So I have to say, its been almost 48 hours and I am still perplexed about this loss and can't really wrap my head around it. There are only two things that I think can possibly explain it.
First, we definitely read our own press way too much last week. I know CB said there was a focus in Schembechler and not looking past anyone, but I can't believe that. The combination of our strong game against Minnesota (which may have been fool's gold in hindsight), MSU's awful effort vs Rutgers, and the fact that we had handled them with ease last year made everyone way too overconfident. It feels like a situation where we figured that we handled the first game so well, we might as well install even more of the offense because its MSU week and we are going to win easily. And then suddenly we're halfway through the first quarter and it is apparent we should've spent that time working on handling A gap pressure. Beyond the X's and O's, we weren't mentally prepared for this game and it was apparent. We looked like a team just waiting for MSU to make a mistake and fold. And to MSU's credit, they never did. No turnovers, no sacks, no dropped passes. We still had several chances to take the lead and instead of making plays we were waiting for MSU to give it to us. It was in some ways a derivative of the old Mike Tyson of "everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth". The only problem here is that we acted like MSU didn't even have hands, let alone the ability to connect with punches. We got caught in a dog fight, and we weren't in the mindset to win that way. That's bad coaching and preparation, and it is inexcusable even if slightly understandable.
The second thing that I did notice was a ton of guys out there who I didn't recognize. We are a young team, and a few key departures and injuries left us with a lot of guys out there who haven't played a ton. And it definitely showed. MSU was largely in the same boat, so its not an excuse because their young guys answered the call much better than ours. But it was noticeable to me. And sometimes it is just the little things that make the difference. Not having McGrone took away a huge weapon on our blitz packages. Young TE's and RB's being just off on their routes or blocks. And yes, even Joe Milton making just his second start.
I think the combination of a team not ready to play because they expected MSU to fold like a cheap tent and a bunch of young guys out there who maybe didn't understand the toughness necessary in this rivalry made for a very bad Saturday. But mostly, its point #1. And the good news is that is something that can be corrected and fixed. Harbaugh is 8-1 in games directly after a loss. Indiana is going to be tough, but at the very least I expect a better effort.
First, we definitely read our own press way too much last week. I know CB said there was a focus in Schembechler and not looking past anyone, but I can't believe that. The combination of our strong game against Minnesota (which may have been fool's gold in hindsight), MSU's awful effort vs Rutgers, and the fact that we had handled them with ease last year made everyone way too overconfident. It feels like a situation where we figured that we handled the first game so well, we might as well install even more of the offense because its MSU week and we are going to win easily. And then suddenly we're halfway through the first quarter and it is apparent we should've spent that time working on handling A gap pressure. Beyond the X's and O's, we weren't mentally prepared for this game and it was apparent. We looked like a team just waiting for MSU to make a mistake and fold. And to MSU's credit, they never did. No turnovers, no sacks, no dropped passes. We still had several chances to take the lead and instead of making plays we were waiting for MSU to give it to us. It was in some ways a derivative of the old Mike Tyson of "everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth". The only problem here is that we acted like MSU didn't even have hands, let alone the ability to connect with punches. We got caught in a dog fight, and we weren't in the mindset to win that way. That's bad coaching and preparation, and it is inexcusable even if slightly understandable.
The second thing that I did notice was a ton of guys out there who I didn't recognize. We are a young team, and a few key departures and injuries left us with a lot of guys out there who haven't played a ton. And it definitely showed. MSU was largely in the same boat, so its not an excuse because their young guys answered the call much better than ours. But it was noticeable to me. And sometimes it is just the little things that make the difference. Not having McGrone took away a huge weapon on our blitz packages. Young TE's and RB's being just off on their routes or blocks. And yes, even Joe Milton making just his second start.
I think the combination of a team not ready to play because they expected MSU to fold like a cheap tent and a bunch of young guys out there who maybe didn't understand the toughness necessary in this rivalry made for a very bad Saturday. But mostly, its point #1. And the good news is that is something that can be corrected and fixed. Harbaugh is 8-1 in games directly after a loss. Indiana is going to be tough, but at the very least I expect a better effort.
