After the greatest block punt return in college football history, and one of the single greatest finishes in the history of the game (see my rankings below), the Michigan State Spartans return to East Lansing to take on the Indiana Hoosiers. The Hoosiers are victim to the other side of the emotional rollercoaster, allowing 28 consecutive points to lose 55-52 to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. My breakdown for the Old Brass Spittoon, which MSU leads the all time series 44-15-2:
QB- This is a matchup of two of the most prolific passers in the Big Ten. Connor Cook is 30-3 as a starter, and has thrown 13TD-2INT. He is averaging 239 yards per game, and is coming off a game in which he threw for 328 and should have had more. Indiana's Nate Sudfeld leads the Big Ten in QBR, and averages 290 yards per contest. He was injured in the Ohio State game and missed the Penn State game also, so his numbers should be even better. EDGE: MSU, just because Cook is for sure healthy.
RB-Michigan State was held to 58 yards rushing last week, but LJ Scott did rush for 2 touchdowns. Madre London's health is still an issue, and the offensive line shuffling has obviously hindered the MSU running game. For Indiana, they have Jordan Howard who led the FBS in rushing yards until he got injured against Ohio State, but he is expected to return strong. If he isn't able to play, Devine Redding has 7 rushing touchdowns on the year and is a proven runner. EDGE: IU
WR- It is a battle of the Big Ten's top WRs as Michigan State's Aaron Burbridge, the Big Ten leader with 702 yards goes up against IU's Ricky Jones who has the next highest total with 624. Macgarret Kings Jr. has been impressive the last two weeks, even though he had a huge drop at Michigan last week. MSU also looks for the return of Josiah Price, who has played limited action the past month. Simmie Cobbs Jr and Mitchell Paige are also top 15 in the Big Ten in yards for IU. EDGE: Even
OL- Michigan State has had all sorts of different OL combinations but Connor Cook has been sacked only 7 times, and the offensive line looks for the return of Jack Allen this week. Meanwhile, a healthy IU line has allowed their QB's to be sacked 7 times also. A healthy MSU line would be triumphant, but the injury question marks are still prevalent. EDGE: Even
Defense: Michigan State has defensive injuries galore. They started Grayson Miller and Khari Willis, both true freshman at safety last week and they both are great tacklers so they performed excellent against the run heavy Wolverines. They will be tested tremendously against a potent IU offense that had 627 total yards of offense, including 464 in the air. The front 7 got home to sack Jake Rudock 3 times last week, and held De'Veon Smith and the rushing attack to 62 yards. Meanwhile, Indiana does not have a defense. They have allowed 600 yards to Rutgers, 450 to Penn State and 525 to Ohio State so far in Big Ten play, so expect the Spartans to be able to do whatever they desire. EDGE: MSU
Special Teams: The Spartans obviously had the special teams play of the year last week, but Jalen Watts-Jackson is out for the year, and other than that play, Michigan had totally dominated the special teams game. Meanwhile, Mitchell Paige for IU did return a punt 91 yards for a score earlier in the year, so the field possession could be swung in IU's favor often if the MSU punt team does not improve from last week. EDGE: IU
Intangibles: The Spartans have won 6 in a row in this rivalry, and 11 overall games in a row. Riding an emotional high from last week, compared to the Hoosiers emotional low will be an interesting factor. With both teams having explosive offenses, scores should come a plenty and neither team can avoid a hangover from last week. I expect Mark Dantonio to have the Spartans focused and ready, and unfortunately for Kevin Wilson his 4-0 start will become 4-4. PREDICTION: MSU 48 IU 34
TOP SINGLE PLAY FINISHES:
In honor of Jalen Watts-Jackson's legendary finish last week at the Big House, I decided to rank the top end of game plays in NCAA history. I decided that the team had to win the game for it to be considered, so I am sorry Central Michigan even though this was awesome. Without further ado, here is the top 10.
10-Trinity College One of the best lateral plays you've never seen.
9-The Kick is Blocked!One of College Football's Greatest Upsets Ever
8-Little Giants-Coach D with one of the great fake FG calls
7-Doug Flutie Remarkable throw, but overplayed in NCAA lore..
6-Bluegrass Miracle- This is why you never Gatorade shower your coach with 11 seconds left..
5-Miracle at Michigan- Kordell Stewart and Colorado..the Original Miracle at Michigan
4-Statue of Liberty- Boise State wins one for the little guy
3-The Kick Six Auburn/Alabama 109 Yards, to win the SEC West
2- Michigan State/Michigan Jalen Watts-Jackson, the new found hero
1- Stanford/ Cal: The Band is on the Field...
Look back this weekend for an MSU recap and other sports surprises. On a last side note, a shoutout to the MSU Volleyball team for upsetting #6 Ohio State at home in straight sets last night, they are only one game back in the Big Ten and host #5 Penn State Saturday night.
No comments:
Post a Comment