Michigan State vs Michigan: Getting to know the Wolverines

Heading into Saturday’s Michigan State vs Michigan game, there is plenty you will need to know about the Wolverines if you don’t know much already.

As quite possibly the hottest team in college football right now, coming off three straight shutouts, Michigan has been a completely different team with Jim Harbaugh at the helm and the Wolverines are playing inspired football — the opposite of what we saw with Brady Hoke.

This might be the biggest Michigan State vs Michigan game in five years as these two teams are evenly matched — even though Wolverines fans would tell you otherwise.

Here’s what you need to know about Michigan, broken down by offense, defense and special teams.

Offense

Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Jake Rudock (15) warms up prior to the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Don’t let their output over the last three games deceive you. Sure, they have score 31, 28 and 38 points in three consecutive shutouts, but the Wolverines’ offense is average, at best.

In fact, the Wolverines rank 53rd in the country in terms of total yards per game and senior Iowa-transfer quarterback Jake Rudock has not been overly impressive. On the season, he has passed for 1,135 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions, leading the 96th-ranked passing offense.

No receiver has really stood out as a star, but Amara Darboh is having a solid campaign, leading the team with 25 catches for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Jake Butt is the team’s second-leading receiver with 22 catches for 274 yards and a touchdown. Only one other target has over 100 yards receiving.

As for the run game, it’s solid, ranking 33rd in the country with just over 200 yards per game coming on the ground. De’Veon Smith is the team’s workhorse in the run game, leading the team with 390 yards and four touchdowns on 5.1 yards per carry.

USC-transfer Ty Isaac is second with 200 yards and a touchdown on 7.1 yards per touch.

Defense

Sep 3, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes wide receiver Britain Covey (18) is tackled near the goal line by Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) during the first half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

This is one are of the game in which Michigan has absolutely dominated this season. The Wolverines rank first in the country in points allowed per game with a measly 6.3 given up each week — although they haven’t allowed a single score since Sept. 19.

Michigan is also second in the country in terms of yards allowed per game with 181 per contest, including just 115 through the air and about 65 on the ground.

Although the Wolverines do have a great defense, they have yet to play an offense ranked in the top 60 in terms of yards per game. Utah (69th), Oregon State (120th), UNLV (86th), BYU (63rd), Maryland (109th) and Northwestern (98th).

Can’t judge the defense by the teams it plays, though. Michigan will be the toughest unit the Spartans have faced all year.

Special Teams

Sep 3, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Michigan Wolverines holder and place kicker Kenny Allen (91) watch their field goal attempt go wide against the Utah Utes in the third quarter Alex Malzone (12) at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Special teams is pretty straight forward, the Wolverines opened the game against No. 13 Northwestern a week ago with a kickoff return touchdown by Jehu Chesson, so we should beware of the return game as he is electric.

Senior kicker Kenny Allen is 20-for-20 on extra points and 7-of-9 on field goal tries. The only two field goals he has missed this year have been between 40-49 yards — where he is 3-of-5. If the Spartans can keep Michigan outside of the 30-yard-line, kicking should be difficult.

Also, Michigan’s punting game is not great, averaging about 40 yards per kick and a net of 37.3 yards.

Overall, Michigan will be MSU’s toughest opponent to date.

Next: What do MSU fans love about Michigan rivalry?

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