Here we are, on the eve of the Michigan State Spartans' biggest contest of the season. A nationally televised, primetime home game looms for this campus. There's no question in my mind that the Spartans have the edge over ND in terms of intangibles-it seems we nearly always appear to when the Fighting Irish come to East Lansing.
Earlier this week, Coach Dantonio called this game a "tradition game" that links the current team to the past, noting that there have been "so many great plays", and that it "brings back memories" of terrific accomplishments. However, the only thing that matters when the Spartans take the field tomorrow night is the intensity at which the current unit goes to battle.
In my mind, State must show a great deal more offensive versatility than they have in the first two games. We should continue to establish the run as we have, but a stronger passing attack might be needed should the Irish styme the two-headed monster that is Edwin Baker and Leveon Bell. But, if the ground game works early and often, as it has of late, Dantonio should continue to give his two young backs all the carries they can handle.
I look for Mark Dell to become a greater threat in the passing game, and I wouldn't be surprised if Keshawn Martin is utilized in variety of passing, running, or trick play situations.
In terms of defense, MSU must withstand young but talented QB Dane Crist and targets Kyle Rudolph and Michael Floyd. Additionally, the Fighting Irish return 3 starters from last year's OL, so they should be well-versed in at least a few of Michigan State's tactics-that might make it more difficult for LBs like Chris Norman and Greg Jones to put pressure on Crist via blitzing. I believe if we hold Notre Dame to under 350 total yards of offense, the game is ours.
We have the edge in intangibles; we have a more experienced quarterback and perhaps equally dangerous skill players; both defenses have defined leaders in MSU's Greg Jones and ND'S Darius Fleming (among others)....the match is relatively even on paper....what the game will come down to is toughness, discipline in key situations, and above all, the drive to fight on every play, for every inch.
Let's go to battle.
Look for Larry Caper to be an X-factor tomorrow night, which should allow for all the backs to be fresh and keep the running potent throughout.
ReplyDelete