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After taking down Minnesota, 49-24, and securing the Little Brown Jug in a season like no other, the Wolverines now have another rivalry trophy to try to keep in Ann Arbor. Paul Bunyan is the trophy for the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State, and it’s up for grabs this Saturday.
Heading into the annual matchup between the state’s two Big Ten schools, it appears this year very well could be a repeat, if not worse, of the 2019 showdown. While the Wolverines dismantled the Golden Gophers on the road, Michigan State lost to Rutgers 38-27 in the season opener and first game under new head coach Mel Tucker.
Three things to watch for Michigan as it looks to keep Paul Bunyan home for the third year in a row against Michigan State.
1. Can the passing game open up against Michigan State?
Last week, Michigan’s offense exploded on the scene against Minnesota. While the Wolverines offense put up 42 points, most of the points came from the ground game. Michigan ran for 256 yards and five touchdowns on 31 carries. Running the football is the bread and butter for Michigan football, but the passing game can’t be ignored as well, especially with a quarterback like Joe Milton.
In Milton’s starting debut for the Wolverines, he went 15-for-22 for 225 yards and a touchdown, along with eight carries for 52 yards and a touchdown. This Saturday, Milton needs to open up the air attack. Milton doesn’t need to force passes or try and take too many deep shots, but the passing game’s success can set up the run.
We know Michigan has plenty of running backs to give the ball to, but the depth they have at running back can also be said about wide receiver. The only way those receivers can show what they can do is if they are given a chance. Milton has a chance to leave his mark in this rivalry game, and for his first appearance to be a 300- or 400-yard game would something that would never be forgotten.