#11 Michigan Vs. #23 Michigan State: Preview

Last Year the Spartans got to hoist Paul Bunyan, The Wolverines hope to change that.
(Photo annarbor.com)

There is no love lost in this instate rivalry between the Wolverines and the Spartans. Michigan and dynamic quarter back Denard Robinson head into East Lansing looking to take back the Paul Bunyan trophy which has been in the Michigan State camp for the past three years. It will be coach Brady Hoke's first opportunity to take back the trophy as former Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez went 0-3 against the Spartans including two losses in Michigan Stadium. Spartan coach Mark Dantonio has not shied away from the importance of the rivalry between the two schools stating, "From day one when we walked in here, we pointed towards that. There were others who said that we couldn't (beat Michigan). So, we wanted to make a point. I think we've made the point and we'll go on from there." Sparty looks to continue the Wolverine woes on their home field as they press to win their fourth consecutive in the rivalry. All this to say, the winner of this game will have an inside track to the Big Ten championship game at the end of the season.

Much of the focus this week is going to be on quarter back play. Looking to stop the skid against the Spartans is Denard Robinson, one of the most electric players in the country. Robinson is not only the leading passer on the team, but he also leads the Wolverines in rushing with 720 to this point in the season. Last week in a win against Northwestern, Robinson rushed for 117 yards and passed for 337 as Michigan rattled off 28 unanswered points in the second half to win after trailing by 10 at the half. While Robinson accounted for 4 scores; two rushing and two passing, it also must be noted that he was picked off three times by the Northwestern defense. Not only is Robinson tough to defend because of his running ability, he also likes to spread the ball around. Last week, Robinson completed passes to 9 different receivers. Junior Hemingway lead all receivers with 5 receptions for 124 yards. Holding onto the ball is going to be a major factor in this game if Michigan wants to win because Michigan State boasts one of the most challenging defenses statistically in the NCAA. Last week, the Spartans won a tight one against Ohio State but limited the Buckeyes to only 7 points and 178 total yards from scrimmage.

That defense forced Robinson into three interceptions, and limited him to only 86 yards rushing last year as the Spartans won 34-17. If Robinson can get out of the pocket and run and keep the State defense honest he could have a big day, but he can't do it alone. The offensive line is going to have to give him time to throw when he does, and finish their blocks when he takes off. On the other side of the ball, Kirk Cousins looks to repeat his success from last season where he threw for 284 yards and a touch down in Michigan stadium. Cousins is an accurate passer whose favorite target is clearly Senior wide out, B.J. Cunningham. To this point in the season, Cunningham has accounted for 38 receptions for 582 yards. He has added two scores on the year for the Spartans. It will be interesting to see if Michigan keys on Cunningham, and tries to force Cousins through his progressions to his other targets on the field. If they can make him check down, they could get pressure and either force an errant pass or get the sack.

This heated rivalry could come down to the last second as this game often does and something has to give in the battle between a prolific offense and a stingy defense. If Robinson can cut loose, it could be a long day for Sparty's faithful, but if they can shut him down Paul Bunyan will stay in East Lansing another year.

Michigan will win if:                                   State will win if:
Robinson finds a groove                                Shut down Robinson
Receivers are effective                                   Force Turnovers
No mistakes                                                 Hold on to the ball