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Michigan Football: 5 things to know about Michigan State

By Chris Peterson

Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker during the 34-7 loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Spartan Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.Msu 092422 Kd 3174
Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker during the 34-7 loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Spartan Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.Msu 092422 Kd 3174 /
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Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports
Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Michigan State’s pass defense is vulnerable

Michigan football starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy threw a touchdown pass against the Spartans in 2021 but also had a key fumble as the Wolverines let a 16-point lead slip away.

I bring this up because you can bet McCarthy is determined to play well this week and he should against the Spartans who have really struggled to defend the pass.

The Spartans are worst in the Big Ten in opponent’s yards per pass attempt and have allowed 8.2 per pass. Michigan State is also 13th in passing yards allowed per game at 269, leading only Nebraska.

MSU also has just two interceptions. Michigan only has four but the Wolverines have had a much better pass defense and secondary. The Wolverines are giving up just 5.3 yards per attempt.

Obviously, the running game is always going to be a focal point for Michigan football, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a number of deep shots off of play-action runs because so far this season, the Spartans have struggled against the pass.

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