In Week 2 of the Big Ten schedule, fans get to see the inner state rivalry of the Michigan State Spartans and Michigan Wolverines. This matchup airs on FOX at noon Eastern.
These two teams had very different starts to their seasons. Michigan State struggled against Rutgers, losing 38-27 on the backs of their seven turnovers! It’s hard to win games and turn the ball over that frequently.
On the other hand, Michigan was much more pleased with their Week 1 game. They had a marquee matchup with the No. 21 Minnesota Golden Gophers. The game wasn’t close from the start, as the Wolverines went on to win 49-24.
The leaders of each university sent an open letter to students of the schools. It included:
“This game, in particular, is more than just a rivalry. It is an opportunity for each one of you to cheer on our teams — from home — while keeping the players, their families, and our communities safe during the pandemic.”
Is Michigan a Title Contender?
Michigan’s Week 1 performance was impressive, but they need to do more to prove they can stay consistent. However, if they continue to execute offensively, they will be a tough team to beat.
Joe Milton was 15-22 against Minnesota, throwing for 225 yards and two touchdowns. He added eight carries for 52 yards and another touchdown.
But the real threat for this Wolverines team is their long list of capable running backs. Hassan Haskins, Zach Charbonnet, Blake Corum, and Chris Evans combined for 20 carries, 192 yards, and four touchdowns. The leading rusher was Haskins, who only carried the ball six times but had 82 yards and two touchdowns.
Jim Harbaugh hasn’t seemed to get over the hump in the Big Ten. Could this be the year to go undefeated? Can they beat Ohio State?
Michigan State Turnovers
Michigan State isn’t going to win many games if they continue to turn the ball over the way they did in Week 1. Seven turnovers are far too many, especially against an unranked opponent.
Two of those came from interceptions by quarterback Rocky Lombardi. If you take those away, he did also throw for 319 yards and three touchdowns.
Because of the lack of the running game, Lombardi was forced to throw the ball. The Spartans leading rusher, Jordan Simmons, had 14 carries for 43 yards.
They will get beat a lot worse by the Wolverines if they have a similar performance.
Prediction
The spread favors the Wolverines by 24.5 points. While I like Michigan to win this game, I don’t think they will cover.
If Michigan State simply cuts down the turnovers, they will be able to keep it closer than over three scores. Michigan will still have the upper hand for most of the game. I’d say they win by 17-18 points.
The over/under is set at 52, and I’m taking the over. Michigan State will get a few scores to hit the over.