On Saturday, Oct. 26, for the third consecutive year, the University of Michigan (U-M) defeated Michigan State University (MSU) in their annual rivalry football game, with a final score of 24-17.
Despite being outgained by almost 100 yards, the Wolverines prevailed by winning the turnover battle 1-0 and playing a clean, controlled game. Michigan was not flagged once all game, while the Spartans received six flags for 35 yards.
It’s exactly the kind of win that Michigan needed going into the final stretch of their season. With No. 1 Oregon looming next weekend, U-M needed a complete game to build on and establish some confidence after a beatdown at the hands of Illinois.
Quarterback Davis Warren was given the start against the Spartans, taking the field for the first time since a disastrous game against Arkansas State, where he threw three interceptions. Warren looked sharp, making all the right plays. He finished 13/19 with 123 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, though, he didn’t throw an interception.
For a team that’s had as many quarterback problems as Michigan this season, Warren’s composure should instill confidence in the coaching staff to continue to play him down the stretch.
The Wolverines deftly navigated some tight spots on offense, using running back Donovan Edwards to throw a touchdown to tight end Colston Loveland. Quarterback Alex Orji was also utilized; he ran six quarterback keepers for 64 yards and a touchdown.
As of Sunday, Oct. 27, three of the Wolverines’ next four games are against AP Top 25 opponents: No. 1 Oregon, No. 13 Indiana and No. 4 Ohio State. Sandwiched between those games are a bye week on Nov. 16 and a visit from Northwestern on Nov. 23.
If Michigan can limit Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel as a passer and control the time of possession, an upset would be on the table next Saturday. The trip to Indiana will be equally challenging. First-year head coach Curt Cignetti has the Hoosiers at 8-0 and playing some of the best football they’ve played in years.
I predict a tight loss to Oregon, an over-10-point loss to Indiana, a victory against Northwestern and a blowout loss to Ohio State. Overall, a 6-6 season isn’t what Michigan fans wanted, but it’ll most likely be what they get.
Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith’s game plan against Michigan was obvious: control time of possession, which was achieved by over 15 minutes; win the ground game, which was achieved with 163 yards rushing to Michigan’s 119; and limit turnovers. The plan almost worked until the end of the first half when quarterback Aiden Chiles fumbled, leading to a Michigan field goal that gave them a 9-7 lead.
Despite an intentional grounding and false start penalty on the final drive, MSU still had a chance to tie the game on Michigan’s 16-yard line. Still, the Wolverine defense stood tall and delivered a stop.
It was an understandable game plan, one that delivered the Spartans to the brink of success. Chiles has thrown nine interceptions on the year, and by keeping him out of dangerous situations, Smith was able to keep the game close. But choosing an onside kick didn’t match his conservative game plan, causing some frustration in Spartan fans.
Other detractors would say Chiles wasn’t given enough chance to flash his arm talent. Star Michigan cornerback Will Johnson missed the game due to injury, yet the Spartans neglected to put a lot of pressure downfield on the secondary.
If only a few things had gone differently, the game’s outcome would have been much more favorable for the Spartans.
On the opening drive, Chiles and the offense drove 68 yards downfield but couldn’t punch the ball in at the 2-yard line. Set to go for it on fourth and goal, MSU suffered a delay-of-game penalty, forcing them back for a field goal that kicker Jonathan Kim would miss.
If the green and white had punched it in, MSU would’ve held a dominant 14-0 lead after the game’s first three possessions.
Michigan State’s next two games are a visit from Indiana and a trip to No. 24 Illinois. A win in either game would go a long way to defining the success of the season. The 2024 schedule draws to a close with visits from Purdue and Rutgers, the bottom two teams of the Big Ten.
If I’m optimistic, I can see Michigan State finishing 7-5 with a win at Illinois and over Purdue and Rutgers. Realistically, Smith’s first season will finish 6-6.