Observations on the first half with the Spartans, 27-10

Michigan gains 5 red zones, and converts all 5 for 27 points; Michigan State converts one red zone for 7 points. The Wolverines gain 3 points off one Spartan turnover.

Offense is having their best game! The Wolverines rolled to 17 first downs, 287 net yeard, and were 2 of 4 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Wilton Speight was 9 of 14 for 158 yards. Eddie McDoom had two carries for 53 yards, and DeVeon Smith had 8 carries for 35 yards and 2 TDs. Jabrill Peppers had 3 carries for 21 yards and a TD. Amara Darboh had 6 catches for 111 yards. Jake Butt set up a score by hauling in a 26 yard pass. We haven't been forced into a punt or a turnover by MSU. Riley Bullough and Chris Frey lead the Spartans with 6 tackles each. Ed Davis and Grayson Miller have 5 stops each.

Defense has not been up to the task! The Spartans had nearly 17 minutes time of possession as they marched downfield on the opening kickoff. The advantage did not result in any offensive play advantage though as both teams had 33 each. Taco Charlton has been take to the "Woodshed" by Josiah Price and others as the MSU Offensive Line has been pushing our vaulted defensive line off the line of scrimmage. MSU had 9 first downs, 148 net yards, 114 on the groundand were 2 of 7 on 3rd and 4th down conversions. L.J. Scott pounded with 14 carries for 93 yards and a TD. Tyler O'Connor was 4 of 10 for 34 yards. Delano Hill has 8 tackles to lead the defense, but also took an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that gave MSU a first down when we had them stopped.

Special Teams were solid with Kenny Allen nailing two field goals. Geiger hit a record 52 yarder for MSU. Peppers got an 8 yard punt return.

Second Half needs to be turnover free with more solid defensive play! We stop their run, and we will prevail. The halftime score was my predicted final score. Don't take your foot off the accelerator, Harbaugh! Go Blue!!!