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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 State interim head coach Harlon Barnett, right, reacts to a play against Maryland during the second half of MSU’s 31-9 loss on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in East Lansing.
Michigan State interim head coach Harlon Barnett, right, reacts to a play against Maryland during the second half of MSU’s 31-9 loss on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in East Lansing. /

Can the Spartans make this a game?

Before the season, I felt like this was going to be one of the most difficult games on the schedule. Mel Tucker, before he was fired, did beat Michigan twice.

There was some fluke to it, but the Spartans have found ways over the years to beat better Michigan teams. Charles Woodson’s team didn’t suffer that fate in 1997. However, we don’t want to see history repeat itself and the last thing Michigan wants is a close game.

A fast start is critical. Michigan football needs to take the crowd out of the game and hopefully, the Wolverines can suffocate a win early in the second half against MSU.

That’s going to be much easier said than done though. MSU will be aiming to play its best game of the season and it wouldn’t shock me if the Spartans gave their fans some things to cheer about on Saturday night.

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Michigan is far and away the better team though. McCarthy is playing as well as any quarterback in the country. That, combined with the Wolverines’ No. 1 ranked scoring defense (6.7 points per game allowed) is a scary combination and one that should carry the Wolverines to victory.

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