Here’s what the Wolverines look like from the eyes of The Michigan Daily’s Daniel Dash:

Q: Like Michigan State, the Michigan offensive identity starts with the running game. How important has the running game been for the Wolverines this year?

A: “Yeah that’s definitely what their offense is predicated on ... I think Michigan has had so much success because their backs have such a different approach and they play such complimentary football. I think a really big part of it is the fact that Hassan Haskins is a powerful, drop your shoulder, contact first runner while Blake Corum is a guy who’s gonna make you miss in the open field. And I think that given their different styles they’re able to keep defenses off guard and have a lot of success on the ground.”

Q: Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara has been steady but has not had to do a whole lot given the dominant defense and running game. If it comes down to it on Saturday, do you think McNamara is capable of making big-time throws late in the game? 

A: “Yeah I think he is certainly capable. I think the only place he’s really struggled consistently this year is in the short game. (He) throws a lot of passes that are a step or two in front of or behind his receivers coming over the middle. But, he’s done a really good job on deep balls, intermediate balls, and I think that if it comes down to it and they need Cade to make the throws, I have all the confidence in the world in him.”

Q: Michigan is the No. 2 scoring defense in the country, allowing just 14.3 points per game. Why have they been so effective, and who are some players to watch on that side of the ball?

A: “I think it really all starts with the scheme change. Michigan this year is mixing in more man and zone coverages, whereas in previous years, under Don Brown they were strictly a man coverage team. I think that’s making a really big difference that you’re seeing the impact in the statistics. Vincent Gray has taken a big step forward. D.J. Turner and Gemon Green are doing a really good job alternating as the number two corner. I think Daxton Hill’s transition from safety to nickel has gone about as smooth as possible and you're seeing the results of some really good coaching, some really good schemes and a defensive lineup (which) puts pressure on the quarterback, helping out the secondary.”

Q: Last year, we saw MSU come into Ann Arbor and stun the Wolverines for one of the Spartans’ two wins in 2020. What improvements have you noticed from Michigan that you think give them a better chance to win on Saturday?

A: “It definitely starts with the defense, especially against a team as explosive as Michigan State. Guys like (Jalen) Nailor, (Jayden) Reed, Kenneth Walker, I think they 're gonna have a tough time breaking free, the way the Michigan State offense succeeded against Michigan last year. I think a really big part of that came down to the success Rocky Lombardi had on the deep passing game. I don’t expect to see a lot of that his year with Michigan mixing in man and zone coverage.”

Q: What is your score prediction for the game?

A: “24-20 Michigan ... I think that a physical style of football really suits Michigan well. They’re a big offensive line, a big defensive line. They love to get after it in the trenches. I think that on paper Michigan is more talented. I think schematically they have taken a big step forward over the last year, and that's not to say I would be surprised if Michigan State won, but I will pick Michigan this Saturday.”