College Football: Michigan vs. Michigan St.
By Jason McIntyre
Michigan State has won the last three in the series (Michigan won the previous six). The last time it was close? Back in 2009, when Tate Forcier went John Elway on the Spartans at the end of regulation before a sick TD run in overtime won it for Michigan St (4:36 mark):
Tough read on this one: Michigan last lost by more than six points in East Lansing in 1993. The Wolverines always play well there (last four defeats there since 1994 have been by a combined 14 points). Michigan State has had trouble with its running game (23 carries, 29 yards vs. Notre Dame). The defense has been formidable (nine sacks, 178 yards allowed against Ohio State). With a week off to prepare, will Sparty be able to thwart Denard Robinson?
Michigan has been a tremendous 2nd half team this year, which means Brady Hoke is getting it done in the locker room at halftime. I’ll take the Wolverines, narrowly – 27-23.
Noon alternatives:
South Carolina at Mississippi St.: The Gamecocks became less relevant with a home loss to Auburn. Still, I hope they maul overrated Dan Mullen and the sorry Bulldogs (3-3, 0-3 in the SEC). It’s been a tough week for Steve Spurrier, so I imagine he’ll either take out his frustrations and win big, or be distracted and lose. I think the Cocks whip ’em, 34-13.
Baylor at Texas A&M: Robert Griffin can put up some offensive stats, and so can the Aggies. Defensive-optional Big 12 games aren’t bad (with the sound off while doing something else). The Bears are +8.5, but I’ll ride with the Aggies because I don’t think Griffin can keep this up.