Michigan State vs Michigan: Five things to watch in Big Ten showdown

Sep 26, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Jake Rudock (15) drops back to pass in the second quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Rudock vs MSU defense

Michigan’s starting quarterback is Jake Rudock, who was a senior transfer from Iowa. Rudock beat out incumbent starter Shane Morris and has shown himself in camp and during the season to be the clear-cut best man for the job, but his season hasn’t been smooth sailing.

Rudock has completed a solid 62 percent of his 171 passes, throwing for 1,135 yards and five touchdowns, but he has thrown six interceptions to go with it. A few of those interceptions can definitely be blamed on his receivers more than Rudock himself, but both the touchdown and the interception numbers are cause for concern for the Wolverines.

He’s added another three touchdowns on the ground and has shown a willingness to scramble outside of the pocket when it’s needed.

While Michigan’s defense has gotten all the press so far in this matchup, the way Michigan State’s defense handles Rudock might end up being the key to this game.

The Spartans get after the quarterback, having 21 sacks through six games, and they have also forced 11 turnovers. So if they’re able to get to Rudock and get him out of his comfort zone, this could be a rough game for the home quarterback.

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