The Battle for Michigan
Republican vs. Democrat?
Founders vs. Bell?
American vs. Lafayette?
While these debates rage on in the State of Michigan on a daily basis, nothing, and we mean absolutely nothing, tears at the fabric of the state than the Michigan vs. Michigan State football game. The implications for this game are much more than a giant trophy of Paul Bunyan. For Michigan, a loss will eliminate any outside chance of a spot in the College Football Playoff. For Michigan State, it is another opportunity to prove that they are the dominant college football program in the state. And for the fans of each school, the outcome results in a year’s worth of bragging rights over their friends and family who cheer for the losing team.
Saturday’s duel at Spartan Stadium is the next spot on what is being termed “Michigan’s Revenge Tour.” After blowing out the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday night in front of a national television/prime time audience, the Wolverines are looking to exact revenge on the Spartans. Michigan State won last year’s rain filled game at Michigan Stadium 14-10 with the points being scored before the heavy rain covered Ann Arbor. This year’s Michigan team feels more confident with stability at the quarterback an emerging offense to compliment the dominant defense that has been the signature of Michigan football for the last few seasons.
If you’re the type of person who believes that momentum is carried with a team from game to game, then this weekend’s game is a draw. While Michigan beat a ranked Wisconsin team on Saturday night, Michigan State went on the road and beat a top-10 Penn State team in State College. Both teams will head into Saturday’s match up riding a justified wave of confidence. But one statistic that Michigan will be unable to escape is Jim Harbaugh’s record against the two biggest rivals (Ohio State and Michigan State): 1-5. Outside a lone road win against Michigan State in 2017, the Wolverines have been unable to secure signature wins against their biggest opponents. Michigan took a step in the right direction on Saturday night, but in order to silence the critics, a win against Michigan State this weekend is paramount.
And as always, it will be a challenging and unenviable tasks. Like the Europeans in the Ryder Cup, Michigan State has an ability to elevate their play against the Wolverines. How Michigan State is playing heading to the game has little to no bearing on how they will perform. Two years ago, Michigan was expected to win in blowout fashion against the struggling Spartans - they did not. Yes Michigan State already has two losses on their record and are out for the College Football Playoff, but they will show up to Spartan Stadium on Saturday looking like a team possessed. Michigan has to be prepared to match their intensity. You cannot beat the Spartans if you treat this like “just another game.”
Michigan not only has more to lose with a loss this weekend but they also have everything to gain. They have jumped to #6 in the polls and if they are able to win this weekend, they will be favored in every game they play until their post-Thanksgiving showdown in Columbus. A loss for the Wolverines will elicit more questions, concerns about doubts.
Founders vs. Bell?
American vs. Lafayette?
While these debates rage on in the State of Michigan on a daily basis, nothing, and we mean absolutely nothing, tears at the fabric of the state than the Michigan vs. Michigan State football game. The implications for this game are much more than a giant trophy of Paul Bunyan. For Michigan, a loss will eliminate any outside chance of a spot in the College Football Playoff. For Michigan State, it is another opportunity to prove that they are the dominant college football program in the state. And for the fans of each school, the outcome results in a year’s worth of bragging rights over their friends and family who cheer for the losing team.
If you’re the type of person who believes that momentum is carried with a team from game to game, then this weekend’s game is a draw. While Michigan beat a ranked Wisconsin team on Saturday night, Michigan State went on the road and beat a top-10 Penn State team in State College. Both teams will head into Saturday’s match up riding a justified wave of confidence. But one statistic that Michigan will be unable to escape is Jim Harbaugh’s record against the two biggest rivals (Ohio State and Michigan State): 1-5. Outside a lone road win against Michigan State in 2017, the Wolverines have been unable to secure signature wins against their biggest opponents. Michigan took a step in the right direction on Saturday night, but in order to silence the critics, a win against Michigan State this weekend is paramount.
And as always, it will be a challenging and unenviable tasks. Like the Europeans in the Ryder Cup, Michigan State has an ability to elevate their play against the Wolverines. How Michigan State is playing heading to the game has little to no bearing on how they will perform. Two years ago, Michigan was expected to win in blowout fashion against the struggling Spartans - they did not. Yes Michigan State already has two losses on their record and are out for the College Football Playoff, but they will show up to Spartan Stadium on Saturday looking like a team possessed. Michigan has to be prepared to match their intensity. You cannot beat the Spartans if you treat this like “just another game.”
Michigan not only has more to lose with a loss this weekend but they also have everything to gain. They have jumped to #6 in the polls and if they are able to win this weekend, they will be favored in every game they play until their post-Thanksgiving showdown in Columbus. A loss for the Wolverines will elicit more questions, concerns about doubts.
GO GREEN!
ReplyDelete