<p>and MSU is up next. Of the 6 tough games we play in a row, at Notre Dame, MSU and Iowa are the ones that scared me the most entering the season. MSU still scares me. Do not let their implosion vs Notre Dame or their horrible loss vs Illinois fool you. MSU will be ready to play on Saturday. Unless Michigan can put them away early, this game could go either way. Remember we have needed OT to put them away in 2004 and 2005. Hopefully, it won't come to that! The key is Stanton. If he is healthy and if the OL protects him well, MSU will stay in the game. If he isn't healthy or if the MSU OL cannot hold out front 7, Michigan should be able to win with ease.</p>
<p>msu is going DOWN.
and alexandre, i PMed you. i would greatly appreciate your feedback and expertise :]</p>
<p>What kind of bothered me was that #6 Michigan beat Minnesota by the rather modest score of 28-14, home advantage for the latter regardless (Cal beat Minnesota at home 42-17, when Cal was #22). The rankings will implode if Michigan loses.</p>
<p>The final score does not reflect the degree to which Michigan dominated Minnesota. Michigan controlled the time of possession (40 minutes to 20 minutes) and with the exception of the last 4 minutes, was in control of the entire game. And you cannot underestimate the influence of home field advantage...especially travelling all the way to the West Coast. Minnesota is going to be much tougher at Minnesota than at Cal. </p>
<p>This said, I agree that losing to Michigan State would drop us from #6 to #14 or #15 in the polls. We cannot afford losing to any team unless it is OSU. If we go into OSU ranked #2 or #3 and we lose to a #1 OSU, we would only drop to #5 or #6. However, any other loss would be devastating.</p>
<p>Michigan got a bit sloppy in the second half which allowed Minnesota to get back into the game. I wasn't so worry about Minnesota's running game last week. We had problem chasing elusive quarterbacks in the past ... that's why we had to go to OT to beat MSU in 2004 and 2005. Let's hope our new defensive coordinator has corrected the problem this year.</p>
<p>The next few weeks are gonna be rough. MSU, Penn State, and Iowa all in a row.</p>
<p>doesnt stanton have bruised or broken ribs?</p>
<p>Yes, there is a good chance that Stanton and their leading RB, Javon Ringer, will miss the game due to injuries. Even if they play, they won't be at 100%. Of course, if Stanton doesn't play, their chances are reduced significantly.</p>
<p>As a loyal Spartan rest assured, you guys have nothing to worry about -- not as long as the Clueless Cowboy trolls our sidelines.</p>