5 things to watch for Michigan football vs. Michigan State
![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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b7e9c01722f8ecbe4ac7966ad42f5a5221f687906e13586f1f7e5b737fb9ed69.jpg)
How will Katin Houser hold up?
Katin Houser has had some good moments so far this season in his limited play. Last week was his first start and he’s completed 60 percent of his passes.
Houser has thrown two touchdowns and one interception. He had Michigan State in a position before things came off the rails last week. It’s not like it was only about him at quarterback but Houser held up just fine at Rutgers.
Michigan’s defense will be the best that he’s faced so far this season. Jesse Minter is one of the best defensive coordinators in the country and Michigan football hasn’t allowed a single point to opponents in the third quarter.
Nate Carter is a player that the Wolverines will need to contain. If he can give the Spartans some balance, Houser will have a shot. But if Michigan can make MSU one-dimensional, it could be a long day for Hauser who is making just his second career start.