Answering your Michigan State Football Questions and Emails…

Answering your Michigan State Football Questions and Emails… Hondo, you wrote about the three running back rotation right now and didn’t mention Holmes. Is

Answering your Michigan State Football Questions and Emails…

Hondo, you wrote about the three running back rotation right now and didn’t mention Holmes. Is he out of the running? Kandi

No, he is not Kandi. At the time I reported it, he was fourth behind Riley Bullough, Delton Williams, and Jeremy Langford. This is the biggest week of the season so he still has plenty of chances and a weekend scrimmage to play in to that three deep.

Hondo, I heard you being interviewed here in Nebraska on Sunday night and you called this hell week for MSU? Why is that? Brandon

Camp is certainly never easy, but the coaches for MSU did some things this year that made week one easier than in times past. This week will be tough on the field and in the classroom. With the season 18 days away this is the time for people to make a move.

Hondo, how come you wrote so little about the DB position in your news and notes column. By the way, those are the best on MSU football anywhere. Dan

Thanks for the kind words Dan. The DB spot is solid and there isn’t a ton of movement. Darqueze is solid; Trae Waynes, Isaiah Lewis, and Kurtis Drummond are locks. There is no drama and little to report. The battle is for that third S spot with Demetrious Cox and R.J. Williamson.

Hondo, I get that Riley Bullough is a nice big back, but I heard on the radio that he isn’t real solid as a pass catcher. If he can’t do that job completely, do you think he should stay at LB? Patrick in Charlotte

Patrick, I have one word of advice. Whatever radio show said that Riley was a liability in the passing game, don’t listen again because they have no clue. One of his strengths in making the move was his athletic ability and that includes running, blocking, and catching the ball out of the backfield.

Hondo, you have written and talked a lot about the defense and how good they can be. If you had to predict a weak spot what could it be? Sorry, I am one of those glass half empty people you hate. Curn

One of those, eh? I would say the DL. Now let’s make sure you understand that picking a weak point on the D is really splitting hairs. There is a ton of youth so that is the spot. Even Dantonio today praised the “Back seven” and made it clear he wants more out of the DL.

Hondo, I was wondering your thoughts on the new K Michael Geiger. I know you aren’t a big K guy, but just your general impressions. Trina

Great question. What do you mean I am not a big K guy? That is such an important part of the game and the team. I just like it best when they do their jobs and nothing is heard of. I am impressed. He is fearless, but not cocky. His teammates like that he just steps up and boots the ball. I will tell you that there was a lot of trepidation with him and that was not warranted. He came in as the #1 K for the 2013 recruiting class, but has earned the starters job on his own.

Hondo, I just wanted to thank you and Spartan Nation for the amazing coverage of MSU football. I am new to the Spartan Nation family and I can’t believe I ever loved MSU and didn’t find this place. Thanks. Jim

No way Jim, thank you! We try and we are growing every day because of super folks like you telling others.

Hondo, last week when you pimped Mark Scarpinato and this week Narduzzi did. Sounds like he is making us Cheese head Spartans proud. Edward in Tomah

He sure is Edward. Mark is a hard worker. Sometimes because of our culture if a player isn’t an immediate contributor in those first two years he gets overlooked. The reality is on good teams you don’t look for players to make a move until year three and he has. Also, he is a great kid; you have a lot to be proud of.

Hondo, being from Ohio I love that the MSU QB battle is really between Connor Cook and Tyler O’Connor. How big is that for recruiting here in my state? Vince

Great question and a big premise there. If you are counting out Maxwell you are making a big mistake. He is the leader right now for the job. I think the biggest battle is for #2 and Cook has the lead because he has a little bit of experience. The Cook/O’Connor battle is the big story so far in this camp. As far as recruiting Ohio, it certainly matters, but the biggest factor in recruiting comes down to two simple things: 1) Winning and 2) Getting young men to the NFL. Do that effectively and you can recruit any state in the Union.

Hondo, you have said many times since the season ended that you thought Maxwell was the man to beat for the job. You have made it clear that you aren’t endorsing that or not endorsing it, you just are reporting. So I get the covering your butt, but what do you think is Maxwell’s biggest weakness? Carrie

Not covering my butt Carrie. I am very careful to make sure people understand when I am offering information and news and when I am giving personal opinion. Maxwell has the respect of his team, he is accurate, and he is tough. His kryptonite, if I may use the term, is that he is almost afraid to make a mistake. He didn’t take off and run once in last Saturday’s scrimmage. Consequently, he stayed in the pocket and that is a good thing, but he has to take off. Not 20 times a game, but he has to be willing to run to make defenses honest. I have a very good friend who is a coordinator at another school who told me, “He gives you the luxury of not having to game plan for what if he takes off.” I know MSU is addressing that, but ultimately this isn’t Coach Dantonio playing PS3 in the booth. This is real football and whether it is trying to make a play downfield on third down or taking off and running he has to stop playing in fear and trust himself.

Hondo, does Tyler O’Connor have a legit shot at being our starter this fall? Scott Lehr

Yes and no and I am not running for political office. Yes he does, but not at first. Dantonio will NOT start a QB with no experience. After getting some experience, he has a great shot. I wrote earlier this summer that he had zero shot at being the starting against WMU, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he was the starter at the end.

Hondo, I was wondering if Coach Bollman had the autonomy to make the adjustments he deems necessary. Coach Bollman has so many more years of experience and I worry if it’s all being put to the best use. Terence Gipson

Super question. I have wondered why more fans aren’t talking about Coach Bollman. He and Warner have had a great relationship, but the season hasn’t started either. I don’t mean that in a way to make you think I expect conflict, just a fact. As in any relationship there will be disagreement but they genuinely like each other and Coach Bollman is heard. Trust me and his influence is greatly respected and listened to and followed. No worries on that front.

There you go everyone. Another week of the football Q/A. Remember if you have any questions send them to SpartanNationMail@yahoo.com and put in the subject line Football Q/A. Also you must include your name!