PERSONNEL NEWS

Strategy And Personnel

The Sports Xchange

October 17, 2018 at 9:39 am.

GAME BREAKDOWN

KEY MATCHUP: Michigan’s offensive line has been superb during a six-game win streak, helping open holes for a run game that’s averaged 243.5 yards per game during that stretch. But now comes the task of dealing with Michigan State’s run defense, which has held five of its six opponents to 63 or fewer yards. The only one to top that number was last week’s opponent, Penn State, which ran for 205 yards.

DRAFT SLANT

–S Josh Metellus may be playing his way into a draft position worthy of leaving for the NFL after this season, especially if the junior has more games like he did against Wisconsin when he had five tackles and a 31-yard interception return. “He continues to be a solid tackler and a good coverage safety,” coach Jim Harbaugh said. “Great to see him get his hands on the ball with another interception. An ascending player.”

ROSTER REPORT:

–Though never too expansive when it comes to injury updates, coach Jim Harbaugh appears to be closing ranks on any sort of information that could aid Michigan State this week. He declined to discuss the status of DE Rashan Gary, who has missed the last two games because of a shoulder injury, or whether WR Tarik Black — who had foot surgery prior to the season opener — is making progress.

–Harbaugh also declined to say why FB Ben Mason, who normally sees significant snaps (and a few carries) each game, did not play against Wisconsin.

–DE Chase Winovich, who leads the Big Ten with 10.5 tackles for loss, was named to ESPN’s midseason All-American team.

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