Michigan-Michigan State Rivalry Unravels in More Ways Than One

 In a rivalry such as Michigan and Michigan State, games are usually heated, competitive, and close.  Though the scoreboard may not indicate it, the game could have gone to either team, providing that the Michigan State offense was able to put up a few more points.  They couldn’t pass, run, or kick the ball.  By the same token, the Michigan Wolverines were able to put up 29 points, half of those came from kicker, Jake Moody’s foot, so their offense was not much better when it counted.  Though these type of games are heated on the field, what occurred after the game is unacceptable, and should not be part of any athletic contest.  Consequently, it appears the actions of the Michigan State players will find their way into the criminal realm. Rivalries are supposed to be addressed on the field, as a result of wanting to beat the other team in competition, not through violence off of it.

Although Michigan scored 27 points in this game, it was quite apparent that both teams struggled offensively throughout the game.  Despite Blake Corum’s 177 rushing yards to achieve his 5th straight 100 yard rushing game, the Wolverines only scored 2 touchdowns.  Furthermore, a majority of their points were scored as a result of Jake Moody’s five field goals.  Conversely, the Spartans struggled further on offense, exhibited through their 7 points of offense, while only rushing for 58 yards on 23 attempts.  To compound matters for the Spartans, they only had 215 yards of passing on 30 attempts from Peyton Thorne.  Unlike the Wolverines who attempted 5 field goals, MSU was unable to muster any.  This statistic alone was likely the difference in the game.  Though both offenses were anemic, the Wolverines were able to generate enough offense on multiple fronts to win the game.

Even to the most casual fan, it is quite possible that defense would emerge as the over arching theme of this game.  Touchdowns were at a premium throughout the game, a total of three were scored by both teams.  Michigan State had a bend, but don’t break defense, forcing Michigan to score mostly on field goals.  Michigan was able to take advantage of a couple of special teams mistakes, blocking a punt on a bad snap, and subsequently scoring a touchdown deep in Michigan State territory.  Though both defenses performed well, Michigan’s defense was able to capitalize on Michigan State’s mistakes, which lead them to victory.

Unfortunately, a healthy rivalry on the field was overshadowed by conflict off the field.  A Michigan player was assaulted in the tunnel by some Michigan State players.  So far, four MSU players have been suspended by the team indefinitely, undoubtedly, more to follow if more indiscretions are discovered.  It goes without saying that this type of behavior is unacceptable within the confines of competition.  If all involved are not disciplined to the fullest extent, justice will not be achieved. We must always keep in mind that football is just a game, and in the grand scheme of things is not that important, and is definitely not worthy of potentially inflicting life long injury to another player.