Michigan-Michigan State: Three Keys to Victory for the Wolverines

Finally, it's here—Michigan vs. Michigan State!

We have all been waiting for this one, as Michigan will try to avenge last year's loss at home to MSU.

With that, I give you the three keys to victory for Michigan this weekend.

Quarterbacks

This will be the first road start for Tate Forcier, and the question will be how he will handle the hostile environment. As we all know, Spartan Stadium is a tough place to play, especially when Michigan is in town, so the key will be whether Forcier can handle the tough crowd and get the correct calls in.

That basically means if Forcier can manage the offense and not turn the ball over, then it should be a good day for Tate, especially through the air, as the Spartans defense has given up over 400 yards a game the past three games. If Michigan can get the running game going, then it will be another long day for MSU.

Defensive line

The defensive line has to be a concern due to the fact that the D-line has only registered one-and-a-half sacks per game this year. As a result, opposing offenses have ripped up our secondary, especially on Boubacar Cissoko's side of the field.

Thus, a key factor will be whether the defense can create pressure on the QBs. If they can do that, then the D-line should dominate up front. But if they can't get pressure on the QBs, then expect the QB to play pitch and catch with his receivers all day.

Secondary

This has been a major area of concern this season. They have given up over 240 yards per game this season.

Now this has been due in part to Cissoko's inconsistency. He was pulled last week early in the second quarter after getting burned for a long pass play.

I believe that J.T. Floyd, who replaced Cissoko last week, will get the start. He has shown that he can stay with the receiver and not give up the big play.

Like I said before, the D-line has to get pressure on the QBs; otherwise the secondary will be on its heels the entire game.

Michigan 38-24 over MSU