Michigan 21, MSU 7

[WingsFan]

I didn't see who asked Harbaugh after the game how his team will match the intensity of an opponent that is their -

Superbowl

World Series game 7

NHL Stanley Cup playoffs Overtime

- all wrapped in one.

Jim didn't care much for the question saying "we will be really intense'

[paul daugherity]

The Spartans pass d has been suspect. It looked better against PSU, but I also thought PSU was not really attacking via the pass.

[Detroit Dan]

Michigan is better than Michigan State and will win without too much trouble.

While MSU's defense is good and an equal match for UM's offense, there is no comparison on the other side. Michigan is 2nd in total defense, while MSU is 80th in total offense.

How Michigan and MSU Match Up Statistically

[WM Wolverine]

Dantonio has been game planning for this for 11 months however. Expect a few big plays from their offense due to Brown's over aggressiveness which could make it closer than it should be.

[Rocky Bleier]

Exactly, WM...

I see this going much like the Notre Dame game. MSU will gash Don Brown's defense in the first quarter. Harbaugh will stubbornly smash Higdon into multiple 3 & outs. Sparty will lead at the half. Dantonio will get conservative and Shea will hit start moving the chains through the air. Game will be lost when Patterson throws interception on final drive. Sparty wins 23 - 17.

[froot loops]

I endorse that scenario.

[Detroit Dan]

Michigan is better than Michigan State and will win without too much trouble.

While MSU's defense is good and an equal match for UM's offense, there is no comparison on the other side. Michigan is 2nd in total defense, while MSU is 80th in total offense.

How Michigan and MSU Match Up Statistically

P.S. Defense travels (easier to maintain quality on the road)

[iam416]

As long as it gets to EL by kickoff and not some time in the 2nd quarter, then M will win easy.

[hack]

A Don Brown defense is going to have at least one bad drive a game. This year they've all come early. Last year and the year before they were in the fourth quarter. We'll see which is better.

[Rocky Bleier]

Last year, MSU scored all of their points in the first half. Purdue scored all of their points in the second quarter. What I see is that teams put in a new wrinkle, and it takes a quarter or two for Don Brown to adjust. My main concern is that we'll fall behind by too much to overcome. Harbaugh definitely likes to establish the run first, which is what MSU defends well. If we're forced to throw, then the exotic blitz packages will come out. Michigan needs to come out aggressive on offense (breaking tendency) and less aggressive on defense. Warner will try to use that their aggression against them.

[Jeff Buchanan]

Rocky's take above is a good one, so is Hack's. 2018 M has an MO that fits both these takes. You can be sure that Mork, with 11 months of practicing a game plan for M that not a single play within it is on tape is going to create problems for Brown to start and probably through the first half. Maybe that's a bit over the top but it's close. M's issue v. MSU is going to be establishing the run to the extent it facilitates the rest of the stuff JH wants to do.

[THE_WIZARD_]

shaddup

[hack]

Definitely agree with the risk Rocky highlights of falling behind early based on JH wanting to run into the teeth of a defense better prepared to stop the run than a passing attack. If he really wants to do that early, maybe we need to see the supersize packages with Mason running behind the right side and Wangler out blocking. Better get in those third-and-short scenarios.

[Rocky Bleier]

If that worked it would be so satisfying to see. The most beautiful sight in offensive football is to see everyone get a hat on a hat and watch the bowling pins topple over. Ben Mason impersonating Mike Alstott? I'd love to see it. Maybe against Rutgers? Would that be sportsmanlike?

[hack]

I like seeing that kind of blocking in space, where it unfolds in a sequence, but no doubt it's quite a bit of fun to say what you're gonna do and then just go do it.