The Michigan Wolverines (4-3, 2-2) football team will host the Michigan State Spartans (4-3, 2-2) in The Battle for Paul under the lights on October 26. It’s a historic matchup in a heated rivalry in the Big House that will be a must-watch game for college football fans.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Michigan State Spartans Football History & Excerpts
The Paul Bunyan Trophy dates back 72 years, with Michigan holding a 40-29-2 advantage in The Battle for Paul. Michigan is a 3.5-point favorite. In a matchup where both teams are evenly matched, this game looks to go down as one of the best in the history of the rivalry.
Michigan is coming off a brutal loss against Illinois that effectively ended its season. The Wolverines are very much on the outside looking in for the Big Ten championship and college football playoff. The season now comes down to rivalry games and playing spoiler for the three highly-ranked teams left on their schedule.
Regarding the rivalry matchup, both Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore and Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith said that this game is what college football is all about. Everyone is excited about what should be another great game between the heated rivals.
Moore’s most significant point of emphasis about getting his team ready before the big game was the quarterback position. He did not mince his words about the performance of Jack Tuttle both versus Washington and Illinois, saying, “Overall offensively, it was not good enough, at all. Disappointing in a lot of areas. Jack can’t turn the ball over. When we’ve got guys open, we’ve got to complete those passes. Just got to be better.”
Moore has also declined to name a starting quarterback for this week’s game. While they have tried and failed with three different quarterbacks, it is unlikely they try their fourth or fifth string quarterbacks.
First-year head coach Jonathan Smith has already won as many games as Michigan State had in all of 2023(4). While it hasn’t been pretty, he has gotten the job done in many close games. In his first year in the rivalry Smith said, “Moving forward, we’ve got a huge week in front of us. We all know, this thing is special. Rivalry week in this state, this is what college football is about. It’s a big, meaningful game. Anticipate it being a tough, physical, big challenge Saturday at their place and we’re looking forward to.”
Smith understands what this rivalry means to Michigan State and knows what it means to all the fans and players.
Key Players for Michigan
Michigan does not know who their starting quarterback will be heading into this week, but it doesn’t matter. They have combined for a 61 percent completion percentage for just 5.4 yards per attempt, six passing touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
To be successful, they will need to rely on Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards, who have already combined for over 1000 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Tight end Colston Loveland is now Michigan’s best tight end and wide receiver. Whether he lines up inside or out, he consistently makes big catches in big situations regardless of the quarterback.
Defensively, the line is still the star of the show. The emergence of Rayshaun Benny has added even more depth to the unit.
Meanwhile, Will Johnson must have a huge game shutting down Nick Marsh, MSU’s most reliable receiving weapon.
Linebackers Ernest Hausman and Jaishawn Barham will need to be more disciplined in the run and quick pass game and miss fewer tackles for the defense to be as successful as it needs to be to support the offense.
Key Players for Michigan State
Aidan Chiles is Michigan State’s starting quarterback. While he has shown flashes of greatness, he needs to be more consistent.
Chiles has nine combined rushing and passing touchdowns, 12 combined interceptions, and 12 fumbles. Getting four quarters of consistent football will be the most crucial element for this team.
Running back Kay’Ron Lynch Adams has been extremely efficient on the ground. Standout freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh has asserted himself as one of the best receivers in the Big Ten and should be a staple of that offense for years to come.
Defensively, the front seven of this team is extremely talented. Defensive linemen Anthony Jones and D’Quan Dose are the defensive line stars. Linebackers Jordan Turner and Wayne Matthews III will likely receive all Big Ten votes.
Their pass defense is the best part of the defense, ranking 40th in FBS in pass yards allowed per game. Cornerback Charles Brantley is the best player in their secondary, only allowing 13 catches all season.
Keys for Michigan to Win
Win The Turnover Margin
Both teams have struggled to maintain both offensive and defensive consistency this season. Michigan and Michigan State both struggle with offensive turnovers and forcing defensive turnovers, ranking 117th and 124th in all of FBS in average turnover margin per game, respectively.
The Wolverines have to create extra possessions offensively if they want to have any chance of winning this game. Michigan State offensively has 2.5 offensive turnovers per game, ranking 131st out of 133 teams in FBS.
If Michigan can’t create turnovers and force turnovers to create extra possessions and support one of the worst offenses in the nation, they have no chance of winning. Not only will they have to capitalize on Michigan State’s mistakes, but they will need to keep the ball out of harm’s way.
Generate Elite Pass Rush
The Michigan Wolverines football team has one of the best defensive lines in the country, with multiple NFL-caliber linemen. They can destroy almost any offensive line in the country, and Michigan State should be no different.
Making Aidan Chiles uncomfortable in the pocket is critical. This year, under pressure, he has thrown seven interceptions with a 38.5 completion percentage. If Michigan can generate pressure, it should nullify any Michigan State passing attack.
Run the Ball
Last year, the Michigan Wolverines football team beat Penn State only throwing the ball nine times. So what if they can do it again?
While last year’s team was more dominant, this may be the best route for the offense for the rest of the season. They don’t have much choice if they cannot reliably throw the ball without throwing awful incompletions in giving it to the defense.
Michigan State has an average run defense, so trying to pound the air out of the ball through the run game is Michigan’s shot at generating consistent offense.
