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Mitten Masterkey

Mitten Masterkey, Week 3: MSU-ND rivalry rekindling highlights slate

Get ready for a fun Week 3 slate leading into a rivalry showdown on Saturday night, and the Mitten Masterkey has all you need for the full slate.

Andrew Graham

— 3 min read
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Mitten Masterkey, Week 3: MSU-ND rivalry rekindling highlights slate
(Via Michigan State Athletics/Rey Del Rio)

Week 3 is here, and before the focus turns to Michigan State’s showdown with Notre Dame in the primetime slot on NBC, there will be plenty of action to get through. The Mitten Masterkey has you covered for all of it. 

From the game schedule and TV assignments to pregame reading and podcasting to a few final bits of analysis, enjoy your one-stop-shop to guide you through Saturday. 

Let’s dig in.

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Mitten Football will be at…

Kelly/Shorts Stadium for the first CMU in-person game coverage of the season vs. Wyoming. 

The schedule and TV assignments

Games are Saturday unless otherwise noted.

  • 12:30 p.m. — Eastern Michigan at Wisconsin, Peacock
  • 1 p.m. — Central Michigan vs. Wyoming, ESPN+
  • 3:30 p.m. — Michigan vs. UTEP, CBS
  • 7 p.m. — Western Michigan at Rice, ESPN+
  • 7:30 p.m. — Michigan State at Notre Dame, NBC

And for the uninitiated, this master schedule absolutely rocks (just be aware times are central).

Listen to “In The Pocket”

Mitten Football is doing a podcast, with Andrew Graham and the Detroit News’ Connor Earegood covering all the CFB news, notes, happenings and the like across the Mitten each week. 

Pregame, halftime reading from Mitten Football, others

Picks, preview

Read the full joint here with all the analysis and scores.

  • Wisconsin over Eastern Michigan
  • Central Michigan over Wyoming
  • Michigan over UTEP
  • Western Michigan over Rice
  • Notre Dame over Michigan State

A unit to watch: Michigan’s passing offense

This is really an “if not now, when?” proposition. Michigan struggled in Week 1 against what’s likely to be a solid Western Michigan defense. The Wolverines simplified it in Week 2 vs. a stout Oklahoma defense, and had Bryce Underwood run plenty. He looked better passing in that game, too, although there was hardly any place to go but up. Against a UTEP team that is thoroughly outmatched on paper, this should be a chance for Michigan to stretch it legs, figure out what works, what doesn’t, and where to build its passing game in weeks to come. 

And this is not just a Underwood deal, either, though he needs to show improvements with his pocket presence, footwork, and consistency. The receivers not named JJ Buchanan can step up some, and the coaching staff spoke of the need to get Andrew Marsh involved more in the offense. And the offensive line, which surged into much better form in Week 2 after struggling in Week 1, can put down a clean and dominant game of pass protection. It won’t be perfect — it hardly ever is — but this should be a day where Michigan can and does try to get the passing game clicking.  

A fun prediction: An EMU running back goes over 100 yards

It happened a few times last season with Dontae McMillan toting the rock for EMU, and both Braydon Bennett and Amareon Blue have had some nice outings, but neither EMU running back has come close to the 100 yard threshold yet. Blue had 81 vs. San Jose State in a loss and Bennett just had 56 vs. Michigan State. They each have a rushing touchdown on the season, too. It’s been a nice duo, with Blue providing some pop and Bennett bullying through contact.

And after the run game perked up vs. a Big Ten foe on Saturday, the Eagles are hopeful the “group project” up front nets out more and more run game improvements in the coming weeks. Let’s say that starts this week, with one of Bennett or Blue tallying 100 or more yards against the Badgers. The safer bet is probably Blue, who has real ability to rip off big plays with his top-end speed. 

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