Michigan State at Michigan: College Football Zoom-In Game of the Week
Game Time: 3:30
Channel: ABC/ESPN
Location: Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
This is just the third time ever that both these teams come into this storied matchup with undefeated records.
We’ve seen some great contests and wild finishes in recent years and this year’s game looks like it should live up to those that have preceded it.
Both teams are looking to make a push at a Big Ten title and this is the first real proving ground for them to show that they have what it takes.
Let's take an in-depth look at tomorrow's battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy between Michigan State and Michigan at The Big House.
Spotlight Player: Michigan QB Denard Robinson
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There’s no doubt that Michigan’s Denard Robinson has been the true superstar of the early part of the college football season. Robinson has dazzled the nation with his running and playmaking ability and in turn eased the mounting heat on head coach Rich Rodriguez as he’s led the Wolverines to a 5-0 record to begin the season..
If the Heisman voting were held today, it's fairly obvious that the sophomore quarterback would win the award. The 6' 190 lb Robinson has thrown for over 1,000 yards and rushed for nearly as many while redefining our perceptions of what a dual threat quarterback is actually capable of.
The breakout star is a difference maker in every sense and he is the fuel that makes this Michigan engine go.
If the Wolverines hope to keep racking up the W’s, they will need for their young quarterback to keep playing at the same pace he started the season with.
Mark Dantonio’s Return
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This will be Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio’s first game back since suffering a minor heart attack after the the team’s thrilling overtime victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Week 3 of the season.
Dantonio has already stated that he will attend Michigan week no matter what and plans on coaching from the press box in a limited role.
Interim Coach Don Treadwell has led the team in their last two games, victories over Northern Colorado and Wisconsin, but he has yet to take the team on the road into a hostile environment.
Dantonio had planned to return to the press box for last weekend’s matchup with Wisconsin but a blood clot in his leg forced him back into the hospital.
We'll see how much the return of their coach motivates the Spartans tomorrow.
Rich Rodriguez Winless Against Michigan State
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Speaking of head coaches, Michigan’s Rich Rodriguez has so far yet to win a game in this rivalry in his two years as head coach.
Last year’s defeat was a heartbreaking loss as the Wolverines fell in overtime 26-20.
Rodriguez has seemed to win fans over after a rough two year stretch to start his tenure but if he falls to 0-3 against his team’s bitter in-state rival, especially at home, there will probably be a few moans and grumbles starting to creep up again.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Are These Two Teams Contenders?
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There are some who have been wondering if these two teams are actually capable of contending with the likes of Iowa and Ohio State for a Big Ten Championship down the stretch run.
While it’s true that both teams have done some impressive things in the early part of the season, you have to remember that neither team’s schedule was all that difficult. Both teams have toppled Notre Dame but the only other real impressive win that either school possesses was Michigan State’s victory over Wisconsin last weekend.
There are still some questions that need to be answered for both teams and their opponents are about to get increasingly tougher.
Out of the two teams, it looks like Michigan State would have the best shot at challenging for a Big Ten Championship considering they don’t have to face Ohio State this season. But they would still have to find a way to beat Iowa and Penn State on the road, which is definitely possible but certainly not easy.
Michigan Offense Vs. Michigan State Defense
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It should be interesting to watch the spread rushing attack of Michigan square off against a stout front seven for Michigan State.
The Spartans rank third in the Big Ten in rush defense, letting up just 100 yards on the ground per game.
Players like defensive tackle Jerel Worthy and linebacker Greg Jones will be a handful for Michigan to handle, but the Wolverines do have a talented and strong offensive line, led by Stephen Schilling and David Molk, which is capable of opening holes and creating running room.
The key, as always, will be to get electric runner Denard Robinson out in space.
If Robinson can create big plays with his legs, then it could it be a long day for the Spartans. There’s no doubt that he’s the player that Michigan State’s defense is most worried about containing.
If they are able to contain Robinson, it would force Michigan to come up with big plays in the passing game. That means receivers like Roy Roundtree, one of the most talented pass catchers in the conference, would need to have a big day.
Michigan Offensive Lineup
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Quarterback: Denard Robinson (16)
Running Back: Michael Shaw (20)
Wide Receiver: Roy Roundtree (12)
Wide Receiver: Martavious Odoms (9)
Wide Receiver: Junior Hemingway (21)
Tight End: Kevin Koger (86)
Left Tackle: Taylor Lewan (77)
Left Guard: Stephen Schilling (52)
Center: David Molk (50)
Right Guard: Patrick Omameh (65)
Right Tackle: Perry Dorrestein (79)
Michigan State Defensive Lineup
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Nose Tackle: Blake Treadwell (93)
Defensive Tackle: Jerel Worthy (99)
Defensive End: Colin Neely (89)
Defensive End: Denzel Drone (52)
Middle Linebacker: Greg Jones (53)
Outside Linebacker: Eric Gordon (43)
Outside Linebacker: Chris Norman (10)
Cornerback: Chris L. Rucker (29)
Cornerback: Johnny Adams (5)
Strong Safety: Marcus Hyde (11)
Free Safety: Trenton Robinson (39)
Michigan State Offense Vs. Michigan Defense
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If Michigan hopes to be successful in this game, they're going to need a big outing from their defense, which has looked shaky to say the least so far this season.
Even though Michigan’s defense has looked porous at times, that doesn’t mean there’s not some talent on the unit.
The defensive line is relatively strong with guys like Mike Martin and Ryan Van Bergen capable of holding their own at the point of attack. And the four man linebacking unit is filled with experienced and capable tacklers like Jonas Mouton and Obi Ezeh.
It’s in the secondary where the Wolverines have just been downright bad thus far. It’s obvious that the loss of Troy Woolfolk hurt the defensive backfield and even though Jordan Kovacs has stepped up as a leader, it just hasn’t been enough to stop teams from torching Michigan through the air.
Look for talented Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins to try and pick apart the Michigan secondary early and often.
The Spartans also have a stable ground attack that they can employ with two strong backs, Edwin Baker and Le’Veon Bell. The two have combined for over 1,000 yards on the ground already.
Michigan State Offensive Lineup
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Quarterback: Kirk Cousins (8)
Running Back: Edwin Baker (4)
Wide Receiver: Mark Dell (2)
Wide Receiver: B.J. Cunningham (3)
Wide Receiver: Keith Nichol (7)
Tight End: Charlie Gantt (83)
Left Tackle: DJ Young (59)
Left Guard: Joel Foreman (67)
Center: John Stipek (66)
Right Guard: Chris McDonald (62)
Right Tackle: J’Michael Deane (77)
Michigan Defensive Lineup
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Nose Tackle: Mike Martin (68)
Defensive End: Ryan Van Bergen (53)
Defensive End: Greg Banks (92)
Middle Linebacker: Obi Ezeh (45)
Outside Linebacker: Craig Roh (88)
Weakside Linebacker: Jonas Mouton (8)
Spur Linebacker: Thomas Gordon (15)
Cornerback: James Rodgers (18)
Cornerback: J.T. Floyd (12)
Strong Safety: Jordan Kovacs (32)
Free Safety: Cameron Gordon (4)
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
