Rushing Game the Key to Wolverines vs. Spartans in NCAA Football this Weekend
There’s so much to enjoy during Michigan week. These teams, while not sporting matching records, both come to the game with some major playmakers. And as we’ve discussed, that means this game will likely be determined by the heart, passion, and motivation of either side’s playmakers.
And it may well be the heart of these players that determines one of the most important facets of this game: the run game. Indeed, the team that finishes the game with more rushing yards has won a staggering 41 of the last 44 meetings between the Spartans and Wolverines.
That may be one reason why linemakers are tapping MSU as the favorites in this one. Michigan State has the 14th-ranked run offense in the nation, having put up 1820 yards on the ground for an average of 5.4 yards per carry. The Wolverines’ run game ranks 68th, and has put up almost a yard less per tote. No one is surprised that TopBet shows the Spartans are 17.5-point favorites against the Wolverines ahead of Saturday’s game.
The importance of this element of the game isn’t lost on many, least of all the brains behind the MSU program. Head coach Mark Dantonio suggested it was more a matter of the line play on both sides of the ball: “any football team that controls the line of scrimmage usually wins the football game. If you win up front you’ve got a chance to win the football game.â€
All told, this should be one of the better football games of the season, as it always is. The game is the afternoon feature on ABC, and is must-watch material for all Spartans fans as the nation turns its attention to this No. 8 MSU side.
This in a week in which Michigan State was already making NFL headlines as the Detroit Lions signed former Spartan tight end Kellen Davis and flew him out to London where the team is preparing to take on the Atlanta Falcons.
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