Michigan Football: 3 keys for Wolverines against Michigan State
By Josh LaFond
![Michigan defensive ends Mike Morris (90) and Aidan Hutchinson celebrate the sack on Northwestern quarterback Ryan Hilinski during the first half on Saturday, Oct.23, 2021, at Michigan Stadium.Mich Nw Michigan defensive ends Mike Morris (90) and Aidan Hutchinson celebrate the sack on Northwestern quarterback Ryan Hilinski during the first half on Saturday, Oct.23, 2021, at Michigan Stadium.Mich Nw](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3959ed6e55b1a13144444bdfe61caf9e3105038ebef0f7035abc5f57825099de.jpg)
3. Don’t Shoot Yourself in the Foot
The three losses Jim Harbaugh has had against the Michigan State Spartans are all results of committing self-inflicted errors.
In 2015, there were missed assignments in the punting formation which resulted in the punt block being returned for a score and a walk-off win.
2017 was a game played in a monsoon (I was there) and the brilliant idea to throw the ball 35 times with the noodle arm of John O’Korn. That resulted in three interceptions and a loss.
Last year, 2020, well we know what happened. They took the foot off the gas, Joe Milton missed open receivers, and Don Brown never adjusted on defense. Add all that up and one of the worst Michigan State teams in the last 20 years was able to walk out of Michigan Stadium with a victory.
That can’t happen this year. Not this time around.
The Wolverines and Harbaugh must buck the trend of previous matchups.
Don’t shoot yourself in the foot.
Michigan’s offensive and defensive identities are designed to attack the Spartans from all sides. What can’t happen is careless mistakes. Can’t have it.
The Wolverines sit tied for third overall nationally in fumbles lost — only two. They share the second overall rank in the nation in interceptions thrown — also two.
Don’t choose Saturday, October 30th, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan as the time to make a plethora of self-inflicted errors.
dark. Next. 3 reasons Michigan will beat Spartans
Play a clean game. Stick to the game plan that’s worked all season long. Do that and the Wolverines will not only bring the Paul Bunyan Trophy back to Ann Arbor but an 8-0 record as well.