The Little Brother Scale after Week 8

The Little Brother Scale is a trolling topic. I won’t argue that.

The term hits a nerve with both Michigan and Michigan State.

It bothers the Spartans for its meaning that their program is the little brother to Michigan.

It bothers the Wolverines for its meaning over recent years since Mike Hart uttered those words.

When I started the topic prior to the season, I expected both teams to have a strong year and keep the debate lively.

Michigan State hasn’t been able to live up to expectations.

Saturday’s game was hard fought and perhaps would have went the other way if it was played in East Lansing. But, in the end, Michigan snapped the streak and beat the Spartans, 12-10.

It is hard to hand the balance of power in the rivalry to the other team after just one win, especially a 2-point victory, but when you break it down, Michigan State has taken a step backwards this season no matter what it does the rest of the year.

Michigan has all its goals in place for this season. The Wolverines can win the Big Ten title this year and still beat Ohio State in the process. That would certainly send a message that it has regained control of the state and even the Big Ten as a whole.

The Wolverines are now leading my scale. They will lead the scale for the rest of the season as long as they don’t completely tank down the stretch.

What interests me now that Michigan is back on top is where this rivalry will go from here.

Mark Dantonio said he will be glad to see Denard Robinson go, but is that really true? Michigan State has been able to contain Robinson as well as anyone. Will a new Michigan quarterback with a new offensive scheme really make it easier for the Spartans?

Michigan will be a new team next season without Robinson and it yet to be known if the Spartans will be able to bounce back in Maxwell’s senior year, but MSU will lose key pieces on defense.

I expect Michigan to continue to be strong under Brady Hoke for his recruiting and solid coaching staff. Michigan State may not have the resources and depth to stay in the mix in the Big Ten year after year.

Only time will tell.

For now, Michigan can enjoy just being back in the driver’s seat.

LITTLE BROTHER SCALE: Michigan 16½, MSU 15½ 

Fair or Foul: Judging the MSU/Michigan arguments for Saturday's game

The trash talk for the Michigan-MSU rivalry is always at a peak when the two are set to meet at the end of the week.

Such is the case this year. Michigan fans have a reason to be excited, but Spartan fans still have the bragging rights, at least for now.

Here are a few of the arguments I have heard this week and whether they hold any weight.

Argument from MSU fans: Michigan hasn’t played anyone in the Big Ten: While that may be true to a certain extent, the one thing the Wolverines are doing is easily disposing of those teams. That is something that MSU is obviously not doing. Indiana gave Ohio State a run, but I still don’t believe the Hoosiers are that great of a Big Ten team and Iowa has suffered a pair of losses to Iowa State and Central Michigan. We don’t know where Purdue and Illinois will finish in the conference, but you have to credit Michigan for taking care of business against teams it should best. VERDICT: Foul

Argument from Michigan fans: We’ve taken back the rivalry: You haven’t done that until you beat Michigan State on Saturday. You should win Saturday’s game, but if you don’t, you can’t claim hold of the rivalry. A win goes a long way, but I also think it would be beneficial for Michigan to win the Big Ten to really show that it has returned to control the in-state rivalry. VERDICT: Foul

Argument from MSU fans: Denard Robinson will go down as the QB that couldn’t beat MSU if he loses on Sunday: I think that is a reasonable statement. For all the numbers that Denard Robinson has put up in his time with the Wolverines, he really has nothing to show for it. No conference titles and no wins against Michigan State. He has a Sugar Bowl win, but a Rose Bowl victory is what Michigan fans want most. Robinson needs a win on Saturday to avoid being remembered as the guy who couldn’t beat the Spartans. VERDICT: Fair

Argument from Michigan fans: MSU is going to “thug it up” on Saturday: Michigan fans feel the Spartans got away with too many cheap shots during last year’s game. That may be true, but the refs for this game will be well aware of what took place in last year’s game. Look for them to call this year’s game tightly and not allow a lot of the post-play shoving. If the Spartans try anything funny, it will likely come with a 15-yard penalty. Also, the Spartans were at home last year and trying to intimidate Michigan, I don’t think the confidence level of MSU is high enough to bring that same attitude into the Big House this year. VERDICT: Foul

Little Brother Scale after Week 7

I am conflicted this week.

Everything I have seen from Michigan and Michigan State this season tells me the Wolverines are, 1. not only better this season, but 2. built to be better in future seasons as well.

That is what the Little Brother Scale is meant to indicate. Not just who is better now, but what program has more credibility than the other in the eyes of the national media.

I didn’t think there was a way Michigan could get ahead of MSU before Oct. 20.

The Spartans had won four straight in this series, won a Big Ten title in 2010 and the Legends Division title in 2011.

However, the Spartans have been a shell of themselves this year.

The offense has been a mess and the Spartans are finding ways to lose this year as opposed to finding ways to win, which they did in previous seasons.

Michigan, on the other hand, is getting better. The Wolverines have looked very impressive in Big Ten play, mainly on defense. After getting out to a slow start defensively, the Wolverines have improved each week and seem primed to be one of the best in the Big Ten.

With all that said, I am ruling the scale a tie this week, simply because Michigan needs to win on Saturday for me to put it ahead on the scale.

You can’t claim superiority over another program when you have lost four straight. You just can’t do that.

So, we enter this week’s game with an even scale, but a win for the Wolverines will put them ahead. It’s all up for grabs this week, and I am sure that means much more to the players than the Paul Bunyan Trophy (I am kidding, of course).

LITTLE BROTHER SCALE: Michigan 16, MSU 16

Little Brother Scale After Week 6

When the Little Brother Scale started just a few weeks before the season began, there wasn’t much hope for Michigan to get ahead of Michigan State short of a win on Oct. 20.

That still stands to be the case, but Michigan State is making it harder to stand by that with each passing week.

MSU had another underwhelming performance last Saturday against Indiana, while Michigan put on an impressive showing against Purdue.

If you asked me today who I thought the better team was, I would have to say Michigan.

The Wolverines and Spartans both have two losses, but MSU’s losses have come at home against slightly lesser competition while Michigan’s losses have come on the road.

The Wolverines look better suited to contend for a title right now as their defense is playing well and the offense has the ability to move down the field when not turning the ball over.

The Spartans still have a strong defense, but it isn’t good enough to overcome the issues on offense. The biggest problem facing MSU is its offensive line, and that isn’t likely to change with two starters out for the rest of the year.

Despite my take on Michigan being better right now, it doesn’t change that the Spartans have had the Wolverines’ number for the last four years. It also doesn’t change that MSU has been closer to the Big Ten title in recent seasons.

Until Michigan beats Michigan State, I can’t put the Wolverines ahead of the Spartans. That could happen in two weeks, but two weeks isn’t today.

LITTLE BROTHER SCALE: MSU 16 ¼, Michigan 15 ¾ 

Little Brother Scale After Week 5

It seems like with each passing week, Michigan State and Michigan are losing their appeal in the national football picture.

The impression of Denard Robinson’s performance against Notre Dame still lingered on in the bye week and Michigan State once again looked flat in a loss to Ohio State.

With both teams now sitting outside the top 25 rankings, the season already feels like a disappointment.

But, due to the struggles of the Big Ten, both the Spartans and the Wolverines have the ability to win the conference title.

It is going to take some work and a lot of improvement, but the possibility is still there.

MSU is making some changes to its offense in hopes to create a spark. The Spartans are currently last in the Big Ten in scoring at just 20 points per game.

The MSU defense does lead the Big Ten in scoring (12.8 ppg) and yards (266.4 ypg), but the Spartans have been susceptible to the big play and it has cost them in both of their losses.

For Michigan, the defense started slow but has been showing improvement. The Wolverines actually have the top passing defense in the Big Ten, but have the second-worst rushing defense in the conference.

Offensively, Michigan has the ability to score and score often. It also has the ability to turn the ball over often. Denard Robinson has been hit-or-miss, as he has eight interceptions this year, which sits third in the nation for most INTs.

This week, both teams have what would be considered “easier” games on their Big Ten schedule.

Michigan State goes to woeful Indiana and Michigan heads to Purdue.

The Spartans should have no difficulty in this game, but stranger things have happened. If this game in any way resembles MSU’s recent performances, it is going to be a very long year in East Lansing.

Michigan has a tougher opponent, as the Boilermakers look like a possible contender. Winning on the road isn’t always easy, but if Michigan expects to contend for the Big Ten title, this one is a must.

The Wolverines have had two weeks to prepare for this game and Denard Robinson said he would be “re-focused” following his performance at Notre Dame. This game is a statement game for Michigan, but it is yet to be seen what that statement will be.

When it comes to the weekly scale, I still feel like Michigan is gaining on the Spartans. Michigan has lost to tougher opponents and lost both games on the road. MSU has been in a three-week funk and their issues keep piling up, as the Spartans lost center Travis Jackson for the season.

I don’t know that MSU can do anything to improve its offensive line going forward. Michigan can correct its issues on offense by limiting turnovers and the defense should keep getting better.

MSU still has the edge in the scale due to their four-year hold on the rivalry, but things are shaping up for a change in power if the Spartans don’t get their act together.

Little Brother Scale: MSU 16 ½, Michigan 15 ½

Little Brother Scale after Week 4

Right now, it would be hard for me to say anyone is a “Big Brother” between these two teams.

Both looked so bad at times on Saturday that neither deserves praise. But, I will carry on.

The one thing that stands out for Michigan is that it had the game in its hands. It moved the ball better than Notre Dame and really had multiple chances to take control of the contest, but six turnovers let it slip away.

In Notre Dame’s meeting with Michigan State, you never felt like the Spartans had the control of the game. MSU had to fight for everything it could get.

That showed up again against Eastern Michigan. Despite a dominant defensive showing for the Spartans, the offense just couldn’t make anything happen.

As one dimensional as the Michigan offense is with Denard Robinson, the MSU offense has become just as one dimensional with Le’Veon Bell. The only difference is that Robinson is capable of doing more in a single play than Bell.

Despite that, the MSU defense is better than the Michigan defense and the Spartans still have a better recent track record than the Wolverines.

With Big Ten play getting started this week, the picture of what the season holds for both teams will start to clear up. We are less than a month away than the anticipated game on Oct. 20. This season has felt like a wash thus far, so the scale goes back to where it was before the season began.

LITTLE BROTHER SCALE: MSU 17, Michigan 15

Little Brother Scale after Week 3

Since introducing the Little Brother Scale during the offseason, things had continued to go well for Michigan State.

That all changed on Saturday.

The Spartans were soundly beaten by Notre Dame and their weaknesses coming into the season were amplified by a team that could contain their strengths.

It is too early to know just how good Notre Dame will be, but it is clear that MSU was a bit over-hyped (I include myself in that) after the first two weeks of the season.

With the Spartan performance, the door opens for Michigan to make some progress in the scale.

Not only because Michigan rolled UMass last week, but because the Wolverines face Notre Dame on Saturday.

The Wolverines have a track record of success against the Irish and another win over them would certainly build some confidence for the rest of the season.

Michigan still seems to be battling some issues of its own on the offensive line, which could be a factor on Saturday. Certainly the defense will have to come up with some big plays to keep the Irish to a low point total at home.

Michigan may have the athletes on offense to do what Michigan State couldn’t do, but the Wolverines are going to need someone other than Denard Robinson to step up.

MSU has a cake game against Eastern Michigan, and then the real test of where the Spartans are heading is next week when they host Ohio State.

For now, the Spartans are still ahead, but the gap is a little closer than last week.

LITTLE BROTHER SCALE: MSU 17¼, Michigan 14¾ 

Little Brother Scale after Week 2

Week 2 of the college football season was an opportunity for progress for both Michigan and Michigan State.

The Spartans were hoping to see improvement in their offense against a weak Central Michigan defense while Michigan was hoping to make strides on both sides of the ball against Air Force.

Michigan seemed to find its offense last week, racking up 422 yards. Denard Robinson looked like the Denard Robinson we know, as he rushed for 218 yards and threw for 208 with four total touchdowns.

Wolverine fans should feel better knowing that Michigan should be able to move the ball going forward. There aren’t many defenses like Alabama’s in the Big Ten.

What does have to concern Michigan fans is that Air Force put up 25 points and 417 yards on the Wolverines. Only three times last year did a team put up 25 points or more against Michigan and now that has already happened twice in two games.

The loss up front from last season has clearly been an issue for Michigan. The Wolverines need to be able to rely on their defense in close games and I don’t think that is something they can do right now. As we know, Michigan’s offense is still limited when facing a fast and physical defense. The Wolverines still have a few of those defenses on the schedule, so the Michigan defense will need to step up in those games. Playing UMass this week should help create some confidence on the defensive side of the ball.

For MSU, the Spartans dominated Central Michigan and didn’t allow a touchdown on defense for the second straight contest.

It appears the Spartans’ defense is as good as advertised, but this week against Notre Dame will really tell us if the Spartans have a top 5 defense.

Andrew Maxwell and the young MSU receivers made improvements against the Chippewas as well, but it appears that the Spartans have a simple formula for success.

MSU will use its defense to keep the score low, manage the game offensively with a steady diet of Le’Veon Bell, and put Maxwell in low-stress situations where he can succeed and not cost Michigan State the game.

Right now, MSU is much better built to play its style of football than Michigan is to play its style.

For that reason, Michigan fans have to be growing more concerned about Oct. 20, and I see the Spartans taking another slight step up in the Little Brother Scale

LITTLE BROTHER SCALE: MSU 17¾, Michigan 14¼ 

Little Brother Scale After Week 1

Week 1 of the season provided a lot of opportunity for debate.

It also opened the door from some Michigan State players to throw in their two cents on Denard Robinson.

MSU coach Mark Dantonio quickly addressed the situation and was clearly disappointed with his players.

If anyone knows the anger that some thoughtless comments can make, it’s Dantonio.

He has seemingly carried Mike Hart’s “Little Brother” comment and built the MSU program around it.

What the MSU players did was simply stoop to the same level that Dantonio detested in the first place.

It’s understandable that Spartan players are a little cocky when it comes to Michigan, but they need to take more pride in just beating the Wolverines. Don’t wake a sleeping giant.

That’s not to say that Michigan can just turn things around over a few insults, but it doesn’t help the Spartans in any way.

Regardless of what Dantonio or Brady Hoke say, the roles of the fan bases have shifted over this four year period and the players have to be aware of that.

Michigan State fans went from being the victim to the antagonist and the Wolverines have went from the antagonist to the victim.

Spartan fans are relishing this new role all while forgetting how much they despised Michigan for doing the same thing. Michigan fans hate the idea that MSU fans can rub it in their face only because they can’t effectively do the same right now.

When it comes to this week’s Little Brother Scale, MSU widens the gap a little bit.

Regardless of what your opinion is of Boise State, Friday was still a good win for the Spartans.

Had Michigan simply competed in Saturday’s loss to Alabama, it would have sent a positive message for the future of the Wolverines.

However, Denard Robinson continues to show that he can’t be an effective passer and the Michigan offense has a clear and exploitable offense when facing a top-level defense.

Unfortunately for the Wolverines, the Spartans appear to have that type of defense.

Even worse for Michigan, the Spartans know it.

LITTLE BROTHER SCALE: MSU 17.5, Michigan 14.5

The Rich Rod Argument Is Denied

I knew when this blog got started that I would hear a lot of complaints from people. It’s part of the job.

But, my last post on The Little Brother Scale got a lot of reaction, mostly negative from the Wolverine fan base.

The biggest argument that was used was “You can’t count those games because Rich Rodriguez was a terrible coach.”

Well, I am sorry, but that argument doesn’t hold any water.

First off, he was your coach, point blank. He was hired by Michigan and most all of you, myself included, expected him to be very successful and to take the Wolverines to a new level of success on the national scale.

While it didn’t work out and he clearly didn’t fit into the Michigan persona, he was still the coach and lost all three meetings with Michigan State. You can’t change history.

Secondly, if you are going to play that card, you open the door for Spartan fans to fire right back with the John L. Smith and Bobby Williams claims.

Those two seemed as lost as any coaches on the sidelines and they resulted in a number of losses (some close, some not so close) to the Wolverines.

The point is, you can’t just decided which games count and which games don’t because of who the coach is. You hired the guy, you live with the results. The 2008-10 seasons happened whether you want to acknowledge them or not. And, your program is still affected by those seasons when it comes to player personnel.

Just like Mark Dantonio, Brady Hoke has to recruit a roster to his liking to fully turn the Michigan program into what his vision for it is.

I like what Hoke did with the Wolverines last year, but it is just one year. He still has to prove that the winning will continue.

Dantonio has led MSU to 9 wins or more in three of his last four seasons.

I am hesitant to say both teams have great coaches just because Hoke is only in his second year, but he seems to have the Wolverines back on track for success.

That makes this year’s MSU-Michigan game even more interesting.

What if the Spartans win? Will Michigan fans admit that MSU is the better team, or will there be another asterisk they want to attach to the game?

For State fans, does Brady Hoke scare you? Are you concerned that the four-game win streak was just an anomaly in time and now Michigan is back to take control?

My guess, and my hope, is that both teams will continue to be a national force that will produce impactful and exciting games year after year. I think that is when the rivalry is truly at its best.

The Little Brother Scale

"Sometimes, you get your little brother excited when you're playing basketball – let them get the lead…..And then you come back."

Who knew that quote from Mike Hart on Nov. 3, 2007 could be so impactful.

Was it necessary to say? No.

Was it the truth at the time? Yes.

At that time, the perception in the state to those not entrenched in the rivalry was that MSU was inferior to Michigan, or the “little brother” to the Wolverines.

But since that quote, the tables have started to turn.

Michigan State has won four straight over the Wolverines, three of which have been by 14 points or more.

Head Coach Mark Dantonio has almost adopted an inferiority complex in his absolute dislike for Michigan and Hart’s quote. That passion has carried the Spartans to a new level and control in the state’s biggest rivalry.

Has Hart’s quote ultimately become some sort of curse for the Wolverines? Probably not. But, it sure did wake a sleeping giant in East Lansing.

As the 2012 season is set to begin, I thought it would be fun to take the “little brother” quote and use it as a measuring stick each week following the games of both teams.

While MSU has a long way to go to catch Michigan in the overall history of both programs (i.e. winning national championships and regular BCS bowl appearances), there is little doubt that State has the superior product on the field right now compared to Michigan.

The Wolverines may be winning the recruiting battle, but I don’t factor that in. Wins and losses are what matter the most. If the recruiting pans out and develops as it should, it will show on the field.

Right now, the Spartans are in the head of the Wolverines. Michigan fans, players, and coaches can deny it all they want, but they are.

That MSU defense looms large over the abilities of Denard Robinson. A potential fifth straight loss to MSU, in the Big House no less, has the Wolverine world anxious about the Oct. 20 meeting.

Right now, MSU is the talented junior in high school that is seeking a championship to validate his talents. Michigan is the freshman with a lot of potential, but not been good enough to beat his older brother.

THE LITTLE BROTHER SCALE: MSU 17, Michigan 15