Just to mention a couple, two counter plays that sprung Higdon, including the long TD run. Defense was reading the fullback and flowed hard, slight delay from Higdon who then went the other way. MSU used to kill us with that play. On the long TD run, Bredeson pulled and made a great block to give Higdon a nice lane. Once he got to the second level, the IU backers and DBs were out of position, at which point it was just a sprint. Don't know how much, if at all, we used the counter in previous games (was that one of the wrinkles going into MSU that never materialized?). But it's a good complement to the power running game, especially if we can't execute play action.
Speaking of Higdon, he's a north-south runner who can also bounce outside, but doesn't have a lot of elusiveness. He gets yards after contact by running hard, keeping his legs moving. Very efficient runner. He'll still get a couple of yards on a poorly blocked play. Will turn a 3 yard gain into 5. Runs with an edge that Evans doesn't seem to have right now.
Harbs commented that Walker will get more chances. His one carry was a run to the outside where he showed some speed getting to the edge and turning it upfield. Exceedingly small sample but it jumped out at me.
Talking with an MSU about recruiting who mocked Harbaugh's sleepover. I replied that it was worth it. Nordin is the most talented FG kicker we've ever had. Watched the Washington loss to ASU last night. Their kicker missed from 21 and 27 in a 6 point loss. With a stout defense and sputtering offense, cashing with at least a FG is critical. Get the ball to the 35 and we have a pretty good chance at scoring. Of course, we need to cash in with TDs more often.
Harbs got a lot of flack for going off on refs last season. He still makes himself heard, but less going crazy. IU's coach, OTOH, was going nuts ( not entirely w/o cause).
Speaking of Higdon, he's a north-south runner who can also bounce outside, but doesn't have a lot of elusiveness. He gets yards after contact by running hard, keeping his legs moving. Very efficient runner. He'll still get a couple of yards on a poorly blocked play. Will turn a 3 yard gain into 5. Runs with an edge that Evans doesn't seem to have right now.
Harbs commented that Walker will get more chances. His one carry was a run to the outside where he showed some speed getting to the edge and turning it upfield. Exceedingly small sample but it jumped out at me.
Talking with an MSU about recruiting who mocked Harbaugh's sleepover. I replied that it was worth it. Nordin is the most talented FG kicker we've ever had. Watched the Washington loss to ASU last night. Their kicker missed from 21 and 27 in a 6 point loss. With a stout defense and sputtering offense, cashing with at least a FG is critical. Get the ball to the 35 and we have a pretty good chance at scoring. Of course, we need to cash in with TDs more often.
Harbs got a lot of flack for going off on refs last season. He still makes himself heard, but less going crazy. IU's coach, OTOH, was going nuts ( not entirely w/o cause).
