The Michigan Wolverines are preparing for an in-state rivalry game this week. Here are the key matchups we’ll be watching on Saturday.
It’s been an underwhelming season for the Michigan Wolverines so far. Despite a 4-1 start, they’ve dropped two games on the road and now sit at 4-3, preparing to host in-state rival Michigan State .
Michigan won last year’s game in East Lansing 49-0, before finishing the season undefeated and winning the National Championship. With the way this season’s gone so far, you’ll want to remember that information as often as you can this week.
Michigan State has the same 4-3 record as Michigan, but they’re coming off a convincing 32-20 win over Iowa. Quarterback Aidan Chiles was 22-of-30 for 256 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Overall, Chiles has had struggles turning the ball over, he’s thrown nine interceptions to his six touchdown passes.
Against Iowa, Michigan State had two 100-yard receivers in Nick Marsh (8 catches, 113 yards) and Montorie Foster Jr. (5 catches, 100 yards). The Spartans kicker, Jonathan Kim, was 6-of-7 and made a 55-yard field goal. That helped them out when drives stalled out, but they still put points on the board.
Here are the matchups we’re watching as Michigan prepares for Michigan State:
CB Jyaire Hill vs. WR Nick Marsh
This season’s been a story of ups and downs for the Michigan secondary. Throughout the season Will Johnson has been dealing with injuries, which means there’s more pressure on Jyaire Hill. He’s been targeted 46 times this season according to Pro Football Focus. He had his worst performances against Texas, Washington, and Illinois. He’ll need to play one of his better games this week if the Wolverines hope to win, or even keep the game close.
One of the guys Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles will be looking for is receiver Nick Marsh. Marsh has 24 receptions for 433 yards, averaging 18 yards per catch, with just one touchdown. If he’s going up against Hill on Saturday, it’ll be important for Hill to make a few big plays. He’s only had a few pass breakups this season, you’d like to see him get a few more in this one.
Josaiah Stewart vs. Michigan State’s offensive line
Josaiah Stewart is having one heck of a season, and Saturday’s game against the Spartans could be another one where we see Stewart shine. Steward has five sacks, six hits, and nine hurries in the six games he’s played and grades out at 93.7 overall according to Pro Football Focus. He will be a problem for whichever lineman he’s going up against.
Michigan State’s offensive line has been dealing with some injuries which doesn’t help their pass blocking grades. Against Oregon a few weeks ago, the offense had a 47.9 grade from PFF, with the worst coming against Ohio State when they had a 13.8 grade. While it’s clear Michigan’s defense isn’t quite up to snuff overall, Stewart’s athleticism is on par with some of the best in the country. This seems like a situation where Stewart can help get the Wolverines’ defense off the field, maybe even disrupt Chiles and force a few turnovers.
Kalel Mullings vs. Michigan State run defense
Kalel Mullings has 110 carries on the year for 676 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s great at picking up yards even after contact and has helped keep offensive drives alive for the Wolverines several times this season. If Michigan’s ground game can get going, that’s good news for the Wolverines’ offense.
The Spartans’ defense has actually done a good job limiting the run this year. Their opponents average 131 rushing yards per game and just 3.8 yards per attempt and have given up nine rushing touchdowns this season. Michigan will need to average well over 3.8 yards per carry if it hopes to move the ball on offense and give its defense a break this weekend.