3 keys to a win over Michigan State for Michigan football
Normally, a game between 4-3 teams doesn't feel so important. But it's Michigan football against Michigan State. The battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy and it's always a huge game.
For the Spartans, a win would be the best sign yet that the program is on the rise under first-year head coach Jonathan Smith. It would also serve as a momentum boost for Sherrone Moore.
Starting 4-3 isn't great, but if the Michigan football head coach can deliver at least a rivalry win against Sparty, a lot will be forgiven. A loss would be catastrophic. The Wolverines were light years ahead of the Spartans a year ago and won the national title. It would be a crushing blow to lose in this rivalry one year late. Sherrone needs a win.
Here are three keys to making it happen.
Take care of the ball
This is paramount for Michigan football. The Wolverines are one of the worst teams in college football when it comes to taking care of the ball. They have 15 giveaway in seven games.
Michigan State is forcing 1.3 turnovers per game. The Spartans are averaging 1.1 interceptions per game so taking care of the ball won't be easy. Smith is a defensive-minded head coach after all.
I advocated for playing Alex Orji at quarterback simply because he did the best job of any of the three starting quarterbacks of taking care of the ball (one interception).
Regardless of who winds up as the starting quarterback for Michigan football, the Wolverines aren't going to win this game with multiple turnovers from the quarterback position. Tuttle has had at least two in both starts, so it feels like sticking with him is risky.