This game is ultimately about how good the Michigan defense is. The defense has to take the lead and put the game on its shoulders. Just like the 1997 defense did in East Lansing. Offense was pedestrian that day, but defense absolutely suffocated MSU, who scored on a trick fake FG and that was it (sound familiar).
This defense is capable of pitching a shutout. They're that good and MSU's offense frankly isn't. But fine, give MSU one drive and hold them to a FG or even a TD. Do that and we win. That is the mismatch of this game -- the MSU OL against our front 7. If we whip them like we should, it should be ugly for their offense. That would enable our offense to grind away for 17 or so points. Then force a TO, convert that and that's your comfortable 24-7 type win.
But if the defense allows MSU to look like 1995 Nebraska in the first quarter and then shows up, could be too late. It was last year.
I also think the gameplan won't be that innovative if UM gets ahead. The one thing Harbaugh won't allow is for MSU to get back in the game with a turnover. He has openly lamented throwing the ball with Speight up 10 cost UM the OSU game given how inept OSU was against our defense to that point. Won't happen again. If we get ahead, expect a run heavy gameplan and UM to dare Lewerke to lead a comeback.
I really think this is a pivot point for the Harbaugh tenure. If we win, I could really see us running the table. OSU is vulnerable. We get the MSU and ranked opponent on the road monkey off our back. If we lose to this MSU team? Very easy to see 9-4. Pressure to win in Columbus would be immense. Would you be confident we'd break through there?
This defense is capable of pitching a shutout. They're that good and MSU's offense frankly isn't. But fine, give MSU one drive and hold them to a FG or even a TD. Do that and we win. That is the mismatch of this game -- the MSU OL against our front 7. If we whip them like we should, it should be ugly for their offense. That would enable our offense to grind away for 17 or so points. Then force a TO, convert that and that's your comfortable 24-7 type win.
But if the defense allows MSU to look like 1995 Nebraska in the first quarter and then shows up, could be too late. It was last year.
I also think the gameplan won't be that innovative if UM gets ahead. The one thing Harbaugh won't allow is for MSU to get back in the game with a turnover. He has openly lamented throwing the ball with Speight up 10 cost UM the OSU game given how inept OSU was against our defense to that point. Won't happen again. If we get ahead, expect a run heavy gameplan and UM to dare Lewerke to lead a comeback.
I really think this is a pivot point for the Harbaugh tenure. If we win, I could really see us running the table. OSU is vulnerable. We get the MSU and ranked opponent on the road monkey off our back. If we lose to this MSU team? Very easy to see 9-4. Pressure to win in Columbus would be immense. Would you be confident we'd break through there?
