CancunLive, you are right. MSU doesn't run all that well. LJ Scott can make yds out of nothing. It looks like Madre London will be out. Frankly, I couldn't figure out why he was the #1 back anyway. Scott is clearly a better rusher as a true freshman. Gerald Holmes gets very few snaps but, man, he runs as hard as anybody out there. I see Delton Williams (gun flasher) had his redshirt lifted and played last night, but didn't notice much impact. Williams, if he's up to speed, is better than London so might not see much drop off next Saturday. Williams, Scott and Holmes all move the pile.
The problem is the front 5 is all banged up. Now it looks like Jack Allen ripped an ankle and he is gone. Keilor is moved over to left tackle from his regular right side to replace Conklin who played, but didn't see a ton of action. Only 2 beginning of the season starters are healthy on the O line. 2nd and 3rd stringers playing up front.
MSU had atrocious 1st down yardage last night. Seemed like it was 2nd and long all night. I'm trying believe MSU is rope a doping opponents and maybe this is all a ruse to hide what they really can do. MSU's O was a little flashier vs. Oregon, but has been very conservative against the rest of our opps up until they fell behind last night. Cook's 2nd half was what we have been missing all season.
Great game coming up. Will senior leadership of MSU's QB and receivers and defensive front (looks like Lawrence Thomas was also dinged last night) dominate? Michigan's greatest asset right now is their confidence and commitment. UM plays every down...all 60 minutes....not seen since the Carr days. I will give them credit. UM also tackles very, very well. MSU misses too many. Harbaugh has reinstilled that. I've noticed his sideline persona has really cooled off. To me, that means he's gotten them all on board now. The team believes it/him and he doesn't have to go all crazy eyed anymore. I'm impressed.
It's not just the injuries. Pat Narduzzi really, really made a difference. MSU's D does not have the smash face, plow right through you physicality it had under Coach Narduzzi. Even still......either team is capable. I always like beating UM...especially when they're good. It's fun when they're not, of course. Always want to win this game. But this one is not like the past 5-6 years. Like the old days.
BTW....I think OSU is pretty pedestrian too. Michigan....and MSU.....have real shots at them.