State of the Spartans

 After last Satuday’s whipping of the Wolverines in front of 113,065 in the Big House, the Spartans are on top of the world. “Michigan’s little

 

Dantonio has the upper hand in the State and it looks like possibly the Big Ten. Photo courtesy of Bill Marklevits

After last Satuday’s whipping of the Wolverines in front of 113,065 in the Big House, the Spartans are on top of the world. “Michigan’s little brother” simply outplayed Michigan in the 34-17 triumph. Following such a resounding victory against a rival, it is easy to rest on your laurels and become complacent. Coach Dantonio acknowledged this during his weekly press conference: “You are only good as your last game.” MSU will need to stay focused this Saturday against Illinois. Don’t forget that this is the same Fighting Illini team that gave #1 Ohio State a good scare a couple weeks ago. If Michigan State wants to be Big Ten Champs at the end of November, they cannot treat Illinois lightly.

 

• Quarterback Kirk Cousins had a maginificent game against UM: 19 of 26 for 287 yards and a touchdown. What is more impressive about his performance on Saturday was the number of interceptions he threw: zero. Cousins was virtually flawless in the game. He orcestrated five straight scoring drives, which crippled the stalled Wolverine offense. If he keeps playing like he did against Michigan, Captain Kirk just may lead the Spartans to glory.

 

• Edwin Baker was the breadwinner of the backfield against Michigan. Once again, Baker ran like a mad man, and refused to be tackled- his second efforts were absolutely amazing. Baker’s stats are astounding- 22 carries for 149 yards and a touchdown. He may have won the starting job with this performance.

 

• Although Bell didn’t get as many carries (seven) as Baker, LeVeon certainly didn’t disappoint. He had seventy-nine yards and one touchdown for the game.

 

• In the win over Michigan, Caper got some carries (especially late in the game), mostly on second and third down. However, if Baker and Bell keep up their exceptional play, Caper will be an after thought. 

 

• The Spartans’ offense will be going up against a much better defense in the Fighting Illini this Saturday. To be honest, Michigan’s defense is a mess. Michigan State will not be able to score as easily on the Illini’s defense. Yet, Illinois has not faced a team with a two-pronged attack as good as the one of MSU.

 

• On the defensive side of the ball, the Spartans were solid. The unit held Michigan to 377 yards, which is exceptional considering who was quarterbacking the Wolverines. Also, Michigan State came up with three interceptions, which sealed the door shut.

 

• Still, there are legitimate concerns that emerge from the game. Robinson overthrew a wide open receiver in the end zone and underthrew a receiver at the MSU one yard line. If Shoelace had made better throws on those two passes, the game may have been completely different. Also, there were a number of dropped passes by Wolverines receivers which really hurt them. Against a better passing quarterback, the Spartans defense may not have looked as good.

 

• Another hit to the Spartans secondary is the loss of corneback Chris L. Rucker for at least one game, if not more. Rucker is tied for second on the team in tackles and had an interception against Michigan.

 

Overall, If the Spartans stay focused, they should have no problem beating the Fighting Illini. This game is a trap game for Michigan State- the team absolutely cannot look past Illinois.