Just re-watched the Outback Bowl (here) because I'm starved for football and because I wanted to see if that game would yield any insights about this season. Here are a few thoughts I came away with:
The offense struggled most of the game
- The O-line really struggled, and that really hurt the running game.
- The O-line's struggles also meant the passing game struggled. Cousins was pressured a lot, which disrupted his timing most of the game. The receivers also struggled to get open for most of the game.
- The offense was very dependent on big plays from its playmakers. Three guys stepped up big, in my mind: LeVeon Bell (dragged tacklers when there wasn't much running room), Brian Linthicum (made several tough catches), and Keith Nichol (made a few tough catches in the fourth quarter).
The Spartan defense kept them in the game
- They allowed only 18 points in regular time, and 11 of those points were the result of the bad field position handed them by the offense and special teams. They also scored a touchdown on Darqueze Dennard's interception and gave the offense excellent field position on a few occasions.
- The front seven played very well. MSU stuffed Georgia's running game most of the day and they put quite a bit of pressure on Georgia's quarterback (Aaron Murray).
- The defense did give up some big plays, however. Georgia burned the Spartan secondary on some long passes. The Spartan secondary (including Johnny Adams and Trenton Robinson) struggled against Georgia's top receiver (Tavarres King). The Spartan defense and special teams struggled against Georgia's playmaker Brandon Boykin.
Insights into this season
- If Maxwell and the passing game struggle this season, then the Outback Bowl is a good indicator of what this season will be like. The offense will sputter against good defenses, and the Spartan defense will have to keep games close. But I actually think the MSU offense will be better this year for three reasons. First, the O-line will be considerably better than last year. That will improve the running and passing game. Second, the offense will be in its second year under offensive coordinator Dan Roushar. Both the players and Roushar should be more comfortable. I also think that Roushar will have more players that fit better with some of the things he likes to do (like running outside the tackles). Third, MSU could have more explosive playmakers this year than it had last year. I'm particularly hopeful about Dion Sims and Bennie Fowler.
- The Outback Bowl raised one concern for me about the Spartan defense going into this year: they do struggle against elite players (who doesn't? I suppose), especially the secondary. I do think that the Spartan secondary will be better this year than last year, and thus, should match up better against elite receivers. Johnny Adams will be better than ever, and the Outback Bowl has me believing that Darqueze Dennard will be a superstar. Mark my words, if Dennard stays healthy, people will be talking about him as a possible first round draft pick by the end of this season. The Spartans may end up losing their top 3 cornerbacks at the end of this year.
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