Staff Score Predictions: Michigan vs. Michigan State
Michigan is a 13.5-point favorite over the Spartans so obviously many see U-M handling business at home. Making the right pick this week seems easier than it has typically been but we have to see which teams show up in this big rivalry matchup. Here's how we see it playing out...
Brandon Brown
I truly see it being a long, long day for Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke. The Spartan offense has been bad all year long and it'll likely be even worse tomorrow with some key wide receivers, a starting tight end and a couple of starting offensive linemen on the shelf due to injury. Without anyone to throw to and inexperienced players protecting him, Lewerke could be in a world of hurt.
Throw in the fact that Michigan has been shutting down the run for a few games now and I really don't see how Michigan State is going to move the ball or score any points. All Michigan has to do is be efficient, which they can handle. I don't know if we'll see many explosive plays out of the Wolverines but we don't really need and they can still win the game easily.
Michigan 34, Michigan State 10
Steve Deace
I think former Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner nailed it earlier this week in his WTKA appearance with Michael Spath, when he compared this matchup to the 2013-14 games Michigan lost in consecutive years in East Lansing. Michigan wasn't blown out of the building like Michigan State was under Bobby Williams in 2002, but physically they were never really in it, either.
I expect Don Brown and Michigan's defensive front to similarly terrorize a beleaguered Sparty offensive line, too, just as those anemic Michigan offensive lines were dissected by Pat Narduzzi. I don't think the Wolverines have the big play offense in the passing game to make this a true laugher, and Sparty will undoubtedly play hard in their Super Bowl. Michigan is in control the whole way, but lacks the firepower to blow Sparty away.
Michigan 24, Michigan State 13
Michael Spath
This will be a battle of whose front seven can shut down the effectiveness of the other team's offense. Michigan State has no chance to make any inroads against Michigan's defense with as depleted as their offensive line and wide receiver corps are.
Michigan on the other hand has a terrific offensive line, a ground game that is peaking and still has those playmakers at wide receiver. Michigan is extremely motivated to win this way in convincing fashion.
Michigan 35, Michigan State 7
What say you? How do you see the game playing out and what's your score prediction? Comment below!!!
