3 keys to a win over Michigan State for Michigan football

Pressuring the quarterback

Aidan Chiles has had some promising moments this season and some games where he has looked like a young quarterback still. He's got six touchdowns on the season compared to nine interceptions, which leads the Big Ten.

Michigan football might not have Will Johnson. We don't know his status and losing him would be a huge blow. Michigan State throws for 199 yards per game and Nick Marsh is the most dynamic weapon at wide receiver.

Making the Spartans one-dimensional will be important for the defense, which allowed just 267 yards to a good Illinois offense last week. If the Wolverines can stop the run, the pass rush -- more specifically the front four -- needs to get home.

The Spartans average 2.3 turnovers per game, so they have had their own issues. If Michigan can pressure Chiles to get some sacks and force some early throws, the Wolverines could come up with some takeaways, and with the way the offense has been playing, those are desperately needed.

Turnovers usually don't happen without QB pressure though. Wink will be tempted to blitz and maybe it will work this week. Either way, Michigan football needs to pressure the quarterback or Paul Bunyan's Axe might be headed back to East Lansing.