Impact of rain on Michigan State game?

Submitted by Caesar on October 18th, 2018 at 4:43 AM

Google is telling me that there's a 30-60% chance of rain just before kickoff and during the game. How do you think this will impact the game? 

State's apparent strength on defense is the DL against the run. The counterpoint is that State hasn't faced a really good rushing team. On offense, however, State dinked/dunked their way to a win against Penn State while their run game continued to suffer; passing seemed to be a big part of their success in that game. Overall, I'd say it's a wash, but I really think it depends on Michigan's interior DL health, especially after a bruising opponent like Wisconsin.

 

 

dragonchild

October 18th, 2018 at 8:19 AM ^

Well, bad weather makes Michigan stupid, especially in this game.  It's baffling, but whoever's the HC be it Hoke or Harbaugh, if the weather's bad and we're playing Nassar U. we gon' throw the ball around like it's a California summer.

Guy Fawkes

October 18th, 2018 at 8:24 AM ^

Severe impact. We all saw what the rain and wind did last season. Now this forecast doesn't seem as bad however, those predicted conditions will do nothing but decrease the flow of the game and limit the playmakers. Basically it brings MSU closer to Michigans level, hence last season. This game is also played on grass which brings more complications when wet. 

This is just so typical of Sparty luck, would anymore be surprised if its 50 and sunny for MSU's first drive TD and then a driving rainstorm for Michigans? Or another stupid game where whoever is winning after the 1st quarter basically wins the game. F this weather

Hab

October 18th, 2018 at 9:19 AM ^

And here I thought an anarchist such as yourself would be all for anything that would cause pain to the evil behemoth that is the NCAA.  Bad weather means a bad product, which is bad for the bottom line.  Freedom to the people, throw off the shackles of your oppressors and all.  

MacMarauder

October 18th, 2018 at 8:32 AM ^

I'm only happy when it rains... actually scratch that, I'm only happy if we win.  The rest is irrelevant.  Let's do this, Saturday can't get here quickly enough!

victors2000

October 18th, 2018 at 8:44 AM ^

To answer your question I think any effect the weather has will be overcome by solid play. The team who wants it the most, who minimizes the errors and executes well will be favored to win the game. Also, defending the trick plays will be awfully important, the plays that tilt field position or directly lead to scores; we need to be ready for them.

amaizenblue402

October 18th, 2018 at 9:08 AM ^

Rain usually makes an impact in the form of making a surface wet and slippery. That's probably the impact rain will have on the game. What kind of thread is this?

Perkis-Size Me

October 18th, 2018 at 9:12 AM ^

Logically, I say "whatever, if the rain comes, let it come." It's not like MSU won't be dealing with the exact same weather. Everyone on the field has to deal with it and play through it. It's going to come down to who makes the smartest decisions and who can best protect the football. Besides, if its raining during this game again, it may be another way to test the mental fortitude of this team and, if they win, make them all the more strong going forward.

Rain obviously played a huge part in last year's results, and now the rain is coming through again. How are they going to respond? Are they going to let it rattle them into playing not to make mistakes? That's exactly what Dantonio wants them to do. He's more than content to sit back, play mind games with you, wait for you to make a mistake, and then when you do, his team will be there to capitalize on it every. single. time.  

Fuck the rain. Fuck MSU, and fuck Dantonio. Go out there and exorcise your demons. 

Hab

October 18th, 2018 at 9:17 AM ^

IF it rains on Saturday, and IF that rain falls in East Lansing, and IF that rain in East Lansing falls during the UM/MSU football game, THEN and ONLY THEN...

is there a chance that people could get wet.  Bring a poncho.

1VaBlue1

October 18th, 2018 at 9:19 AM ^

It doesn't matter what the weather does.  This Michigan team is not the 2015 team - it won't have to play out of its collective mind to stay in it against a Sparty playoff team (deserved, or not).  This isn't the 2016 team, led by a respectable game manager at QB and content to run out the clock after going up 30-10 with 11 minutes left.  This isn't the 2017 team that had no OL, one WR, and backup QB's that couldn't keep its defense off the field.

This team is one that doubles up on ToP and total yards over its opponents.  It's one that has the best defense in the nation - by any stat, by any measure.  It's one that can move the ball in chunks, with short passes, with TE's, FB's, RB's and WR's all over the field.  It has an actual QB that can drop dimes at all three levels, hit passes on the run after bailing out, and take a keeper for 81 yards.  It has an OL that has been paving opponents since game 1.

This is a complete team that will not lose to MSU.  Doesn't matter where it's played, when, or what the weather does.  Both teams have to play in the same weather...

truferblue22

October 18th, 2018 at 9:52 AM ^

While your other points may be valid, I really despise the "both teams have to play in the same weather" commentary. Weather conditions can certainly change how the game is played. Also, weather is a neutralizer....whereas I think Michigan is a far better team if we're playing in perfect conditions, once the weather comes in it allows an overmatched team to have more opportunities for weird things to happen. Also don't forget this game is on grass, not turf.

brad

October 18th, 2018 at 9:40 AM ^

Rain always helps MSU, because they desire the ugliest possible game.  It's how they win as underdogs.  We don't want rain, but hopefully Michigan has a good plan for an ugly, ugly game.  Go happily into the gutter with them and beat them up there.

maize-blue

October 18th, 2018 at 9:42 AM ^

The PSU game for MSU was fools gold. They beat a dullard coach. I'm fine with it because I believe now they think UM will be a win.

It'll be a close first half game then UM will pull away in the 3rd and 4th quarters and cover the spread, maybe easily.

The only way MSU wins is by UM giving them the game either with penalties, turnovers, or allows MSU to build an early lead. If UM leads at half, tied or only down 3ish, UM wears them out in the 2nd half.

The Fan in Fargo

October 18th, 2018 at 9:49 AM ^

Even if there is rain, little brother’s only chance is with their running game. Their o-line is about to get raped and they suck to add salt to that wound. The lion’s secondary is bad so if lil bro had success against it, that’s why. My only question is if Michigan opens up a can of whoop ass in the passing game, how lopsided is the score going to be?

Athena666

October 19th, 2018 at 6:23 AM ^

Lol. "Little brother"...

You must mean the "lil bro" that has handed you a wide array of soul-crushing and embarrassing defeats over the last decade?  Um. Yeah. Ok. 

#2-8

DelhiWolverine

October 18th, 2018 at 9:51 AM ^

BREAKING

The National Weather Service has issued a Ben Mason warning for Ingham County and Clinton County on October 20 from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

At 11:30 a.m., a severe and dangerous offense capable of producing a Ben Mason will be located over East Lansing, moving north and south at full speed, according to the NWS.

Potential hazards include concussion, disorientation, and cries of "Sparty, No!" 

Flying debris will be dangerous to linebackers caught without shelter, the NWS reports. Defensive Ends could be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Turf damage is also likely.

The NWS said other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm of a team include Couch City, Truck Stopperville and Trailer Park Town.

The NWS advises:

SPARTANS TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying Wolverines.

njvictor

October 18th, 2018 at 9:56 AM ^

60% chance of rain from 11-4 (almost exactly game time!!!!) and wind... WTF is this black magic that MSU pulls against us when they play us???

Sten Carlson

October 18th, 2018 at 1:53 PM ^

What was your prediction for the Wisconsin game?  

Is there anything more pathetic and miserable than a little cunt troll trying to pass himself off as a Michigan fan on a Michigan board?   

BlueMk1690

October 18th, 2018 at 10:22 AM ^

It's late October in Michigan. It's not exactly shocking that it might be rainy and a bit windy. That's part of playing in the Big Ten and perhaps why the conference wasn't exactly known for high-flying offense for a long time. I don't think it necessarily harms us either. Harbaugh didn't build a fairweather team. We've got a very good defense and the team is certainly geared toward running the ball as well.

People have all these weird anxieties about this game. It's like for many Michigan fans MSU is alternately the Michael Myers of football teams, i.e. an unkillable monster with seemingly supernatural strength, or a bad MAC team that Michigan should grind into fine dust..all depending on their own mood. In reality, MSU is simply a solid Big Ten team and they're at home and it's a rivalry game. No team in that situation is a rollover, and every team has a legitimate shot to win in that situation. It's neither a given that Michigan will win or lose..but if we lose it's unlikely to be because of the weather.

Mgoczar

October 18th, 2018 at 10:35 AM ^

Honest question: frequent shitty weather is a pattern. How expensive is it to have a retractable dome / cover on the stadium? just wondering. Rain destroys the game and gives the underdog team better odds of yakety sax. MSU seems to thrive in shitty condition (must be due to their crappy university morals and likewise coach)

JTGoBlue

October 18th, 2018 at 5:05 PM ^

Broadly, inclement weather favors the lesser team as overall performance is limited, thereby reducing the gap between what the two teams can do, especially on offense.

See: 1995 v Purdue.

GoBluejojo1978

October 18th, 2018 at 7:06 PM ^

Hello all. New here.  I think it hurts MSU more. Their OL is much worse than years last  They needed to be able to throw the ball down the field to win  The rain and wins might prevent all of that   

mgoblue78

October 18th, 2018 at 8:52 PM ^

Rain! You're worrying about a little rain? Why, in my day we'd walk five miles in a blizzard to the Stadium, UPHILL! And we liked it by gum!

I got two games for you: 

The Snow Bowl.

IU 2016

And for the stuff that doesn't stick on the ground, Purdue 1995, which is the kind of game that Groucho Mork would want, or Northwestern 1975, which is what I expect Saturday, notwithstanding that it is the only game I ever abandoned because of the weather.