This Michigan State squad is coming off of a huge overtime win against rival Michigan. The win comes after MSU dropped three straight games of 2, 3, and 8 points. What does it say about this team... the fact that they were able to keep fighting after losing some close ones?First and foremost, I think it means the most to the defense. The fact that they were able to pull out a game that they really needed to win. For a guy like Chris L. Rucker (corner back), who some say has struggled this year, for him to stay in it and get that game winning interception... for the whole defense as a team to stay strong all four quarters and overtime... it's a big confidence booster. For the offense, they've been clicking on offense all year, but they really established themselves with true Michigan State football running. They didn't have a passing touchdown last week, but they ran the football, controlled the tempo of the game, and really played hard as a team.
Speaking of the running game, Michigan State has some good young running backs, but how do you replace 390 carries when a guy like Javon Ringer goes to the NFL? I think most people look at the 390 and think it's a misprint because that's just so many hits to take in a season.
When I think of Javon last year, the first thing that comes to mind is the calmness that he brought to the huddle. When he stepped in and the team knew he was getting the ball, they trusted that he was going to make things happen with their help. They really rallied around him.
And the running backs this year?
There were some concerns but coming into this season, I did not question one bit that someone would step up. Michigan State has a stable of running backs. The true freshman Larry Caper looks like he could be a phenominal rusher. The sophomore Glenn Winston has some carries, redshirt freshman Caulton Ray is developing, and the senior leadership comes from A.J. Jimmerson. Now finding the best back to fit this system as the number one guy is going to take some time, but I have no question that Michigan State has the talent at the RB position to carry them enough to get the run established this season... This offense doesn't need a guy to carry the ball 390 times, and, truthfully, there's no one on this team at that level yet. I wouldn't be surprised if in a few years one of these guys has developed into a guy that can take on a huge load, but not yet.
You mentioned that the calmness in the huddle was due to Javon Ringer's presence. Who has stepped up this year as that leader who people can look up to?
Blair White has been that guy, no question. And, to be honest, it's his work ethic. This guy gives 110% all of the time, and he does the little things that help others be successful. Just look at Caper's game winning touchdown run against Michigan. White was able to get off of his block and get up field to block for him, leaving him 11 yards to the end zone and no one in his way. I know Caper's run won the game, but looking at it as a team, that was a great play by White. White is a very good wide receiver without having the ability to do things like run in the low 4.4's. How has he been able to become so effective?
White does the litte things well. He is the best route runner that Michigan State has had on the team in a while. He's been able to seperate himself because of that ability because the quarterback always knows where he is going to be. He is great at catching the ball underneath when the defense blitzes.
Michigan State's passing game has been surprising a lot of people this year. Kirk Cousins has stepped up into the role of leader and done a great job of moving the ball, and he is only the second sophomore captian in MSU's 113 years of football. How has he done in this role at an age when guys are often still looking up to the upper classmen?
If you came into the season as a Michigan State follower, you knew the offense was going to be a more pass heavy attack than we are used to in previous years. In the spring game, both quarterbacks had like 300 passing yards and 4 touchdowns. As for Cousins, he already has that calmness... it's unlike any other sophomore quarterback I've been around. When you talk to him, you know you're talking to a leader. You know you are talking to a captian. When he gets to the huddle he always understands what he needs to do, and he's willing to do it.
Looking at the defense, the run defense statistics are great. MSU is giving up less than 3 yards per carry, less than 100 yards per game, and has allowed only two ground touchdowns all season. Is this team really that hard to run on?
Well, I think you need to look at the teams that Michigan State has played. Montana State, Notre Dame, Central Michigan, Michigan this year... they all love to throw the ball. I go back to the Wisconsin game this year, and it's hard for me really to believe in the numbers. We gave up a lot of decent sized runs that we shouldn't have. Wisconson's really the only team that we have played that likes to run the ball, and John Clay was able to have a big day for the Badgers. When that happened, it really opened up the pass for them (Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien threw a career high 4 touchdowns). I know the run defense looks great on paper, but I know that the Spartans can do better than that.
Looking at All-American middle linebacker candidate Greg Jones... what does he bring to this defense? Would you say that what Blair White's leadership is to the offense, Greg Jones' leadership is to the defense? Definitely. You go back two years ago when Greg came to MSU, and he started right away at outside linebacker. He excelled immediately. His freshman year the coaches really worked with him, and by this point he always knows where he is supposed to be and maybe more importantly, where everyone else is supposed to be. Last year he started the transition from outside to the middle. He kinda went back and forth, one game he would start at SAM (strong side linebacker), and some games he would start at MIKE (middle linebacker). His success at the MIKE position has been increased because of his knowledge of the defense from the outside position and his experience. He calls out the defensive audibles and does a great job of positioning his teammates. Watching the defense this year, there have been a lot of plays where everyone does what is expected of them; but one guy blows his assignment, and it leads to a big gain. With the Michigan State style of defense involving lots of blitzes, everyone in coverage needs to be where he is supposed to be.
Looking at the passing defense for MSU, I'm sure fans are expecting more (MSU ranks last in the Big Ten in opponent passing yards and touchdowns given up). Does this go along with what we discussed earlier about the number of pass heavy teams that MSU has faced?
No, not at all. Even though the run defense has good numbers, like I said, I think the defensive line is under performing. With the style of defense that we run, if you are not getting to the quarterback, good passers are going to carve you up all day. I don't think there's really anyone to blame... the whole unit needs to do a better job of putting pressure on the quarterback. The good part about this defense is that they seem to learn from their mistakes. Last week in the win over Michigan we were able to get pressure on (QB Tate) Forcier and move him in all directions out of the pocket. I'm hoping that that was the kind of spark that this defensive line needed to really get going.
How much talk has there been on the MSU side about the benching of Juice Williams? Does this drastically change the game plan in any way? Are there any concerns that it will lead to MSU players overlooking Illinois?
I really don't think it will change things much at all. When you look at a player like Juice, and you look at a player like Eddie, both have played. I guarantee you that the coaching staff knows Juice is going to step in and play, they know Eddie is going to play... they are both phenomenal athletes... they will game plan for them both in a very similar fashion, and I expect for them to game plan for them in the same package too. The Wildcat is becoming a popular offense in the NFL and NCAA. I wouldn't be surprised if the Illini threw out the wildcat early to try and confuse the defense similar to the way Michigan did and Notre Dame did. I could see Juice Williams being in there the first series... maybe not at quarterback, but at wide receiver, throw him in as a fullback... I mean Juice Williams is an athlete, and there is no way he is going to just sit on the bench in a Big Ten game like this. I remember in 2006 when Juice came up here, and he was the homecoming spoiler for the Spartans. I'm pretty sure the Spartans haven't forgotten about that.
Looking at the game this weekend, what are you looking for out of Michigan State besides a win in order to call it a success?
I'm really looking for them to establish the run game. I want to see Michigan State football where we're going to run the ball at you, and we're not going to stop. We're going to run at the A, B, and C gaps with some success at each one causing the defense to start guessing. I'm hoping this is the game where the run game really comes alive, and we can control the clock and tempo versus the Illini.
Who do you feel we should keep an eye out for?
My picks would be B.J. Cunningham on offense. I think he brings a lot to the table and is ready for a big day. On defense I would keep my eye on Chris Norman. Norman is a freshman linebacker who made his first career start against Notre Dame. Lastly, I hope to see Chris L. Rucker have a big day after the game changing interception against Michigan gave him confidence.
What is your prediction for this Saturday?
I look at this game, and I don't see it being won in the first two quarters. I look at Illinois and even though they are 1-3, they haven't lost to any cupcakes. I mean you have Ohio State and Penn State... look what they have done in the Big Ten the last few years, and then Missouri is one of the new big boys in college football. Michigan State obviously still has a shot at the Big Ten title at this point like anyone, so this is going to be a fight. I feel that Michigan State will come out on top, and I don't think the game will be a shoot out. My guess is that it will be closer to a 17-14 win than a 35-32 win. I really do think it could come down to a field goal at the end, so I will go with 17-14 MSU.
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