to be in — making their gunslinger quarterback put the team on his back and deliver a win.
The Spartans’ close wins against Nebraska (23-20 OT) and Indiana (20-15) have provided the plan that we have laid out. Limiting walker and making Thorne beat them through the air, and if those teams had the talent Michigan football does, frankly, they would have won.
For the Wolverines to win, they need to follow that same strategy.