Michigan State Preview 2012

The Spartans come to Ann Arbor having defeated the Wolverines four seasons in a row for the first time since 1959-1962, and no Spartan team has defeated Michigan five years in a row. The other teams who did it four in a row were 1950-1953 when Oosterbaan coached against former Michigan assistant, Biggie Munn, and 1934-1937 when Charlie Bachman defeated Kipke. Michigan leads the series, 67-32-5 and at Michigan Stadium, 33-18-3. Mark Dantonio is 4-1 against the Wolverines (2-0 in Michigan Stadium) and Brady Hoke is 0-1 against the Spartans. Michigan is ranked #25 nationally with a 4-2 record with losses to Alabama and Notre Dame while Michigan State is 3-3 with losses to Iowa, Ohio State and Notre Dame.

Andrew Maxwell has had a rough season so far at quarterback. The Junior is 139 of 256 with 6 TDs and 4 interceptions for a +2 differential. He ranks 100th and 11th in the Big Ten in passing efficiency. The Spartans have converted on 37% of their 3rd down conversion ranking 10th in the Big Ten. The Spartan offense is ranked 102nd nationally in scoring offense, and 11th in the Big Ten. On the bright side, the Spartans have converted 21 of 24 red zone possessions into scores, 13 TDs, 9 by rushing; also, they lead the Big Ten in time of possession. Le'Veon Bell is their workhorse at running back. The 244 lbs. Junior averages nearly 131 yards per game, ranking him #6 nationally and #2 in the Big Ten behind Denard Robinson. Despite Bell's outstanding running, the Spartans only rank 84th nationally in rushing offense, 10th in the Big Ten. Bell is also a threat catching the ball with screens and short passes in the open field; he has 24 receptions in 7 games. Senior Larry Caper, Sophomores Jeremy Langford and Nick Hill are Bell's backups. At wide receiver, Sophomore Keith Mumphery, 285 lbs. Junior Tight End Dion Sims, Junior Bennie Fowler, Sophomore Tony Lippett and Freshman Aaron Burbridge have all caught double digits of passes. Fowler and Sims have caught 2 TDs each. Sims did not make this week's depth chart, and Dantonio has not made clear why not. The Offensive Line is led by 5th Year Seniors at Center Ethan Ruhland and Right Guard Chris McDonald. The Left Tackle is Junior Dan France, the Left Guard is Junior Blake Treadwell or Redshirt Freshman Jack Allen, and the Right Tackle is Sophomore Skylar Burkland.

The Spartan Defensive Coordinator, Pat Narduzzi, boldly stated at the end of the game in 2011 that, "That's what we tried to do, 60 minutes of unnecessary roughness," The statement was in response to a question about all the penalties that the Spartans took in the game. One thing is clear, the Spartans always play this game with unsportsmanlike intent, and the history of penalties in this series shows the execution of that intent.

The Spartans are led on defense by Junior MIKE Linebacker, Max Bullough; he has 58 tackles. Junior Denicos Allen is the WILL Linebacker and Senior Chris Norman is the STAR or SAM Linebacker; they have 42 and 31 tackles. Expect to see Taiwan Jones as well at linebacker. On the defensive line, the Spartans are led by Strong Side Defensive End Junior William Gholston and Sophomore Marcus Rush at Rush End. Senior Anthony Rashad White is the Nose Tackle, and Sophomore James Kittredge is the Defensive Tackle. Junior Micah Reynolds will also see action on the defensive line. Darqueze Dennard is the Field or Wide Side Corner, and Senior Johnny Adams is the Boundry or Short Side Corner. Junior Isaiah Lewis and Sophomore Kurtis Drummond are the safeties. Redshirt Freshman R.J. Williamson and Sophomore Jairus Jones will also see action at safety.

Senior Dan Conroy is one of the most dependable kickers in the Big Ten hitting 14 of 19 so far in 2012. Sophomore Mike Sadler is averaging 43.9 on 39 punts with 15 downed inside the 20. Sophomore Nick Hill returns punts and kickoffs with averages of 9 and 22 per return on each. Freshman Taybor Pepper is the long snapper.

There is no doubt that the running game is critical to both teams. In the last 42 games, the team who had the most rushing yardage won 39 times. The Spartan defense is good, and will be well prepared to stop Denard as they've done in the past two seasons. Michigan has momentum, and will come out fast. If they take an early lead, I don't see the Spartans coming from behind. I think Michigan will pressure Maxwell and stop Bell and the MSU ground game, and will respond with a big offensive day at home. The Spartans will be unable to convert 5 in a row.