Paul is hoMe. The game against Michigan State on Saturday afternoon was not the "blowout" that most fans were clamoring for. Michigan did not put up Rutgers like numbers against the Spartans. But then again, a true rivalry game should not be a blow out. While the score at the end of the game was closer than most would have liked, the game never really had the feel as if MSU was going to claw their way back. The Spartans defense was unable to stop Michigan's offense, and while MSU was juggling around quarterbacks, Michigan's defense did enough to win the game.
Arguably, and perhaps this is just the perception through Maize & Blue lenses, but Michigan's defense appeared to let up in the second half and played the game "not to lose." Michigan was flagged with some questionable interference calls which may have impacted their aggressive play. Had Michigan State really posed a threat, Michigan's defense would have been more dialed in. Is it the right way to play? No - but it's also understandable given the state of this rivalry in the last decade.
So Michigan is 8-0, for the first time in what feels like forever. Michigan is the #2 team in the country and when the first College Playoff rankings come out on Tuesday, Michigan is a guarantee to be one of the Top-4 teams. It is so easy to start to look ahead - Michigan has two very winnable games at Michigan Stadium and one last road test against Iowa (at night) until "The Game." But the focus for Michigan has to be on Maryland, who is coached by former defensive coordinator DJ Durkin. The Terps will not only be well prepared, but they will be hungry to derail Michigan from their current playoff trajectory. At this point in the season, Michigan is going to get EVERYBODY'S best shot, and Michigan has to be ready for that.
Michigan looks to go 9-0 on Saturday at 3:30 PM.
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