The Michigan Wolverines notched their fourth straight victory over the Michigan State Spartans with a 31-20 win in East Lansing. It wasn’t a flawless showing, but the Wolverines leaned on their grit and second-half adjustments to get it done.
There were some standout moments, plus a few obvious areas that could use work. Michigan’s push for a top spot in college football is still alive and well. Let’s get into the five biggest takeaways from the game.
Justice Haynes’ Triumphant Return
Justice Haynes came back after missing a game and a half with a side injury. The junior running back wasted no time, carrying the ball 26 times for 152 yards and two touchdowns.
He also caught three passes for 19 yards. Haynes was responsible for almost half of Michigan’s total yards and picked up 12 of the team’s 21 first downs.
His second-half performance? It set the tone for Michigan’s win, no question.
Key Stats from Haynes
- 26 carries for 152 yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 3 receptions for 19 yards
Haynes took over in the third quarter, racking up 64 yards and a touchdown on the opening drive. That surge gave Michigan a 17-7 lead and really seemed to energize the whole team.
Areas for Improvement
The Wolverines got the win, but let’s be honest—there’s stuff to fix. The passing game was the biggest letdown.
Even against a shaky Michigan State pass defense, Michigan couldn’t get much going. Bryce Underwood hit just 8 of 17 throws for 87 yards, and they moved the chains only four times through the air.
Passing Game Struggles
- Completed 8 of 17 pass attempts
- Logged only 4 first downs on 17 attempts
- 87 total passing yards
Special teams and defense had their rough patches, too. The punt game—both kicking and returning—wasn’t sharp, and missed tackles in run defense kept popping up, especially in the second quarter.
Maintaining Composure
One thing Michigan did really well? They kept their heads. Michigan State piled up 12 penalties for 105 yards, while Michigan was flagged just six times.
Coach Sherrone Moore kept hammering on discipline, and the Wolverines listened. They steered clear of the kind of dumb, emotional penalties that can swing a rivalry game.
Discipline in Action
- Only 6 penalties compared to Michigan State’s 12
- Maintained composure despite the rivalry’s intensity
That discipline paid off. Michigan capitalized on Spartan mistakes and put together some physical, tone-setting drives when things got tense.
Defensive Prowess
Michigan’s defense had a big say in this one, especially against Michigan State’s quarterback, Aidan Chiles. Chiles, known for his ability to run and throw, couldn’t get much going.
He completed just 14 of 28 passes for 130 yards and finished with negative-seven rushing yards on 15 carries. That’s not easy to do against a mobile QB.
Chiles’ Containment
- Completed 14 of 28 pass attempts
- 130 passing yards
- Negative-seven rushing yards on 15 carries
Michigan’s preparation and execution on defense stood out. They kept Chiles off-balance and never let him take over the game.
Looking Ahead
This win extends Michigan’s streak in the rivalry and says a lot about where both teams are headed. Michigan’s trying to polish up a young roster and chase the College Football Playoff.
Meanwhile, Michigan State is still searching for a Big Ten win and facing some tough questions about the future. It’s a rivalry, but right now, these programs are on very different paths.
Future Prospects
- Michigan’s 6-2 record
- Focus on refining team for College Football Playoff
- Michigan State’s 0-5 Big Ten record
The Wolverines have shown they can control the ground game and keep their cool under pressure. Their defense, honestly, hasn’t been too shabby either.
Still, if they’re hoping to make a real run, Michigan needs to sort out some issues in the passing game and special teams. Can’t ignore those if you want to hang with the best.
Curious for more details or just want to dig into the stats? You can check out the full article over at 247Sports.
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