Observations on the win over the Spartans, 32-23

Michigan gained 6 red zones, and converted all 6 for 30 points; Michigan State converted 6 red zone for 20 points. The Wolverines gain 5 points off two Spartan turnovers while Michigan State failed to score on a Michigan turnover.

Offense had a great first half with 27 points, but could only manage 3 points in the second half. The Wolverines had 24 first downs, 436 net yards, and were 6 of 13 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Wilton Speight was 16 of 25 for 244 yards; the most impressive thing though was how Speight avoided several sacks and hurries by the Spartan defense. Amara Darboh was the Offensive Player of the Game for Michigan with 8 catches for 165 yards. Eddie McDoom had two carries for 53 yards, and DeVeon Smith had 11 carries for 38 yards and 2 TDs. Jabrill Peppers had 5 carries for 24 yards and a TD. Karan Higdon had 10 carries for 44 yards. Jake Butt set up a score by hauling in a 26 yard pass. We were forced into 3 punts and turnover in the second half by MSU. Kudos to MSU for a great second half on defense! The Spartans were led by Riley Bullough with 14 tackles; Chris Frey had 9 tackles. Ed Davis had 8 stops, and Grayson Miller got 7 tackles.

Defense looked horrible! The Spartans shredded the Wolverine defense for 401 yards, 217 on the ground with 23 first downs. They used 3 quarterbacks, and were 5 of 15 on 3rd and 4th down conversions with 13 of 28 passes completed for 184 yards and 2 TDs. L.J. Scott pounded the Wolverines with 22 carries for 139 yards and a TD. MSU attacked us on the edge, and were very successful; our Captain, Chris Wormley, had zero tackles, but 4 quarterback hits, Taco Charlton had 3 quarterback hits and 4 tackles. Michigan State's offensive line turned in a solid job by negating our defensive line; we created some pressure on their quarterbacks with 9 quarterback hits and 2 sacks, but not the pressure we'd hoped for. Ryan Glasgow, Matt Godin and Maurice Hurst combined for 2 solo tackles, one for loss and three assistas as a result of the stellar Spartan line play. Freshman Donnie Corley caught a TD pass, and had an impressive carry for 23 yards. Delano Hill led our tired defense with 11 tackles, Mike McCray had 8 stops, and Jabrill Peppers had 7 tackles including a sack. Jourdan Lewis had 6 tackles and an interception, but looked bad at the end of the game and took 2 or 3 pass interference calls. The best part of the day for our defense was two red zone stops including the missed field goal, and holding the Spartans to one of four 4th down conversions.

Special Teams were solid with Kenny Allen nailing three field goals, and punting three times with a 40.7 yard average with one inside the 20; he also kicked off 6 times for a 64.2 yard average, and 3 touchbacks. Our kickoff and punt return coverage was good. Geiger hit a record 52 yarder for MSU. Peppers got an 8 yard punt return, but our kickoff returns were bad; we had a 15 and 13 yarder by Peppers and Lewis. Peppers got a "nail in the coffin" 2 point fumble recovery with a second to go. Time of possession was almost even, and MSU had 3 more offensive plays.

We need some "home cooking" so bring on Maryland! A BIG second quarter set up this win! We did not finish well! We need to re-group, and learn from how MSU executed a great game plan to embarass our defense. Go Blue!

Observations on the first half with MSU Box Score Player Participation Highlights Post Game Press Conference

Michigan State Preview

Jim Harbaugh Press Conference for Michigan State on October 24 Players: Braden, Lewis and Wormley (Game Notes for MSU) (MSU Game Notes for Michigan and Here)