Psychic Vibes: Michigan At Michigan State

Michigan is expected to beat up on little brother in East Lansing today, but we all know things don't necessarily go to plan in this rivalry matchup.

Whenever Michigan and Michigan State play, anything can happen...usually. This year, Michigan is just too good and too focused on a bigger goal. The Spartans are reeling and Michigan is not, even though the Wolverines are dealing with their own issue at the moment. When you look at this matchup on paper, or just put on the film of both teams, Michigan is vastly superior. Because of that, I think most of the occurrences in the game today are going to go in Michigan's favor. 

1. Donovan Edwards will score a touchdown

Before last week's game, I said was done predicting this unless Edwards got into the end zone, and he did just that. Jim Harbaugh said that Dono's touchdown is like a jar of olives...it's really hard to get that first one out, but once you do, the rest come tumbling out in a hurry. If that's the case, expect Edwards to be more productive moving forward starting today in East Lansing.

2. JJ McCarthy will throw three touchdown passes

The only thing that Michigan State is remotely good at is stopping the run. Because of that, I think they're going to sell out to make life tough for Michigan on the ground, resulting in McCarthy airing it out a bit. If that happens, he'll find a lot of success against MSU's 111th-ranked pass defense. 

3. Michigan will shutout Michigan State in the first half

The Wolverines have been very good on defense in first halves this year and I think that'll continue against a hapless MSU offense. The Spartans cannot run the ball and aren't much better at throwing it.  Michigan, on the other hand, is really solid against the run and even better against the pass. I see the Wolverines' front getting after Katin Houser and the back end of the defense getting their hands on a few balls. All in all, I see a lot of punts for the Spartans this evening.

4. We will see Noah Kim

Noah Kim was the guy for MSU earlier in the year, but as of late he's given way to Katin Houser, who will start against Michigan tonight. Because of how aggressive Michigan's defense is, I think they'll either knock Houser out of the game or simply render him useless, resulting in a quarterback switch. Neither QB will have success against the Wolverines, but I think we'll see Kim once the Spartans get desperate. 

5. There will be zero personal fouls

I'll probably be very wrong about this one, but I could actually see a scenario where players play carefully because of the coaches having drilled home the idea of playing clean and keeping composure. Throw in the fact that Harlon Barnett is basically in a coma compared to Mel Tucker, and I think the Spartans will be a little more subdued than normal, especially if they get down early. Last year, Tucker was out of his mind on the sidelines and we all saw how that played out on the field and in the tunnel. With him gone, and MSU's season on the brink of sinking into the depths, I just think the fiery emotions will be few and far between.