In a roundtable discussion for Maize n Brew, staff members analyzed the Michigan Wolverines’ recent performance against Rutgers and discussed the upcoming rivalry game against the Michigan State Spartans at The Big House.
Analysis of the Rutgers game
The staff members offered varying perspectives on Michigan’s recent contest against Rutgers, with several noting concerns regarding the team’s consistency across different phases of play. One contributor noted that while the offense provided a solid performance from start to finish, the defense and special teams made the game much closer than it should have been. Specific criticisms included the defense allowing an 80-yard touchdown pass to a backup quarterback and special teams struggles involving Trey Butkowski, who has missed four of his last six field goals. One staff member noted that Butkowski missed two field goals for a second week, allowing Rutgers to keep the game close.
Regarding the offense, the discussion focused on the performance of freshman quarterback Tommy Carr in his second career start. While some members viewed Carr as a bright spot who helped establish a passing identity and operate at a higher level, others raised concerns about the running game. One staff member argued that the offense’s inability to run the ball against a struggling rushing defense was concerning, suggesting that a large portion of the team’s 161 rushing yards came from Carr’s scrambles on broken plays. One staff member added that Carr was good enough to compensate for mediocre play calling.
Outlook for the Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry
As Michigan prepares to host Michigan State, the staff discussed the significance of the matchup. Although head coach Kyle Whittingham stated the game is not the most important rivalry game for the Wolverines, the staff weighed in on the emotional and seasonal value of the contest. One staff member observed that the game feels different this year because both teams are led by first-year head coaches and have struggled throughout the season. One staff member noted that while a win would feel good, it would not feel as great as victories during the Harbaugh era.
The rivalry game is scheduled to air at 7:30 p.m. on Peacock. One staff member emphasized the personal importance of the game, citing it as a barometer of success and a matter of bragging rights. This individual recalled being in a terrible mood while visiting an aunt in Toledo in 2021 due to the Kenneth Walker game, and nearly avoiding a high school homecoming dance during their junior year because they watched Trouble With The Snap
with two MSU fans. To finish the season on a positive note, the staff suggested Michigan must find a way to play well in all three phases, a feat that has not occurred all season.
Staff Predictions
Predictions for the matchup varied among the staff. One staff member predicted a 20-17 Michigan victory, noting that JJ Buchanan would record over 100 receiving yards, while John Henry Daley and Dom Nichols would each record a sack upon returning from injury. This prediction also noted that the defense would force multiple turnovers and limit Michigan State to under 100 rushing yards. Another staff member predicted a 24-14 Michigan win, suggesting the Wolverines would secure the victory with a last-second field goal to keep the Paul Bunyan trophy in Ann Arbor.
