Michigan St at Michigan – College Football Predictions
The Game
Here we go !
This is a great Saturday night match-up as the FIGHTING HARBAUGHS take on the EMERGING JUGGERNAUT Michigan St Spartans. Michigan is overrated. Blah Blah. Margins of victory ? 16,22,16,18. They sit at 4-0 but still have all of their toughest Big 10 games still left on the docket. Sparty is flying under the radar sitting at 3-1 with their only loss coming in a game in which they outgained Notre Dame 496-355. Thankfully it was a 8000 STAR MEGALOCKS MAX UNIT TOUT SCUMBAG LASER LOCK WINNER. What is going to happen this week ? Let’s dig in.
The Details
MICHIGAN -10 MICHIGAN ST (41)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Michigan -11
Sagarin Ratings –
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Michigan 25.5 Michigan St 15.5
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Michigan 27 Michigan St 10
The Match-Up
Michigan offense vs Michigan St defense
The Wolverines move ahead with “back-up” QB John O’Korn after the injury to “starter” Wilton Speight. The truth of the matter is – who really knows who is (was) a better fit for the offense ? O’Korn will have to spread the ball around as best he can with liberal use of wide-open tight-ends. It won’t be pretty but the defense should be able to set them up with a few short fields. The 1-2 RB combo (Isaac/Evans) will have to be at their best against a really tough Spartans defense that is ranked #5 in the FBS and #16 vs the run. If Michigan keeps struggling on 3rd downs (#93 FBS) AND falls behind early this could be UPSET BREWING. Not saying, just saying. More cause for alarm ? Michigan is #11 in the Big 10 in sacks allowed and last (!) in tackles for loss allowed.
Michigan St offense vs Michigan defense
Sparty – meet brick wall. Brick wall – meet Sparty.
Michigan’s defense is just ridiculous and is going to make things very difficult on a Spartans team that is really having difficultly getting quality play out of the offensive line. QB Brian Lewerke is going to be a good one (if he isn’t already) but we think he is gonna be running for his life on too many occasions. He is also the team’s leading rusher (!) and RB LJ Scott needs about a minute and a half to get to top speed. That will not cut it vs the Michigan defense that is ranked #1 (!!) in the FBS in total defense and #1 in rushing defense. They do have some playmakers at WR and will need to hit at least two 40+ yard passing plays to win this game.
MEGA-MAZING MUNCHIES
Your pal Jim Harbaugh is 15-2 at home but one of those losses was the blocked punt fiasco of 2015.
Summary
We liked Michigan St a lot more closer to 14. The Michigan defense is one of the most trustworthy units in all of college football and we have a hard time going against them unless there is supreme value (in our mind). Sparty is probably a year away but get full marks from MEGALOCKS BIG 10 INSIDERS for the way they have played so far in 2017.
Conclusion
No official play. Staying away from the side. Lean under 41. Would play down to 40. Small potatoes. (we reserve the right to revisit if the line drops below 10)