Michigan 21, Michigan State 7
On the surface, this game had the calling cards of an all-too-familiar script: missed opportunities, bad weather, field-flipping penalties, drive-killing turnovers, and another honest-to-goodness trash tornado. At some point any Michigan fan watching had to have seen a flag thrown or a ball popped into the air or a hot dog wrapper violently whipped back and forth against a sky that matches the concrete ring around the Spartan Stadium field and felt their stomach drop. And yet the goal posts in East Lansing are still standing, which means they’re going to be shifted for the next year in living rooms and bars and dining room tables across the state.
There is one unassailable fact, one thing completely immune to the shifting of said goal posts, and it’s that Michigan’s defense is really damn good. There has been a great deal of talk this week about ghosts around these parts—that talk carried into the game until about the three-minute mark in the third quarter—but the one who was apparently seeing them today was Brian Lewerke. Michigan State’s offensive line had trouble keeping Michigan’s defensive tackles from pushing through the middle, but the near-constant pressure came from the edges. Chase Winovich, Josh Uche, and Kwity Paye ate the lunch of Michigan State’s tackles; late in the third quarter, Cole Chewins decided to cut block Chase Winovich on 2nd and 10. Winovich was credited with three QB hurries on the day, Paye with one, and Uche with two sacks. My notes show about three times as many instances of QB pressure as the official stats; the presence of near constant mortal danger makes it less surprising that Lewerke was throwing seemingly everything that was targeted moderate or long out of bounds.
[Hit THE JUMP for incredible photos that I tried to put some words with]
Of course, the coverage also played a significant role in Lewerke’s throws past the chalk. Michigan recorded one PBU and zero interceptions, as Lewerke made the smart choice to wing the ball wide and live to play another down instead of forcing it into vanishingly small windows.
Michigan State’s lone points on the day came after a nearly disastrous two-drive sequence for Michigan. Leading 7-0 after halftime, Michigan fans took to Twitter to lament their missed first half opportunities within seconds of the second-half kickoff. Chase Winovich was flagged for a personal foul on the first play of the half, then Devin Bush followed suit with a personal foul of his own on the next play. The defense regained its composure and forced Lewerke into an out-of-bounds throw, an incompletion, another throw out of bounds, and a Wildcat speed option on which Winovich erased the gap the ballcarrier wanted and Paye made the stop. Even so, Michigan ceded field position at a time they could ill afford to do so.
It took three plays for that to come back to bite Michigan. A Higdon carry sans blocks lost two yards, then Shea Patterson put a ball too high for Nico Collins on the outside. A draw to Chris Evans on 3rd-and-12 ended with Raequan Williams ripping the ball out and Michigan State recovering the fumble at Michigan’s seven-yard line. Michigan State ran a variant of the now infamous Philly Special, with Lewerke receiving the snap then flipping to Scott who tossed the ball to Darrell Stewart as he jetted through the backfield and then threw to Lewerke in the end zone.
[Bryan Fuller]
From there, it took Michigan’s offense three drives to respond. Michigan’s offense left at least seven (a missed pull by Patterson that like would have likely been a touchdown had he kept it) and possibly 14 (Donovan Peoples-Jones got open in the end zone on a second-quarter 3rd-and-3 that saw Patterson take a sack after taking too long to decide between DPJ high and McKeon low) on the field in the first half, but it only took one play for them to pull ahead in the third quarter. Patterson lined up in the shotgun on Michigan’s first snap of their 12th drive, looked right, hitched once, and delivered a perfect ball down the right sideline to Peoples-Jones, who had two steps on Tre Person upon reception; a missed attempt at a diving tackle left Peoples-Jones all alone for 42 of his 79-yard run to the house.
Michigan’s next drive also ended in a touchdown after 13 plays and 84 yards. The second play of said drive was a would-be incompletion that popped into the air only to be snagged by Zach Gentry for a fresh set of downs and a fresh perspective on Michigan’s luck of late in the rivalry. Karan Higdon kept the drive moving, as 33 of his 144 yards and six of his 19 carries helped set up an 11-yard mid-drive Patterson keep (!) on 4th-and-2. The drive ended with an excellent seal by Juwann Bushell-Beatty to open a five-yard lane for Ben Mason to paydirt; Bushell-Beatty was rolled up on after the play, and though he walked off under his own power he did not return to the game, instead being spelled by Andrew Stueber.
[Patrick Barron]
The second stop on Michigan’s Revenge Tour went through the kinds of mechanical failures pessimists might expect before a big show, but this group recovered at a time where past teams have not. Michigan’s defense allowed 15 rushing yards and 79 passing yards, forcing State to go 0-for-12 on third down and 0-for-1 on fourth. Their offense put up 212 passing yards and 183 rushing yards on what was previously the nation’s most efficient run defense. Karan Higdon said State didn’t want to play them and again said his offensive line is the best in the nation, and Chase Winovich called State Little Brother in a postgame interview. This group talks, then they back it up.
October 20th, 2018 at 9:54 PM ^
Exactly. They are irrational. We took crap from them for years, now they have to take it from us
October 20th, 2018 at 9:32 PM ^
It’s time to correct that narrative based on facts. Michigan is 2-2 during the Harbaugh vs. Dantonio era, making Michigan and MSU tied in record over the past four years. Michigan has outscored MSU and out gained them during that time. Michigan has also won more games overall during that same period. Michigan has been equal or better for four years now. That little run by Sparty is now part of the same history that includes a 70-36-5 overall record favoring Michigan.
October 20th, 2018 at 9:37 PM ^
With a correct penalty called for either offsides or running over the snapper, we would be 3-1
October 21st, 2018 at 9:20 AM ^
And Michigan has been the favorite by at least 7 points (and as many as 24.5) in every one of those four games. It took unbelievable luck for MSU to pull the upset in the two games they won.
October 21st, 2018 at 12:15 AM ^
You can fuck right off back to the RCMB from whence you came.
October 21st, 2018 at 9:12 AM ^
Yes THEY have been better, and yet THEY still use those comments as motivation, Chase was just letting them know it's played out.
October 21st, 2018 at 5:00 PM ^
Maybe Hoke will apologize for it.
October 22nd, 2018 at 9:53 AM ^
Is right now living in the past or the present? I always forget...
Anyways, since Harbaugh has taken over the Michigan program:
Michigan vs. MSU 2-2
Michigan overall record: 35-12
Michigan B1G Rankings 3rd in East, 3rd in East, 4th in East, 1st in B1G (Currently)
B1G Championships: Zero
Michigan State overall record: 29-17
Michigan State B1G Rankings B1G Champs, 6th in East, 2nd in East, 5th in East(Currently)
B1G Championships: One
MSU has been better or worse than us, depending on the year. Higher highs, lower lows. Luck has been on their side more often than ours (see 2015 MSU vs 2016 Michigan), but MSU has certainly not been BETTER since Harbaugh has taken over. Last 4 years? Toss up. Last 10 years-MSU. Last 20 years-Michigan. So what do you want to look at?
October 20th, 2018 at 8:45 PM ^
i guess.
on the other hand, i truly don’t care if they respect us. i’d kinda rather they didn’t, actually. it makes it more fun to whoop on ‘em. the angrier they get the better.
October 20th, 2018 at 8:54 PM ^
I would have preferred a more humble swagger, as we haven’t played this game well for a while, but I’m just happy we can have swagger of any kind right now
October 21st, 2018 at 7:07 PM ^
on the field is not the only place respekt is earned, and you know it. we can all make a good long list of programs in every sport that win all over the place but don't do it with class, or dignity, or within the bounds of the rules, whatever we think of the rules themselves. some of us are in favor of paying players - but did we "respect" ole miss football? nope.
i've never respected sparty, and never will, and the record has absolutely nothing to do with it.
October 20th, 2018 at 7:44 PM ^
I didn't care for it either, but at the same time, Dantonio tries to generate resentment no matter what Michigan says or does. I'm surprised that he doesn't find it "disrespectful" that he has to play U-M in Ann Arbor every other year.
October 20th, 2018 at 9:32 PM ^
For a brief period a few years ago, he didn't.
October 20th, 2018 at 9:45 PM ^
It’s just more “chips” for butt-hurt D’Antonio, the most thin skinned coach in all of the NCAA. Notice how he only can score with trick plays?
October 20th, 2018 at 8:17 PM ^
I'm through taking the high road with these fuckers. They don't respect you for it anyway. The little brother thing never would have stuck if it didn't fit them like a glove.
October 20th, 2018 at 8:47 PM ^
TRUTH.
October 20th, 2018 at 9:00 PM ^
This is 100% correct
October 21st, 2018 at 12:14 AM ^
It's the single most accurate thing anyone has ever said about any program.
October 21st, 2018 at 1:06 AM ^
Little brother is factually accurate.
Child one born August 26, 1817
Child two born February 12, 1855
October 21st, 2018 at 2:22 AM ^
Yep, knew there would be at least one vocal smelling-salts comment on here poo pooping Chase. Tough. Get over it. He did it. No one cares that you felt faint and that it violated you. It was made in jest and it's a part of the rivalry. Did you also get woozy when Bush scraped his cleats over sparty?
October 21st, 2018 at 5:22 AM ^
You have a man bun dont ya beta male?
October 20th, 2018 at 7:37 PM ^
Thought we would have at least one pick this game, but Lewerke’s throws were THAT bad
October 20th, 2018 at 9:36 PM ^
Yeah, nobody could catch them.
October 20th, 2018 at 7:37 PM ^
Big mood
October 20th, 2018 at 9:13 PM ^
Hell yeah brother
October 20th, 2018 at 7:39 PM ^
Let me first say IT'S ABOUT MOTHERFUCKIN TIME!
Now that reality has set it, let me be Debbie Downer. Yes I know past teams would have screwed up this game and lost, but this should have been a complete embarrassing blowout for them. Like - 48 rushing yards blowout. It should have been 31-0 with them under 75 total yards.
Shea has to be better at making decisions and Harbaugh needs to remove the tampon and find his balls with better play calls. This conservative bullshit on the road won't cut it against OSU. We let them hang around wayyyy too long. This should have been 20-0 by halftime.
Fuck I hate sports.
Whew I feel better now. Great win Go Blue!
October 20th, 2018 at 8:02 PM ^
Mysogynist and one of those people who “BAW!!”s about things. I bet you’re fun to hang out with.
October 20th, 2018 at 9:22 PM ^
Not sure how he was misogynistic but the fact his takeaway from blowing out a rival is to complain and say “I hate football” says everything I need to know about him.
October 20th, 2018 at 9:48 PM ^
The "remove tampon" line didn't give it away? That phrase needs to die.
October 20th, 2018 at 9:55 PM ^
yup. just an awful phrase.
October 21st, 2018 at 1:52 PM ^
You're unclear how telling a man to remove his tampon is misogynistic?
I don't think that word means what you think it does!
October 20th, 2018 at 8:09 PM ^
volnedan=asshole!!! have you ever in your life played a football game in weather like that? have you ever played football? another expert that knows nothing about the game.
October 20th, 2018 at 9:20 PM ^
Like every one else on here, I'm not an expert. Yes I played high school football, but it doesn't mean much.
And asshole, really? Grow up dude. Don't get mad when someone calls it like it is. Weather didn't make Nordin shank the kick. Or Shea decide not to hit DPJ in the end zone. Or Harbaugh get conservative with FANTASTIC field position.
With all the gifts we clearly handed to MSU we still crushed them. Yes I'm happy, but not satisfied. BPONE
October 20th, 2018 at 9:23 PM ^
It’s funny that you didn’t even recognize why he called you an asshole. That’s saying something.
October 21st, 2018 at 11:41 AM ^
Even after all of your complaints, Michigan won by 14, and MSUs only scoring drive was of 15 yards or so. MSU’s longest drive was 45 yards, 55 coming from penalties.
There is very little to complain about as far as footballing goes.
Please recognize that what you are actually complaining about is your feelings of insecurity about the outcome of the game lasting longer than you would have preferred.
October 21st, 2018 at 11:50 AM ^
SEVEN yards believe, but your point remains.
October 20th, 2018 at 10:22 PM ^
WTF does "remove the tampon" even mean?
October 21st, 2018 at 9:20 AM ^
See Jonnie, boys and girls aren't built the same ........
October 21st, 2018 at 10:32 AM ^
Is it not yet clear to you that Harbaugh prepares differently for different teams?
"This conservative bullshit on the road won't cut it against OSU."
Good thing we were playing MSU is shitty weather.
October 20th, 2018 at 7:42 PM ^
Loved Chase’s comment. Shove it right down Sparty throat. No reason to respect them. They have no respect for us. 6-6 for them. Please tell Coach D that it is OVER.
October 20th, 2018 at 7:52 PM ^
Incorrect. It's not about respect it's about class. They don't have it but we are supposed to. Plus we have no right at all to claim it--our record is terrible against them
October 20th, 2018 at 8:05 PM ^
actually our record against them is amazing!!
October 20th, 2018 at 8:18 PM ^
Football games before 2008 don't count!
/s
October 20th, 2018 at 8:12 PM ^
WTF is terrible about 70-36-9?
October 20th, 2018 at 8:58 PM ^
It’s just a little off the mark when we are talking about the coaches at both schools. Most people on this blog weren’t alive for 2/3 of those years
October 21st, 2018 at 1:57 PM ^
Seriously!
These ppl sound like bucknuts, trying to say things that happened before they were born don't count!
Look at the entirety of the series- 2008-17 are a blip, and hopefully an anomaly!
Now that we have this W, I DO hope we'll be more aggressive in play calling in future matchups!
October 20th, 2018 at 8:12 PM ^
So they get to thump their fucking chests because dantonio beat up on the two worst coaches in Michigan history?
Save me the sob story.. under harbaugh we have had horrible qbs and still managed to be 2-2.
Barring a miracle in two games we should be 4-0.
Msu sucks
October 20th, 2018 at 8:29 PM ^
So 2-2 equals little bro? Thanks for living down to the M arrogance stereotype
October 20th, 2018 at 8:48 PM ^
arrogance is earned.
October 20th, 2018 at 11:04 PM ^
Sorry. No.
I tried to be nice in college when we owned them. They don’t care.
i tried to be nice when we were down. It didn’t matter.
they used the little brother bullshit for a decade as an excuse to sling slander upon slander on us.
I know victims of Nasser.
I’m done.
they are the most butt hurt fan base in college football. And we can’t do anything to assuage them. I hope they choke on it.
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