Quick and Dirty Quarterback Play

Tbone's Final Thoughts and a Prediction:

Kirk Cousins needs to have a good game.  Simply put.  If Kirk can limit his turnovers, we win this game handily.  I can see Kirk attacking this defense on the sidelines, then hitting quick slants for large gains.  This game hinges on Kirk ability to be 100% effective.  I am currently at a friends house using his computer to do this blog.  I just bonged a beer.  Spartans. 

Overall, we need to limit turnovers and score off turnovers we get.  This will limit the scoring ability of Denard Robinson. 


Prediction time:  31-21 MSU. 

I think our defense keeps us in this game and we have a mistake free game on offense.  I can easily see this score being exactly reversed in favor of Michigan.  So thats how I feel about this game.

Time to go back to Rusty's.  See you at 6 a.m.

(Pat's take below)

I think that's a fair assessment and prediction, I also think it's optimistic as far as the Spartans are concerned. 

Here's 3 things to watch:

1) Can Michigan State run the football?  

The oft discussed offensive line for MSU is going to have a big test versus an improving Michigan front 7.   MSU is going to rush for over 100 yards, so the total yardage isn't really the thing to look out for, instead, look to see if MSU averages over 5 YPC.  If they do, they win.  It's not so much the damage that will be done on the ground, instead it's all about Cousins.  If he has manageable down and distances along with the threat of play action he's going to find Cunningham for big plays.  When MSU has the ball, first down is going to be extremely important.

2) Amazing Denard or Oh No Denard? 

When Michigan has the ball, MSU could stack the box and shut down the running game, but if they do there are going to be open receivers.  Denard is sometimes wildly ineffective and other times terrifyingly good throwing the football.  You'll probably witness a little of both tomorrow, but if he limits the oh no's, Michigan is in great shape in this game.  

3) Turnovers

Both the above factor into who is going to turn the ball over more and that will be the stat that changes this game.  Shoelace has had some serious issues with turnovers this season (9 INTs in 6 games) and Cousins has also been throwing too many ill-advised balls.  The team that protects the rock in this game is going to win. 

Prediction:

This is as close to a toss up as you can find.  I'd pick Michigan by a few if they were at home, but this game is in EL.   After a bit of a shaky road start in Evanston last week, I'm concerned that the home field is going to deliver this game to the Spartans.

With all that said, man I believe in Denard in close games.  He's got some magic in him...and I don't think I'm being a wild homer in picking the Wolverines. 

A late scoring drive, capped by a spectacular run by Shoelace gives Michigan a 28-27 victory.