7 Takeaways

[strategic100]

1. Tough game to watch last night. I went to bed with a splitting headache. Agree with Comp, Washington is a likely 9-0 team. Their strong trench talent on both sides with those 4-stars are much better than expected. Penix is the best I have seen them and those receivers are very good. Even with a weak secondary, the continued penalties (8), and lack of a running game, no one on their schedule poses a serious challenge. Even @UCLA, who barely survived South Alabama, is vulnerable as its a bad matchup. A 9-0 Washington is good for MSU down the line from a national perspective and the experience from playing in such a toxic atmosphere is can;t be overstated.
2. Communication is such a key component of the game, and without Henderson and Snow it will be a hindrance all season. Especially on the road. @ Michigan and PSU (who looks improved from '21) look very challenging.
3. I was extremely disappointed in those OLs. Overmatched, undecided, lost. DeBour did some great scheming, but although I have not broken down tape, I know its going to look underwhelming. Depth and experience was a much bigger factor for '21 than we realized. Unfortunately even a talented Kap does not have a lot of clay to work with. Changing over an OL is akin in many instances to turning around the titanic. I'm sanguine about Kap will do with the young guys and the Ramil. Slack, Dellinger, and Wedin pipeline. But this is a miss on the portal this year, I know hard to do for OL, but '23 will be likely the last transition year.
4. Really thought DT was unassailable in '22 But missing Slade was a much bigger deal than anticipated and it created a domino effect. When the 2 starters were Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk back under CMD, losing one was tolerable especially with Naquan behind them. Hunt and Mallory are just not there yet, if ever, to compete against a WA type OL. I did like Harmon;s play, but its not enough.
5. Peyton really grew in this game and it will help as the Spartans finish out conference play. Unlike Lewerke after the Arizona State game where his confidence (and health) was shaken, the late drives proved Thorne has the mental capability to find a way through the mud and determination to fight to the bitter end. He also found 2 go to guys for the future in Coleman and Barker. I see the early rust maybe a one-off and this passing game may accelerate as the season progresses. Got to get Reed back of course.
6. I'm holding off my judgment on the backs for now. Both showed enough in 1st 2 games that lead me to believe the running game is not an albatross. I think EDGE is still a strong position.
7. Last, this could just be a step-back year, especially with the injuries. We all knew this would tell us what type of team the Spartans' had. Without Walker, it's different. Still a lot of plusses. I would be shocked if this team laid an egg against Minnesota. Minnesota looks good, but similar situation. Would the Gophers have beaten Washington out West? I seriously doubt it. I think Wisconsin is beatable, but based on today this is likely an 8-4 team, as most thought at the beginning of the year based on current personnel, future opponent challenges.

 

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