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In week six of the college football season, there is an extremely important Big Ten game between Michigan and Michigan State. Michigan’s season started with extremely high expectations. The Wolverines were in the preseason top 15 according to the AP poll. Currently, the Wolverines are ranked seventh in the country and boast an undefeated record. Meanwhile, the Michigan State Spartans are currently 3-1 and are looking for a huge win to potentially put them in the top 25.
Michigan’s success so far this season is due, in large part, to its phenomenal defense. Through four games this season, The Wolverines are tied for eighth in points allowed per game and will look to dominate the battle at the line of scrimmage against the Spartans. Leading the Wolverines defense is senior defensive lineman Chase Winovich. Winovich already has five sacks in the first four games and will need to have a big game in order for the Wolverines to slow down this Spartan offense.
A big storyline leading up to this contest involves the starting quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines. For the first four games of the season, senior quarterback Wilton Speight was the starter before getting injured against Purdue last week. Speight had struggled throughout the season as he only completed 54.3% of his passes while throwing two interceptions. Replacing Speight is senior John O’Korn. Korn completed 18 of 26 passes against Purdue and threw one touchdown. However, Korn also threw an interception and was sacked four times. One has to wonder how well Korn will play with only one week of practice as the starting quarterback. If Korn’s timing is a little off with his receivers, it can be a long night for the Wolverines.
Michigan State’s offense is led by sophomore quarterback Brian Lewerke. So far this season, Lewerke has thrown for eight touchdowns and only two interceptions along with 963 yards. However, Lewerke has yet to play on the road this season and one has to wonder if he will yield similar results in “The Big House.” Lewerke is also the leading rusher for the Spartans and is average 6.5 yards per carry. If Michigan State has any hope of upsetting the Wolverines, Lewerke will need to have a great game in both the passing and the running game.
As for my prediction, I think the Wolverines win this game by a touchdown. Michigan’s defense is elite and I expect it to stop Lewerke from generating big plays with his legs. One also has to assume that Michigan will get a big energy boost from the home crowd and will use it to outlast their in-state rival.
Michigan vs. Michigan State: Game Time, TV Channel & Viewing Details
Event: Michigan vs. Michigan State
Date: Saturday, October 7, 2017
Start Time: 7:30 P.M. EST
Location: Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, MI
Broadcast: ABC
How To Watch Michigan vs. Michigan State Online & Mobile
ABC App
Mobile user can watch the game using the ABC app (iTunes Store | Google Play Store | Amazon Store| Windows). You’ll need a cable subscription though, like you would watching it on your desktop.
Sling TV
Sling TV is a service that allows subscribers to watch live and on-demand TV channels on TVs, computer or mobile device. It’s just like a cable or satellite TV service, except it’s delivered over the internet. You can sign up for Sling TV’s free 7-day trial. If you cancel your subscription within seven days, you will not be charged. Once signed up, simply download the app for your computer or mobile device to start watching.
