Michigan vs. Michigan State UPDATE: What Wolverines Must Do to Hold off Spartans

The No. 11-ranked Michigan Wolverines currently trail their state rival and No. 23-ranked Michigan State Spartans by a score of 14-7, as both defenses having been putting on a show through two-and-a-half quarters of football.

This contest has been a story of getting first downs and converting on third down. Ultimately, this is the main concern for the Wolverines as they look to turn things around in the second half.

So far the team is one-for-seven on third downs, while the Spartans are four-of-eight.

The key factors for the Wolverines to turn this game around are the following: converting third down situations, making the most of their time of possession and picking up their offensive production.

Kirk Cousins and Edwin Baker have been having their way on offense so far, as Cousins has thrown for 72 yards and a touchdown and Baker has chipped in 112 yards and a touchdown on just 16 carries on the day.

The other big key for the Spartans has been time of possession as they have dominated the first half in terms of time of possession. Currently, in the second half the Wolverines have been able to counter effectively, as they now have taken over the time of possession in the second half.

The offensive production has been mediocre to say the least thus far for the Wolverines, as they have put together just 168 yards for the game and just 58 through the air. Talk about some weaker numbers for a team that boasts a solid offense.

If the passing game can pick up for the Wolverines, there is no question the one-score lead can be all but erased.

The Spartans' defense has helped them stay alive in the game, making the Wolverines work to move the chains and making up for a lackluster offensive performance.

If the Wolverines can come out in the last quarter and a half and keep the Spartans defense on their heels, expect a thriller of a finish.