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.
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