University of Michigan vs. Michigan State game analysis

Tyler VandenBrand, senior staff writer

2007 will be a year that Michigan football fans never forget. Just one year after an 11-2 season that concluded with a Rose Bowl loss to USC, the Michigan Wolverines lost their season opener. In a game in which they were heavily favored, Michigan fell to the unranked Appalachian State Mountaineers, 34-32. As if that wasn’t enough to take away the confidence of Michigan fans, 2007 also marked the last year that head coach Lloyd Carr, winning coach of five Big 10 titles and one national championship, coached the Wolverines. It’s been a rocky road ever since.

Fast Forward to 2015. The Michigan Wolverines have seemed to find a new wind under former NFL coach and Michigan alumnus, Jim Harbaugh. In Harbaugh’s debut, the Wolverines seemed to show what everyone expected: potential that needed to be developed. But this is Jim Harbaugh, and since the loss to the now no. 4 ranked Utah Utes, Harbaugh has led the Wolverines to five straight wins, with three straight shutout victories, two of which came over AP top-25 teams.

Despite the recent success, this week is something totally different. It’s not just a game against a top-25 team, it’s the one time a year in which they get to face off against “Little Sister”: the Michigan State Spartans.

In recent years Michigan State’s football coach, Mark Dantonio, has completely revitalized the football program for the Spartans. There is no questioning his success.  In his seven and a half years as head coach, he has led them to an 81-31 record, highlighted by a Rose Bowl victory in 2013, and a Cotton Bowl victory in 2014. This year, the Spartans are 6-0, but that hasn’t come without it’s challenges. Just last week, a sloppy performance almost allowed for an unranked Rutgers team to win the game.

If you’re a Michigan fan, don’t let MSU’s recent struggles give you too much confidence.  Since Dantonio took over for John L. Smith in 2007, Michigan is a staggering 1-6 against Michigan State, a team in which they have dominated in the all-time record. Connor Cook is arguably the best passing quarterback in college football today, and he has talented receivers. Aaron Burbridge is a consistent target for Cook, and with good reason. Burbridge has 34 receptions for 560 yards and four touchdowns this year.

If there is anything that State fans try to argue against this year’s Michigan program, it is that Michigan is 5-1 because they “Haven’t really played anyone.” Tell me how that makes any sense? Yes, Michigan has yet to face a quarterback in the likes of Cook, but they have beat two ranked teams and competed with a top five team this year. That argument should be silenced this weekend, but that said, Michigan State poses a real threat this weekend.

Now, I still believe Michigan will win the game. Quite simply put, the Wolverines defense has been absolutely dominant this year, specifically in the last five games, allowing just 14 points since its loss to Utah. Plus, they have a vast rotation of powerful running backs, and if Jake Rudock is on form, they are next to impossible to beat. Can they be beat? Yes, if they struggle on the offensive side of the ball and if Connor Cook can pass through Michigan’s defense, which I do not believe is likely to happen. Cook is a great quarterback, but Michigan’s defense is too tough. I believe that it will be a very hard fought, entertaining game, in which UofM prevails.

27-17, Michigan.

Sports Section predictions

Brianna Moynihan, sports editor- This Saturday will be a close and low-scoring game. Michigan State’s, Connor Cook, is a confident passer and has only thrown two interceptions this season, Michigan has yet to face an offense of this caliber. But I believe Michigan’s defense has proved to be unstoppable with three shutouts in a row and letting in just a mere 14 points in the past five game. Michigan will overcome Michigan State, final score: 20-17.

20-17, Michigan

Eric Stolarski, reporter- I believe the Spartans will prevail over Michigan. With veteran coach, Mark Dantonio, the Spartans are very equipped to show the Wolverines who the better squad is. I think the Spartans will come out quick and give the inexperienced Wolverine secondary a run for their money. My prediction for the game is a 24-17 Spartan victory.

24-17, MSU

Drew VanAndel, reporter– The stingy Michigan defense and Jim Harbaugh’s experience will prove too overwhelming for MSU. Michigan State has not proved to me yet this year that they will be able to compete with a team like Michigan who has been on fire lately.  Final score: 28-17 Michigan.

28-17, Michigan

Mason Harloff, reporter- Michigan’s powerhouse defense will stop Michigan States’ offense in their tracks. With Harbaugh’s experience in the NFL he will have special tricks and tactics that will take down the Spartans.

35-17, Michigan

Zac Holman, reporter – Michigan State enters Saturday’s game leading the series of the past seven years of the Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry, 6-1. This streak will continue. Michigan State’s veteran offense will be too much for Michigan to handle. Michigan State will defeat Michigan 34-21.

34-21, MSU 

Jordan De Klyen, reporter – The Michigan Wolverines will walk into the big house Saturday afternoon with a chip on their shoulder. From day one of college football this year, all sports analysts could talk about was Michigan State’s powerhouse program, all the while overlooking the talents of the Wolverines. Coach Jim Harbaugh has his first season as a head coach going quite well, with three shutouts in a row over two AP top-25 ranked teams. Michigan State is ranked high for a reason though, being that they have a very developed offensive system along with a competitive defense. Mark Dantonio’s knowledge of the game is tough to overcome, but can be beaten with the right game plan. Michigan is looking to rewrite the next seven years and flip their 1-6 record against the Spartans into a 6-1 record. Hail to the victors shall be heard throughout the state of Michigan after this game.

31-24, Michigan