There are two ways to salvage the 2026 Michigan football season and one them is beating Michigan State on Saturday.
We know what the other one is: winning the last game in November. That will always make a Michigan season sucessful.
That also seems like a tall order, just like the final three games, which are at Oregon, home against UCLA, and at Ohio State.
All three of those teams are ranked. If the Wolverines win against Sparty, maybe it could set up a path to get back in the College Football Playoff race if they win out.
Even if Michigan does that, it feels like a stretch that this team would make the 12-team playoff, but you never know.
Winning back-to-back Big Ten games for the first time under Kyle Whittingham would be a good place to start. Pat Fitzgerald is taking part in his first Michigan-Michigan State game, too, and here are four bold predictions.
Saivon Hiter runs for 100 yards
Hiter has rushed for 53 yards or more in three Big Ten games, while being held under 15 in the other two. Indiana's defensive front is spectacular. The play-calling also didn't do the running game any favors against the Hoosiers.
It was more simplified last week, but the Wolverines still had a tough time establishing the run. Hiter ran for 78 yards. Getting back to basics could pay off more this week. The offensive line seems healthier and the Spartans are ranked 14th in the Big Ten in rush defense.
At some point, Hiter has to break a long run. Saturday night would be a great time for it.
Sack fest
The Spartans are ranked 17th in the Big Ten in sacks allowed. Michigan football is getting Dom Nichols and John Henry Daley back, so it just feels like the pass rush is due.
Michigan State is averaging just 2.7 yards per rushing attempt in Big Ten play. What's worse is that Alessio Milivojevic, the Spartans starting quarterback is questionable. The backup has been ruled out. As far rough the injury stituation has been for Michigan football, it has been worse for MSU.
Jordan Hall and Cam Edwards, the Spartans two best players are out. Edwards is out for the season. Forced into being one-dimensional, the Wolverines will sack MSU quarterbacks at least five times.
Tommy Carr plays mistake free
Rutgers is Rutgers. We shouldn't overreact to Carr's 310-yard performance with three touchdowns, but Michigan converted 12-of-16 third downs, and most importantly, Carr didn't have a turnover.
The freshamn turned it over twice against Indiana. Without those mistakes, and the points generated from them, the Wolverines win that game.
If Carr can avoid mistakes on Saturday, Michigan will win. Don't put the ball in jeopardy. Play to the defense and realize a punt is a positive play.
It won't take 20 points to win this game and Carr will play accordingly, although he will have a touchdown pass.
Spartans score 10 or less
It wouldn't surprise me at all if this was a shutout. Rutgers has better offensive players than Michigan State, especially at running back and wide receiver.
The Spartans will get a flukey play or two, but it's hard to see the Spartans having any sort of sustained offense. MSU is 16th in pass offense in the Big Ten (17th in rush offense), so if Michigan allows more explosive plays, it will be highly disappointing.
Score prediction: Michigan 24, Michigan State 10
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