Week Two

To wrap up last week's game versus Montana State University I'll say this. We don't really know much more than we did the friday before the game. Things we knew before the game that are still true:

1. The QB's are both pretty good (against a bad opponent at least).
2. The running backs are a work in progress, but there are plenty of horses in the stable.
3. The O-Line is a work in progress.
4. The defense could be really, really good this year with some fine tuning.
5. We need to get more interior pressure on the QB.

The only thing that was somewhat troubling was the play of Rucker at corner. I hope he just lost focus on his two pass interference calls and wasn't simply beat. I thought he would be really, really solid this year. If Montana State receivers can simply run by you deep...look out. It could be a long year on that side of the field, or it could be bench time for Rucker.

For my money you have to stick with Cousins. I agree tie goes to the guy who has been around longer. Also, in the event of a tie, I like the guy the players elected a captain. They see and listen to him daily, which has to be worth something.

Also, Cousins seems more poised. His footwork from under center looks quite awkward when compared to Nichol but his arm mechanics and accuracy seemed as good or better. I like the way Nichol can move in the pocket without giving up on the pass too soon (Stanton at times did that) and his ability to throw while moving without stopping to square up. That could lead to bad habits ie gunslinging/over-confidence in the future, but against teams where there is a great deal of pressure but solid linebacking to snuff out QB runs, it would be nice to be able to stay in the pocket but still avoid the sack.

I like the ability to run three or more backs per game. No one gets tired, everyone gets reps, keeps the defense guessing. It will come down to picking up in pass protection, a place where I see Ray and Baker excelling.

CMU 9/12/09

Although this would normally be a game to fear, I think MSU can handle this chip team. Dan THE FEVER is no doubt a solid QB, probably the best chance to be taken at a skill position in the first round of the draft in CMU history. However, MSU is strongest, on paper at least, at Linebacker and Defensive Back. That should keep his guessing and looking over his shoulder for corner blitzes and a stalking Greg Jones. You don't want to get hit by Jenrette or Jones, and I see some opportunity for Piano Man Misch to get some time this weekend at LB. If the defense contains and avoids big screen plays (by not overpursuing into the backfield agains the smaller defensive line) there is a good chance CMU scores less than 20 points. If the screens and draws break big plays look out. That would open up the field for LeFevour to throw the ball around, and in turn, tuck and run later in the game.

I would mention the CMU special teams success of the past against MSU but that was primarily under Bobby Williams and John L Smith. They aree currently...I don't know. Doing something else somewhere else, dugumit. Dantonio will not allow 4 blocked punts this season, let alone in one game. I also see a big game out of someone in the MSU return game, someone looking to make a name, see the field more, and crack the lineup at Running Back or Receiver.

MSU - 32
CMU - 13