....other than scoring more points and winning all the remaining games 
.
Seriously, the other day someone asked why it doesn't really feel like we're ranked #2. I felt it was a good question. I suspect if you prescribe to that notion it has a lot to do with the injuries/suspensions and, perhaps, the play of....?
In my opinion, MSU will make the playoff if we do the following:
(1) Improved special teams play - specifically, PR and KR coverage and FG
(2) No more injuries...two starters on defense are out for the year and one starter on our OL is sidelined for a few weeks. Not to mention the suspensions putting strain on our depth....
(3) Cooks progressions must improve....he killed against AF, but he needs to play better than he did against Oregon and WMU (IMHO)
(4) Better play calling - I know we've only had three games and we're averaging 34 PPG, but we need to clean up some of the situational calls (line shifts, wildcat, etc.)
(5) Development of a better than solid CB opposite Cox.
(6) Better at shedding blocks by the OLB and CB to contain the outside
I know some of these are nitpicking, but guys...the stakes have never been higher. The expectations that OUR program has set for itself dictate better play....so rip me apart as you want, but I do not think the level of our play at this point will get it done. The good thing? Every year we get better as the season goes on. Let's hope for a repeat of that.
What say you?
. Seriously, the other day someone asked why it doesn't really feel like we're ranked #2. I felt it was a good question. I suspect if you prescribe to that notion it has a lot to do with the injuries/suspensions and, perhaps, the play of....?
In my opinion, MSU will make the playoff if we do the following:
(1) Improved special teams play - specifically, PR and KR coverage and FG
(2) No more injuries...two starters on defense are out for the year and one starter on our OL is sidelined for a few weeks. Not to mention the suspensions putting strain on our depth....
(3) Cooks progressions must improve....he killed against AF, but he needs to play better than he did against Oregon and WMU (IMHO)
(4) Better play calling - I know we've only had three games and we're averaging 34 PPG, but we need to clean up some of the situational calls (line shifts, wildcat, etc.)
(5) Development of a better than solid CB opposite Cox.
(6) Better at shedding blocks by the OLB and CB to contain the outside
I know some of these are nitpicking, but guys...the stakes have never been higher. The expectations that OUR program has set for itself dictate better play....so rip me apart as you want, but I do not think the level of our play at this point will get it done. The good thing? Every year we get better as the season goes on. Let's hope for a repeat of that.
What say you?
