Preview of Eastern Michigan Game

This is not the kind of game you want to play after losing a tough one. We are not going to learn anything new about the Spartans. In fact, if anything, the Spartans should pound the Eagles and dominate them in all facets of the game, and that could lull us into thinking that the game against Notre Dame was a fluke. I would rather be playing Ohio State this week so that we could actually learn something useful. If the Spartans beat Ohio State, then we can be happy again. We can actually begin to dream about the Rose Bowl. If they beat Eastern, we still have to live with that uneasy feeling in the pit of our stomachs that this team can smoke the cupcakes, but can't hang with the elites.

I suppose that one nice thing about playing Eastern is that the Spartans obviously still need to keep working on their offense. Eastern should allow the offense to work on a lot of things, while resting key players after one half of play. Eastern is giving up over 40 points a game, so like the CMU game, we will likely see up to 7 receivers getting a chance to catch the ball. Like I said, though, an 8-catch game by Bennie Fowler will feel a little hollow. We know he can do it against the cupcakes, but he needs to be able to do it against the top-tier teams.

In this game I at least need to see some consistency from the receivers. Keith Mumphery actually had a solid game against Notre Dame.  Now I need to see him play 2 solid games in a row. No receiver has done that yet. Tony Lippett needs to have a big game. He has struggled mightily up to this point. Don't get me wrong, I think Lippett has the potential to be a star by the time he graduates, but I may start to doubt that if he is unable to make some plays against less talented defenders.

I also want to see Andrew Maxwell play a complete game. He needs to start strong and end strong. I see flashes of brilliance from Maxwell that make me believe that he will ultimately be MSU's best quarterback ever. I'll feel more comfortable about that assessment if I see him making noticeable progress in the areas of poise in the pocket and throwing accuracy.

I also need to see the offensive line gelling.  Up to this point, the o-line has looked disoriented. If they cannot dominate against the Eagles, folks, they're going to be destroyed by Ohio State. Is it possible that the line is worse this year than last year? Oh what a nasty surprise this could turn out to be.

Finally, I hope to see that the defense has figured out the long bomb. The Spartans cannot continue to give up long passes every game, they need to show that they can adjust. They also need to start putting pressure on the quarterback. They need to make adjustments - perhaps blitzing more from the secondary?

Upshot: MSU should win this one if they are not too heartbroken from last week, or unfocused because they are looking forward to Ohio State. The offense should have a big game and the defense could get their shutout.

Final Score: MSU 47  Eagles 6