OK, so that did not go at all how I expected it to go. I thought MSU could win this game, or at least keep it close. I did not anticipate this kind of domination by Alabama.
There were several reasons Alabama dominated, but probably the most important one was the planning by the coaching staff. I hate to say it, but Nick Saban, Lane Kiffin and the rest of the Alabama coaching staff came in with a better plan. Kiffin was prepared to under-use a Heisman Trophy winning running back. He designed passing plays that got his receivers wide open, including on the long bombs, and including their less-talented possession receiver.
Alabama also showed more diversity on offense. They have their power game, of course, but they also have their speed guys that could beat MSU to the outside. This has been one of my criticisms of MSU's recruiting. Somehow, the team ended up with a lot of power backs, but no backs that could beat Alabama to the outside. MSU did try to run to the outside with Burbridge, and that actually did work a couple of times. But I think in the long run, MSU is going to need to recruit a speed back or two with a goal to diversify the offense.
Apart from the game plan, MSU's execution was poor. Connor Cook and the receivers had to have a great game, but they just didn't. Cook had some accuracy issues and the receivers dropped too many passes. I anticipated that the passing offenses would be the difference in this game, and I thought MSU would have the passing advantage. Instead, Alabama's passing game turned out to be much better than I expected (won't it be the irony of all ironies if Coker stinks next week?).
I felt that MSU's defensive talent was a better match for Alabama's offense than the score reflected. MSU's run defense can hang with them, no question in my mind. But I was surprised to see the secondary struggle as much as it did. I guess it can be exposed by speed receivers like Finley -- I suppose Finley has exposed a lot of secondaries.
Alabama's talent advantage was most visible on the defensive line. It's disheartening that MSU's best offensive line in the Dantonio era was little match for Alabama's front four. Bama's front four was simply too fast, too powerful, and too smart. The telling moment came when their blitzing linebacker easily outran and overpowered Kodi Kieler (I believe). No human being should be able to do that!
The good thing for MSU is that they could be bringing back their bestest o-line in the Dantonio era, next year. But Jack Conklin would have to come back for his senior year. But I'll save my thoughts on next year's team for my next post.
