2. Michigan’s defense could flirt with a shutout
While the offense for Michigan could put up plenty of points against Michigan State, the defense has a chance to do something that hasn’t happened since 2000, shut out the Spartans.
In its loss last week, Michigan State lost the football seven times. Quarterback Rocky Lombardi threw two interceptions, and the team fumbled the ball five times. Seven turnovers against a defense that was ranked 98th last season is a big thud, and it could get even louder against the Wolverines.
Michigan held a strong Minnesota offense to 326 yards of offense and forced two turnovers. The defensive line got to Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan five times, forcing him to make mistakes with the fumble and interception. Now going up against a quarterback and a team with issues holding onto the football, the Wolverines should be able to create plenty of turnovers against the Spartans.
Last year, the Wolverines knocked the Spartans silly and won 44-10. This year it could end up much worse for Michigan State. If Michigan State plays against Michigan as it did offensively against Rutgers, there is a very high chance it might not get in field goal range to have a chance to put up any points.