Michigan State Football: What do we know about Michigan in Week 8?

Michigan comes to East Lansing Saturday to resume the Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Can Michigan State football knock off another top-10 team?

Michigan knocked off No. 15 Wisconsin last week and made it look easy. The Wolverines are 5-1 and ranked No. 6 in the nation. Ole Miss transfer quarterback Shea Patterson has tossed 10 touchdowns and while he hasn’t rushed for much, he did have an 81-yard scamper against the Badgers. Patterson’s escapability has served him well, albeit except for the Notre Dame game.

The go-to receiver has been former MSU target Donovan Peoples-Jones, who has 21 receptions for 247 yards. But it’s senior Zach Gentry at the tight end spot who leads the team in yardage and tied for first in receptions with Peoples-Jones. Senior running back Karan Higdon is the workhorse back he has 687 yards rushing this season.

Michigan has the big-play capability with Peoples-Jones and Freshman return man Ambry Thomas, another former Spartan recruit. Thomas has been getting involved in the offense with some jet sweeps and he has the speed to go the distance every time he touches the ball. It’ll be interesting if MSU decides to kick to him. He his a threat every time he has the pigskin.

Also, Chris Evans has been the change of pace back and he has excellent speed and great intangibles. The Michigan defense is fierce, however, they are not as stout in the defensive tackle position as years past. The Wolverine defense is led by senior defensive end Chase Winovich and junior linebacker Devin Bush.

Winovich is a force to be reckoned with and if Rashan Gary is unable then it will be another hit to this vaunted defense. However, Gary has not had the junior year many thought he would, but that could be due to injuries. Michigan has a strong secondary, however, defensive back David Long has been picked on with success the last few years.

Michigan is a solid team. Should it be No. 6 in the nation? It’s still too early to tell what this team will be. Despite the early success this team now faces a gauntlet for the rest of the way, except for the game against Rutgers. The Wisconsin win is a step in the right direction, however, the Badgers have been suspect this season. The Wolverines deserve credit because besides Notre Dame they have beaten the teams they were supposed to.

Prediction: Michigan State 27, Michigan 21. Michigan State proved much in going into Happy Valley and snagging a win from Penn State. The Spartan defense played a full four quarters and the running game actually had some life to it. The MSU coaching staff appeared to have made some timely adjustments that could save their season. This is a game that no matter the season or record the Spartans seem to always give it more of their focus, attitude and effort. This game will be no different.