- given how last year went for MSU and the offseason problems, I am surprised at how well they've done this year. I'm not saying they're great but I'd say that they are competent and headed for a winning record. Before the season, I expected that they would have a losing record. But it appears to me that some of the issues they've deal with may have helped the team - sometimes clearing out the bad apples and dealing with these types of issues results in focus from the remaining players - this year's team may be less talented than last year's team, but it is clearly more focused.
- Talent-wise, MSU's defense doesn't really scare me. I just don't see the playmakers and there's certainly a lack of depth. But like others, I think MSU's strategy on D will be to load the box to stop the run and to also blitz heavily. They are going to force our QB to make decisions and beat them with throws. The key for us will be Okorn not turning the ball over and making MSU pay for their aggression with some big passing plays. In terms of the run game, we may not consistently grind out 4+ yards/carry, but we will similarly need our backs to pay for their aggression with some big plays. Given that our offense has had it's struggles this year, I'd call the UM offense vs. MSU defense a draw.
- I'm not sure where this Felton Davis guy came from but he looks pretty good. He's obviously got great length (6'4") and showed good hands/ability to make tough catches against Iowa. I think we can expect MSU to target him when he's matched in man coverage against our young DB's.
- MSU's TE's don't scare me.
- MSU's strength on offense going into the season was their running backs. I thought LJ Scott was a future pro and Holmes and London are solid. However, their run game has been subpar so far this season . . . LJ Scott in particular. Part of it is likely a result of a poor offensive line but I also wonder if Scott is either not 100% or perhaps looking ahead to turning pro.
- I'd give our D a big advantage over MSU's O.
- A huge part of the game will be who can possess the ball/injuries. MSU has a average and thin defense. We have a very good but thin defense. If we can keep MSU's offense off the field, we will certainly wear out MSU's D . . . and will be able to run the ball late in the game. Similarly, if MSU can do the same to us, our D may tire and MSU will have success running the ball. I do think the chances of us wearing them out are greater than them wearing us out.
- It's pretty odd that the spread has moved so much over the past several days. The spread opened at UM +14 and has dropped to UM +10. I find it hard to believe that this 4 point movement relates solely to official word that Speight is not playing.
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- Talent-wise, MSU's defense doesn't really scare me. I just don't see the playmakers and there's certainly a lack of depth. But like others, I think MSU's strategy on D will be to load the box to stop the run and to also blitz heavily. They are going to force our QB to make decisions and beat them with throws. The key for us will be Okorn not turning the ball over and making MSU pay for their aggression with some big passing plays. In terms of the run game, we may not consistently grind out 4+ yards/carry, but we will similarly need our backs to pay for their aggression with some big plays. Given that our offense has had it's struggles this year, I'd call the UM offense vs. MSU defense a draw.
- I'm not sure where this Felton Davis guy came from but he looks pretty good. He's obviously got great length (6'4") and showed good hands/ability to make tough catches against Iowa. I think we can expect MSU to target him when he's matched in man coverage against our young DB's.
- MSU's TE's don't scare me.
- MSU's strength on offense going into the season was their running backs. I thought LJ Scott was a future pro and Holmes and London are solid. However, their run game has been subpar so far this season . . . LJ Scott in particular. Part of it is likely a result of a poor offensive line but I also wonder if Scott is either not 100% or perhaps looking ahead to turning pro.
- I'd give our D a big advantage over MSU's O.
- A huge part of the game will be who can possess the ball/injuries. MSU has a average and thin defense. We have a very good but thin defense. If we can keep MSU's offense off the field, we will certainly wear out MSU's D . . . and will be able to run the ball late in the game. Similarly, if MSU can do the same to us, our D may tire and MSU will have success running the ball. I do think the chances of us wearing them out are greater than them wearing us out.
- It's pretty odd that the spread has moved so much over the past several days. The spread opened at UM +14 and has dropped to UM +10. I find it hard to believe that this 4 point movement relates solely to official word that Speight is not playing.
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