Michigan Football: Behind enemy lines with a Michigan State expert

What are the keys to victory for Michigan State?

Stop the run.

Half-joking, but honestly, Michigan State needs to focus on not giving up chunk plays to Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum. Keep those guys under 4.0 yards per carry for the game and you have to feel really good about your chances. Make Cade McNamara uncomfortable in the pocket. If he gets all day to throw, that’s a nightmare scenario.

Offensively, I think the line is playing its most important game in years. Pick up the blitz, don’t allow free rushers, and open a few running lanes every now and then.

In all seriousness, if Michigan State can utilize the play-action and run it effectively, there’s a good chance the offense moves the ball at a consistent rate.

Give us your game and score prediction!

The home team has to win one of these games, right? I guess Michigan did win in 2019 at home, but the Spartans and Wolverines have a tough time winning on their own field, for some reason.

I think home-field advantage will finally play a factor here because both teams are relatively young and haven’t seen harsh road environments (outside of Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Miami) just yet. For that reason, I think the Spartans have the slightest of edges in this one.

Additionally, I think that Michigan State’s secondary has improved over the course of the year and special teams will play a huge role. Michigan State wins, but no one is going to feel comfortable all game.

I say 24-20 Spartans, but it could go either way.

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I would like to take the time to thank Connor Muldowney of Spartan Avenue for taking the time to give us this insight.

For the best coverage on all things Michigan State Spartans, be sure to head over to their site and check out not only Connor’s work but the rest of the team over there. Click HERE to do so.