Scouting Report and Prediction: Michigan State (5-1 2-0) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (1-5 0-2)
Scouting Report and Prediction: Michigan State (5-1 2-0) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (1-5 0-2)
A look at this week’s opponent…
Struggling in the middle of a rebuilding program, the Boilermakers are young, youthful, and have zero pressure. They are coming to have a good time while MSU is playing for a whole lot more.
When MSU has the ball…
Michigan State comes in with the nation’s 51st rated rushing attack. Purdue has the 96th ranked rushing D. Expect MSU to move up significantly and Purdue to drop farther after Saturday. The Spartans passing attack is ranked 102nd in the nation while the Purdue defense is rated 83rd. Again, expect movement on both sides.
This game is about MSU. It is about the Spartans offense coming out strong, showing dominance early. Take the lead. Run the ball and pass the ball down their throats and get guys out. I don’t want to see Connor Cook play more than one half. I am looking to see a 35-3, 35-0 lead at the half and let Tyler O’Connor play until the last three minutes. Then play the rest of the game with good young players getting much deserved reps.
Purdue’s defense is so ugly that MSU has to have a gameplan of improvement and experience for young athletes.
When MSU is on defense…
In the words of Mr. T, “Pain.â€Â MSU has the nation’s best defense. Purdue has the 119th ranked offense. This is so ugly. I want to see no starters after the half, MSU dominance, and a massive amount of reps. Once the Spartans have that big lead I don’t want to see Darqueze Dennard, Isaiah Lewis, Max Bullough, Denicos Allen, Trae Waynes, Tyler Hoover, or Shilique Calhoun in pads, let alone in the game.
This game is one that can pay huge dividends for YEARS. Big reps for young players and MSU must take advantage. I want to see massive amounts of guys gaining play time with few starters.
Intangibles…
Remember the rule of five. If MSU wins that, this game is over. For those who don’t remember it, it has to do with sacks and turnovers. If the Spartans have three sacks and give up two that means they are plus one. If they then get four turnovers and give up only one that means they are plus three. That would give them a plus four for the day. They want to get to a plus five ratio at least every game.
Darrell Hazell is the new Purdue coach. He inherited a terrible job at a difficult school. He is not a good coach. He is a great coach. He will cut no corners. He will build Purdue the right way and has this program on the right track.
This is the team that almost beat Notre Dame when the Irish took them loosely. MSU will not do that. The MSU staff knows that Hazell is a great coach and he will have a very good gameplan. He just won’t have the players to execute it.
If MSU comes out focused they will own the Boilers and get up big early. The key to success of this game is how many players play and get reps that normally do not. It will not take Hazell long to make it so you don’t look at Purdue every year in July and count it as a win; just not this year, just not this Saturday.
If MSU comes out tight or not taking the Boilers as a legit team that could be interesting. The Boilers are not talented, but they do have talent and they are a group of hard fighters. They won’t quit. They won’t roll over.
If MSU has a couple of early turnovers that they can convert or gives them hope, look out. The longer the Boilers are in the game, the better it is for them. MSU must dominate.
Prediction…
MSU comes out focused and on fire. Starters are cheering on Paul Andrie as he leads MSU for a TD late in the game. MSU shows they can handle success and expectations. They roll easy.
Make it 45-6 and MSU gets the win.Â
