Wolverine247 Board

frustrated punch

Yes it was. Sparty fans can't comprehend the fact that Gholston was dominated by Lewan, which led him to lashing out with the punch to Lewan, the facemask twist to Denard, and the arm-whip to Lewan.

Many MSU fans would tell you that Marcus Rush is a better DE than Gholston.

Either way, let's be honest, MSU had a pretty decent defensive game against UM last year with 10 TFL's for 60+ yards, 7 sacks, and holding Shoelaces to 42 net rushing yards. Not many teams were able to do that.

As for Worthy, he was pretty quiet with 2 tackles, one less tackle than Gholston had in the game.

Knock on wood of course that there aren't any injuries on UM's OL, which is probably more than likely half way through the season. I think MSU's defense will be fine in this game, it should be the one of if not the best defense in the conference. They do return 6 players that were at least 2nd team All-Big Ten. I'm more worried about MSU's passing game.

Not many MSU that post on message boards here at 247 would say that about Gholston. [pinocchio]

Narduzzi called a great game, but on topic, Gholston was manhandled by Lewan, leading to Gholston lashing out in frustration.

On Worthy, Gholston himself stated that there is a noticable difference with Worthy no longer plugging the middle during the spring.

Maybe not, but it should be a better defense than 2011's.

Gholston is a perplexing player to me in a lot of ways. I only watched MSU's 'big games' (i.e. us, UW, ND, Neb, bowl), but Gholston has not impressed me. He has all the physical tools, but he doesn't get off blocks; Lewan neutralizing him was not unique. He uses his freak athletisism to chase a lot of plays down from the backside or downfield. A lot of time a backside DE is left unblocked, as they usually don't in on the play. I think the best way to neutalize Gholston is to run right at him actually. He should be able to beat more players 1-on-1 with his range and speed, but just doesn't seem to. Maybe he'll improve more this upcoming year.

Depth comes into play if any injury occurs, along the oline or at QB. Going off your "lines" statement, of course there is a greater chance of injury when talking about 5, if you are stating oline only, or 9 if you are including both lines. In either case though, Michigan will be fine with an injury here or there along the "lines".

As for MSU and their china doll QB, well that is why they play the games.

You need depth and rotation on the DL, but it's never advantageous to be shuffling O-Linemen in and out. Ideally, you'd have the same 5 guys start together all season.

On top of that, especially for us, QB depth is vital, as Denard's style of play results in him spending a fair number of plays on the sideline.

Nice reference.

MSU's defense is going to be very balanced. Aside from some questions at the DT position, every player brings talent and experience. I think beating MSU's defense is going to be about more than neutralizing a single defender.

Any news on UM's WR and TE battles? If I remember correctly, those were the only real questions aside from OL depth.