I'll start with what I don't like about the matchup on Saturday:
What do you like and what are you most worried about?
- Red Zone Offense - We know this is an area of concern for our offense. We know that Michigan State has shown the ability to tighten up in the Red Zone. I could easily see a 1st Half in which we dominate or at least have a strong advantage, but due to red zone challenges, we only lead 13-7 when we could easily be up by two touchdowns. I'm hopeful we see more JJ in the red zone packages, but I do think this is an area we have to find a way to be more creative and successful in order to win on Saturday.
- MSU's Week Off - We know that MSU always adds something special for this game and with a week off I'm sure they've added even more. It wouldn't surprise me for them to roll out a brand new scripted offense for 20 plays to start the game. Either way, we know they are likely getting at least one touchdown from something we haven't seen before.
- The Big Plays - The good news is that we know what we have to prepare for and I think Mike MacDonald's defense is better designed to contain these. But I'm still not sold on our corners in one on one situations and we've seen Nebraska and Northwestern exploit us for some big hitters. I expect them to hit one on a trick play or some sort of break with tendency that surprises us. But we can't afford to give them more than one.
- Battle in the Trenches - This game has often gone to the team that can win the battle in the trenches, and I like both of our lines better than theirs at this point. Assuming our offensive line is healthy (and I'm hearing it is), I expect us to be able to run on them with at least some success. And on the defensive line, Aiden Hutchinson is as good as anyone in the country and an absolutely game changer type that MSU hasn't faced yet.
- Better Defense - Yes I'm concerned about their big plays, but defense travels and ours is quietly among the best in the country. Beyond that, we have probably the two best players on either team playing defense for us in Hutch and Dax. I'm not sure anybody else is as much of a difference maker as those two and I expect them to shine.
- Mental Edge - This is the biggest advantage for me. We definitely feel like the team that is hungrier for this one; especially after last year. Throw in having guys like Mike Hart and Ronald Bellamy back on staff and there is zero chance that we are overlooking this game. And Jim Harbaugh's record in East Lansing can't be overlooked either.
What do you like and what are you most worried about?
