Instant Analysis: Michigan-Michigan State

Michigan receiver Mario Manningham nearly cost his team a victory with a shameful lack of effort. Not to worry, though: Super Mario turned around and did something spectacular to win back his good name... and a very big rivalry game in the Big Ten Conference.

With his team trailing in the final minutes of Saturday evening's game against Michigan State, Manningham lazily trotted out of bounds one yard short of a first down. After a holding penalty brought about a 3rd and 11, a promising Wolverine drive was in big trouble... along with the Maize and Blue's chances of staying tied with Ohio State atop the Big Ten. On a day when Lloyd Carr's team had so much to lose, a lack of effort from a premier receiver was the last thing anyone on the UM sideline was expecting. But there it was: a casual stroll by a normally inspired receiver jeopardized a lot of dreams for a team that had worked so hard to wipe away the memory of a disastrous 0-2 start to this 2007 season.

Fortunately, Chad Henne had his teammate's back.

The gutsy starting signal caller who fought off pain at Illinois was similarly strong against Sparty. On that crucial 3rd and 11 following Manningham's mini-meltdown, Henne hit Adrian Arrington for 12 yards to move the sticks and keep the drive alive. Given a reprieve, Manningham had to breathe a little bit easier.

A few plays later, with Michigan facing another 3rd and 11, Manningham would then make his entire team exhale.

Just minutes after dogging it, Manningham soared into the air to snare a 31-yard aerial from Henne in the back right corner of the end zone. With one more display of acrobatics in a career full of highlight-reel plays, Super Mario made sure that Nov. 17's date with Ohio State will decide the Big Ten championship. Even if the Wolverines lose next Saturday at Wisconsin, they'll take the conference crown with an upset against the Buckeyes due to a head-to-head tiebreaker.

Mario Manningham giveth, and Mario Manningham taketh away. Thankfully for Michigan, the taking away exceeded the giving in size, scope and significance.