Matt Dery's Thoughts On The Michigan/Michigan State Game
1. How can you not be excited for Michigan and Michigan State this week? I know these two teams are far from perfect, but there is tons of intrigue surrounding this game.
2. Denard Robinson is one of thee best runners at QB that I have ever seen. #16 is patient, fast, smart, and he has command of the huddle too. With that being said, Denard is a very poor passer; and that is being nice. Against Northwestern, he made decisions that a first-year QB would make, not a junior. The Wildcats defense is
ranked 104th in the country for a reason, yet Robinson was making them look like the 1985 Bears in the first half on Saturday. That has to change against MSU.
3. Michigan's defense has gotten better. Not a lot better, but improved. Jordan Kovacs looks the part of an All-Big Ten first team player. I don't know what Greg Mattison and his staff told this kid in the spring, but he is just so much better around the ball in 2011.
4. MSU should win this game. They are physical, they attack, and they have speed. Northwestern lacked speed and it caught up to them in the second half on Saturday.
5. I really like what I see from Pat Narduzzi's defense, and it helps that he has guys on the edge with talent. Despite all of the injuries, MSU has been able to show off its depth with Allen and Norman and Rush and Gholston on the outside. Impressive group that should give UM fits.
6. Kirk Cousins has the ability to lose this game for MSU. He must take care of the football and manage the game. Everyone will write and say that the Spartans should pound the Wolverines with the trio of Le'Veon Bell, Rock Baker, and Larry Caper, but, I still say that Cousins must convert on some third down throws for State to win.
