A year ago, Michigan State built a game plan around stopping Denard Robinson.

The Michigan quarterback still accounted for more than 300 yards of offense, but the Spartans beat the Wolverines 34-17 at Michigan Stadium.

In our Beat Writer Breakdown, Greg Johnson of the Grand Rapids Press says Michigan State is likely to add a few wrinkles to its stop-Robinson plan this year. Plus, Johnson says, the Spartans are quicker defensively and can blitz more because they trust their defensive backfield in one-on-one coverage.

Johnson also discusses the play of Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins, how an off week will impact the Spartans and more:

Q. Michigan State is No. 3 nationally against the run. Michigan is No. 7 running the ball. How do you see this battle playing out?

Greg Johnson: Michigan State plays it old school, always determined to stop the run first. That's every week, no matter the opponent.

Greg Johnson

In this case, the quarterback Denard Robinson is the leading rusher, and that adds an element they don't always have to face. Still, they will attempt to contain him by playing their gaps on running downs and perhaps blitzing to what they think are his points of attack when they think run or pass.

The Spartans have less experience at linebacker this year, but better quickness. They sent linebackers into gaps often against Ohio State, so I expect a similar approach. The defensive ends will play outside contain and try to keep Michigan's running game from getting outside.

Penetration will be critical. They got it last year against Michigan from the tackles and defensive ends. They got it in their last game this year against Ohio State. Jerel Worthy and Anthony Rashad White are the inside guys who play the run especially well because White plugs and Worthy pursues.

I think this area is critical to the outcome of the game. I see it being a bruising battle and the winner of it most likely wins the game.

GJ: The most important thing they did was form what coach Mark Dantonio called a shell to keep Robinson contained. The defensive ends played contain with disciplined outside rush or rushes where they hold their ground. And everybody stays home in gaps except a chase guy.

They expected him to make some plays, but they also wanted to make sure he didn't run without being hit. They hit him, and they kept a linebacker or two chasing him every play.

They never really let him get comfortable and set his feet. Once they got him on the run they wanted him to throw, and the defensive backs started looking for interceptions.

This year's defense is quicker so I think the same game plan works, only they can blitz more because it appears they trust their corners and safeties in one-on-one coverage more this season.

They basically want him to give the ball to others, and if he doesn't, hit him. They built their game plan around stopping Robinson last year. I'm sure they will do it again with a few new wrinkles to keep him guessing.

Q. Does Michigan State's week off help or hurt the Spartans?

GJ: Bye weeks are hard to read, but I'm thinking it helped. They had some banged up players, and the offensive line needed some added drill work because it has seen nine different starters already this season.

They took quite a bit of it off. That might be a problem if it wasn't Michigan they were playing. Relaxation doesn't compute when they get into regular game preparation this week. It's the game they point to almost every day during practice and the season. It's the Michigan game. It's on the countdown clock.

They will be emotionally and physically ready as possible to play.

Q. Where on the field will be Michigan's biggest matchup disadvantage?

GJ: This is tough to call because I think the teams are rather evenly matched this year. It was clearly the defensive backfield last year for Michigan, and I'm thinking Michigan State will eventually test this defensive backfield with some shots down the field. The Spartans are going to make the Wolverines prove they can cover the pass, especially in the wake of Northwestern's success in yards gained.

They've had one like opponent in Notre Dame, and I'm sure they will try some of the passing things the Irish used against Michigan. Michigan State can throw the ball. Quarterback Kirk Cousins hasn't been exceptional yet this season, but he is due, and the wide receivers, especially B.J. Cunningham, are solid.

Kirk Cousins is trying to become the first Michigan State quarterback to start in three consecutive wins vs. Michigan.

AP Photo

GJ: Cousins has struggled in comparison to his usual level of play, though most quarterbacks in the country would take his statistics. He has deflected the criticism and said Tuesday he is playing at a higher level than last year. He doesn't think he is in a funk.

This is a strong-minded, intelligent fifth-year senior. He has had a few meltdown games in his career, but I wouldn't count on one against Michigan. If anything, I expect him to play his best game of the season to this point. He is healthy and throwing the ball hard.

Greg Johnson's prediction:

I think Michigan State makes in four consecutive wins in the series. Big plays and turnovers will have an effect, and I think Michigan State will make more of them on the defensive side of the ball once they force Robinson to throw. Michigan State, 30-20.

Read more from Greg Johnson at mlive.com/spartans and follow him on Twitter @gregjohnsongrp.

Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.