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    Three things we learned against Michigan State
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    Three things we learned against Michigan State

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    2 minutes, 41 seconds Read

    Three takeaways from Angelique S. Chengelis of The Detroit News following Michigan's 24-17 win over Michigan State in Week 9.

    Have fun again

    Michigan coach Sherrone Moore has stressed several times in recent weeks that the players need to have fun. Two losses in a row can destroy all the happy feelings, but he encouraged them to remember that the game is supposed to be fun.

    “When you lose in general, you don’t have fun,” Moore said after the win over MSU. “We are competitors. We don't want to lose. That was a big part for me because I wanted the boys to enjoy the moment, embrace it and love it because they deserve it. You put so much pressure on yourself. There are external pressures that are exerted by many people, and there are pressures that they put on themselves that are probably even greater than everyone else puts on them.”

    One way to bring the fun back was to incorporate trick games that worked. Michigan ran a Flea Flicker, a halfback pass, receiver Semaj Morgan took a direct snap and Alex Orji ran Wildcat.

    “I always love trick plays,” Moore said. “I love different things. I love variety. These guys are kids and when you introduce them to a trick game they all smile. Everyone takes action. Plus, it gets people working on something.”

    Look, Ma, no sales!

    The Wolverines' offense has been undermined at times this season by turnovers. They had 15 players participate in the Michigan State game, including nine interceptions.

    Running back Donovan Edwards and quarterback Davis Warren said players placed an increased focus on reducing turnovers last week. Apparently it paid off.

    “We talked about it all week, eliminating turnovers and ball security,” Warren said. “The ball is the program, and that's the most important pillar of our offense: protecting the football.” We worked a little more on ball security, and at the end of the day, the quarterback holds the ball the most. It was up to me to protect the football. When I have the ball in my hands, I have the whole program in my hands. It was important to me and I took pride in taking care of the ball.”

    Warren had six interceptions in three games to start the season before losing the starting job, which he regained on Saturday.

    Take away the barrel

    Michigan State stacked the box and worked to slow down Michigan's running game, which was effective. The Wolverines entered the game ranked 45th in rushing and averaged 180.3 yards per game, their only statistical high on offense this season. Kalel Mullings ranked fifth in the Big Ten with 676 rushing yards.

    The Wolverines rushed for 119 yards on 31 carries against the Spartans, whose running back Nate Carter ran for 118 yards all by himself. Edwards and Mullings combined for 42 yards on 22 carries, and backup quarterback Alex Orji led the team with 64 yards on six carries, including a long of 29 yards.

    Michigan had more poise on offense against MSU and benefited from trick plays, but the deciding play will always be the deciding game, so the blocking needs to improve heading into Saturday's final four games, which begin with top-ranked Oregon.

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