Bad Surprises

I used to regularly write a post about how "surprises" have such a big influence on how the season is going to go. I figure it's a good time to revisit that theme because there are some key surprises that are massively influencing what is happening to the Spartans this season. Obviously, surprises can come in the form of injuries, but let me stick to surprises in player performances. Three areas that have surprised in a bad way this season are the O-line,  running backs and the secondary.

Coming into the season, we thought that MSU was going to have its best O-line in the Dantonio era. And we can now safely say that this O-line is one of the leas effective of the last 3 years. Injuries have played a role, but almost all the starters are back now, and yet they have struggled in both the run game and pass protection. And sadly, the struggles could get magnified against Ohio State.

As for the running backs, we knew it would be tough to replace Jeremy Langford, but right now the only consistent RB has been Gerald Holmes, and he's been held back by the struggles of the O-line. I think Holmes has the potential to salvage the season for the running backs, but he is going to need help from the O-line, and perhaps just as importantly, he could use help from an explosive back (a lightning option, if you will). Somehow, the coaches ended up recruiting too many big backs, and no real speed backs. It's starting to become clear that their current group is limiting the playbook. They can't outrun defenders to the outside, so basically, all runs have to be between the tackles. That may be fine much of the time, but you need guys that can keep the defensive ends honest, guys that can add a few extra plays to your playbook. Whatever happened to Nick Tompkins?

As for the secondary, we knew they would struggle, but we didn't expect this much struggle. The safety position was supposed to be a strength, but the injury to RJ Williamson and the massive regression of Montae Nicholson have turned this area into a pretty sizable liability. At least Arjen Colquhoun has been a nice positive surprise. As I've said before, he could be really good by the end of the season. Hopefully, Nicholson will progress and hopefully Darian Hicks can solidify the other corner position, while Cox solidifies the other safety position. I don't expect them to revive the no-fly zone, but hopefully they can become serviceable.