3 reasons Michigan football will avoid upset against Michigan State

Michigan’s suffocating defense

If there’s a better defensive coordinator right now than Jesse Minter, you’ll have to tell me because he’s been outstanding.

Minter’s defense hasn’t allowed a single point in the third quarter all season. They have allowed some explosive touchdowns in recent weeks, but the ability to adjust has been spectacular.

Michigan State has a talented quarterback in its own right with former four-star Katin Houser, who has completed 60 percent of his passes, as well as two touchdowns and one interception. Nate Carter also averages 4.7 yards per carry.

The Spartans have some dudes on offense, but I have a hard time seeing Michigan football allowing the Spartans to score more than twice unless there are some turnovers or big plays on special teams.

Michigan State averages 3.5 yards per attempt as a team and is 12th in the Big Ten in rushing yards. If the Spartans can’t get the ground game going, it will put too much pressure on Hauser, a redshirt freshman, who is the youngest MSU quarterback to start against a Michigan football team in two decades. 

Like the 1997 team, this defense is the best in college football and I don’t see the Spartans having enough success on offense for an upset.