1. MSU's defensive coaches will be facing a tough decision this week in preparing for Oregon. On the one hand, last year taught them they need to play more guys than normal to beat Oregon. Guys simply wore out in the second half (granted, some of that were the conditions). On the other hand, the Western Game taught them that many guys in the second string aren't ready for prime time. I think MSU will shorten their bench against the Ducks and play their starters, particularly in the back end. MSU cannot afford having Copeland, Cox, Williamson and Nicholson off the field. I think those guys will have to suck it up and play more minutes than MSU coaches would like.
2. I agree with Comp and Paul that MSU may play Lawrence Thomas inside instead of Craig Evans. I think MSU is deeper at DE than DT right now. The Western Game showed that Demetrius Cooper and Montez Sweat are ready for prime time. Thomas is an excellent pass rusher inside because he has a great first step. He is extremely explosive. Pair him with Malik McDowell inside and you will see a tremendous push inside.
3. At least for one game, I was wrong about Jake Hartbarger. I thought he would struggle out of the gate (and he could next week in prime time against Oregon). Jake was amazing last night. He showed what we all knew, he has a huge leg, but, he also showed touch in placing the ball inside the 20. He could become one of the best to punt for MSU. He reminds me of a young Greg Montgomery, for the older guys here.
4. I am not a huge fan of Darien Harris at the Star LB. I think Harris is a fine LB, but, he lacks the foot speed to play that position against spread offenses. You really need a big safety at that spot against 3/4/5 wide receiver sets. It is a hybrid spot and Harris is a traditional LB. It isn't his fault. He is miscast. I think Andrew Dowell will fill that spot next season and show far greater speed and athletic ability than Harris. I know it is controversial, but, I would love to see Harris at the Money LB and Dowell at the Star LB, once the coaches have the trust to play Dowell.
5. Will MSU give up more than 263 yards in receiving to any two receivers the rest of the season in a single game, as they did last night to Corey Davis and Daniel Braverman? That is a shocking number.
6. I wonder if a healthy Drake Martinez could have helped on kickoff coverage last night and prevented those two long returns in the first Quarter? Those two returns were shocking, particularly given how good MSU has been covering kicks under Mark Dantonio. I did not see that coming. I hope we don't see that again this season. Remember, MSU changed their special teams coach from Mike Tressel to Mark Snyder this season.
2. I agree with Comp and Paul that MSU may play Lawrence Thomas inside instead of Craig Evans. I think MSU is deeper at DE than DT right now. The Western Game showed that Demetrius Cooper and Montez Sweat are ready for prime time. Thomas is an excellent pass rusher inside because he has a great first step. He is extremely explosive. Pair him with Malik McDowell inside and you will see a tremendous push inside.
3. At least for one game, I was wrong about Jake Hartbarger. I thought he would struggle out of the gate (and he could next week in prime time against Oregon). Jake was amazing last night. He showed what we all knew, he has a huge leg, but, he also showed touch in placing the ball inside the 20. He could become one of the best to punt for MSU. He reminds me of a young Greg Montgomery, for the older guys here.
4. I am not a huge fan of Darien Harris at the Star LB. I think Harris is a fine LB, but, he lacks the foot speed to play that position against spread offenses. You really need a big safety at that spot against 3/4/5 wide receiver sets. It is a hybrid spot and Harris is a traditional LB. It isn't his fault. He is miscast. I think Andrew Dowell will fill that spot next season and show far greater speed and athletic ability than Harris. I know it is controversial, but, I would love to see Harris at the Money LB and Dowell at the Star LB, once the coaches have the trust to play Dowell.
5. Will MSU give up more than 263 yards in receiving to any two receivers the rest of the season in a single game, as they did last night to Corey Davis and Daniel Braverman? That is a shocking number.
6. I wonder if a healthy Drake Martinez could have helped on kickoff coverage last night and prevented those two long returns in the first Quarter? Those two returns were shocking, particularly given how good MSU has been covering kicks under Mark Dantonio. I did not see that coming. I hope we don't see that again this season. Remember, MSU changed their special teams coach from Mike Tressel to Mark Snyder this season.
