My intention was to write some catchy introduction.
Probably with a parallel to pop culture or something. You’ve come to expect as much from these weekly articles.
But much like the 2024 Michigan Wolverines, I am failing to meet expectations.
It’s Hate Week. It’s State Week.
Hold onto your butts.
OFFENSE
I am tired of writing about the Michigan offense. So I am not going to do it.
I will give you several rapid-fire thoughts. And then I’m moving on.
Jadyn Davis should start this football game. “He’s not ready.”
And the other guys are?
Spare me the “self-reflection” and “it starts with me” talk from the coaches.
WE KNOW IT STARTS WITH YOU. THAT IS WHY WE’RE UPSET.
And while we’re at it: enough with telling people the starting QB has to take care of the football to earn the job. Neither Jack Tuttle nor Davis Warren would even be in the conversation this week if that were the case. Either start the freshman or go back to the only QB who took care of the football in Alex Orji.
Kalel Mullings should have the ball in his hands on 90% of offensive plays.
Yes, that includes from the wildcat.
Fin.
DEFENSE
Okay, enough on all that. Let’s get into some actual analysis on how this Michigan defense stacks up against a confusing Michigan State offense.
The most exciting player in this game on either side is Spartan WR Nick Marsh. The freshman is as explosive as they come, even if he doesn’t get the national love of Ryan Williams, Jeremiah Smith, or Ryan Wingo. His ability to beat you deep makes him wildly dangerous for a Michigan secondary that struggled against Washington two weeks prior.
This is where the health of Will Johnson will be critical. While injuries are not remotely the main issue with this football team, it certainly has not helped. One of the (many) things this team does not have is depth and if Aamir Hall lines up on Nick Marsh I’m going to throw things. Because for the love of all that is good – if we’re going to be subjected to The In-State Battle of Ineptitude, then at least give us Will Johnson lining up against Nick Marsh for sixty minutes. We deserve at least some small joy in this game.
The other major piece of this Michigan State offense is the enigma that is Aidan Chiles. If ever there were a player who exemplified Jekyll and Hyde, it would be Chiles. He’s tossed more significantly more interceptions than touchdowns, which appears to be detrimental to your team’s success. Yet the film also shows a ton of raw talent. His connection with Marsh is formidable and his ability as a dual-threat quarterback is going to continue to progress. You’ll see flashes of greatness only for him to turn back into a pumpkin at midnight. Don’t feel too bad for the Spartans; at least their pumpkin gets a few shining moments as a carriage unlike some other pumpkins I know.
Michigan’s defensive line is unquestionably the most talented group on the field. Their success in the pass rush – disrupting Chiles and forcing sacks/turnovers – will have a direct correlation to whether or not Michigan wins this football game.
PREDICTION
A Michigan team that has not adjusted all season is desperately in need of adjustments that won’t happen. A non-Jadyn Davis QB will be the starter. Kalel Mullings will continue splitting carries. Michigan’s secondary will continue taking PI calls to account for would-be touchdowns on busted coverage.
If Michigan wins this game – or any game moving forward – it will be on the backs of the defensive line. KG, Mason Graham, and Josiah Stewart are all first round draft picks. Despite the myriad of problems Michigan has, the defensive line remains firmly not one. They have the opportunity to be an absolute nightmare for Chiles. And for a quarterback prone to mistakes, that’s great news for Michigan.
I do not trust the Michigan offense to move the ball. I believe they could move it well if they’d go back to, ya know, the one thing they’re good at. But they refused to run ad. nauseum against Illinois which greatly tempers my expectation that they’ll do it Saturday night. But one can hope.
Ultimately, the defense will have to give the offense a short field to work with.
They may even need to just take one in themselves.
Calling this a must-win game is an insult to must-win games.
But it’s a must-win.
MICHIGAN 23
MICHIGAN STATE 16
