Irish Eyes

So everyone has heard the news by now.  Notre Dame is going to the ACC in who knows when...They do currently have a contract with the Big East that has a $5 million buy out along with a 27 month notification time frame.  I am sure that lawyers will get involved with that.

A fellow MSU blog mentioned the ND switch in this post and conclude by saying that we are to not say that Notre Dame is irrelevant.    I would disagree with that.  This move does not make them anymore relevant.  Notre Dame is known for their football team, which will not be a part of the ACC (along with the hockey team).  The football team will start scheduling 5 games against ACC teams per reports.  This of course should stop or create large gaps of time between those classic UM/ND and MSU/ND games, along with potentially USC.  That is the real tragedy and is also the reason why their football team is no more relevant.  The ACC is home to Miami, Florida State, and Virginia Tech, but right now, is trading games against Michigan, USC and even MSU  for those teams a win for Notre Dame?  I do not think so.

Their basketball team is probably shitting their pants right now though. 


For further reading on this read here (ESPN) and here (Dr. Saturday)

Recap and Quick Hits Week 2

A day late on this one,  I went to the Tigers Sox game in Chicago on Monday.  The game stunk but the people watching was spectacular.  I did not watch as much football as I did in the first week but I did manage to catch a few.

-OSU still did not really impress me, but Braxton continues to dominate.  The defense looks like it wants to give  up big plays at least once a game coupled with that is that no other player on offense is playing at near the level as Braxton.  Pat sent me an interesting email.  If OSU beats MSU this year, do they go undefeated? 

-How about them Beavers?  How about Wisconsin?  They are really showing how different they are at QB with O'Brien vs. Wilson.  Wilson's athleticism really opened up lanes for both Ball and and the Wisconsin receivers.  Plus now they have let go of their offensive line coach. 

-I saw a bits and pieces of the UCLA v. Nebraska game.  If I were to root for a team that was not MSU, it would be UCLA.  the Nebraska defense did not look from what I could see.  Why did I see so little of this game?  Well I was at Musky Fest and had a few barley pops. 

-The Michigan game I did manage to watch quite a bit of.  I have to admit I found myself cheering for Freedom.  I mean, who can't cheer for Freedom?  So what do I think about UM?  Well their defense looks really porous.  Both, lines, offensive and defensive are not playing as good as they did last year.  Funchess looks pretty legit.  Those runs from Robinson would have been useful against Alabama.  In hindsight, this was a trap game, but I think UM should have put this game to bed by the third quarter. And allowing over 400 yards of offense to Air Force has to be alarming.  I imagine their next game should serve as a big lift, especially when you look at what Indiana managed against UMass

-MSU played a pretty weak MAC team.  Though CMU did show some sings of life.  Their line, both defensive and offensive, played pretty well.  The CMU left? tackle looks like he could be an NFLer.  At the same time, MSU should not have let their lines look good.  Maxwell finished with no turnovers and spread the ball all over the field.  Bell had 17 carries and two touchdowns.  There is not a lot to say about this game other than it was needed before the game against Notre Dame.  Big confidence booster.  Especially for the wide receivers.. Fowler finished with 99 yards, Sims had a rumbling touch down and Arnett looks like he belongs while only having one catch. 

Overall, as the previous post mentions, the B1G does not look good right now.  A win against ND for the Spartans will help with the national media.  So will some dominating performances in the other games. 

Few Legends, Lacking Leaders

Some games occurred while I was away...

Michigan was outclassed and eviscerated by the Crimson Tide, there is no other way to put it.  Alabama is once again a national title contender and the Wolverines simply have not reached that level yet.  The game raised massive concerns along both the offensive line and the defensive front seven.  Still, shortcomings easily show against the best in the country, Michigan won't be playing another team on Alabama's level the rest of the season which allows for optimism.

I said all summer that I disliked scheduling Air Force the week after Alabama in Dallas.  Michigan had a long trip home and a shorter week of preparation than normal for a triple option offense.  Once again, there are tons of issues that need to be straightened out and corrected.  Michigan simply is not a dominant team up front at this point.  Against Air Force, Denard Robinson showed that Michigan does have the most dominant player in the Big Ten.  He was simply ridiculous, setting an all-time college football record with his third game with both 200 yards passing and running while accounting for more total offense than Michigan's team total. As long as Denard is healthy, Michigan has a chance in it's remaining ten games.

And Michigan will have a chance in those games because woo-eee the B1G is bad this season.  Wisconsin is not a top 20 team and no team looks like it's capable of competing on the national stage.  The Big Ten remains wide open. 

Let's look at some takeaways from the first two weeks for the Wolverines.

• Issues up front.  For whatever reason, Michigan's experienced offensive line is struggling to start out the season.  Will we see true freshman Kyle Kalis in the lineup at guard soon? 
• The two best players on Michigan's defense?  Jordan Kovacs and Jake Ryan. 
• Defensive tackle is going to be an issue all season, how Michigan progresses here may determine how far this team can go in the B1G this season. 
• Devin Funchess is going to be a star.  He is too slim to be a reliable blocker as a true freshman but he showcased his playmaking ability against Air Force by high-pointing a TD pass for Michigan's second TD.
• Devin Gardner may just be Michigan's go-to receiver throughout the season.  As a convert to the position he still has a lot of room for growth. 
• Dennis Norfleet is going to be exciting to watch the next few seasons.
• I had Michigan's linebackers vastly overrated entering the season (both Demens and Morgan have been replaced often by true freshman James Ross and Joe Bolden)

After an awfully disappointing first two weeks for the B1G, let's rank the league where things stand as of now:

Every Two Weekly B1G Rankings

1. Michigan State

The Spartans may have the most impressive league victory (home over rebuilding Boise St in an underwhelming performance...this league is bad)  After a surgical demolition of CMU, the Spartans clearly have the league's best single unit as their defense.  Maxwell, the offensive line and the receivers all need to continue their improvement if this team wants to make the Rose bowl.

2. Ohio State

An imperfect team both offensively and defensively, the Buckeyes are still probably the league's most talented squad.  Braxton Miller might end the season as the B1G PTOY, so much for NCAA sanctions taking OSU down a peg.

3. Northwestern

Wait, what?  This may look like a joke, but a victory over a good Vanderbilt team is arguably the Big Ten's best non-conference victory.  Northwestern looked very susceptible through the air in their first game but really stepped up in week two.

4. Michigan

Michigan is only 1-1 but I'm not sure anyone would argue for another team in this spot.  Michigan has issues to resolve but also once again has the most dynamic playmaker in the league running the show.   Michigan has played clearly the league's best schedule to this point.

5. Nebraska

The first B1G team to play in the Rose Bowl this year, Nebraska is a talented team that will compete for the Legends crown.  Losing to a mediocre UCLA team looks worse on paper than it really is as UCLA played inspired yesterday and does have a high level of talent.

6. Wisconsin

The league's best offense in 2011 is grounded without Russell Wilson.  Danny O'brien and a new offensive coordinator have Wisconsin struggling to move the football.

7. Purdue

They had a chance late against Notre Dame and have one of the better defensive fronts in the league.  The QB rotation seems to be working out OK for them but I think they will be better off naming one guy the starter.

8. Iowa

Who knows about this team.  I thought they would be really bad defensively and very good offensively and then they lose 9-6 to Iowa State.  Doesn't Iowa do this every season during the nonconference year?  I have a feeling they will make noise in the Legends division as a spoiler.


9.  Illinois

The Illini got crushed on the road against Arizona State, but they were playing without their starting QB against a team they were very poorly matched.  I put Illinois here because I don't think it's unfathomable to see this team in Indianapolis (Illinois will be battling my 6th and 7th ranked teams due to OSU being ineligible)

10. Minnesota

2-0!  Is this too low for the Gophers?  Winning at UNLV is a solid victory for Minnesota.  I might be keeping Minny down because of last season's record but they will soon have a chance to move up this list.

11. Indiana

The Hoosiers beat UMASS to get to 2-0 and get their first victory of the Kevin Wilson era over an FBS foe. Tre Roberson is out for the year with a broken leg though, poor Hoosiers.

12.  Penn State

I know they have lost two heartbreaking games but this team is 0-2 with nowhere to go but down.  They may end the season getting some victories but Nittany Lion fans have nothing but despair to look forward to for the next half decade.

The B1G is clearly outclassed by the SEC, the PAC-10 and likely the Big 12 and ACC as well this season.  This may be a season of irrelevance for the Midwest.

The Battle of Mid-Michigan

So here we are. Another Saturday.  There has been some lame posting on here recently, you can blame me, but it is mostly Pat's fault.  But here we go.  Energized ready for the Chippewa's. 

OFFENSE:  After a both up and down offensive performance last week, look for this MSU team to come out gunning.  Everyone has read about what Bell was able to do against Boise, look for more of the same against CMU.  The biggest difference is that I cannot imagine Bell receiving more than 20 carries.  There should be a lot of action for Caper and Hill in this game, (maybe then Hill will be allowed to tweet about Michigan?) Gaining large chunks of yards is something that MSU will look to do in the air.  Anything to erase the ugliness of last weeks receiver performance.  Burbridge and Arnett have been getting a lot of reps in practice and I expect to see a good bit of Arnett on the field.  Tony Lippett will get a chance to redeem himself, but other players will get the chance to show their skills.  In this game, Maxwell will need to show why so many MSU fans are excited about him.  His strong arm, his ability to be mobile his command of the offense after three years.  Along with that, the offensive line will need to be exactly what they are.  Bigger and better than CMU.   No turnovers for the offense this game.

DEFENSE:  On the defensive side of the ball, this game will be won up front.  I expect the MSU front four to get a ton of push and live in the Chippewa back field.  CMU will counter this by trying to draw players offside and pick up cheap yards.  Dennard and Adams will lay a blanket over the CMU receivers.  Which will  be necessary since CMU will need to pass a lot in this game.   MSU will show off how deep its defense can play even though it is against a middle to poor MAC team.  The psuh from the front four and the tight coverage on receivers should allow the linebackers to make plays in the pass game.  Lot os pass deflections and maybe even some interceptions. 

PREDICTION:  This was a short review mostly because this is not the same CMU team of three years ago, or even the same MSU team.  I expect this game to be mostly over by halftime.  If CMU is hanging around when the band is playing, I will be shocked.  How can they do that though?  They need to make the MSU offense one dimensional.  CMU will need to limit the running game and see if Maxwell has made any strides in his passing game.   If that is the game plan for CMU, expect to see a lot of play action from MSU and some  plays for large chunks of yards.  We will call this 38-10 MSU

 

(I went to CMU for a year and lived in Chip Village)

Recap and Quick Hits

This is wholly an MSU fans perspective.  But there were a few things I noticed from the first week of college football.  The first thing is that zero of the B1G of the teams really looked all that great.

-It was pretty obvious that OSU was going to outclass Miami OH, but they really stunk it up to start.  Braxton Miller looks like he really made leaps in bounds.  Of course this was not a B1G team they were playing.

-I liked Penn State's offense.  Up and to the point where their starting running back got hurt.  Should he be out for a while, PSU will really suffer this season.  Their defense was really bad.  While Ohio is probably the best MAC team this year, PSU was supposed to have a good defense.  We will see if this is one a first game jitters thing.

-Taylor Martinez looked really good passing against Southern Miss.  However, Burkhead left with a sprained MCL. That could be a big loss for Nebraska if this is a lingering injury.

-Wisconsin did not look like the team everyone thinks they are.  Their offensive line did not have a lot of push, with Ball averaging less than 4 ypc. Their defense gave up some big plays that allowed UNI to stay in the game.

-I listened to the Purdue game on the Radio, that was a snore fest.  Marve was on fire.

-Northwestern, the last few years has had a lot of play makers on offense.  Syracuse is not exactly the cream of the crop but that was a heck of a game.  It would be smart to pass the ball against Northwestern. 

-Michigan got hit by a steam roller.  I remember that from two years ago.  Never a fun game to watch unless you're an Alabama fan.  I have seen some people say the UM line played well, other said they did not.  I am in the camp that thinks they did not.  I am sure to catch some flack for that.  It did not look like the Alabama defensive line was trying to go for the sack, they got some push stood there and created a wall, that was all they needed.  On rushes they got off their blocks and made tackles.  The wolverine receivers were nothing too great except for Gallon.  (I will say that Gardner has a lot of potential.)  Part of that was also the blanket that the Alabama secondary laid out on pass plays.  It probably isn't fair to pick apart UM when they ran into the likely national champions.  But when you have the kind of pre-season hype as UM did, you should at least show some signs of life.  Robinson was completely ineffective.  Both before and after he injured his shoulder, passes were off.  After the game, Robinson said he needed to be more of a Michigan quarterback.  Whatever that is.  Denard needs to be Denard.  Not something Hoke wants him to be.  Personally, I think UM should have moved the pocket left and right, try to create more space for Denard to either pass or run.  The lack of depth on offense was also a problem against Alabama.  It likely wont be over the next few games, but should be as the season rolls on.

-MSU was pretty uninspiring, offensively.  I thought the line played ok at best, no sacks, and we ran for a healthy 213 yards.  I thought Maxwell played exceptionally mediocre (I wont say bad because we did win, and that's the whole idea).  He certainly has a strong arm and can sling it all over the field.  He also managed 3 interceptions.  One of them was a pass right on the money, in the hands of Lippet who then appeared to toss the ball to the defender.  Having watched that replay numerous times, Lippet was gone for a huge gain if he doesn't pitch it to the defender.  The other picks were uncalled for.  With that, the receivers were not too impressive.  Lippet made a few mistakes, including a fumble after a 35 yard gain. Fowler played solidly, though only had 2 receptions.  Dion Sims I thought was the most impressive. He made crucial grabs and was a big body we needed down field for blocks.  The defense was very good, holding Boise State to 206 yards (Le'Veon Bell had more yards) of offense and no offensive touchdowns.  Some people will say it was a failure because Gholston had no tackles but I found him disruptive.  He was in the offensive backfield a bit and managed a pass deflection.  Darqueze Dennard was very good on pass defense. Adams and Dennard will be tough to beat game in a and game out.  I am happy with the win, even if it was sloppy. 

(Greg Shamus/Getty Images)

Overall, the B1G definitely has some things to show in week 2.  And most of the teams will have weaker opponents which should help.

MSU v. BSU Prediction

Friday night ligths.  Or the start of college football season.  Here I am, at my friends house in Lansing, MI.  It's 11:33 am and I have David Guetta jammin, my lady friend is happy.  I need some whiskey.  I have been the Meijer and the cooler is packed.  It is about time for a drink, but first I need to make a prediction.

OFFENSE:  This is fairly obviously the biggest question mark for MSU.  With a new QB and mostly new WRs the MSU offense will need to limit turnover and control the clock.  The key here will be making most of your possessions.  Field goals are cool with me, and I LOVE touchdowns.  What will kill us are turnovers.  I am looking at you Maxwell.  Today in the Lansing area it is very windy. This is supposed to continue through the day, so I expect MSU to pound the ball on the ground  Though I expected that anyways.  Today is one of those game where Bell will get his number called a lot and then to change the pace we will see Caper and Hill.  With Caper and Hill in expect to see screen passes and tosses outside.  Once that is established for these runners, expect that out of Bell as well.  This will open up shots down the middle.  That is where I expect Maxwell to start out passing.  Sims figures to have a big game.  There will be limited shots down field with this wind.  For BSU, I expect to "trick" plays as they will be called by the announcers but it will be mostly misdirection.  BSU is also starting a new QB who has been effective in his time as a backup.  We might see some halfback options and into a pass.  I am not sure.  What I do know is that BSU has about 5,000 offensive plays so the defense needs to be ready for all of them. 

DEFENSE:  The strength of this MSU squad and the basically the only reason, as far as I can tell, why we are getting any hype is the defense.  It will be necessary for the Spartan defense to limit its pursuit.  With the misdirection that I am expecting, becoming an over zealous tackler will lead to massive gains and massive scores for BSU.  The defense will need to stay home and then attack quickly. In my head it will be similar to how they have played Michigan.  Over pursuing Denard is a death sentence, same with the BSU offense. I expect a lot of disruption from Gholston and Allen.  This should keep the BSU offense out of sync.  Our defensive line needs to have a good game push that BSU offensive line back on each snap.  Anything to overpower and deflate BSU will be crucial.

PREDICTION:  The crowd is going to be electric.  It is a beautiful day out today with temps in the high 80s/low 90s and a strong breeze making it feel cooler.  The night game allows plenty of time for people to get pre lubed.  I am seeing a lot of older(my aged) Spartan fans in and around town.  This is good thing since I am mostly critical of our student section and its ability to be lackluster.  Expect a few shots early from both teams until they settle into a groove.  The MSU defense will come on strong as the game ends and I see this swinging MSU's way.  Though it should be noted that last home openers BSU has won (Oregon, Georgia*, VaTech).  I think this defense is going to flex a lot of muscle.  31-21 MSU

The Comparison: Offense

Summary:

QB: Michigan (Big)

RB: Push

WR/TE:  Tbone says Push, Pat says Michigan

OL: Tbone says Push, Pat says Michigan


2011 Statistics:

Total Offense:
MSU: 56th, 390 ypg
UM: 42nd, 405 ypg

Scoring Offense:
MSU:37th, 31 ppg
UM: 26th, 33 ppg

Returning Starters:
MSU: 5?  (The lose at least 5 in Cousins, Cunningham, Martin, Nichol, Linthicum...and maybe one Oline guy?)
UM: 7

The Better O in 2012?

Denard finds that question funny

I expect MSU to change their offensive identity back to the running game behind Bell.  Last year with a senior Cousins they really were a pass first squad for the first time in Dantonio's career at MSU.  There offensive production will likely take a step forward on the ground (Oline and RB are the strengths) and a step backward in the air  (QB and WR are the huge question marks) to keep them right around the same spot right around the number 50 offense in the country.

Michigan should be spectacular on offense in 2012.  They may have trouble with Alabama but shouldn't be slowed down too much again until they play MSU, Nebraska and OSU.  After trying some square peg, round hole type things with Denard early in the season last year, Al Borges was able to tinker and tailor his system to better suit the skills of Shoelace.  They will be held back statistically by playing ball control as well as a lack of a dynamic big play receiver on the outside, but Michigan will be a top 15-20 offense this season.