No. 23 Michigan set to hit the road for 1st time this season against desperate Michigan State

No. 23 Wolverines leave Big House to face Spartans

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez joked that he’s not looking forward to seeing how his team performs in its first road game this season at Michigan State.

“Can we play all 12 at home?” Rodriguez asked with a smile. “You’ll find out a lot about your team in a tough road environment, and we’re getting ready to do that.”

The Wolverines (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) are off to a perfect start, rising Sunday to No. 23 in The Associated Press poll, thanks in part to playing each game in the Big House.

The Spartans (1-3, 0-1) have dashed hopes for what was expected to be at least a solid season, losing Saturday at Wisconsin following setbacks at Notre Dame and against Central Michigan.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins likes the timing of the facing the rival Wolverines.

“I think it’s a little easier to bounce back from these past two weeks or three weeks when you’re playing Michigan,” Cousins said following a 38-30 loss to the Badgers. “You understand you have to put it behind you, learn from it and really get ready to go. I don’t think there will be any ‘poor mes’ or any down attitude, understanding what we’ve got to do next Saturday.”

Michigan State can’t change the past and fix its season, but it can take some solace in stunting Michigan’s momentum by beating its rival for the second straight year.

The Wolverines, of course, are motivated to keep their season rolling and plan to match Michigan State’s sense of urgency.

“This is the time when leaders have to step up and demand more,” Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham said.

Michigan hopes freshman quarterback Tate Forcier is healthy enough to play after he bruised a shoulder just before throwing a game-winning touchdown with 2:29 left against Indiana.

Forcier winced in pain on the sideline when he got a congratulatory slap on the right shoulder.

“I’m sure he’ll be a little sore for a few days,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez didn’t sound concerned about the injury.

“I don’t know if he got a stringer or what, but he was fine at the end,” Rodriguez said.

When Rodriguez went on the field to check on Forcier when he was hurt in the fourth quarter, Forcier was smiling.

“He said, ‘Coach, I’m OK, I’m just laying down, tell me when to get up,’” Rodriguez recalled.

Even though the Spartans are down, Rodriguez doesn’t plan on them being out.

“They’ve got an outstanding football team,” he said. “It’s going to be a very difficult game. I’m sure both coaches won’t have any problems getting our guys focused.”

Graham agreed.

“It’s going to be a fun week,” he said.