Caputo: How much has MSU closed the gap on Michigan?

Warning: This is an overreaction.

Then again, football is about overreactions early in the season.

It was difficult not to notice, after Michigan’s capitulation to Texas and Michigan State’s unexpected triumph at Maryland, to wonder how much the gap between the two programs has closed.

Michigan looked like it sorely missed Jim Harbaugh, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and J.J. McCarthy, while MSU has hired the ideal head coach in Jonathan Smith, who brought with him a sensational quarterback in Aidan Chiles and solid defensive coordinator with Joe Rossi.

Right, Texas isn’t Maryland, but the Wolverines have nobody to compare to Chiles throwing to Nick Marsh, a true freshman from River Rouge High School, who lived up to his moniker, “Baby Megatron” on Saturday.

Smith had a clue. Michigan’s Sherrone Moore needed to dial one.

And we’re left to wonder if the jig is up at Michigan, and if MSU might bounce back from ground zero sooner than expected.

It could be Oct. 26 in Ann Arbor will be far more interesting than could’ve possibly been imagined.

Michigan could have an ace in the hole, though. While the defense looked mediocre vs. the Longhorns, it was likely a blip on the screen. The Wolverines have an outstanding defensive front. It is still likely Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant will be first-round NFL Draft picks.

Marsh hasn’t played against a cornerback anywhere near the caliber of Will Johnson. Also, while Chiles made numerous brilliant throws at Maryland, he’s been a turnover machine. That never plays well in big games.

But the Michigan offense is dreadful. The fact Moore didn’t secure the QB position via the transfer portal now appears as an egregious error.

Davis Warren looks like an updated version of John O’Korn. Evidently, Moore simply doesn’t trust Alex Orji to throw a pass. That just seems weird considering how long Orji has been in the program.

You don’t have to be Connor Stalions to figure out what is coming as Orji lines up in the “M”ildcat.

The Spartans might only have to score a couple touchdowns to hang in there with Michigan.

We’ll know much more about whether the victory at Maryland was a mirage by the time MSU visits Ann Arbor.

The make or break point of the schedule comes after this weekend’s cupcake vs. Prairie View A&M. The Spartans will face Boston College, Ohio State, Oregon and Iowa leading up to UM.

It is entirely possible the Spartans, who lack depth, will be a worn down squad by late October.

The schedule becomes a lot more reasonable in November (Indiana, Illinois, Purdue and Rutgers).

Conversely, Michigan can bounce back. Their defense is still loaded with talented players, although the Wink Martindale hiring as defensive coordinator doesn’t appear promising at this stage. Obviously, the USC game a week from Saturday at Michigan Stadium will present a chance for redemption.

Now Michigan beat MSU 49-0 last season in East Lansing. In 2022, the Spartans' conduct in the tunnel after being destroyed by the Wolverines was deplorable.

But this is a new year, with different coaches, quarterbacks and apparently direction.

Obviously, it's been a huge gap, but It’s not quite as wide. That didn’t seem possible just a few days ago.

Progress for the Spartans. Regression for the Wolverines.

Definitely.

What degree to be determined.