Quick Thoughts on Minnesota Game

I was forced to watch this game on an extremely choppy video signal, and so, I missed many plays, and so, I will keep my comments short and general.  Starting with the most general thing, this game came very close to being the Spartans' worst loss in a long time.  Had the Spartans lost this one, that would have been 2 Big Ten losses in a row and it would have virtually destroyed all hope the Spartans had of winning the Legends division.  Most importantly, a loss today would have set the program back.  That sounds like hyperbole, but think of all the signals it would have sent -- to the football world and especially to recruits.  A loss at home today against the weakest team in the league (or second weakest) would have undone any aura of eliteness built up by the Spartans over the last 2 years.  Elite teams don't beat good teams and then lose 2 in a row, including one against a weak team, at home.

Obviously, MSU didn't lose, so that checks my frustrations quite a bit.  Nevertheless, most of the following observations are critical of the Spartans:

- I felt the Spartans were simply out-coached, again.  MSU has more talent and they were playing at home, and yet, for the second week in a row it seemed the opposing team was anticipating everything the Spartans were doing.  Minnesota's defense had the Spartan offense figured out, while the Minnesota offense had the Spartan defense confused. 
- I guess opposing teams have figured out the Spartan defense.  That's two weeks in a row the MSU D looked confused.  Gone are the days of a dominant D.
- That's two weeks in a row the Spartans are lacking intensity.  In Nebraska they looked shell-shocked.  Today they looked like they expected Minnesota to roll over, and when they didn't the Spartans barely stepped it up enough to survive.  If they lack intensity against Iowa, next week, "fuggedaboutit."  They'll be lucky to keep the whoopin within 2 touchdowns.
- Too many mistakes.  Too many penalties, turnovers, Cousins taking sacks when he should get rid of the ball, and guys not knowing where they are supposed to go (how many times can we see a running back run the wrong play? - or is it Cousins?).
- I can't believe how much the running game is struggling.  Is it the O-line?  Is it the play calling?  I need to take a closer look at the video again to get a better sense of what's happening.  But the Spartans have to figure it out soon or they will be in trouble the rest of the season, especially because the defense is not what it once was.
- Heroes.  Cunningham, Gholston, Robinson.

So this was an ugly win, and even great programs have ugly wins.  By itself, it doesn't tell us much about how the Spartans will play next week against Iowa.  In fact, one could say that the reason this game was ugly is that they were looking ahead to next week.  Combined with the Nebraska game, however, you can see some troubling patterns.  Teams have somewhat figured out the Spartan D, and they have completely figured out the Spartan O.  The Spartans need to make adjustments, fast.