Rebound Saturday in East Lansing....

If any one trait needed to be emphasized going into tomorrow's Michigan State-Minnesota matchup, it's the Spartans' resiliency. Following an excruciating loss last weekend, it's finally time for the Spartans to bounce back, and I'm sure the team is truly looking forward to this opportunity. They still have so much to play for, and a share of the Big Ten title (or an outright championship, depending on how Wisconsin, Ohio State and Iowa finish the season) still hangs in the balance.


Weber has completed 55.1% of his throws on the year.
Photo courtesy of flickr.com



The Golden Gophers do bring some talent to the table, although their record doesn't reflect it. QB Adam Weber has topped 2,000 yards despite Minnesota's inability to win games, and actually has more touchdowns than Spartan signal-caller Kirk Cousins (17 scores to Cousins' 15). But, in looking at other telling statistics, the Gophers' winning percentage is harmed not only by their defense, but also their rushing offense.  Just as Michigan State's ground game has allowed them to prosper, the Gophers' struggles in establishing the run have harmed them to no end. With only 8 rushing touchdowns between four running backs and a weak average of only 3.6 yards per attempt, Minnesota has struggled to possess the ball for long periods on offense, and had even bigger issues in diverting pressure from Weber, who's had to throw the ball nearly 31 times on average over 9 contests-by comparison, Cousins has topped that number only once this entire year.

And while the offense has had issues, the defense perpetually finds itself facing even bigger problems. As I mentioned earlier this week, the 'D' ranks 105th in points allowed, and that's not the only telling note about this squad. This particular unit of 11 also gives up 201.6 rushing yards per game, while the Spartans have averaged 193.8 yards on the ground at home-this stat clearly leans in MSU's favor on paper, and if they hope to win on Saturday, they'll need to make it a reality.

Last week, Coach Dantonio lauded the toughness and character that this team possesses, and continually stressed how the Spartans would bounce back. If they hope to keep their season alive and stay relevant in the Big Ten championship battle, they'll certainly have to heed their coach's words. But, a win Saturday won't come easily, as we saw last week. Victory will be had only if they play with a high level of concern, focus and intensity right from the start. If they do just that, they'll put themselves in positon to finish off the Gophers. And, if these Spartans are truly resilient, when the time comes to strike the final blow, they'll show no mercy.

--Beau