Nichol, Defense hold on to Beat Struggling Illini on the Road
Submitted by Paul Mercier on Sat, 10/10/2009 - 18:30Keith Nichol did just enough in his first college start to lead the Spartans (3-3) to a much needed road victory against a wavering Illinois team in front of a sellout homecoming crowd in Champaign. Nichol threw for 179 yards in his starting debut, throwing one interception in the process.
Spartans Must Avoid Letdown against Desperate Illini
Submitted by Paul Mercier on Fri, 10/09/2009 - 19:11
The Spartans will head into Illinois on Saturday to face an Illini team that is not only down and out, but desperate for a win. So desperate, in fact, that head coach Ron Zook has benched his four-year starting quarterback, Juice Williams. Junior QB, Eddie McGee, will take over for the Fighting Illini, making his first career start against a MSU team that is coming off of an emotional overtime victory.
Mark Dantonio will look to build on his team’s confidence following last weekend’s win over in-state rival Michigan. Defense could play a key factor in this game for Michigan State. The offense looks like it is starting to gel, and Cousins should be able to score some points for the Spartans.
Tuesday Morning Quarterback
Submitted by Paul Mercier on Tue, 10/06/2009 - 11:14Saturday’s big game has come and gone, and MSU has taken itself one step closer to becoming a better football team. Saturday’s game showed that this team does indeed have promise, but it still has some holes to fill.
My Thoughts on the “Big Game”
Submitted by Paul Mercier on Fri, 10/02/2009 - 19:09
As Saturday quickly approaches, I can’t help but find myself wondering which Spartans will show up. Last year’s Spartans were confident; they exuded discipline, heart, and gall. This year’s Spartans have sputtered, leaving a trail of disgruntled and worried Spartan fans in their wake.
Yet, as I sit here on Friday, waiting for tomorrow morning’s tailgate, I can’t help but be optimistic about my team’s chances. Why? Because Michigan fans have been relatively quiet. In fact, from what I’ve been experiencing, both teams’ fans have been relatively silent.
S.O.S. We Need Help!
Submitted by Paul Mercier on Sun, 09/27/2009 - 15:35
Same Old Spartans; this is a phrase that Spartans fans better get used to over the next week. After a great 2008 campaign, the Spartans have now started what was to be a promising season 1-3. Saturday’s loss to Wisconsin seems to prove that the 2008 season was an aberration, and the Spartans of old are back.
Sure, this team is probably more talented than some of the recent MSU teams. Yes, recruiting is better. And, I understand, this team is relatively young. But, so are many other teams, and they’re still winning.
The Top 5 Reasons That Spartans Fans Shouldn’t Panic
Submitted by Paul Mercier on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 19:03
- The Big Ten Season has yet to begin. Let’s not forget that the Spartans have not even begun conference play. The Big Ten seems to be down this year, and the Spartans have a favorable conference schedule. A strong Big Ten campaign from the Spartans could rectify the last two big losses.
- Mark Dantonio is no clown. In previous years, the Spartans have had a few bozos controlling the reins. Dantonio doesn’t seem to fit that mold. While I don’t agree with everything he has done this year, I still think he will get this team’s collective psyche back in order.
- This team is young and improving. We tend to forget that this Spartan team is still very young, and thus, there are bound to be some let downs.
Coaching, Secondary Must Improve to Beat Irish
Submitted by Paul Mercier on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 16:44
MSU has won on Irish land for six straight years. In order for that to continue, the Spartans will need to greatly surpass their performance against Central Michigan. In a game in which the Spartans must win in order to avoid what could be a deadly slide, both MSU’s coaches and the defensive secondary must be much, much better.
Central Michigan exposed many holes in the MSU secondary last week. When MSU went Cover 2, Central found the holes beyond the cornerbacks. When MSU covered Man, Central found easy passes in the flats. All of which allowed the Chips to march down the field with little effort. Yes, Central had a great quarterback. But, so does Notre Dame.
Central, LeFevour Will Way to Huge Upset Victory
Submitted by Paul Mercier on Sun, 09/13/2009 - 10:49
27 first downs to 17, 418 total yards to 316, 352 passing yards, an onside kick recovery, and a last second field goal: this is what Central Michigan did on Saturday afternoon to overcome a two touchdown underdog prediction to beat the Spartans. In route to victory, Central handled itself with poise, class, and a strong determination; the same could not be said for Michigan State.
Dantonio’s team looked about as lost on the field as it did during the John L. Smith era. The defensive secondary couldn’t cover routs.
After Opening Day Route, Questions Still Remain
Submitted by Paul Mercier on Mon, 09/07/2009 - 09:48
MSU started its 2009 campaign flying high as it scored 44 points and kept the visiting Bobcats of Montana State out of the end zone. The Bobcats’ only points came by way of a second half field goal. The Spartans’ offense sputtered in its opening series, but quickly got on the scoreboard when starting quarterback Kirk Cousins connected on a 29-yard touchdown pass to B.J. Cunningham on the second offensive series. Cousins would finish the game 10 of 17 for 183 yards and three touchdowns.
Not to be outdone, transfer Keith Nichol promptly scored on his first drive, connecting with Dion Sims on a 26-yard touchdown pass. Nichol finished the day 9 of 18 for 135 yards and two touchdowns.
