Greetings, sports fans. Week 2 of college football is upon us, meaning the Spartans take on the Owls of Florida Atlantic University in their first road game. Road game, you ask? Well, my inquiring friend, here is my response: SHUT UP AND LISTEN, I'M GETTING TO THAT PART.
The two teams met in 2008 at Spartan Stadium, where the final score was 17-0 in favor of the Spartans. Javon Ringer had either 232 or 282 yards of rushing, but it's hard to tell because every single document in a 50 mile radius of East Lansing that day was irreparably soaked. MSU was supposed to make a return trip this year, at the unveiling of FAU's new stadium....but it's not done yet. FAU then decided that it would be a good idea of having the game at Ford Field - FAU is still technically the home team and will take all profits (and costs) resulting from the game. Also, here's what Ford Field looks like right now:
On to the football! While last week's opponent, Western Michigan, ran a pass-happy spread offense, FAU brings a different look with a pro-style set. Although ticket sales aren't exactly spectacular, this game will provide a much-needed test for the Spartan defense. If Western Michigan can be looked at as a tune-up game for other spread teams (like Michigan, Minnesota, and Purdue), FAU can be a tune-up for games against pro-style teams like Wisconsin and Iowa.
Primary concern for the game will happen at the line of scrimmage. FAU, while being a pro-style team, likes to pass quite a bit -- their QB, Jeff Van Camp, threw for 254 yards last week in their win over UAB. However, the line in front of him is new....and by that I mean all 5 of them started their first game last week. Look for Michigan State to get quite a bit of pressure on Van Camp. However, if by some chance they can't, it will signal bad things ahead for the Michigan State defense - an ineffective pass rush was their biggest weakness last year (we know how that turned out).
On the other side of the ball, MSU will get a chance to replicate last week's successful running game. Larry Caper sat out last week with a cast on his hand, but will play tomorrow. Whether he is at 100% or not remains to be seen. Expect freshman Le'Veon Bell to get touches once again, along with Edwin Baker to form a Voltron-esque team that you'd expect to comprise a southern rock band called "Smashmouth Beatdown." Yes, I have been drinking.
However, one bit of bad news is that 5th-year starting Fullback Josh Rouse is out for the season. Rouse injured his neck during a special teams play against Western and walked off the field shaken up a bit. Turns out, he fractured a vertebrae and had surgery early in the week. He's expected to make a full recovery, but it's unlikely he will see the field again this fall. Worse yet, Rouse missed all last year for a foot injury. Get well soon!
Last thing to watch is the hands of the deep MSU receiving corps. The MSU WR's and TE's dropped 6 passes last week - 2 by Cunningham, 1 by Nichol, 2 by Gantt, and 1 by Martin. Nichol? ok...I guess you get slack for never playing WR before in your life, but the other 5 drops were puzzling, especially Gantt. MSU definitely has the gusto and talent to be one of the most potent passing attacks in the Big Ten, but only if the drops stop. Personally, I'm anxious to see if Keith Nichol can continue his success while he's competing with Dell, Martin, and Cunningham for catches.
That's all for now. Game is on ESPNU at Noon, but make sure to check out some other games tomorrow - Ohio State/Miami and ND/UMich come to mind... Go Green!
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