TheWolverine.com - Staff Predictions: Michigan at MSU

October 2, 2009

The Staff of TheWolverine.com

Michigan State is 1-3 heading into the annual showdown with Michigan, but could right the ship with a win over its [more hated than ever] rival. Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio is pulling out all the stops in preparation.

For one, apparently preparing for the Wolverines during Wisconsin week the way he did during Ohio State week last year. Both resulted in embarrassing losses for the Spartans a week prior to the rivalry game - a small price to pay, however, if MSU can pull off a second win in a row over Michigan for the first time since the 1960s.

In that sense, yes ? it's the same old Spartans. Lose to Central Michigan? Hey, beat Michigan and all is forgiven. Seem headed for 5-7? Fine ? just make sure one of the five is against Michigan.

On the surface, the Spartans seem to need this one more, for the simple fact that for as much as they've won the battle for positive press, the only newspaper clippings that really matter are those reporting positive results.

Just don't tell that to Dantonio, whose team continues with the loose lips (defensive end Trevor Anderson's latest - "I look forward to saying I've never lost to Michigan." What he really meant was, "I really, really wish they'd offered! I'll show them - probably with two or three personal fouls!"). Though we weren't in East Lansing to catch Dantonio's comments this week, we're guessing the Q & A went something like this ?

Reporters: "Coach, Tate Forcier ?"

Dantonio: "You mean little brother? You thought Mike Hart was small? Who's the real little brother here?"

Reporters: "Um ? yeah. But with Forcier, he and Kirk Cousins are two of the better ?"

Dantonio: "Kirk stubbed his toe again last week, but he will rise again. Just not at Keith Nichol's expense."

Reporters: "Well, that wasn't really the question ?"

Dantonio: "No? You want to know about the defense instead? We will rally back on defense. And we'll return offensive linemen Joel Nitchman and Joel Foreman, and they will rise up and smite the oppressors from the east with a vim! And the beaten shall check themselves on their way to the busses as proof, once again, that pride cometh before the fall. And we shall erect billboards on I-96th as their blood spilleth into the Red Cedar ?"

SID John Lewandowski: "Okay, Coach ? time to wrap this thing up. Guys, a little help here ?"

Congratulations to Josh Helmholdt (we think), who seemed to be closest in glancing at last week's picks. This week's winner receives a copy of MSU basketball coach Tom Izzo's new book, "Why Couldn't I Have Accomplished all this Somewhere Relevant?" and two bottles of What Odor? (as seen on TV ? eliminates the smell of smoke on clothes, drapes, carpet and even sofas!).

The picks:

Chris Balas: Mark Dantonio was prophetic after all ? pride really does come before the fall. In fact, it doesn't usually disappear until early fall in East Lansing.

But Michigan is still rebuilding (albeit a bit ahead of schedule) and the Spartans know this is their last chance to salvage what's already been a disappointing season. They will be the better (and healthier) team, and they'll play like it Saturday.

Michigan State 34, Michigan 24

John Borton: The last thing Michigan fans want is for the Michigan-Michigan State game to become a referendum on freshman quarterback Tate Forcier's present value to the team. Because if it does, it probably means Forcier is helping signal in plays one-handed from the sidelines, after getting forced out of the action. Does he mean THAT much to U-M's effort right now? Yes, he does.

Michigan (With A Full-Force Forcier) 38, Michigan State 35
Michigan State 31, Michigan (Minus FFF) 20

Michael Spath: The lack of respect that newcomer Jon Chait has shown my colleagues and I at TheWolverine.com just sickens me. Doesn't he know that when you taunt an older, experienced and more successful sibling -- I mean colleague - it results in humiliation and humility. It's time for your comeuppance Jon.

Now if only that meant I was picking the Maize and Blue, I'd feel a little better about kicking his butt.

Michigan State 35, Michigan 28

Josh Helmholdt: The last time Michigan lost to Michigan State, they came back and beat up on the Spartans 49-3 the very next season and I'm thinking..... there's not a prayer of that happening this year. I gave Michigan the edge earlier this week because they carry more momentum into this game, and I'll stick with that prediction, but in truth I see it as a pick 'em.

Michigan 41, Michigan State 40

Matt Pargoff: Michigan's defense isn't good. Same goes for the Sparties' D. The difference is that Michigan has found a way to win games, while Michigan State has not.

Not a real complicated formula here. The Wolverines win because they're winners and Spartans lose because they're ... well, you get the point.

Michigan 45, Michigan State 35

Jonathan Chait: Michigan State is not a very good team. They do have one strength, though, and that's throwing the ball, which is a problem given that Michigan has only one good cornerback.

If Forcier can play the whole game, Michigan should pile up huge yards. If he can't, that takes State's biggest Achilles heel (the secondary) off the table, makes it hard for the offense to control the ball, and probably leads to more tunrovers.

If Forcier is available all game long, I'm thinking Michigan 38-31. If he takes one hit and goes out for the day, MSU 41-20. My final guess is a hedge based on the uncertainty of how much he'll play.

Michigan State 31, Michigan 30

Ace "The Intern" Anbender: "Michigan State hasn't beaten Michigan in back-to-back games since 1967. Might want to mothball those "Beat Michigan Again" shirts...

Michigan 38, Michigan State 34

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