Michigan State vs Michigan: Five things to watch in Big Ten showdown
By Duncan Smith
Oct 25, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Joe Bolden (35) enter the stadium carrying a metal tent stake prior to a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan defense
The Wolverines have a swarming, physical defense full of playmakers like Lewis, Joe Bolden, Peppers and more. Since allowing Utah to score 24 points in the season opener, the Wolverines have yielded just 14 points in the last five games. That’s 2.8 points per game, folks.
Michigan hasn’t allowed a point in three full games, having shut out BYU, then ranked 22nd, Maryland and Northwestern last week, who was the ranked 13th program in the nation. It’s been 12 quarters since the last time Michigan gave up points, and it’s the first time Michigan has posted three straight shutouts since 1980. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh was a high school junior the last time the program accomplished that feat.
Michigan has given up just 181.3 yards per game, and is yielding just 3.06 yards per play. They’ve also got 15 sacks, and have gained eight turnovers. On the other side of the ball, Michigan State has taken good care of the ball and only turned it over three times this season, and they’ve only allowed quarterback Connor Cook to be sacked four times.
The matchup between Cook and the Spartan offense and this fearsome Michigan defense will be one to keep a close eye on.
Next: Jake Rudock on the Spot