It was business as usual on Saturday as MSU easily dispatched Northern Colorado 45-7. The Bears of the FCS were thoroughly dominated on both sides of the ball, as expected. Here's a few quick hits/observations from the game:
1. He finally got one....TWO, actually!
Greg Jones, the Spartans MVP, who has routinely topped the stat sheet for the last 3.5 years, recorded his first (and second) career interceptions on Saturday. No idea how it hasn't happened until now, but Jones now has 33 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles on the year. He is now 5th on the All-Time MSU tackles records, and will most likely end up #2 on that list at the end of the season. Just wow.
2. Interceptions??? What are those???
The Spartan pass defense, the biggest ?????? coming into this season, now has 6 interceptions on the year. They intercepted 6 ALL of last season. Safe to say they've improved slightly. The Cornerbacks, Chris L Rucker and Johnny Adams, have more than pulled their weight.
3. Captain Kirk in Rhythm
Cousins was nearly flawless on Saturday: 16/20, 290 yards, 2 TDs. He is now #17 in the country for passing efficiency. One of those incompletions hit Mark Dell in the hands, I believe, so he's looking good going into Big Ten play. Freshman Andrew Maxwell also got some playing time - did decent throwing 3/5 for 41 yards.
4. So...what was the downside???
Pass rush. The one thing holding this defense back is its inability to get to the opposing QB. The Spartans did not tally one sack during the game - a bad stat considering Northern Colorado has a smaller and slower line. Individual play has been better, but it seems the team shouldn't expect pressure without blitzing.
Sorry I've been bad about updating the blog this past week. I'll be punctual this week :) Football 101 will be on MSU's offensive play-calling (in honor of Offensive Coordinator Don Treadwell running the show while Dantonio's gone), Thursday I'll do a Big Ten preview since Big Ten games start Saturday, and Friday I'll break down the Wisconsin Badgers, who come to town on the 2nd. Go Green!
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