Wrap Up: MSU vs. Illinois

Gerard Butler (a.k.a King Leonidas) was in attendance.  I believe in this pic he is saying "SPARTANS! WHERE IS YOUR PERCUSSION?!?!"

Well, what started off as a defensive battle that had people yawning blew up at the end.  MSU has fallen victim to the post-Michigan hangover before, but improved to 4-0 after the Michigan game under Mark Dantonio.  Main point to take away from this game: the Illinois defense is good.  Real good.  Also, Kirk Cousins can carry the team if needed - he hasn't been a big gamechanger all season but he came through in a big way.

If it seemed like the team was playing terrible on offense in the first half, give credit to Illinois.  I'd be amazed if Martez Wilson (LB) and Corey Liuget (DT) don't get drafted for the NFL.  Those guys have now given MSU and Ohio State all they can handle.  Here's the stats from the MSU RB Stable:

Caper: 7 carries, 37 yards (5.3 average)
Baker: 8 carries, 23 yards (2.9 average)
Martin: 3 carries, 18 yards (6.0 average)
Bell: 10 carries, 13 yards (1.3 average)

Illinois denied MSU any sort of running game - expect Illinois' run defense to be that good for the rest of the season.  Coach Ron Zook called MSU "the best team we've played so far."  That statement includes Ohio State...hmm...

The biggest story, in my opinion, was the play of Freshman Darqueze Dennard, who was starting in place of drinking enthusiast Chris L. Rucker.  Dennard made two GREAT plays throughout the game:

1. Longest Illini pass of the day that put them in the red zone.  As the WR was getting tackled, Dennard swiped at the ball, knocking it loose, then recovered the fumble.  The play was reviewed - on TV, it could've gone either way.  His knee hit the ground at the same time the ball popped out, it looked like.  Since the call on the field was fumble, it stood.

2. Late in the game, Dennard lost a step on his assignment and the ball was thrown.  He caught up without turning to look at the ball and put his hand between the receiver's hand and knocked it away.  Pass Interference.  On TV, there was hardly any contact and was clearly not interference.  A great leadership moment happened directly after, as Greg Jones went straight to him, calmed him down and basically told him that was one great defensive play.

Lastly, three main points going into next week:
1. Spartans are 7-0 for the first time since 1966.  Projected to be in the Top Ten of the BCS rankings when they are released tonight.
2. MSU defense has recorded 12 interceptions in 7 games.  They had 6 all of last year.  There's still 6 more games to play.
3. Greg Jones has 419 tackles in his career.  With 2 more, he moves into 3rd place in all-time MSU tackles leaders.

The Spartans will leave the state of Michigan for the first time this year as they take a visit to Evanston to battle Northwestern.  Noon on ESPN.  Go Green!

Wrap Up: MSU vs. Northern Colorado

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!