Indianapolis, IN
A look at this week’s opponent…
This one is simple. Two rivals. Playing for one trophy. This is bigger than a regular season game and a trophy; this one is for the roses. The Badgers know the Spartans. The Spartans know the Badgers. Simply put its just time to get it on.
When MSU has the ball…
The Spartans must use the pass to set up the run. The Spartans couldn’t run the last time. The Badger rushing defense is better than their rushing attack. The Spartans finally got the momentum in the running game when they went to the air.
The Spartans ended up with 290 yards passing against 109 yards rushing and perhaps ESPN and the pundits don’t realize it, they also put up 37 points. Cousins had three TD strikes and when he was on the Badgers had to loosen up their rushing attack and were exploited. The Spartans need to attack the middle of the field. The Spartans passing attack is better than the Badgers aerial defense.
Last game the Spartans had no turnovers and penalties. I don’t expect that again, but they can’t hurt themselves.
When MSU is on defense…
The Spartans must contain the Wisconsin rushing attack with super stud Montee Ball. They won’t stop it. They must get turnovers. The Badgers were incredibly balanced running for 220 and passing for 223. Ball is going to get yards. What you don’t want are quick scores and you can live with field goals.
Russell Wilson is a talented dual threat QB and frankly a better kid. You can search high and wide and find some kids that are as good, but none better. He is a special human being. Personal respect aside, he has William Gholston and his athleticism to deal with this time (suspended for the last game) and a wounded offensive line.
The Spartans love to attack. They bring the heat from all spots on the field. His yards running would make you think Wilson is a run first guy. Not true. He will stay in the pocket until the last second and then take off. If you were to look in the dictionary for the definition of the dual threat QB it would simply say: See Russell Wilson.
The key with him is to ask him to make quick decisions while your defensive ends have outside contain. The Spartans will be better this time with Gholston.
Intangibles…
College football is a thing of beauty. You are only getting better or worse. You do not stay the same. Right after the Spartans beat the Badgers the last time they got their butts handed to them by the Huskers.
Since that moment this team has gotten better. When Magic won the national title at MSU most fans forget the turning point of that season. Prior to the tournament the Spartans had a loss to Northwestern that didn’t make sense. The Spartans loss to the Huskers, the way it went down, was the same. Since that game this team has got better every week.
Wisconsin has lost three of four to the Spartans. I like and respect Brett Bielema, but Mark Dantonio consistently out coaches him. The Spartans clearly have the edge in coaching.
Mike Sadler was a game changer last time and I expect his golden foot to do more of the same in the controlled conditions of Lucas Oil Stadium. The punt is the most important play in football and Sadler is the best on either side at that position.
Prediction…
This won’t be easy, but the people writing off Michigan State are ridiculous. You can’t write off either team. Wisconsin came out on fire taking an early lead last year. The Spartans took encouragement from the Energizer bunny and just kept fighting. That indomitable spirit is why they won.
This team is on a mission. They haven’t talked. They haven’t pouted; they have taken on the blue-collar mentality of their coach and they are all business.
Wisconsin is a very good team. So are the Spartans. On a mission with the faint smell of roses in their nose the Spartans make it four of five and they win it 38-37.
Hondo- Didn’t we have one turnover? Our first offensive series by Baker and all of sudden we were down 14-0?
Well said Hondo! Good defense and a decent run game will help propel MSU. Man is it fun to be playing this week!
Jebus,but I am excited! Think State shocks ESPN and all their dopey pundits today. One of ‘em said today that he “couldn’t really tell” if Nichol scored on the Rocket play, and said “most people think he did.” What a jackass. His own network ran a graphic the next day with a vertical line from the goal line and the football was CLEARLY across. Wish I knew who that dope was.
Needless to said Sparty needs to bring its “A” game! My wish if I could have one would be that Captain Kirk could RUN quick like a Bunny! His inability to move hurts and impedes this very good Spartan team.
I’d like to see Maxwell used..some how to confuse Badger Defense! Dantonio is predictable in this area. running some plays out of the wishbone…utilizing a QB and two backs who can RUN! Keeping Wisy off balance is so very important!
MSU 28 Wisconsin 24