[jwplayer d5KC3leI-XNcErKyb]
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — No. 13 Michigan entered its annual rivalry tilt with MSU as heavy, heavy favorites. And that’s about where the good things end for the Wolverines.
The maize and blue were thoroughly outplayed by Michigan State, particularly up front, and the Spartans pulled away to upset Michigan, 27-24. It’s the first win of the Mel Tucker era in East Lansing and the second-time that a ranked Michigan team lost to MSU at home.
Here’s my stream-of-consciousness thoughts during the game.
- Troubling game for the Michigan offensive line. MSU brought blitzes on nearly every play early, and the OL struggled to pick it up. And it never looked comfortable after that. It got thoroughly outplayed up front. The OL settled in the second-half, but it was too late. MUS had too much confidence.
- Equally troubling for a defensive line that just could not get pressure.
- Michigan was solid when testing the perimeter, but for whatever reason, didn’t do it as often as it should have. However incredible the play calling was in Week 1, it was that level of suspect in Week 2. Even though it was getting gashed up front, it felt like there were plays to be made — especially outside — but for whatever reason, Michigan seemed determined to do what wasn’t working.
- The defensive line found itself over-pursuing on passing downs far too often. Getting next to no pressure against an MSU team that usually thrives on allowing pressure up front.
- Michigan definitely shot itself in the foot with holding/PI penalties.
- All we heard about all offseason was the need for the offense to have explosive plays. It’s had next to none.
- The offense doesn’t look nearly as potent when it’s off-schedule.
- Milton had happier feet this week than last week. Ran outside of the pocket sometimes well before the pressure came.
- MSU was very pedestrian, except when it had to make plays, it seemed. But when it needed to make something happen, it did.
- Michigan’s freshmen were perhaps its best at skill positions. Roman Wilson, Blake Corum and A.J. Henning all had big plays.
- Hassan Haskins needs more playing time. Aside from Corum, he was the only bright spot at tailback.
- Milton, at least, is a gamer. Kept trying. Made plays, even when it was too late. Though, it doesn’t appear that Michigan has a two-minute drill. Down 10 with 5 minutes to go, Michigan used up all its time trying to drive the field. The Wolverines called no timeouts as it dinked and dunked down the field.
- Overall, MSU had a solid game plan — though I can’t really say what it was, other than make big plays when needed. Huge credit to the Spartans.
- But hey! No turnovers?
Up next, Michigan will look to rebound at Indiana, a game that will kick off at noon EST.