Reaction to Michigan's 59-9 win over CMU

It was a 59-9 win for Michigan, so what is there to complain about?

Maybe nothing, but the Wolverines’ victory on Saturday sure didn’t quite feel like a 50-point win.

But, perhaps that is a good thing for Michigan.

Both Brady Hoke and quarterback Devin Gardner felt there was plenty to still work on and I can’t disagree. I wrote a column for The Oakland Press on Gardner being the one that will make or break this team.

The Michigan offense came out a bit rusty, especially Gardner. The junior quarterback made some questionable throws early, but once he settled in, he played a strong game (10-for-15 162 yards 1TD, 2 INT; 7 rushes, 52 yards 2TD). It is clear that Michigan does have the ability to make plays in the passing game with the current roster. Jeremy Gallon (4 receptions, 47 yards) had a number of difficult catches and tight end Devin Funchess (2 receptions, 47 yards) has all the potential in the world.

The running game was steady, but none of the handful of running backs that were used put a real stamp on being “the man”. I thought freshman Derrick Green (11 carries, 58 yards) looked solid and has potential to be a great back. He seemed to earn himself more carries next week against Notre Dame.

The Michigan defense only allowed 210 total yards and was flying to the ball. Granted, the Wolverines faced an offense that lost its starting quarterback and starting running back in the first quarter, but Michigan was going to limit Central Michigan regardless.

The Wolverines got some big plays from all three units, including special teams right off the bat. There are plenty of reasons to nitpick and point out what went wrong, but you have to remember this was a season opener and mistakes will take place. The key for Michigan was, it was still able to score a lot of points and allow very few despite those mistakes. That’s not something the Michigan State offense could say for itself against a similar opponent on Friday.

Michigan obviously faces a tough test next Saturday and that game will provide more of a picture as to what fans can expect from the Wolverines in 2013.

Week 1 Odds for Michigan State and Michigan

Kickoff week has officially arrived. Both Michigan and Michigan State face in-state opponents this week to start the season. Here is a look at the odds for both games:

Michigan State -27 vs. Western Michigan

The Spartans kickoff the season at home against the Broncos on Friday night at 8 p.m. MSU has done pretty well against the Mid-American Conference the past few seasons, beating Central Michigan 41-7 in 2012, Central 45-7 in 2011 and Western Michigan 38-14 in 2010. I have plenty of doubts about how strong the MSU offense will be, but I do think the Spartans will look good on offense against the Broncos. Western Michigan is breaking in a lot of new parts, including a new head coach. It will take some time for all pieces to come together for the Broncos. Also, the Michigan State defense will probably be very stingy this season, so I can see WMU struggling to score points. In the end, 27 points is a lot to cover, but I think the Spartans will be able to do it in this instance.

Michigan -31.5 vs. Central Michigan

The Wolverines will host the Chippewas for their first meeting since 2006 on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Michigan has plenty of buzz coming into the season with Devin Gardner firmly planted as the team’s starting quarterback. The Michigan offense shouldn’t have too much trouble moving the ball on the Chippewas, who allowed 432 yards per game last season. Central Michigan will probably have its own problems on offense as well, as it breaks in a first-time starter in the Big House. While the Chippewas have a talented group of running backs, they no longer have Eric Fisher at left tackle to anchor the offensive line. Michigan should win comfortably, but the question is, can they win by at least 32 points? The Wolverines come into the game 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games against MAC opponents, but CMU comes into the game 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games against the Big Ten. If Michigan is going to cover, it is going to need at least one defensive or special teams touchdowns, which is entirely possible.

Grade MSU's 2012 football season

The 2012 regular season is complete for Michigan State, and the final record is 6-6.

I am sure I am not alone when I say I didn’t expect that.

Coming into the season, the Spartans had some questions, but none of them seemed worrisome enough to keep MSU from having a winning record.

Despite the new quarterback and young receivers most expected MSU to be carried by its strong defense and be a contender in the Big Ten race.

To a degree, the expectations played out on the defensive side of the ball. The Spartans led the Big Ten in points and yards allowed per game and were 10^th nationally in defensive scoring, allowing just 16.3 points per contest.

Where things all went wrong was on offense. The Spartans averaged just 20.3 points per game, which was down nearly 11 points from last year’s average (31.0).

Early on, the receivers were dropping passes. Midseason, the offensive line was banged up and not providing enough running lanes for Le’Veon Bell and pass protection for Andrew Maxwell. At the end of the year, Maxwell looked like he wasn’t progressing as he should.

The Spartans never really clicked as an offense outside of a lopsided win at Central Michigan. It will be a concern heading into next season with a defense that can’t be expected to be as strong as it has been the last two years.

It’s not a big surprise to call this year a disappointing one for Michigan State. It’s not just about a 6-6 record, or a 3-5 Big Ten record, or even an 0-5 conference record at home. The Spartans took more than a step back. They completely fell flat on their back.

The momentum MSU built the previous two seasons to be recognized as a legit program in the national spotlight has been lost. It will take some work to get back to that point.

For all those reasons, I give Michigan State a D for the season. The only reason I don’t given them an F is because they did manage to make a bowl. A losing record would have been the absolute failure in my eyes.

What are your thoughts on this season for MSU?

What grade would you give MSU this season in football?

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 

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.

The games of Week 2 of the college football season are upon us. Here are my picks for the weekend.

MSU at CMU – 3:30 pm.

I will be live at this game and taking part in a live chat if you are interested in sharing your thoughts.

This game should be a victory for Michigan State, and should be a sizeable one.

Regardless of the environment and atmosphere, the fact is the Spartans are a much better team.

The MSU defense has the ability to completely shut down the CMU offense. Their front seven should contain the Chippewa run game and apply pressure to quarterback Ryan Radcliff, which will lead to turnovers.

The Spartan offense can control tempo with its powerful running game, which will open the door for play action passing against a questionable secondary.

I can see the game being within reach for CMU at halftime, but ultimately look for the Spartans to pull away.

Due to the relationship between coaches Mark Dantonio and Dan Enos, I don’t see MSU trying to embarrass the Chippewas.

Prediction – MSU 37, CMU 13

Air Force at Michigan – 3:30 p.m.

I look for Michigan to really try to put on a show today.

The Wolverines need to re-establish themselves after last week’s loss and the Air Force defense can certainly give up some points.

I’d expect Denard Robinson and Fitzgerald Toussaint to pile up the rushing yards, in excess of 200 yards combined. As Air Force commits to the run, it will open things up for Robinson to hit a few lengthy passes.

Defensively, I think Michigan will stumble a few times against the option, but not enough to allow Air Force to score consistently. This game will be somewhat of a scoring race, and the Falcons won’t be able to match the Wolverines score for score.

Prediction – Michigan 45, Air Force 20

Live Chat for MSU-CMU

Join myself and Nate Schneider of the Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun for a live chat during the CMU vs. Michigan State football game. The chat is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.

Keys to victory for MSU, Michigan in Week 2

3 keys to victory for MSU vs. Central Michigan

Silence the crowd early: The Chippewas are going to look to feed off the emotion of hosting Michigan State. The crowd of around 35,000 should be on fire early on. The Spartans need to quiet that crowd quickly and now allow the Chippewas to feed off that energy. Getting the ball to start and driving right down the field would be the best way to get that done.

Pound Green Pound: Michigan State established a steady run game against Boise State last week. In the early part of this game, the Spartans should do the same. The Spartans need to give Andrew Maxwell a chance to improve, but not at the expense of the team. MSU should use its bigger offensive line and Le’Veon Bell to set the tone early and then let Maxwell attack the CMU secondary.

Be prepared for anything: The Spartans have a tremendous defense, but they can’t get cocky. Central Michigan could unload the playbook offensively, which means MSU needs to play disciplined football. The linebackers will have to stick to their assignments and watch out for misdirection plays. CMU should know it can’t try to push the ball right up the middle of the MSU defense, so it will look to find other ways to move down the field.

3 keys to victory for Michigan vs. Air Force

Forget last week: It has been said plenty of times by Brady Hoke and many Michigan players, but the Wolverines have to forget about last week’s loss. Dwelling on it will cause the Wolverines to start 0-2. This isn’t an easy game by any means, so Michigan needs to take the Falcons seriously.

Open up the playbook: Michigan was criticized for not using Denard Robinson much in the run game last week. That may have been a conservative approach to playing against a physical team in a non-conference game. However, the Michigan offense needs to find some success this week and gain confidence. With Fitzgerald Toussaint back, I expect Michigan to be more aggressive on offense and work Robinson more into the rushing game. If Michigan wants him to pass, start him off with some quick throws to build his confidence.

Stay disciplined on defense: Similar to what I said about MSU, Michigan needs to play disciplined defense against the Air Force option. If the Wolverines stick to their assignments, they shouldn’t have much trouble containing the option. The more Michigan can force Air Force into third-and-long situation, the better the day will be. 

A look at CMU/Air Force heading into Week 2

The second week of college football games are just a few days away, so let’s take a look at what Michigan State’s and Michigan’s opponents are saying entering the weekend.

Central Michigan

Michigan State should be walking into a pretty hostile environment on Saturday as Central Michigan is hyping Saturday’s game at Kelly/Shorts Stadium as the biggest home game in the program’s history.

One underlying theme to Saturday’s game is that current Chippewa head coach, Dan Enos, is a former Spartan quarterback and assistant under Mark Dantonio.

Nate Schneider of The Morning Sun in Mt. Pleasant has a story on Dantonio discussing his past allegiance to MSU and his current state as head coach of CMU entering Saturday’s game. Here is a quote from the article from Enos on the difficulties of coaching against Dantonio and MSU

“This is difficult,” Enos said. “We texted each other the other day and we both said this is hard. Games against friends always are. But you have to put that aside and play football, so that’s what it is. We’ll see each other Saturday, but it’s hard to coach against someone you have so much respect and admiration for and are friends with off the field. It’s part of the deal and also makes it a little more exciting. I love those guys over there and it’s going to be a fun day and a fun environment.”

Another interesting aspect to this game is the apparent support for MSU on the CMU campus. Central Michigan Life had a story on current Chippewa students going to Saturday’s game to support the Spartans. The photo to the right appeared this week at the La Senorita in Mt. Pleasant, just off the CMU campus.

I can understand people in Mt. Pleasant supporting MSU on any other week, but am surprised so many would blatantly root against the home-town team.

Air Force

Michigan comes into this week’s game with Air Force looking to get the taste of last week’s loss to Alabama out of its mouth.

The Falcons, on the other hand, are spending their time worrying about stopping Denard Robinson and praising the Michigan program.

Air Force coach Troy Calhoun held his weekly press conference boasting about the Wolverines and how great of a program they are. Here are some of Calhoun’s quotes from The Denver Post.

"There are a handful of programs in college football that are guaranteed at least 10 victories every season," Calhoun said, "Michigan is one of them. They clearly are the favorite to win the Big Ten Conference."

"There's not a more dynamic player in college football right now," Calhoun said of the 6-foot , 197-pound Robinson

The article also talks about some of the injury issues for the Falcons as center Michael Husar is out for the rest of the season following a knee injury last week. Receiver Ty MacArthur is going to be a game-time decision for Saturday’s contest due to a head injury.

Big Ten Teleconference Quotes for Sept. 4

Here are some quotes from Michigan coach Brady Hoke and MSU coach Mark Dantonio during Tuesday's Big Ten Coaches Teleconference.

Brady Hoke

On the players confidence following the Alabama game

We had a great practice last night. I think we had a good mentality. I thought we had a good tempo as far as how we like to practice. I think our guys are mature enough to understand that that is one of 12 guaranteed opportunities we have and now we have 11 left.

How much falls on him and how much falls on the players to move on from the game

I think it is a combination of both (the coaches and the team leaders). Our seniors, who have been through seasons, know you have to get ready every week. I think they will do a great job.

On what went wrong against Alabama

(Alabama) is a great team. There is no question about it. They do a nice job and are well coached, but I think at the same time, there were things that we did that probably didn’t help us as much as we’d like to.

What has impressed you most about Denard Robinson in your time with him

First and foremost is him as a person. Then, when you go a little further into it, the athleticism that he has. He can start and stop on a dime. His acceleration is something I haven’t seen…a guy that can get to a top speed so quickly.

Does your history in the Mountain West help you for this week’s game

I think Troy (Calhoun) and his staff do such a good job. There are different wrinkles from when we were there two years ago that you see in the offense from when we were there at San Diego State. I think the tempo and the things they are doing are really good. As you know, you have to be such a disciplined defense on doing your job against a football team like this. I also think (Air Force’s) talent level is very good.

Jeremy Gallon’s performance

Jeremy is a guy…he’s not the biggest guy in the world, but he plays hard. He blocks the perimeter about as well as anybody for a guy who is not real big. He runs good routes and he is a guy that makes plays and has made plays for us. I think he continues to improve and you will see us use him a lot and in a lot of different situations.

Did you take any time during fall camp to prepare for the option

We did a little bit. Not as much as maybe we have in the past. Some of that is, you get your fair amount of option with what Air Force does, but Troy still, with some of his NFL background, you are still going to get some traditional pro plays. We did some of it but maybe not as much as did in the past at other places.

Mark Dantonio

On heading to Mt. Pleasant to play CMU in what is billed as their biggest home game in history

I think it is going to be a historic event up there. We are looking forward to that opportunity. As far as them getting ready to play us and us getting ready to play them, there is a history here. They beat us in ’09 so there is a history here of us having to play and play well to come away with a win. I am sure (CMU) is going to be very excited and I am sure they are going to play very well and play very excitedly. We need to be able to match that enthusiasm and execute as well.

His overall thoughts on traveling to places like CMU, WMU and EMU as part of this in-state series agreement

To me, we wanted to do something for the commerce of the state of Michigan by doing this series. I thought it was a positive thing for us to do to be able to reach out to other programs in the state and other communities in this state. That is why we did it. The other factor, to me, that came into this was I knew we’d have a new starting quarterback. If we are going to play an away game at some point, I would rather it be 60 miles up the road in this state, in terms of being our first away game. We will learn from these things.

On Andrew Maxwell’s performance Friday

He was calm and collected and he showed great leadership skills. He had to handle some adversity, which is always key, and how you respond after that. I thought he threw the ball pretty decisively. He had some drops out on the field and there were a couple tipped passes that went away and were picked off. But, I thought he played well, especially for his first time out in a major media event or a nationally televised game, and also with Boise State and some of the things they were doing. There is no question we can improve. But, I liked what I saw when I looked into his eyes and who he was as a young man and a competitor, and the resiliency he showed and the nature he showed in terms of his leadership abilities.

On how the defense was able to react to different situations in Friday’s game

I think the situations we are talking about here is the ability to play after an interception, play in the red zone and be able to limit (Boise State) to a field goal. When the ball gets down to the 4-yard line, to be able to play great goal-line defense. To be able to adjust to the speed of the game and the different formations and what they are doing. To show leadership coming out in the second half and get our football team turned in a different direction. 

On margin of victory and what it means in college football today

I guess the only thing I would say there is they all count one, as coach Perles would say when he was here. They all count one. We feel fortunate to have won and the way we won the other night. That is what is important to me, in terms of how we perform and we move ahead. I am not really looking around the country and saying “wow, this is going on or that is going on.” Everybody takes care of their own program.

On what he sees in Dan Enos as a head coach and what he is doing with the CMU program

I know Coach Enos. Obviously he was in our program here and he also played here, so he knows the core of our players and he knows what Michigan State is about. When you become a head football coach and bring your own program into place, there is transition. You make your way through it. There is going to be problems everywhere you turn. There are always problems if you are here, there or somewhere else. I think the key to every leader is how you perform under adversity. I think he is doing that. I think he is performing. Based on what I saw the first game, they played extremely well and ran the ball very well. They look like they have a good football team.

How is Le’Veon Bell feeling after carrying the ball 44 times on Friday

He is feeling great. He is dressing today. There is no more bumps and bruises than he would normally have. If anything, it creates some excitement for him that he was able to do that. It builds even more confidence for him. We are always going to ride the hot back here. Whoever is hot, whoever is making the yards, that is who we are going to ride. That is what we’ve always done here. We need to be effective and just sort of go with the flow in that situation. It’s not like we don’t have other running backs. We have a number of other guys that can make plays as well. It just depends on how everyone is performing in the game.

Week 2 Odds & Reports that Countess is out for the year

The golden rule in winning or losing college football games is to take 24 hours to deal with it either way.

In a loss, you get 24 hours to sulk and be angry. In a win, 24 hours to enjoy it. Either way, you get back to work after the 24 hours is up.

For Michigan, the Alabama game is still being felt today and that is due to the report from MGoBlog that sophomore starting cornerback, Blake Countess, is out for the season with a torn knee ligament. The injury has been confirmed by Michigan this morning and Countess will get a redshirt for the season and return in the 2013 season as a sophomore.

Countess was injured early in Saturday’s loss and Alabama’s passing game seemed to open up more once he stepped off the field, though it was probably too early to tell how much impact he would have had on the game.

Odds for Week 2

Oddsmakers have released the odds for Week 2 of the season. Here are the point spreads for Michigan & MSU:

Michigan -21.5 vs. Air Force

MSU -24 at Central Michigan

Both games have a lofty spread, which is to be expected. Michigan should be looking to come out and light up the scoreboard after Saturday’s loss to Alabama and look for Michigan State to try and develop the passing game against a weak Central Michigan secondary.

Both teams are capable of covering the point spread on Saturday, but both games are also a little tricky.

Air Force has a quirky offense that can be tough to prepare for in a week and Michigan State is heading to CMU, where the game as being billed as the biggest in the school’s history at home. That environment could give the Chippewas a little boost in play.

A closer look at non-conference play for MSU & Michigan

The college football season is getting closer and closer with each day.

We are a little under three weeks away from the opening night of games, so I thought I would take a look at both Michigan's & MSU’s non-conference schedules.

Michigan

Toughest Game – Sept. 1 vs. Alabama - Clearly there is no tougher non-conference game in the country than Michigan’s season opener with Alabama at Cowboys Stadium. Though the Crimson Tide lost a great deal from last season’s BCS National Championship squad, there is no doubt that they should be fully reloaded. A win for Michigan seems very improbable, as they are still in the process of getting back into the elite national picture. On the national scale, a win over Alabama would send a huge message that the Wolverines are “back”.

Easiest Game – Sept. 15 vs. UMass – While UMass has had some success in football, they are making the jump from the FCS to the FBS this season. The Wolverines should have little trouble blowing the Minutemen out of the water at home.

Trap Game – Sept. 8 vs. Air Force – Following what should be a physical battle with Alabama, Michigan returns home the next week to face the Falcons. Air Force has had a winning record the last five seasons and they run the triple option, an offense that can be tough to prepare for when you don’t see it often.

Realistic Record – 3-1 – Michigan also makes the dreaded trip to Notre Dame on Sept. 22. I think the Wolverines should go 3-1 in non-conference play if they hope to have a successful season. A 2-2 start would feel like a step back from last year, but winning against Alabama or at Notre Dame will be a tough task.

Michigan State

Toughest Game – Sept. 15 vs. Notre Dame – While Boise State has been stronger on the national scale, I suspect the Broncos won’t quite be the same given all they have lost. Notre Dame has high expectations this year, as do the Spartans. With the game being in East Lansing, this should be one MSU wins. But, you can never count out Brian Kelly and the Irish.

Easiest Game – Sept. 22 vs. Eastern Michigan – The Spartans host the Eagles at home to close out non-conference play. While Ron English has made some strides with EMU, the Michigan State defense should be able to easily shutdown that run-heavy offense.

Trap Game – Sept. 8 at Central Michigan – I know, I know, what a surprise. But, when you look at this game objectively, it really is a trap game. First, this game takes place between the meetings with Boise State and Notre Dame. Second, this game is in Mt. Pleasant. CMU considers it the biggest game in the history of their stadium. That is a tough environment for any team to step into. While the Chippewas have struggled in two years under former MSU assistant Dan Enos, they return a lot of starters this season. I don’t expect CMU to pull off the upset, but I think the setting could make this game a tough one for the Spartans to get past.

Realistic Record – 4-0 – The Spartans have the luxury that the Wolverines don’t in that their two tough games come at home and not on the road. Because of that, Michigan State can go 4-0. Does that mean they will? No. Notre Dame could certainly trip them up, as could Boise State, if the Broncos’ first-year starters can have an immediate impact. Anything less than 3-1 in this stretch would be a disappointment for MSU.