Hope There's a Reasonable Explanation for the Conservate Play Calling

OK folks, one way to look at an ugly win (apart from just taking it and being grateful) is to consider that many variables affect the way coaches prepare for games. For example, coaches have to be worried about revealing too much as they get ready for the really important games. The coaches don't want to show UM and OSU too much, and that's why they significantly limit their playbook in games that should be easier to win.

I hope that something like that is what's going on here, because this game was almost lost by the coaching staff. It appears that the coaches decided that they could win this game with just a power running game. They were right to some extent (the Spartans were running the ball pretty well), but they weren't completely, and it almost cost them.

It's tough to accept decisions like that because the Spartans have their most talented passing game in...perhaps ever: a senior quarterback that may get drafted in the first round, 4 senior receivers, and talented tight ends. They should not be struggling in the passing game, they should not be nervous about their passing game. That's why I'm guessing that the coaches are saving their passing plays for another game.

If so, they should be careful. They should be wary of getting themselves upset, and they don't want their passing game to be out of game day practice. Those guys need some reps.

Other thoughts

The secondary continues to struggle. Nicholson is not showing the aggressiveness he needs to be an effective safety, and Hicks struggled in one on one coverage. At least Colquhoun seems to be making progress. He did struggle, but he has shown improvement. I see the makings of effective secondary, but Williamson will have to get healthy, Cox will probably have to take over Nicholson, and Hicks and Colquhoun will have to continue getting better each week.

Injuries. I love the resilience of the o-line, but folks, MSU has nearly stretched its depth to the limit. I can't see them going far, if they don't get Conklin and Keiler back, and or if Machado doesn't improve in a hurry.