MSU is now within 2 victories of a national championship. Unfortunately, in the first round of the playoffs, they face a real juggernaut in Alabama. This is a typical Alabama team: well coached, stout defense, strong running game, and elite athletes at nearly every position. Dang! Well, at least we made it to the playoffs, right?
Well, folks, that's the wrong attitude to hold because, in fact, MSU has everything it takes to win this game.
Perhaps the most important element MSU possesses is a rising secondary that is on the verge of re-establishing the "no fly" zone. If the "no fly" zone returns, it will allow the rest of the defense to concentrate on stopping the strength of Alabama's offense: Derrick Henry and the running game. Demetrious Cox, Montae Nicholoson, and Arjen Colquhoun have each played like first round picks in at least one game this season. If they can all play like first rounders in this game, and if Hicks can continue to be solid (maybe even take a leap forward), then Alabama's passing game will get shut down. No question in my mind.
If that happens, MSU has enough depth on the defensive front seven to handle Alabama's running game all four quarters. Alabama usually wears opponents down by the fourth quarter, but MSU's depth and Ken Mannie's training should thwart that strategy.
The second key to this game will be MSU's passing game. If Cook is healthy and sharp, and if the receivers are ready to shine, this will be the best passing game Alabama has faced. We don't know if Alabama's defense can handle a truly balanced offensive attack. Points will likely still be hard to come by, but a strong passing game will allow MSU to put up enough points to let it's defense win the game. MSU's passing must match what it did against Indiana. Cook and the receivers were the difference in that game, and they will probably have to be the difference in this one.
Finally, MSU has the coaching staff to neutralize Nick Saban and the Alabama coaching staff. MSU was well-prepared for Iowa, which has it's own group of hard-working, creative coaches. I think they will have to work even harder this time, but they are hungry. This is MSU's year!
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Thoughts on B1G Championship Game
What a war! Iowa was impressive, but they really needed to everything right to win -- and they almost did. Iowa was like Rocky. There were times when MSU seemed ready to knock them out, but they kept taking the pounding and bouncing back. Hats off to them.
As for MSU, the offense was limited by Connor Cook's struggles. The kid was tough and made some big plays, but overall he didn't have his normal accuracy or arm strength. Cook has put this team on his shoulders in other games, but last night he needed his team to carry him. Hey, that happens even to the best players in the world. Hopefully he'll be fully ready to go by the playoff games.
Thankfully the running game took another step forward, with the re-emergence of LJ Scott and Madre London. If the running game can continue to make progress and if Cook can regain his pre-injury abilities, this offense could be unstoppable.
The defense delivered in a big way against a very solid offense. The secondary held up very well, except on those two long bomb throws. Demetrious Cox looked amazing. He struggled a bit against Penn State, but he definitely bounced back in this game. Seriously, the "no fly" zone is close to being re-established. Cox, Nicholson (apart from one big mistake) and Colquhoun are playing at an elite level. Hicks is very solid, but he is not yet a shutdown cornerback. If he can get close to that level, this really could be the "no fly" zone. He's been getting better every week, so let's see what happens.
The d-line was very good against the run. But apart from Shilique Calhoun, they kind of struggled to pressure CJ Beathard. Man, what a performance by Calhoun! If MSU plays a good o-line like Alabama's, the d-line will have to step it up a bit.
Overall, I see that this team has the talent and character to go all the way. But they will be facing some of their toughest opponents yet, so they will have to continue improving.
As for MSU, the offense was limited by Connor Cook's struggles. The kid was tough and made some big plays, but overall he didn't have his normal accuracy or arm strength. Cook has put this team on his shoulders in other games, but last night he needed his team to carry him. Hey, that happens even to the best players in the world. Hopefully he'll be fully ready to go by the playoff games.
Thankfully the running game took another step forward, with the re-emergence of LJ Scott and Madre London. If the running game can continue to make progress and if Cook can regain his pre-injury abilities, this offense could be unstoppable.
The defense delivered in a big way against a very solid offense. The secondary held up very well, except on those two long bomb throws. Demetrious Cox looked amazing. He struggled a bit against Penn State, but he definitely bounced back in this game. Seriously, the "no fly" zone is close to being re-established. Cox, Nicholson (apart from one big mistake) and Colquhoun are playing at an elite level. Hicks is very solid, but he is not yet a shutdown cornerback. If he can get close to that level, this really could be the "no fly" zone. He's been getting better every week, so let's see what happens.
The d-line was very good against the run. But apart from Shilique Calhoun, they kind of struggled to pressure CJ Beathard. Man, what a performance by Calhoun! If MSU plays a good o-line like Alabama's, the d-line will have to step it up a bit.
Overall, I see that this team has the talent and character to go all the way. But they will be facing some of their toughest opponents yet, so they will have to continue improving.
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