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Injuries:U-M ? S Mike Williams (ankle), probable; S Zac Johnson (shoulder), C David Molk (foot), out. MSU ? LG Joel Foreman (ankle), questionable; RG J?Michael Deane (leg), doubtful.
When U-M has the ball: The Wolverines likely will run the ball, especially in wet conditions. QB Tate Forcier has a sore shoulder but apparently can throw if necessary, but U-M?s ground game may render that unnecessary. U-M has speedy back Carlos Brown, power back and red-zone force Brandon Minor, speedy power back Michael Shaw and even fullback Kevin Grady. MSU?s rush defense has been the relative strength of the defense, allowing just 113.5 yards per game.
When MSU has the ball: The Spartans have leaned heavily on the passing game, ranking eighth nationally, but with windy and raining weather that will be a chore for QB Kirk Cousins. The MSU running game ranks 10th in the Big Ten, but more carries for Glenn Winston could change that. For the U-M defense, the run/short game has been a problem, from Notre Dame?s short screens to Eastern Michigan?s physical play to Indiana?s ability to get outside. This will be a chance for the Wolverines to show their allegedly improved tackling.
Special teams: Michigan?s kickoff return team with Darryl Stonum was impressive last week, on the verge of a few game-breakers, and already has a touchdown. U-M punter Zoltan Mesko probably is the nation?s best and improving every week, which could be crucial in a field-position game. MSU punter Aaron Bates also has been strong, averaging 45.6 yards. Mesko averages 44.2 yards for Michigan, which had one punt this year from Forcier. MSU has been stronger on punt returns, averaging 12.3 yards per return.
Intangibles: MSU has it all: a sense of urgency, a major focus on this game all year, home field, experience in home and road games this year. All Michigan has is momentum, explosive potential (six plays of 40 yards or more) and the proof it can win close games. That may be enough.
Mark Snyder's keys for U-M
Win the rushing battle: Even though this is the usual bellwether statistic in this game, it takes on a greater premium in bad weather. By giving the backs more carries and throwing in a bit of Denard Robinson, U-M should have no trouble rushing for more yards. The only problem might be scoring too fast.
Don?t kill yourself: Last week, Michigan had a season-high nine penalties and four poor shotgun snap exchanges totaling a loss of more than 70 yards. Handing opportunities like that to a passing offense like MSU could be dangerous.
Stay upright: U-M has had so many injuries in key spots (QB, running back, center, safety) that another might be a leak in the dam, given the untested depth everywhere except tailback.
Shannon Shelton's keys for MSU
Control the clock: Because of issues establishing the run, the Spartans have lagged significantly behind opponents in time of possession. MSU needs to keep its struggling defense off the field as long as possible by running the ball.
Get one QB in rhythm: Whomever MSU starts at quarterback needs to play the entire game. Otherwise it disrupts the flow. If Kirk Cousins starts, Keith Nichol can run a few wildcat formations and some trick plays, but Cousins should begin every series.
Exploit the U-M secondary: The receiving corps is MSU?s strongest unit and can make big plays. MSU?s QB should be able to reach the receivers for big gains, as long as they can hold the ball.
Injuries:U-M ? S Mike Williams (ankle), probable; S Zac Johnson (shoulder), C David Molk (foot), out. MSU ? LG Joel Foreman (ankle), questionable; RG J?Michael Deane (leg), doubtful.
When U-M has the ball: The Wolverines likely will run the ball, especially in wet conditions. QB Tate Forcier has a sore shoulder but apparently can throw if necessary, but U-M?s ground game may render that unnecessary. U-M has speedy back Carlos Brown, power back and red-zone force Brandon Minor, speedy power back Michael Shaw and even fullback Kevin Grady. MSU?s rush defense has been the relative strength of the defense, allowing just 113.5 yards per game.
When MSU has the ball: The Spartans have leaned heavily on the passing game, ranking eighth nationally, but with windy and raining weather that will be a chore for QB Kirk Cousins. The MSU running game ranks 10th in the Big Ten, but more carries for Glenn Winston could change that. For the U-M defense, the run/short game has been a problem, from Notre Dame?s short screens to Eastern Michigan?s physical play to Indiana?s ability to get outside. This will be a chance for the Wolverines to show their allegedly improved tackling.
Special teams: Michigan?s kickoff return team with Darryl Stonum was impressive last week, on the verge of a few game-breakers, and already has a touchdown. U-M punter Zoltan Mesko probably is the nation?s best and improving every week, which could be crucial in a field-position game. MSU punter Aaron Bates also has been strong, averaging 45.6 yards. Mesko averages 44.2 yards for Michigan, which had one punt this year from Forcier. MSU has been stronger on punt returns, averaging 12.3 yards per return.
Intangibles: MSU has it all: a sense of urgency, a major focus on this game all year, home field, experience in home and road games this year. All Michigan has is momentum, explosive potential (six plays of 40 yards or more) and the proof it can win close games. That may be enough.
Mark Snyder's keys for U-M
Win the rushing battle: Even though this is the usual bellwether statistic in this game, it takes on a greater premium in bad weather. By giving the backs more carries and throwing in a bit of Denard Robinson, U-M should have no trouble rushing for more yards. The only problem might be scoring too fast.
Don?t kill yourself: Last week, Michigan had a season-high nine penalties and four poor shotgun snap exchanges totaling a loss of more than 70 yards. Handing opportunities like that to a passing offense like MSU could be dangerous.
Stay upright: U-M has had so many injuries in key spots (QB, running back, center, safety) that another might be a leak in the dam, given the untested depth everywhere except tailback.
Shannon Shelton's keys for MSU
Control the clock: Because of issues establishing the run, the Spartans have lagged significantly behind opponents in time of possession. MSU needs to keep its struggling defense off the field as long as possible by running the ball.
Get one QB in rhythm: Whomever MSU starts at quarterback needs to play the entire game. Otherwise it disrupts the flow. If Kirk Cousins starts, Keith Nichol can run a few wildcat formations and some trick plays, but Cousins should begin every series.
Exploit the U-M secondary: The receiving corps is MSU?s strongest unit and can make big plays. MSU?s QB should be able to reach the receivers for big gains, as long as they can hold the ball.
