Honestly, a really, really good game for MSU.
There were a few things that the Spartans had to do:
#1 Shut down Wisconsin’s running game, particularly the very talented John Clay.
Check.
#2 Be effective against the potent Wisconsin’s passing game.
Check.
#3 Execute on offense and special teams.
Check.
Just a great performance. And Wisconsin played tough, but on this day, the Spartans just played a notch tougher. Sure, there were three turnovers in the first half that helped the Badgers put 10 points up. But the Spartans stayed focused and never got deflated as we’ve seen with some Spartans teams in the past. Martin’s punt return for a TD was a major high point, but it was the time-gobbling Q4 drive resulting in a TD that was really a thing of beauty.
Coach Dantonio was back in the hospital where he watched the game and remained in contact with his team throughout. I believe the Spartans wanted to make sure their coach could relax Saturday evening knowing the boys took care of business. Mission accomplished.
MSU moves to 5-0 overall, and 1-0 in the Big 10 along with Ohio State, Northwestern and Michigan. I’ll be interested to see what happens in the rankings this week.
Next week, the Spartans travel to Ann Arbor. MSU has beaten Michigan two years running, and a win next weekend would match the three game streak in ’65-’66-’67. Michigan is a much improved team this year, but their defense continues to struggle. I believe that the Spartans will be able to put points on the board. The real question is the Spartan defense versus Denard Robinson. That guys is a one-man touchdown machine, which is good and bad. It’s good in that he’s got a tweaked knee and one good hit could put him on the sideline. It’s bad because thus far, he’s been fairly durable and immensely effective. If MSU shuts Robinson down, they shut Michigan down – that’s the deal.
I wish it was another home game, but not so lucky this time. It should be one hell of a game.
So you know Michigan won as I already said they are 5-0. To be honest, they looked vulnerable. Indiana had more first downs (35 vs. 15), more time of possession (42:00 vs. 18:00) and more plays (98 vs. 45). But UofM has Shoelace. And with 18
Notre Dame finally racked up win number two. The 2-3 Fighting Irish took the fight to Boston College this week winning 31-13. Good for you Coach Kelly. Next week is the 2-2 Pitt at home, and I think Notre Dame will win that one, but by a slim margin.
Get well soon Coach Dantonio. Eyes on Michigan Spartans. GO GREEN!
