Denard Robinson is a runner. That is what made him a Heisman candidate this year and last. His breakaway speed can be breathtaking at times.
So when Robinson is rushed like Michigan State rushed him and forced out of the pocket, into rushed throws and into a state of complete disorientation, running seems to be what Robinson would normally do.
Except Robinson usually runs forward, deftly dodging defensive linemen and linebackers and making positive plays out of nothing. Robinson is not usually running backwards, trying desperately to keep plays alive. Robinson is not usually heaving throws far off target and looking completely out of sync.
Robinson usually runs with purpose. Robinson is usually not running for his life.
Michigan State’s defense will do that, even to one of the best offensive players in the country. Michigan had only 250 total yards of offense as Michigan State forced the Wolverines to punt on seven consecutive drives following a game-opening touchdown drive.
Even with field position for much of the game and a large number of snaps inside the Spartans’ territory, the Wolverines managed only 14 points. The Spartans ran away with a 28-14 win to retain the Paul Bunyan Trophy and stick it to “big brother” for the fourth straight year.
The Wolverines struggled in every area where they had success during their first road trip to Northwestern last week.
Michigan failed to convert on third downs, going 3 for 15. And Robinson struggled to throw the ball, completing 9 for 24 attempts for 123 yards. He added just 42 yards on 18 carries as the Spartans kept him under control for most of the game.
Robinson really had only two highlight reel moments. A stunning escape from the backfield and 15-yard scamper for Michigan’s first score. He then laced a perfect throw to Roy Roundtree on a slant for a 34-yard touchdown that put Michigan within seven.
Even with the Michigan defense standing stout against the Spartans, Robinson could not get his offense moving forward enough to score. The wind did play around with both offenses, but Robinson was just missing receivers all day.
Meanwhile, Michigan State bided its time to make its move.
The Wolverines pinned the Spartans back for much of the first half. But on the first drive of the second half, Michigan State struck with a bruising drive. It ended with Keshawn Martin running down the sideline for a 10-yard catch. He later added a 13-yard catch and run for a 14-point lead.
MSU QB Kirk Cousins finished with 120 yards on 13-for-24 passing, and RB Edwin Baker added 167 yards on the ground, including a short touchdown on the first drive of the game for Michigan State.
The Spartans offense might have been able to provide more support for a defense that was stifling the high-powered Wolverines, but it wasn’t needed. In desperation, Isaiah Lewis sealed the victory with a 39-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Michigan State could revel in sending Michigan’s seniors home without a win over their in-state rival. And now the Spartans can revel in controlling their own destiny as the only undefeated team remaining in the Legends Division of the Big Ten.
For Michigan, now comes the response. After losses to the Spartans the last three years, the Wolverines have seen their seasons fall apart. Saturday was a painful reminder that Michigan is not quite the national power it used to be yet. The question for first-year coach Brady Hoke is how to prevent 6-1 from becoming 6-2 and then 6-3, as has happened in year’s past.
In the Wolverines rebuilding project, Saturday’s loss to the Spartans could be a turning point one way or the other.
