Last weeks MSU/Iowa game was...more of the same. Iowa has a strong run defense and proved it once again by holding Javon Ringer to less than 100 yards, although he only carried the ball 25 times.
Hoyer looked solid in the first half. He made plays when he needed to and held on to the ball. The second half was, well, perhaps a sign of things to come. Because Iowa's Defensive line was dominant the safeties and corners didn't need to cheat up on the run. Dropped passes (not Hoyer's fault, on the money) hurt but Hoyer again stared down his primary target. You can tell what side of the field he is throwing to immediately after the snap. If you can see the whole field (watching live) you can tell the exact player he intends to throw to. He doesn't seem to check down, look off safeties, or improvise. Pump fakes and thrown away balls usually mean the person he intended to throw to prior to the snap is not open.
Punting. Wow. Our punting situation has gone from bad (blocked, hurried) to worse (almost blocked, 30 yard net). Punt, pass, and kick contestants from the 5th grade level could hit the ball with more force. I don't question Bates ability -- he has the talent -- but something has changed. At least one punt was off the side of his foot last week and the rest were short. He has appeared -- whether it was bad blocking or reality -- to be slow getting his punts off. Perhaps the coaching staff has changed his mechanics. Bates has to get this turned around before playing the tough defenses remaining on the schedule.
Goran Suton likes Panera. I have proof.
Drew Stanton will likely start a game for the Lions before the year is over. I'm sad to have to say that. This team is bad and my guess is (with 1 practice taking reps) he doesn't know the offense. You can study a playbook but knowing takes game speed. One question: Roy Williams - Do you listen in the huddle or just run routes that seem fun? If the latter, could you please tell the rest of the team what personal audible you are calling so they have a vague idea where you might be on the field? How about setting some goals like, say, increasing your catch percentage to around 33%. Catching the ball 1 out of 3 times it hits you in the hands is a good start. Thanks.
I don't like the upcoming Northwestern game. This could be the beginning of what outsiders will call "same old spartans." NU is followed by Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Purdue and Penn State. Looking at 4 potential losses in a row, with a likely win against Purdue, it would be easy to say "see, same old story." However, the program is moving in the right direction. They are winning the games they should, playing close in every contest and getting better recruits. I would like to see MSU move the ball on the ground against NWestern, play Ohio State close -- keeping scrambling qb Pryor under control -- and beat Wisconsin and UM. Penn State is fast and tough to beat at Happy Valley. Purdue is the type of letdown game the old spartans would lose. Winning 3 of the last 6 would probably have to be considered a very good season, 2 a push, and less than 2 a serious dissappointment.
I grade the 2008 MSU defense on par with the 2007 version overall. The Defensive Ends are much less dominant this year, getting almost no pressure on the opposing qb, while the corners and safeties seem to be getting better. At linebacker the 2008 version is quicker and more athletic, but for all his shortcomings Kaleb Thornhill knew where to be without thinking. He was experienced, intelligent, and had the pedigree.
I'm excited to see where this program is going. I am always skeptical of savior talk but the team should get better with Nichol at QB next year. Incoming freshman Maxwell is a standout QB recruit as well. 4 of the top 5 2009 recruits in the state of Michigan are spartan pledges and Dantonio continues to hit the state of Ohio hard. Things are looking up, but much like the coach's demeanor, at a measured and steady pace.
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