So I decided to do a running blog last week. Great timing, as you might have noticed. I did just the first and fourth quarters mostly. I've edited out some harshness but left about 99% of it.
Cousins VERY solid on first pass. Tight throw in a tight slot. Caper is solid, but Caulton Ray reads blocks solidly. CMU too small. Tight Ends too big for the CMU line. MSU can RUN ALL DAY.
COUSINS can throw the ball. Blair White is one hell of a hard working QB. No kidding he is about to be in the NFL. Late round sleeper pick or a practice squad signee. Hard worker. No wasted motion. Speed. Best hands at MSU since Charles Rogers . Clean drug tests.
Bad challenge. Hands under the ball. TD MSU (in Blaha voice).
Bad call on the review. He had possession AS HE HIT THE ENDZONE. It was not a catch at the 1 and down, but a bobble and catch IN the endzone.
No matter. CMU line weak. TD C.Ray. Boaters everywhere rejoice.
7-0 MSU
Sidebar: MSU needs to not only win week to week, but needs to make statements. This is off year for the Rose Bowl. We still need to show our excitement and skill level to sell ourselves for bowl games.
Back to the game. Nice little flop throw to the TE for tHE fEVER. My gay uncle throws harder (does not exist). Nice comeback throw by LeFevour. Good cover by Rucker. Played perfectly on both sides.
Screen works. What did I say? Don’t over pursue. Watch the screen and draws…
Tipped ball might have been a lateral and a fumble. No one says a word. I wonder.
Good fight from the CMU TE to break 3 tackles and get the first down.
This is a matter of time. CMU is undersized and throw happy. Stuffed on the first run in 9 plays.
Nice throw on the run for LFVR. Big hit to knock it free. Advice to LFVRRRR: Do not let Jones hit you.
7-3 MSU
Winston breaks a little runback. He has a lot to prove. I won’t really get into the specifics.
1. Bad throw by Cousins. 2. Blair White catches it. 3. W/Blair White I would look like Marino.
I look for Nichol soon, although, Cousins is sharp. I just look to shake it up if I’m a coach and make things more difficult on the DE’s. Different cadence, voice, and count plus a little more hesitation on the QB scramble threat. This dual threat is a good thing so long is there is no controversy.
Perfect throw to White and THICK DOUBLE coverage finally makes a last second stop. White stripped on the way down. Still solid.
Wally Pipp reference in re CMU running back. Dedicated to DP.
tHEfEVER throw is sidearm. Re-evaluating NFL material status.
Good play and even better tackle by CMU on the immediate end around. End in motion and direct handoff snuffed out. Caulton Ray short run. I really see BIG runs later in the game from the early pounding. CMU too small.
Perfect throw. Not sure if a catch and fumble (tie to receiver) or incomplete. If they challenge it is probably a TD. TBD.
On review, from my angle, either a TD (or no possession/control) or incomplete (no one has possession in bounds). Percent chance of a TD: 0.00%
Swenson money. Hanson replacement? Hopefully.
10-3 MSULeFevour is fast and has pretty good feet. He turns the corner and gets just inside the market. 1st down CMU. End of 1st quarter.
END OF FIRST
I was going to skip the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Nichol just threw the ball from his hips and missed a wide open receiver for a TD. Wide open. Would have been 60+ yards. WHY throw from your hip, and, there was virtually no pressure. Why?
That said: Nichol is both quick and fast. That doesn’t happen often.
Hmm. And strong. 9 yard complete bs scramble.
Again, don’t want to spend too much time between the 1st and 4th, but that CMU field goal was close. In terms of atomic bomb range, close. Close for Helen keller. Close as in “I almost went to Harvard Law” close.
Also. Complete effing horsehockey on the personal foul call. He’s a football player not a cheerleader.
Wow. “late shot” my ass. That said nice drive and nice toss. TD CMU.
START OF FOURTH
Nice run by Ray to start the 4th. I agree with the commentators, for once, and think Cousins has more control Nichol is more of a “wild card” on offense.
You have to dominate CMU on the O line. There is no question. Too much time on the field for the CMU offense and not enough time grinding the CMU defense. I’ll go back to disagreeing with the commentators who said “don’t think he got it” to say “he got it, clearly, moron.”
Gantt gets hung up on a false start because he knew he had an advantage. But Cunningham (my favorite receiver last year) goes wide and caps a clock killing drive. Now the D needs a 3 and out to show why the MAC is the MAC.
Commentator: “people like to question LeFevour’s arm strength.” I don’t. I question whether he molests children. Seriously, look at him.
Woah woah woah. One ref is 6 inches past the first down marker and one is 2 feet behind it. Third ref determines no measurement. First down. Uh, ok.
Nice call for a screen, unless the other team has “I’m GREG JONES.”
Rucker gets runs again. The spot is sketchy. Short of a first down. Challenge?
Measurement says first down. Probably a good call either way.
How about a pick six…
Wow. How about if the guy keeps his feet in it’s a TD? Good toss to a wide open man, but no dice.
TD CMU. Not sure how you don’t get more pressure on such a small team, but nice toss. Under review.
TD CMU.
Wow. CMU kicks a perfect onside kickoff, and with this kickers leg, look out. 21 seconds to go.
Pick…six...??
16 seconds to go. Don’t expect an Iowa situation. Iowa’s defensive line is impressive. MSU…is ok. At best.
Still need a big play.
Wow. 47-49 yard field goal on tap. This guy is certainly good enough to hit this, and as we’ve seen , good enough to keep it within 30 yards of a goal post.
For the record you shouldn’t have to “ice” a MAC kicker. Ever. That is uMichesque. RichRodBaggery, if you will.
Penalty pushes the ball 5 yards closer and makes this, in my mind, game.
Double icing a MAC kicker, because you have a Dlineman that can’t stay onside against a MAC team.
42 yard attempt. A high school kicker could make this, which means CMU has a chance. He did. Just lost to a shit team.CMU is pretty much the worst team MSU has lost to since, well, CMU.
________________________
The sad thing is that I like Dantonio's ability to adjust in game. When no real defensive adjustments or increased ball carrying occured, I started to wonder if that was the best we could expect. CMU is pretty ok but not that good. I wonder if all the hype of the specialty positions helped us ignore the fact that the lines are not so good, on either side of the ball.
We'll find out this week -- known as Hate Week to some, Hate Weak to others -- as ND rolls into town after losing the ummm.
I think both of these teams, MSU and ND, are unsure of what they want to be. Are we a passing team? Do we play defense and special teams and just not turn the ball over? God knows that we don't run the ball.
I look for a close game and a much improved MSU secondary. ND is different than CMU in that the QB won't be running around and the receivers are big, not shifty.
However, it might still come down to the fact that MSU hasn't been able to establish the running game against a good team. Or, for that matter, shut down the run and force the pass.
If MSU can:
1. Protect Cousins,
2. Run for 100+ yards before the 4th quarter, and
3. Come out even or +1 on turnovers I see an MSU squeaker.
If not: Ugly.
ND isn't that impressive on the ground or defensively, but I don't know that it takes much against our O-Line. The MSU secondary is better suited against this type of traditional passing attack, although the talent of the players lining up wide for ND is significantly better than CMU showed up. I really think it was a little bit matchup a little bit bad day, a little bit maybe this defense isn't so great [without Wiley at safety and a solid pass rush].
MSU - 28
ND --- 27
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
3 things
1. Put JayZ, Common, and Kanye with Elton, Stevie, P.Floyd, and the like as the works of genius. Stop hating and listen. Don't hear. Listen.
2. If the Tiger bats can wake up it doesn't really matter what the 3 and 4 pitchers do. Verlander and Jackson are good enough, when the bats put up 4+ runs, to win any game. We can win any series against any team when the 1 and 2 do ok to good, and the 3 and 4 do just average.
3a. MSU is poised to make Michigan one of the top college football states in the country. Forget the resurgence of UCLA, Cal and the everpresent USC. Forget Miami, Florida State, and the powerhouse Gators. The Spartans and, well, that other team, could both be good to very great over the next 5 years. Of course depending on NCAA findings and the resulting penalties.
3b. Please, someone, no matter if you agree or disagree with the message, give some love for a US President that speaks English.
2. If the Tiger bats can wake up it doesn't really matter what the 3 and 4 pitchers do. Verlander and Jackson are good enough, when the bats put up 4+ runs, to win any game. We can win any series against any team when the 1 and 2 do ok to good, and the 3 and 4 do just average.
3a. MSU is poised to make Michigan one of the top college football states in the country. Forget the resurgence of UCLA, Cal and the everpresent USC. Forget Miami, Florida State, and the powerhouse Gators. The Spartans and, well, that other team, could both be good to very great over the next 5 years. Of course depending on NCAA findings and the resulting penalties.
3b. Please, someone, no matter if you agree or disagree with the message, give some love for a US President that speaks English.
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
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
Friday, September 4, 2009
Mixed Rants
First I had to spend an unhealthy amount of time at the dentist this Wednesday. That was bad enough. Second, while waiting, I had to listen to other patients in other rooms. What is it with dentists not having doors on their rooms? I know what you're thinking:
So the ancient lady in the room next to me who apparently is all around brilliant (as she proceeded to argue with the dentist about the cause of her snoring. turns out its not her toothpaste) starts blabbering about health care. I have always taken these talking heads from the left and the right for what they're worth: nothing. I often wonder why people with political advisors and huge followings would say such stupid things (see: sarah palin = death panels). I mean, what positive can come from looking and sounding so stupid? Then this woman confirmed my worst fears.
"Obama wants the government to take over health care so he can kill all the seniors...I heard it on the news."
At first I laughed. I mean come on. I wasn't the biggest fan of GWB but I NEVER thought he purposely made decisions based on a desire to see people die. Cheney maybe. Ok not really. But I actually laughed. Then I thought "God no, these people meet at McDonald's every day and have the highest voter turnout." These idiots like Palin, Rush, and that fat baby faced lunatic on Fox are taking advantage of american stupidity. The difference between the left and right is this: the left is appealing and convincing to young liberals/moderates more so than the senior population. Their untruths and rants are never carried through because young people don't vote. And they use multiple news sources. Meanwhile, even if 1 in 4 Fox News/Rush listeners believes it as gospel, there is about a 80% chance they are voting.
_____________________
Michigan State and Montana State square off this Saturday. It shouldn't be a game after 1 quarter. Its really going to look like an organized, very official, scrimmage. Not that Montana State is bad, but they are just overmatched. I expect to see a lot of new faces by the 3rd quarter.
MiState - 40
MoState - 17
_____________________
I have two very divergent contingency based predictions. If RichRod loses 2 of his first 3 this year (Western Michigan, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan) he is cooked. Losses will be he nail in a coffin built over the last few months. Player transfers and dismissals (for recruiting questionable players and losing good kids because he's an ass) NCAA violations that no doubt occurred to some degree, and the recent investment fraud/loan default news that give um a bad name are no small thing. I've said since day one he was a risky hire for the above board reputation -- real or contrived -- associated with um football.* Somewhere the lloyd haters are wondering if lloyd would come back.
If they win the first 4 and split the next 8 RichRod lives to coach another year. A few assistants take the fall on the NCAA thing (meanwhile I hope it drags out and recruits bail on him not knowing if there will be a ban) and things chug along slowly. He coaches at um for the remainder of the contract and never makes a dime, taking his pay in legal representation from the law school for the next 3 scandals to come out. Honestly I hope he stays. I also liked Brian Ellerbe and Tommy Amaker. So did izzo.
_______________________
The Tigers are winning enough games, in exciting ways, and the competition just keep losing games. Roughly 30 games to go. Hopefully they can win 20 of them, including splits with the ChiSox and the Twinkies.
Ernie Harwell has cancer. He's decided not to do surgery/treatment. Its sad to think about such a steady, smart, perfect part of childhood summers not being around. Here's to a big Tigers run and Ernie in the booth a few more times this fall.
_______________________
* football only. as we know basketball is another story. see: the Fab we never existed Five
So the ancient lady in the room next to me who apparently is all around brilliant (as she proceeded to argue with the dentist about the cause of her snoring. turns out its not her toothpaste) starts blabbering about health care. I have always taken these talking heads from the left and the right for what they're worth: nothing. I often wonder why people with political advisors and huge followings would say such stupid things (see: sarah palin = death panels). I mean, what positive can come from looking and sounding so stupid? Then this woman confirmed my worst fears.
"Obama wants the government to take over health care so he can kill all the seniors...I heard it on the news."
At first I laughed. I mean come on. I wasn't the biggest fan of GWB but I NEVER thought he purposely made decisions based on a desire to see people die. Cheney maybe. Ok not really. But I actually laughed. Then I thought "God no, these people meet at McDonald's every day and have the highest voter turnout." These idiots like Palin, Rush, and that fat baby faced lunatic on Fox are taking advantage of american stupidity. The difference between the left and right is this: the left is appealing and convincing to young liberals/moderates more so than the senior population. Their untruths and rants are never carried through because young people don't vote. And they use multiple news sources. Meanwhile, even if 1 in 4 Fox News/Rush listeners believes it as gospel, there is about a 80% chance they are voting.
_____________________
Michigan State and Montana State square off this Saturday. It shouldn't be a game after 1 quarter. Its really going to look like an organized, very official, scrimmage. Not that Montana State is bad, but they are just overmatched. I expect to see a lot of new faces by the 3rd quarter.
MiState - 40
MoState - 17
_____________________
I have two very divergent contingency based predictions. If RichRod loses 2 of his first 3 this year (Western Michigan, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan) he is cooked. Losses will be he nail in a coffin built over the last few months. Player transfers and dismissals (for recruiting questionable players and losing good kids because he's an ass) NCAA violations that no doubt occurred to some degree, and the recent investment fraud/loan default news that give um a bad name are no small thing. I've said since day one he was a risky hire for the above board reputation -- real or contrived -- associated with um football.* Somewhere the lloyd haters are wondering if lloyd would come back.
If they win the first 4 and split the next 8 RichRod lives to coach another year. A few assistants take the fall on the NCAA thing (meanwhile I hope it drags out and recruits bail on him not knowing if there will be a ban) and things chug along slowly. He coaches at um for the remainder of the contract and never makes a dime, taking his pay in legal representation from the law school for the next 3 scandals to come out. Honestly I hope he stays. I also liked Brian Ellerbe and Tommy Amaker. So did izzo.
_______________________
The Tigers are winning enough games, in exciting ways, and the competition just keep losing games. Roughly 30 games to go. Hopefully they can win 20 of them, including splits with the ChiSox and the Twinkies.
Ernie Harwell has cancer. He's decided not to do surgery/treatment. Its sad to think about such a steady, smart, perfect part of childhood summers not being around. Here's to a big Tigers run and Ernie in the booth a few more times this fall.
_______________________
* football only. as we know basketball is another story. see: the Fab we never existed Five
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Captains Selected
The football team selected 4 captains today. This isn't usually news. This isn't usual.
For the first time in years there is a QB competition and the coaches have yet to name a starter. In fact, the word is a sesaon long starter may not be named until as late as the week following the CMU game, or week three.
The players haven't waited to chime in. They selected Greg Jones, Blair White, Ross Weaver, and ...
Kirk Cousins.
So there is at least the intriguing storyline of Kirk Cousins the captain, of the bench. Keith Nichol leader of the team, sort of.
http://freep.com/article/20090827/SPORTS07/90827064/1055/MSU-names-four-football-captains
For the first time in years there is a QB competition and the coaches have yet to name a starter. In fact, the word is a sesaon long starter may not be named until as late as the week following the CMU game, or week three.
The players haven't waited to chime in. They selected Greg Jones, Blair White, Ross Weaver, and ...
Kirk Cousins.
So there is at least the intriguing storyline of Kirk Cousins the captain, of the bench. Keith Nichol leader of the team, sort of.
http://freep.com/article/20090827/SPORTS07/90827064/1055/MSU-names-four-football-captains
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Americans love Futbol
Or not. Because idiots like Skip Bayless wouldn't have a clue what athletic looked like if it hit them in the face. Actually he might. He was probably punched in the face, repeatedly, throughout his childhood by athletes. The point is guys like Skip Bayless try to curry favor with rednecks everywhere by making outdated and simple jokes about soccer. In about 10 years he is going to look like Strom Thurmond, both in ideology and skin folds.
Back to the point. Football is number 1. College football follows the script of college basketball. More drama, more heart, and more at stake week to week than the corresponding professional level. For all the problems with the Bowl system and the push back on a playoff system I can agree with one argument in favor of the current system; don't slip up. Most teams can't afford to lose a single game, especially late in the season. Every week every game is important, like a playoff. The playoff system would only require getting in the top 10 or so, making a loss here or there acceptable with a chance to enter a playoff later. The season finale would probably trump march madness (please never have a playoff for football!) but the regular season would be left to the truest of fans.
MSU - I am a Spartan fan. That means I am cautiously optimistic. I like the general direction of the team but I've seen it before. I like the coach and the long term trend but I can't get too high, lest I be let down again. The schedule sets up nicely for a big, BIG season. I'm cautiously optimistic. Let's just say I'm long msu football but I wouldn't take msu as a trade.
Lou Holtz (sorry DP) may have gone too far this time. He picked ND to be in the championship game this year with Florida. He did qualify his statement by saying that ND "is not the second best team in the country" but that ND's schedule sets up nicely (see: cake walk) and that "they have the best chance of being 12-0 of any team other than Florida*" in the country. Really?? Did you watch that team the last two years? "They are returning XX players." Ok. So are the detroit lions. Is that good or bad? I think ND will be much better than last year, based on the schedule and improvement of the feathered boa. They will NOT be in the national championship unless 3 team forfeit. I'll eat my hat with ketchup.
I am worried about:
1. MSU at Illinois. This is a team that lost a lot of close games last year and has a running QB. Things happen w/ running QB's, for instance, large losses to PSU and OSU last year.
2. MSU at ND. I don't think ND is that good but I question MSU's ability to run the ball. I like te way our db's and lb's match up against the irish receivers but I just wonder about holding a lead or grinding out a game this year. I also wonder what kind of pressure we'll get on the qb. The pass rush is yet unproven.
3. Iowa. The hawkeyes DOMINATED our lines last year. Both offensive and defensive domination. Although Greene is gone I don't think it matters who runs behind that line. Although King and Kroul (sp?) are gone the D line will be very good still. Stanzi was impressive last year (as a guy getting 10 seconds to make decisions should be) and will only be better this year. Iowa is going to be good.
4. Either: Minnesota, Wisconsin, or CMU. Yes that CMU. With scrambling QB see above. Same can be said for MN, potentially, and the fact that it is Halloween and the new stadium will be rocking. Wisconsin is so so, but at home, is pretty good and has a stable of running backs.
Don't forget PSU. I don't think they will be as good as last year. A lot of the defense was lost and the offense will take a while to get rolling. Unfortunately for MSU PSU has all season to get it right. Also, there are plenty of returning starters on the nittany offense, including 37th year senior Daryll (and his other brother Daryll) Clark.
*I decided " 's were best despite the fact that the entire passage is paraphrased. In fairness his esses were sloppy and he slurred like a champion that day.
Back to the point. Football is number 1. College football follows the script of college basketball. More drama, more heart, and more at stake week to week than the corresponding professional level. For all the problems with the Bowl system and the push back on a playoff system I can agree with one argument in favor of the current system; don't slip up. Most teams can't afford to lose a single game, especially late in the season. Every week every game is important, like a playoff. The playoff system would only require getting in the top 10 or so, making a loss here or there acceptable with a chance to enter a playoff later. The season finale would probably trump march madness (please never have a playoff for football!) but the regular season would be left to the truest of fans.
MSU - I am a Spartan fan. That means I am cautiously optimistic. I like the general direction of the team but I've seen it before. I like the coach and the long term trend but I can't get too high, lest I be let down again. The schedule sets up nicely for a big, BIG season. I'm cautiously optimistic. Let's just say I'm long msu football but I wouldn't take msu as a trade.
Lou Holtz (sorry DP) may have gone too far this time. He picked ND to be in the championship game this year with Florida. He did qualify his statement by saying that ND "is not the second best team in the country" but that ND's schedule sets up nicely (see: cake walk) and that "they have the best chance of being 12-0 of any team other than Florida*" in the country. Really?? Did you watch that team the last two years? "They are returning XX players." Ok. So are the detroit lions. Is that good or bad? I think ND will be much better than last year, based on the schedule and improvement of the feathered boa. They will NOT be in the national championship unless 3 team forfeit. I'll eat my hat with ketchup.
I am worried about:
1. MSU at Illinois. This is a team that lost a lot of close games last year and has a running QB. Things happen w/ running QB's, for instance, large losses to PSU and OSU last year.
2. MSU at ND. I don't think ND is that good but I question MSU's ability to run the ball. I like te way our db's and lb's match up against the irish receivers but I just wonder about holding a lead or grinding out a game this year. I also wonder what kind of pressure we'll get on the qb. The pass rush is yet unproven.
3. Iowa. The hawkeyes DOMINATED our lines last year. Both offensive and defensive domination. Although Greene is gone I don't think it matters who runs behind that line. Although King and Kroul (sp?) are gone the D line will be very good still. Stanzi was impressive last year (as a guy getting 10 seconds to make decisions should be) and will only be better this year. Iowa is going to be good.
4. Either: Minnesota, Wisconsin, or CMU. Yes that CMU. With scrambling QB see above. Same can be said for MN, potentially, and the fact that it is Halloween and the new stadium will be rocking. Wisconsin is so so, but at home, is pretty good and has a stable of running backs.
Don't forget PSU. I don't think they will be as good as last year. A lot of the defense was lost and the offense will take a while to get rolling. Unfortunately for MSU PSU has all season to get it right. Also, there are plenty of returning starters on the nittany offense, including 37th year senior Daryll (and his other brother Daryll) Clark.
*I decided " 's were best despite the fact that the entire passage is paraphrased. In fairness his esses were sloppy and he slurred like a champion that day.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Things to do when you should be working
1. Ramble on the internets because you promised DP you would.
2. Drink coffee.
3. Get back to work.
First, no more tigers's games for DP and family. 0/2. Remind me to never go to a game with you guys. Love you, but hate losing. Also, should the layoffs-p become a reality, for the love of fall baseball don't buy tickets.
Second, Dantonio and crew are getting some respect from the media these days. Either that or the rest of the conference is that bad. MSU was picked to finish 3rd.
I am guardedly optimistic. Spartan football fans with any sense of history have to be. By mid season I expect the special teams will be as good as they have been in 5 years or so, the QB position will be just fine, and the receivers/te's will make plenty of big plays. There is plenty of depth (for the first time in...oh...10 years?) at defensive back. And, as everyone has written about, the linebackers are perhaps the best ever group to play at MSU.
I'm also worried about the offensive line. The left side should be strong, which is good for a right handed qb, but the right is questionable. For a team that likes to run with balance that could be a problem. I think the running back battle storyline is a little overdone. All these guys have talent. The question -- as it always is in football at any level -- is the line. Quarterbacks, running backs, and linebackers get all sorts of love. None of them can showcase their skills if the lines in front of them don't dominate.
Third, if you drop your keys in the trash at a coffee shop it is NOT the job of the workers to "deal with that for [you]." You had sunglasses on at 7am on a rainy day, indoors. You were on your iPhone -- leaving only one free hand to flail about the lobby -- and you don't really look that coordinated to begin with. You were the only person surprised that your keys would have the audacity to fall in the trash. Based on your apparent coordination, inability to pay attention, and karma, I'm surprised you didn't fall in the trash. When you neck talked "I am not dealing with that" the old guy next to you didn't even bother hiding his "and no one wants to deal with you honey" laughter.
1. Check
2. CheckCheck
3. [reluctant sigh] check
2. Drink coffee.
3. Get back to work.
First, no more tigers's games for DP and family. 0/2. Remind me to never go to a game with you guys. Love you, but hate losing. Also, should the layoffs-p become a reality, for the love of fall baseball don't buy tickets.
Second, Dantonio and crew are getting some respect from the media these days. Either that or the rest of the conference is that bad. MSU was picked to finish 3rd.
I am guardedly optimistic. Spartan football fans with any sense of history have to be. By mid season I expect the special teams will be as good as they have been in 5 years or so, the QB position will be just fine, and the receivers/te's will make plenty of big plays. There is plenty of depth (for the first time in...oh...10 years?) at defensive back. And, as everyone has written about, the linebackers are perhaps the best ever group to play at MSU.
I'm also worried about the offensive line. The left side should be strong, which is good for a right handed qb, but the right is questionable. For a team that likes to run with balance that could be a problem. I think the running back battle storyline is a little overdone. All these guys have talent. The question -- as it always is in football at any level -- is the line. Quarterbacks, running backs, and linebackers get all sorts of love. None of them can showcase their skills if the lines in front of them don't dominate.
Third, if you drop your keys in the trash at a coffee shop it is NOT the job of the workers to "deal with that for [you]." You had sunglasses on at 7am on a rainy day, indoors. You were on your iPhone -- leaving only one free hand to flail about the lobby -- and you don't really look that coordinated to begin with. You were the only person surprised that your keys would have the audacity to fall in the trash. Based on your apparent coordination, inability to pay attention, and karma, I'm surprised you didn't fall in the trash. When you neck talked "I am not dealing with that" the old guy next to you didn't even bother hiding his "and no one wants to deal with you honey" laughter.
1. Check
2. CheckCheck
3. [reluctant sigh] check
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)