East Lansing — It wasn’t the demolition many predicted, and didn’t leave the wreckage many craved. But going forward, that’s not really the point. The Wolverines did what was absolutely necessary, and took their most important step yet under Jim Harbaugh.
They beat the Spartans, and despite the fans’ bloodlust, it wasn’t mandatory they beat ’em up. Before Michigan’s rise could be ratified — and Michigan State’s fall could be confirmed — the Wolverines had to beat a rival, any rival, especially this rival. They did it differently, with big-play poise from quarterback Wilton Speight, in a strange 32-23 victory Saturday.