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College Football

Michigan football: Grading the Wolverines after big win against Michigan State

Tom Brew

By Tom Brew

Published:

Michigan can’t win big games? Stop it. Michigan can’t beat good teams on the road? Stop that, too.

The Wolverines went into to East Lansing, and they made their presence felt, a little bit before the game, and a whole lot during the game, winning 21-7 in a game that featured a long weather delay and a whole lot of chippy play from both sides.

It was the first time since 2006 that Michigan had beaten a ranked team on the road, a streak that had reached 17 games. It was also just the third time in 11 tries that they have beaten the Spartans.

Here’s what I liked — and didn’t like — about Michigan’s win over Michigan State on Saturday:

What I liked

Michigan’s No. 1 defense allows only 94 yards

To say that Michigan’s defense completely dominated the game is even a massive understatement. Michigan State did absolutely nothing all day long, with their only points coming on a trick play. To hold a ranked team to 94 yards — in their stadium, no less — is amazing. “The defense was an absolute gem, the kind of statistics you dream about,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said after the game. There’s no doubt about that. Best defense in the country? They get my vote, if I had one.

Shea Patterson hits the long ball at the right time

Michigan State’s defense is pretty good, too, and Michigan knew that moving the ball against them was going to be difficult. It was. But once quarterback Shea Patterson had a chance to make a big play, he did it. He hit speedy Donovan Peoples-Jones for a 79-yard score that broke the game open.  “That was the most perfect pass that he’s delivered,” Peoples-Jones later said.

The ‘can’t win big games’ label can go away now

In back-to-back weeks, Michigan has dusted off two ranked teams in Wisconsin and Michigan State, avenging losses to both from a year ago. It was huge. “Our team never blinked,” Harbaugh said after the game. “The entire time they played hard, they played smart. From the pre-game shenanigans, there was no backing down.” This win was big, because Michigan State has had their number for years. Now, it’s looking like Michigan is the best team in the Big Ten. That means, of course, that there will be many more  “big games” down the road.

What I didn’t like

Pregame antics didn’t have to happen

That was stupid and it shouldn’t happen. This rivalry is too good on its own. Enough said.

Offense still not finishing drives as much as they should

I’ll give enough props to Michigan State’s defense to know that they can make you look bad, but Michigan still can get better in keeping drives alive, and finishing them off with scores. They had three drives in a row inside Michigan State territory in the first half and came away with no points, being forced to punt twice and missing a field goal. That’s not taking care of winning the field position battle.

Tom Brew

Tom Brew has been a recognized reporter in Big Ten sports for decades. Among other projects, he writes about Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.