Some Things to Look for this Saturday

As Quetzal discussed earlier, the Spartans are expected to dominate Florida Atlantic, this Saturday.  Florida Atlantic may actually be a little better than Youngstown State, but the Spartans really need to show that they have solved some of the problems that appeared in last week's game.  In particular, here are some of the things that I hope to see fixed:

- The offensive line must show that they are at least making solid progress. I don't expect perfection, but they really looked like a liability last week--bad enough to cost the Spartans several games.  The Spartans shuffled some linemen around this week, and hopefully that will make a difference.  Personally, I think the only real question mark on the OL is the left tackle spot.  The rest of the line just needs time to gel, but left tackle may actually be missing the required talent.  Basically, it's up to Dan France and Fou Fonoti, both of whom appear to have the athletic ability but perhaps not the necessary experience.
- Max Bullough seems to be a legitimate star at linebacker--though I'm a little worried about his speed--and Chris Norman should be solid--though I didn't see him make enough plays last week.  Otherwise, the other outside linebacker seems to be in the same quandary as the left tackle position.   The requisite talent could be missing.  Denicos Allen is now considered the starter, and hopefully we'll see him step up this week and allay my concerns.  Overall, I think the entire linebacker unit needs to look sharper this week.
- Cousins had great stats last week, but there were a few throws where I felt he did not look like a fifth year senior.  One of the throws actually should have been intercepted, and against better teams it probably will be.  Mistakes are unavoidable, but there are also those mistakes that even a bonehead like me can see unfolding from a mile away.  I don't want to see Cousins making those kinds of mistakes (especially against weak teams) because it leads me to believe that he will make a lot of mistakes when he faces a defense that really applies a lot of pressure (e.g., Ohio State, Nebraska, possibly even Michigan).
- The secondary looked good for about 75% of the time.  The other 25% they looked pedestrian.  I would like to see them play a complete game this week.
- The defensive line did not look dominant against a weak team last week--perhaps because YSU was getting rid of the ball quickly.  Nevertheless, they need to start playing as if they are the strength of the defense--as they're supposed to be.  If the DL does not dominate this year, the Spartans won't win the Big Ten.  I need to see some sacks this week.