MSU quarterback Brian Hoyer vs. U-M pass defense
Hoyer ranks second in the Big Ten in pass efficiency, completing 60 percent of his throws, and he has thrown for 11 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He’ll be up against U-M’s second-ranked pass defense in the Big Ten. Numbers aside, the Wolverines secondary has never been anything to gloat about, and this year is no exception. In this close match, the key will be turnovers. The question is whether Hoyer can avoid throwing a momentum-changing interception.
Edge: MSU
U-M quarterback Chad Henne vs. MSU pass defense
The Wolverines were able to beat Minnesota last Saturday without Henne (big surprise), but word is he will be playing in this week’s game. MSU’s pass defense is capable at times, but will have a hard time handling Henne’s favorite targets downfield: Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington. The two have combined for 95 receptions, 1,392 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season.
Edge: U-M
MSU running backs vs. U-M run defense
MSU has the second-best run game in the conference, and it will need to show up in a big way Saturday. Running backs junior Javon Ringer and senior Jehuu Caulcrick have some extra motivation this week — as if they needed any.
The team that moves the ball on the ground more successfully usually wins in this contest.
After getting lit up for 331 rushing yards by Oregon, U-M has tightened the bolts, holding its last seven opponents to an average of 95 rushing yards per game.
Edge: Even
U-M running backs vs. MSU run defense
The Spartans have not been able to shut down talented running backs all season. Iowa’s Albert Young ran for 179 yards, Ohio State’s Chris Wells for 221, Wisconsin’s P.J. Hill for 155 and Pittsburgh’s LeSean McCoy for 172.
Now they get Mike Hart — arguably one of the most talented backs in the nation — and he’s got a future top-10 NFL draft pick blocking for him in offensive lineman Jake Long.
Edge: U-M
MSU wide receiver Devin Thomas vs. U-M wide receiver Mario Manningham
Yes, I know these two do not square off against each other simultaneously on the field, but this is one of the game’s most exhilarating matchups.
Neither the Spartans nor the Wolverines have a secondary capable of containing these two playmakers. Manningham leads the Big Ten in receiving yards, and Thomas comes in second, averaging only two fewer yards per game.
It pains me to do this, but while I think it will be close, I think Manningham has the better player delivering passes to him.
Edge: U-M
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Compiled by Jon Schultz
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