Week 2 Recap & Week 3 Odds

This past weekend saw a pair of wins in state and we were able to get a better idea of what Michigan and Michigan State are going to be this season. Here are a few final thoughts from the weekend, and if you didn't read my column on MSU from the CMU game, you can read it here.

Michigan defense continues to struggles

Michigan fans have to be a little nervous about the Michigan defense allowing 417 yards at home to Air Force. Perhaps it was the triple option that caused the problems, but certainly you have to expect better from this unit based on last season. Right now they are giving up 424 total yards and 261 rushing yards per game.

Denard is still Denard

Robinson was able to get back to his old self on Saturday, throwing for over 200 yards while rushing for 218 and two touchdowns. This is the Robinson we have grown accustomed to and the one that should be around most of the season. Not many teams have the defensive skill that Alabama does. The Tide was able to contain Robinson’s speed and force him to just be a passer. When he can be the running threat he was against Air Force, it allows him to be more successful as a passer. This week against UMass should see Robinson put up big numbers again.

MSU Defense still strong

The Spartans did not allow a touchdown on defense on Saturday against Central Michigan. That is two games without a TD from the opposing offense. The Spartans are also allowing just 225 total yards per game, which ranks eighth in the country. Of teams that have played two games, they are sixth in the nation in fewest yards allowed. The Spartans are going to rely on the defense this season and hope for continued progress from Andrew Maxwell and the offense.

We have a Big Ten favorite

Five Big Ten teams are 2-0 and it would be hard to say any of them are playing better than Michigan State. Ohio State has looked impressive, but the Buckeyes didn’t slow down an offense like Boise State. Wisconsin has looked like a shell of its old self, which is really surprising. Nebraska was unable to make the plays it needed to against UCLA and continues to struggle away from Lincoln. There is still plenty of football to be played, but MSU looks to be threatening to contend for the Big Ten once again.

Week 3 Odds

Here is a listing of the odds for this week’s games.

Michigan -45.5 vs. UMass

Michigan State -3.5 vs. Notre Dame

UMass has lost both games by a combined score of 83-6 to the likes of Connecticut and Indiana. This should be a game for Michigan to gel on offense and defense and build some confidence heading into the trip to South Bend.

Michigan State faces an offense with some speed that could pose problems. The Irish have allowed just 27 points over two games, so this could be a defensive showcase.