However, these 2010 Spartans are clearly above and beyond your typical State squad, and I would be surprised if Coach Dantonio doesn't have his troops ready for battle. That being said,there are some weapons to account for on the opposite sideline. Senior QB Dan Persa has completed 78% of his passes this season, an extraordinarily impressive number,and part of the reason he possesses the NCAA's fourth-highest QB rating. To top this off, he's Northwestern's leading rusher, although with only 295 yards and no gains longer than 22, it's safe to say that Greg Jones and his teammates should be able to keep him in check. However, he has thrown for 300 yards in 3 games, and 250 in 2 others, while tossing only two picks in 6 starts.
With Chris L. Rucker still suspended after he waived his arraignment Tuesday, it appears Darqueze Dennard will again start in his place. After last week’s game, though, it looks like the young Dennard can more than adequately fill Rucker’s green-and-white Nikes-I expect another rock-solid performance from him.
In terms of the Wilcats' defense, Kirk Cousins and his backfield mates should be able to put up solid numbers--the Wildcats' starting 11 did give up 347 passing yards to 2-5 Central Michigan, after all. Northwestern's special teams also look suspect-Stefan Demos has missed five FG's and 3 extra points, and the Spartans might be able to employ a FG block to great effect at some point.
As always though, the game will hinge on the Spartans' toughness at the line of scrimmage, and their ability to exert their will over both the Wildcats' offensive and defensive lines. So far, MSU has done this in each and every one of its games, and not been tripped up yet in racing to a 7-0 start. If they want to remain relevant in the Big Ten and BCS picture, they'd best not falter now.
---Beau
No comments:
Post a Comment