How’s it going guys! Welcome back to another edition of Touchdowns & Tailgates. Week 8 was a crazy weekend of football and I’m still not sure how Erik Oakley is alive after how lit Penn State’s campus was last weekend. Now, for those of you who don’t usually read Touchdowns & Tailgates, we usually do a preview of all the week’s biggest games. For week 9, we’re changing this up; it’s Michigan State-Michigan, the best in-state rivalry in the state of Michigan, and my favorite game all year. While every other sports writer is going to deem MSU-Michigan a definite win for Michigan, I’m not buying that garbage and I’ll provide a case for why MSU might be able to pull off the upset. I’ll also give you a case for why UofM could dominate MSU in the most non-bias way possible. Next, I’ll point out some key players to watch out for this weekend and my knowledgeable take on what I think will really happen this Saturday.
A Case For The Spartans
Look, I said it best in my article last week: the Spartans have sucked more than a blonde with daddy issues. The only thing is, I expected that to stop last weekend against Maryland and they lost…AGAIN. With this said, MSU players and fans alike know the season is in the dumps right now, but another thing we all know is we HATE UofM football, or better known as scUM in East Lansing. If you think MSU’s players are going to treat this week like any other week you’re an idiot. MSU players are going to be on a whole new level of fired up for this game, and I think they’re going to bring every ounce of heart they have into this game. Aside from the fact that MSU players will be extra amped up, MSU has shown flashes of talent this year, they’ve just not put it all together; if they put it together you never know what could happen. The Spartans will need to bring everything they have to the table, but it is possible they pull off the upset. Never count out the Spartans.
Why MSU Stands No Chance
Unless you have not watched college football for the last two months, you are well aware of how good UM Football has been. They are like a fucking train right now. Nobody can stop them. If you have watched MSU you also know they have been awful. Do I really need to say anymore? Michigan is easily 5 times as deep talent wise. It will take a miracle for MSU to miraculously end this undefeated streak that no other team could. If anything the point spread(-24.5 MICH) should tell you all you need to know. It is expected that MSU stands no chance. Harbaugh is ready to get revenge after the infamous “TROUBLE WITH THE SNAP..” play from last year’s wild loss to Michigan State.
Key Players To Watch For
Michigan
Jabrill Peppers: Well, the first player here is a pretty obvious choice, Jabrill Peppers. The guy is simply great at everything he does on the football field. Put him at linebacker? Elite. Put him at safety? Elite. running back? Put him on punt returns? Elite. And at any other position (he’s lined up at 12 positions this year) the kid is still elite. I have never seen a more versatile player, and it is no surprise he is in the Heisman race as a defensive player. The impact he has on all aspects of the game is incredible and even if the Spartans come ready for him, he can still burn you in a number of ways. Filthy good.
Jourdan Lewis: One of the nation’s best corners, he missed the first three games due to injury. You wouldn’t know with how he has played in the 4 games healthy, only allowing a total of 2 passes thrown his way to be completed. Read that last one back, 2 PASSES TOTAL… Holy shit. He was disgustingly good last year, finishing as a finalist for the Thorpe award, given to the nation’s best corner, and he does not seem like he has regressed at all. With the struggles MSU has had all year, Jourdan Lewis should have no problem virtually eliminating the passing game.
Michigan State
Brian Lewerke: It should go without saying that after MSU has struggled all year offensively, the QB position is where they need to get some much-needed spark from. Brian Lewerke got his first collegiate start just 2 weeks ago, but for being just a redshirt freshman he has already shown some flashes that show he will probably be the future of MSU. The expectations for his first start against UofM are not great, but if he has a breakout game the Spartans could have a shot at winning this damn thing. He has the talent, it will just be a matter of whether he can overcome his inexperience.
Riley Bullough: The clear choice here would have been Malik McDowell, the best player on our defense by far, but he will not be the key player for MSU this week. The key player this week is Senior LB and captain, Riley Bullough. He had a rocky week last week against Maryland, getting ejected early in the game due to a targeting call, but the way he bounces back this week could be the difference in MSU’s defense. As mentioned, he is the captain and leader of this MSU defense, and it will be his job to get the Spartans defense ready for a very good UofM offense. Bullough is one of the best LB’s in the Big Ten, and his play will be widely important if MSU wants to win, but it will also be his leadership skills that could carry MSU to a win.
My Take On What Will Happen
As a college football fan, so much of me is led to believe Sparty has no chance this weekend. BUT HOLD YOUR GOD DAMN HORSES. As a proud Michigan State Spartan, I will tell you right now that MSU is ready to put up the fight of their lives. I swear to you this whole city is focused on only one thing right now, and that is beating Michigan this weekend. Seriously, everything that has happened the past 5 weeks is being thrown out the window, and the feeling around campus is optimistic. Us Spartans want this one BAD. Now Michigan is going to be an unbelievable test, and the expectation for everyone else is that they will blow MSU out(a very justified prediction), but I just can’t bring myself to believe Dantonio will not have his team ready for Saturday. At the least MSU will beat the spread in my opinion; 24.5 points is a big spread.
Prediction: Michigan SHOULD win a close one, but the Spartan in me thinks MSU pulls the crazy upset at home.
Well, that’s all folks. Regardless of what happens in the game, I’m going to be non-functional on Sunday whether it’s because MSU pulls off the crazy win and we go wild all night, or if it is just to put away my sorrows with a case of Busch(or two) on Saturday night. Either way, remember MSU basketball season is right around the corner haha. Have a good weekend everyone! And GO GREEN!