We are going to know real quick if Michigan is going to compete on Saturday

I hate sounding too simplistic about this, but I gotta tell ya — we are going to know real quick — like 1/2 thru the first quarter — if Michigan is going compete for 60 min against Michigan State, or if they’re not. The Wolverines need to have a jump out of the gate like they did in the 2005 Spartan Stadium tilt — when they leaped out to the 14-0 lead in the first quarter and make a statement this is going to be a battle for the next 3 hours

And part of that magic formula for Michigan is walking into Spartan Stadium and embracing that full throttle level of animosity that is dripping all about you. The Wolverines need to not only throw caution to the wind and empty the offensive playbook (stating the obvious), but Greg Mattison’s defense has to serve up as creative blitz packages and secondary coverages known to mankind to slow down the potent MSU attack. If Conner Cook is allowed to sit back there with enough time to sit back and re-tie his shoe laces before making the play, oh baby, this is going to be a long day for the guys in the winged helmets. Gotta put pressure on Cook — just gotta. You do that, then those silly throws for a potential “pick six” or two will start to happen. But if you don’t, he will carve you up like 10 pound turkey on Thanksgiving.

Do I think it’s going to happen (a Michigan upset)? Ah, as much as I hate to say it, no. But I am confident the Wolverines will indeed compete in this game and will slow down MSU’s rushing attack, which is not nearly as impressive as it was last year. Michigan will hang around, before I am predicting the Spartans will notch yet another triumph over the school they hate so much, 20-7. Needless to say, I hope I am wrong. I was wrong when the Wolverine basketball team pulled a major upset of Michigan State at “Da Brez” in January 2011. I didn’t see them having a chance. That’s why you play the game (sorry, yet another shameless cliché)