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5 things to watch for Michigan football vs. Michigan State

By Chris Peterson

Sep 30, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan acting head coach Jay Harbaugh reacts to a play against UNLV during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.
Michigan acting head coach Jay Harbaugh reacts to a play against UNLV during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. /

The special teams advantage

Michigan State didn’t have a great week on special teams. Leading 24-6 against Rutgers, Michigan State had a punt blocked. Rutgers recovered it for a touchdown and the game was never the same after that.

Rutgers also got a 22-yard punt return during its rally. The Wolverines have been one of the better special teams units in the country under Harbaugh and you wonder if Michigan can find something to take advantage of this week.

Tyler Morris has been coming on as a punt returner. He busted off a return last week for 27 yards and it feels like he’s really close to an ever-bigger run back.

Blocked kicks, returns, and the like can really change the momentum in a game like this, so it’s important for the Wolverines to execute and win in that 1/3 of the game.

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