Stage set for fierce fight between Michigan and Michigan State next week
In a rivalry that has seen its share of slugfests and shootouts over the past decade, next week’s meeting between the Michigan and Michigan State football teams could be the best of them all.
The Wolverines and Spartans made sure of that Saturday.
In Bloomington, Ind., Heisman Trophy candidate Denard Robinson accounted for five touchdowns and led No. 19 Michigan to a wild 42-35 victory over Indiana.
In East Lansing, the No. 24 Spartans, playing with head coach Mark Dantonio back in the hospital, upset No. 11 Wisconsin, 34-24.
With the wins, both of the state’s Big Ten teams enter next Saturday’s game (3:36 p.m., ABC) at Michigan Stadium with the stage set for a fierce matchup between unbeaten teams.
No line has been set on the matchup yet, but the Wolverines (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten) already feel like they’ll be pegged as the underdogs.
“A lot of people out there are still waiting for us to fall off and see when we’re going to break down,” said Michigan receiver Junior Hemingway, whose 42-yard catch in the final seconds of the fourth quarter set up Saturday’s win at Memorial Stadium.
“We don’t even pay attention to that. We just drive on and keep moving on. That’s what we do.”
Memorable moments in the rivalry have occurred with regularity over the past decade.
Last year, Michigan entered the game undefeated. Tate Forcier rallied the Wolverines from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit and forced overtime with a touchdown pass to Roy Roundtree with 2 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
Michigan lost, 26-20, in overtime in East Lansing. The series went to overtime in 2004 and 2005 as well, with the Wolverines winning both contests.
Michigan enters next week’s game one win away from qualifying for their first bowl since 2007. If it came against the Spartans (5-0, 1-0), it would be all the sweeter for the Wolverines.
One of Roundtree’s best friends is Spartans defensive tackle Jerel Worthy. The two are former high school teammates who root for each other every game, except one.
“He’s a good friend, and I always hope for the best for him, but not now,” Roundtree said. “We’ve got to get to work, work hard and get ready for Michigan State.” Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio suffered a mild heart attack following an overtime win over Notre Dame on Sept. 19.
He was expected to coach against Wisconsin from the press box Saturday, but instead was re-hospitalized with a blood clot in a leg. His status for next week’s game is unknown.
Pete Bigelow is the college football beat reporter for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2556, via e-mail at petebigelow@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @PeterCBigelow.
Comments
michiganlife
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 10:06 p.m.
I am new to this board, but I do read it often, I am offering my insight to this upcoming UofM vs. MSU game. First off I know everybody is complaining about Michigan's defense but I would like people to think of the teams Michigan has played: 1. UConn--first game of the season I expected secondary to struggle but our offense kept them at bay. 2. Notre Dame-the style of play was similiar to Indiana with a wide open spread 4-5 five wr's sets creates match-up problems and then the QB spends all day flinging it, bad for our secondary but our offense again won it. 3. Umass-was a tale of a team looking down on their opponent and once Michigan got up again they let their guard backdown and almost lost the game, learnig lesson for this young defense. 4. Bowling Green-Really not worth examining because the defense played solid but against a weaker opponent you can't really gage our improvement. 5. Indiana-pistol offense is a tough match-up and Michigan had some good moments of defense but mostly played soft coverage because of being young defense and the need to not get beat deep, again offense was magnificent. I say all this to ask this question, of the teams we have left to play who has a style like the our first five? Most of the remaining teams our pro-style offenses with bruising backs and our front line has played good against the run as of late, a couple lapses but for the most part they have performed well. MSU possess problems because of their running but if we can maintain them here then Cousins will have to beat us on long downs and I hope Michigan comes after him because what I saw in that Wisconsin game is he gets rattled and will throw int's and the difference between Michigan and Wisconsin is our offense is explosive, while Wisconsins isn't. If we get MSU down by 10-14points they will not be able to comeback, mark my words Michigan will be more effective of defense and will win this game 35-20.
stunhsif
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 8 p.m.
@tulsatom, " Therefore, if my heart pevails, it will be U-M 35-31. If my analytical side is accurate, it will be MSU 38-28 because a good offense + good defense = a good team, while a great offense + poor defense = a mediocre team and good usually beats mediocre in the end. I hope my analytical side is wrong. " I like your analysis. As a Spartan fan I believe your "analytical" side will prevail. My prediction in a previous article on A2.com was MSU 38--MI 21. We are not far apart. Good luck to both teams, may the best one win!
nathan
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 5:33 p.m.
Not Balanced?...1000 yards passing and 900 rushing?
fabb2004
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 4:48 p.m.
As much as I despise UofM, I always give credit where it is due. Robinson has played extremely well so far. Last year he just looked lost on the field. He will make some plays, there is no doubt about that, but I think he will have a more difficult time this week. I still expect him to do well, but the one dimensioned offense will have to be more balanced this week. MSU's running game is more impressive than the passing, which is still good. Up until now I think Notre Dame was the most balanced offense they faced. IU was much more pass first happy than rushing. This will be their biggest test yet. MSU looks to control the clock and be efficient on the ground and on third down. I don't think that MI will stop MSU very well. With that said, the best defense against a high powered offense is ball control. Denard will need to make the most of his carries this week, because I see MSU controlling most of the clock. UofM will be excited to play MSU at home, so that is def a factor. MSU may get Dantonio back for this game, which would also give them a boost. It will come down to efficiency on offense and whoever plays the better defense. Either way it should be decided by 7 or less.
Basil
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 4:06 p.m.
The stage is set for the biggest MSU UofM game in history... why? It's not because of Michigan, it's because of MSU! If Michigan wins, MSU will likely run a good season but fade slightly, UofM will suffer later as the big ten season rolls on. If MSU wins, there are Rosebowl and even National Championship implications, which really makes the BigTen look bad with no conference championship game. Championships are two parts, great talent and character. If MSU wins over UofM then Michigan State will be running the rest of their season against lesser BigTen teams till they see Penn State to end the year. Do You believe? Well Spartans are starting to and UofM may be the last hump before the Spartan confidence becomes unbreakable! If so, MSU may go undefeated, that would set up a Ohio State and Michigan State with perfect records and no BigTen Championship game leaving the future of the national championship in the polls (unless Alabama losses, but thats not likely). But if Alabama does lose, what a laugh that the National Chapionship could end up between two BigTen teams in the polls... Like I said, the biggest game between the two because of historic opportunities brought on by a unique season.
win
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 1:14 p.m.
MSU will be the best team we've seen. That is true. But Michigan will win 31-28. I bet we see more defense this week vs MSU. MSU is not a quick strike team, they use a ball control, run first approach. That will play into our hands. I also think we will PASS more against their secondary. I'm looking for a special teams play to be the difference this week for MICHIGAN. This is the biggest MICHIGAN vs MSU game in recent memory. I'd argue the biggest stakes ever. If they win, it's three in a row and a claim to dominance in state. If we win, it reminds them who they are and what we are about to become in the new era of Michigan Football. I used to watch West Virginia and ask why we don't play like that on offense? NOW we do, and I love it! If we ever get a defense around here, it's lights out for the Big Ten.
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 12:42 p.m.
State has good linebackers, so they probably represent the biggest challenge to date. Meanwhile, Michigan is the only school among the 120 in the FBS allowing more than 300 yards per game passing. 45-21 Spartans. This is the Wolverines' first real competition of the season, and without a defense, I don't see it as a close game.
azwolverine
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 12:28 p.m.
goblueinNE_PA, I like your analogy of a puncher's chance. That's very good. Yes, with Robinson, UM always has that puncher's chance against the top tier teams. However, just like in boxing, that puncher's chance is more often than not neutralized against top competition. MSU does appear to be a much more balanced team, both on offense and defense, which will give them a great shot at winning. However, UM does maintain that puncher's chance, not to mention home-field advantage and MSU's potential hangover from the Wisconsin slugfest. Should be interesting.
WWBD?
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 11:12 a.m.
I like NC wolverine's thinking. So much for conventional strategies when it comes to winning games and optimism. It comes down to this, let's just hope the Green receivers and backs are still too sore and stiff by next saturday- that's how much I'm grasping! LOL
Chad Williams
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 10:26 a.m.
This game will be a high scoring game. BOTH defenses are terrible, MSU doesnt have the speed to keep up with our offense flat out, our defense is jus bad... But I am far more impressed that we scored 42 points in less than 20 mins of possesion. The winner of this game cannot commit turnovers and cannot have costly penalties. Michigans defense needs to have a short memory meaning every week is a new challenge and forget about the last week... Last time we talked about how terrible this defense played they came out and played well. This defense can get turnovers and if they can get a couple 3 and outs while the offense is clicking it could be trouble...
NC Wolverine 20
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 10:24 a.m.
How's this for optimism? Sparty's D, vastly superior to IU's tissue paper D, slows down DRob and the Wolverine offense, giving them more time on the field. As a result, MSU's three-headed monster rushing attack has less time to shred UM's horrid D. A new type of ball control. More TOP balance due to the higher quality of the opposing defense. Hmmm... it is optimism or grasping at straws? Seth B. wins it with a chip-shot FG: UM 35 - MSU 32. Go Blue!
WWBD?
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 10:18 a.m.
There has to be some let down after that huge win for Sparty and if the wolverines can start fast the home team underdog will have a big advantage right off. Blue's offense didn't have the badgers defense hitting them all day Saturday and were hardly on the field in comparison. Although our defense was thrashed it wasn't at all physically. IU's passing attack prepared them well for what to expect from the best Cousins has to offer and they will be improved. The punting and kicking teams did better and in fact their last kick off (from the 15 after the penalty assessment) was the longest so far, and when we needed it most. I predict the wolverines will win if they can decently stop the run and they miss no field goals.
Hunterjim
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 9:51 a.m.
The one good thing from saturday, was that Michigans defense got lots of practice...almost 45 minutes of playing time...hope they learned something!
Engineer
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 9:17 a.m.
As Ufer always said throw out the records for this one. Defense should be inspired and pound MSU. The one x faxtor will be Dantonio parading out for the emotional burst he feels his team will need. Skipping the Wisconsin game to make it even bigger was very smart on his part. Hopefully the fans can lift the wolves above that. One can hope too the MSU will be awe struck playing in an actual college size stadium vs their usal high school sized stands.
tulsatom
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 9 a.m.
Make that Brian Griese, not Brian Grise. That's his cousin, lol.
tulsatom
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 8:57 a.m.
Theo212, as a diehard U-M fan I can understand your dislike of in-state rival MSU, but to call them poor is disingenuous and reflects emotionalism over truth. MSU is a balanced team on offense and pretty solid on defense. They will give U-M all they can handle and then some. U-M will have to get special permission to dress Brandon Graham, Lamar Woodley, David Harris, Charles Woodson, and Leon Hall clones for the rest of the season if they want to contend for the Big Ten title and a national championship. Like Brian Grise said a few weeks ago, "Offense is fun and sells tickets, but defense wins champinships". Coach Rodriguez still doesn't seem to understand this.
GoblueinNE_PA
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 8:18 a.m.
TulsaTom, I think you're right, unfortunately. I too am hoping and praying for a win, but I think you'll see MSU dominate ToP much like IU did. The difference will be that MSU will be able to stop our offense more than IU did and that will enable them to get the win. We'll have a punchers chance to win, but that's about it. Our best hope would be to jump out quick, maybe go up 14-0 and put MSU in a position where they are 1 dimensional. I think DRob's speed will surprise MSU, like it has every team we've played this year. It's why his long runs are all early. So, if we can get a couple quick strikes, we might have a shot, but it will depend upon that defense stopping MSU once early. I don't see it, though MSU could make a mistake (int or fumble). It's going to take something like that for us pull this out.
tulsatom
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 7:09 a.m.
As a Wolverine fan, of course I will be rooting for U-M over MSU next week. In my heart, it will be a hard-fought U-M victory, with the offense continuing to do well and the defense coming of age to make enough stops against MSU to beat Sparty. However, my objective analytical side tells me that, while U-M has the more explosive offense, MSU is the more-balanced team who can actually play some defense. Therefore, if my heart pevails, it will be U-M 35-31. If my analytical side is accurate, it will be MSU 38-28 because a good offense + good defense = a good team, while a great offense + poor defense = a mediocre team and good usually beats mediocre in the end. I hope my analytical side is wrong.
BigD7660
Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 11:56 p.m.
Actually, both Chappell and Cousins, along with Stanzi, Tolzien, and D. Robinson are all in the top 20 in the NCAA in passing efficiency. Cousins actually has a better yards per attempt than Chappell and has done it against better competition thatn Indiana has faced, including a 20-29, 269 yard, 3TD performance against Wisconsin today. I think he may be just as good as Chappell, maybe not better, but not much worse. Game will be decided by less than 7 either way. GO GREEN!!!
lawrencelaundry
Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 11:45 p.m.
Give me a break. Cousins a better qb then chappell. Let's see how they play on the road for a change.
firegregrobinson
Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 9:54 p.m.
cousins better passer than chappell is a joke alot like spartan fans when ur team is losing ur nowhere to be found and i cant wait till nxt wk. Jones is a good linebacker but unless he can run 4.2 forty hell never catch drob
BigD7660
Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 9:34 p.m.
I think MSU will win for this reason only. I look at both teams and I see two really good offenses and one suspect defense and one decent defense. At this point in time, I believe MSU's defense has a better chance of containing U of M's offense, than U of M's defense has of containing MSU's offense. I truly believe that the gap between the MSU defense and the Michigan offense is smaller than the gap between the MSU offense and the Michigan offense. I think that is a reasonable assertation. That being said, anyone who thinks that this game will be a blowout...Spartan or Wolverine, is either saying that to get a rise out of the other side or truly doesn't know as much about football as they think. This game is decided by less than 7 either way. GO GREEN!!!
clarklaker
Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 9:11 p.m.
michigan will not continue winning. The 3-3-5is a prevent defense.AT THIS POINT WHAT WOULD IT HURT TO RUN A 4-3.
Michael
Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 9:10 p.m.
Answers to A2D2: 1. No. The follow up to this is can Michigan stop anyone who can actually run the ball as well? Unlikely. Cousins and MSU's three headed running back monster will be on the field a lot against UofM which leads to question 3... 2. Who cares 3. Back to what I was saying above. Robinson is stoppable when he is on the sidelines. Sparty will control the ball much of the day as they did against a very good Wisconsin defense (almost 40 minutes in TOP). Robinson will get some big plays, no doubt. I wouldn't even be surprised if he accounts for 3 TD's, but thats not enough. 4. Possibly. He's had minor injuries each of the last 4 games. He hasn't seen a linebacker corps like MSU's (likely the best in the Big Ten) in particular a beast like likely first round draft pick MLB Greg Jones. 5. If he was, Michigan would be scary good. 6. MSU 42-24. Michigan just does not have any kind of defense. Sparty showed today that it has a much improved defense from last year (particularly an improving secondary). Robinson is an amazing player, and has some great skill players around him, but that D. Gave up 500+ yards to Indiana (and Cousins is a superior pocket passer than Chappell) which is just brutal.
A2D2
Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 8:41 p.m.
Questions: 1. Can Michigan's defense stop anyone who can throw the ball? 2. Will MSU pass UM in the polls this week? 3. Is Denard stoppable? 4. Is Denard breakable? 5. Is Denard clonable? 6. Who will win?. Answers: 1. Not so much. It looks like the best UM can hope for is for the opposing QB to get a sore arm in the fourth quarter from exceeding his pitch count. 2. Don't matter. 3. Probably not. 4. Probably not. 5. Probably not (rats). 6. UM 42-31.