Answering your Michigan State Football Questions and Emails…
Answering your Michigan State Football Questions and Emails…
Hondo, Quick question. I've always respected MSU for scheduling harder than most in the non-conference part of the schedule. This year we play four teams who all went to bowls last year. I wonder how many other D-I teams can say that? Randy
I have no idea how many, but I can tell you that I hate the nine conference games that the B1G demands now. I would have preferred 10 or eight. With an uneven number some teams have an advantage with five at home while others have four. Too bad they went nine, when all 14 coaches voted no. I love the non 1-AA and you must have a power five school rule that the B1G added as a stipulation for scheduling, I just don't like 9 conference games. Eight or 10!
Hondo, forgive me, but I am a Spartan who loves your work and I live here in the south so Spartan Nation is my lifeline. I caught you last night on ESPN at the tail end of your interview talking about Taybor Pepper the long snapper and after you were off they were talking about, “Never heard a long snapper and Nolan Ryan compared, but that was cool.†Can you fill me in? Curiosity is killing me. –Lionel
Sure I can. Taybor Pepper snaps the ball VERY fast; like a Nolan Ryan fastball. Let me put this in perspective. From the moment the long snapper moves the ball to hike until the ball should LEAVE the kicker’s foot is 1.3 seconds. That is the number NFL teams and ELITE college teams shoot for. Not all can do it, but NFL and elite schools gun for it. The faster the snapper gets the ball to the holder, the more time they have to set it and kick it. Pepper may be the best in Spartan history and I know that right now he is faster than multiple NFL snappers. He will get a shot at the next level.
Hondo, can you give me three names to watch for this season? I remember each year you do that and I love watching those young people. Keep up the great work! Karen Mac
Sure. Dennis Finley may be one year away, but he has the makings of being a good one. I know they want to see him get reps in case Conklin leaves early for the NFL, but he can be a star. A.J. Troup, the WR, has battled injuries. He has all the keys to be a SUPER star, not just a star. Has to stay healthy, but if he does, the relationship he has with Cook is unique and he could make a big time name for himself. Lastly, keep an eye on T.J. Harrell, the backup STAR LB. Darien Harris is mentoring him and he is a great learner with speed and power. THEY love that young man.
Hondo, I saw in your notes column about Dantonio saying the decision on Delton Williams return was his alone to make and I also saw how you reported Hollis said it would not be his. What happened? Is there a feud now? Ryan
No feud at all. Dantonio made it clear, “I was the decision maker in the process.†Hollis voiced earlier this summer when I asked, “It will NOT be Mark’s (Dantonio) decision.†I think you need to keep this in mind. First, Mark Hollis is a very skilled politician; VERY. As good as any I have ever seen. I had to learn that. Secondly, Mark Dantonio is about as brutally honest as you can be. Dantonio sought opinions so I assume you can call that a “Collective†process which is what Hollis also said it would be, but when Dantonio lays down the gauntlet that it was his call, it was his call.
Let me add this. Dantonio didn’t have to come to MSU. He chose to. This was not the job then as it is today. He told them at the very first meeting he would NOT consider the job if he did not have complete control of the program. He does. No need to get into examples, but this is Dantonio’s program. Now that the money is pouring in for football, no one at MSU is going to upset the apple cart.
Dear Hondo: Pat Narduzzi gave the Spartan defense its swagger and identity. I was glad to see him get his shot as a head coach at Pitt. He's already changing the culture there, and they will become a force to be reckoned with. Can the Spartans go from "attacking but predictable" to "attacking yet less susceptible to the big play"? It seems to me that some change is required going into this season's games with Oregon and Ohio State, or the results won't change. Your thoughts? Glenn T.
EMPHATICALLY disagree. A perennially top five defense that had key miscues that cost them games against OSU and Oregon and you call it predictable and requiring of change? Not a chance. Against OSU and Oregon the game plan was solid but lapses in execution where the killer. In both games MSU was beaten when the Ducks and the Bucks were able to run after Spartan mistakes. I am always for tweaking, but not a chance that the D has become predictable or that change was required. This D is always going to have a shot at a big play from the O, but far less with the attack mentality. The Spartan D is built on attacking, but you never know from where.
There you go everyone. That is this week’s question and answer article. If you have a question never hesitate to email at SpartanNationMail@yahoo.com and put in the subject line FB Q/A
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