On Thursday, I wrote about some advantages that Michigan State football has over Michigan ahead of Saturday night’s showdown with the Wolverines, and now it’s time to go the negative route.
Michigan has plenty of clear advantages over the Spartans, but three stand out.
What advantages will the Wolverines have over the Spartans on Saturday?
1. Michigan’s pass rush vs. MSU’s OL
Michigan State’s offensive line has been more than just disappointing this season, it’s been riddled with injuries, too. There have been some impressive pieces on the line like Matt Gulbin, Rustin Young, and Conner Moore, but overall, the group has struggled to protect Aidan Chiles, and it’s had an even tougher time staying healthy.
Michigan has one of the best defensive lines in the country, ranking 27th nationally in sacks per game, which is horrible news for this Spartan front.
Expect the Michigan pass rush to be in the backfield often on Saturday night, forcing Chiles to leave the pocket and make plays with his legs — that could be a slight Spartan advantage there.
2. The run game
If there’s one clear offensive advantage that Michigan has over the Spartans, it’s the run game. A week ago, Aidan Chiles showed that he can hang with elite defenses when he’s healthy and has time to throw, but the run game continues to struggle despite Makhi Frazier showing flashes.
Frazier, Brandon Tullis, and Elijah Tau-Tolliver just don’t have the offensive line necessary to give Michigan’s defense problems, and the Wolverines have two star backs.
Even if Bryce Underwood struggles, Michigan’s run game can still cause problems for this defense.
3. Michigan’s OL vs. MSU’s pass rush
A very clear advantage that Michigan has over the Spartans is the offensive line facing the Spartans’ mediocre pass rush that has been disappointing all year.
Michigan State’s sack leader is a defensive back, and Michigan has had a strong offensive line for years now, and that hasn’t changed this season. The Wolverines don’t seem to have much of a problem protecting Underwood as he’s been sacked just eight times in seven games. That’s not exactly a recipe for success on Saturday night for the Spartans.