Interview with a Spartan

Not nearly this cool

As a part of our Spartravaganza today, we've got resident blogger of Ground Zero East Lansing here to discuss a little Michigan State. Along with running a fine blog, G0EL Pete is also the only Spartan I know who has a sense of humor regarding Michigan, making him just short of awesome. Unfortunately, I was unable to line up an Ohio State blogger for questioning, partly because I never asked, but mostly because none of them can read. On to the questions!

Ok, we're bound by our contract to ask this question first: Who is the player on Ohio State who scares you the most?

That'd be Beanie. It's more of MSU's experiences with past Big 10 running backs (Thigpen, Greene and Sutton all broke the 100 yard barrier) that factors into this fear than anything else. If Beanie is breaking into the secondary consistently, that's going to allow OSU to go into the Jim Tressel patented "try and hold the ball for all 60 minutes" mode.

Are there any particular nuances about Beanie vs. the Run Defense that we should know about?

Obviously, in the run game, so much of it comes down to blocking along the line. If the OSU OL gets out on their blocks, the guards pull and block the Spartan LB, it's going to lead to big, big gains. Which means of course, big, big trouble in Spartan Stadium.

Defensively, Greg Jones remains my favorite Spartan. We have a tag devoted to him. He's tall, and a really sweet guy, and well, I just really like him :) :) ...How is he doing this year; do you expect him to have a big game this weekend?

Greg Jones has had a solid year. He's currently leading the team in tackles (52) and ranks second in tackles for a loss (5.5). If MSU wins this game on Saturday, I expect him to have a big if quiet day in which he records more than 10 tackles. If he has less than that, it means one of two things: Beanie Wells is running into the secondary or Pryor is throwing it over Jones' head. I'm going to go out on a huge limb and say the former is much more likely to happen than the latter; if Tressel could super-glue the ball into Terrelle's hands, I have no doubt that he would.

Ok, so what is Michigan State's achilles heel defensively? Does OSU have the ability to exploit it, or will MSU be able to cover it up?

In a stunner this year, it's not the secondary. I'd say it's the inability of the front seven to stop the run consistently. OSU definitely has the ability to exploit it, if they don't turn the ball over. MSU is +10 in turnover differential this year, and have stopped many drives in the red zone by causing a fumble or interception (Case in point: Iowa.) The Spartans have been covering up this deficiency by causing turnovers, but if they don't get any against OSU...look out.

Switching gears to the offense, most of the teams that MSU has faced thus far have lacked to ability to stack the line and stop Ringer from killing them. Ohio State has the ability to do just that. How do you expect Hoyer to play should Ringer be slowed?

Well, Ringer has slowed a bit in Big Ten play (his YPC in the last three games: 4.5, 3.6, 3.5). Ohio State definitely has the ability to stack the line. I expect Ringer's production to be much similar to the Iowa game. Iowa had a killer DL, and OSU has killer LBs, so I expect Ringer's YPC in the mid threes. I expect MSU to run it enough to set up the play action and deep pass for Hoyer, who has improved in Big Ten play (I believe he's the third ranked passer in Big 10 games). The thing that can't happen is that he can't play like he did in Columbus last year, where he completed under 50% of his passes and threw for just over 100 yards. I expect Hoyer to be his solid, unspectacular self, throw for about 200 yards on 55-60% passing, with a TD and no picks.

As for the "We'll stop Ringer and let Hoyer beat us" strategy, ask Indiana, Iowa, and Northwestern how that went.

Right. Regarding the inevitable tailspin?

I've got two and a half words for you: John L. Smith. Now that Dantonio is the the head coach, MSU is playing much more consistently (for example: I guarantee you that in this OSU game, unlike three years ago, eleven players will take the field for a FG attempt. That was the game most known for "THE PLAYERS ARE PLAYING THEIR TAILS OFF, AND THE COACHES ARE SCREWING IT UP!" That was the tailspin moment for 2005.). The secondary is intercepting balls, penalties are being kept to a minimum, everybody's healthy, and nobody's slapping himself in the face.

I don't believe a loss to OSU will start that tailspin mainly because MSU's next three games are these: @ UM, Wisconsin, and Purdue. In years past, any casual viewer knew that MSU would definitely be outclassed in those games, but not anymore. Albeit, the definition of a tailspin involves a team losing games it should win, and those three games are ones in which the Spartans will be favored. I believe Dantonio has MSU too focused, and too grounded for a tailspin to occur again.

And if it does, I drink myself silly until November 16th, when MSU Basketball stats its season against Idaho. It's easier than you think, Michigan fans. Just start drinking, and don't stop until leaves are on the trees again. (ed.- My favorite line from the entire interview. A Spartan with a sense of humor...love it.)

Big Ten: Week One

Games you should probably watch:

HIGHLIGHT GAME:

Michigan State vs. Cal (8:00 PM, ABC)

This is without a doubt the premier matchup in week one for the Big Ten. Historically, this is an odd game to call. On the one hand, Big Ten teams have an abysmal record when traveling west of the footprint. On the other, Michigan State has a great track record of beating teams early in the season, only to completely implode, leaving a greenish stain on the carpet where once a #14 ranked team stood. Take a look:

2005: Michigan State starts 4-0, loses to Michigan in the 5th game, finishes season 5-6.

2006: Michigan State starts 3-0, including a win at Pitt, loses to ND, finishes season 4-8.

2007: Michigan State starts 4-0, loses to Wisky in the 5th game, finishes season 7-6.

The trend here is a fast start followed by a rapid decline. MSU always starts strong, but will it be enough to beat Cal? Once again, take a look:

QUARTERBACK:

Hoyer vs. Longshore

Both have nearly identical passing efficiencies, completing nearly 60% of their passes. Hoyer threw for more yards last year (~2700 vs. ~2500), had more TD's (20 to 16), and fewer INTS (11 to 13). Oh, and remember Drew Stanton, the QB Spartan nation fell in love with as the scrappy come from behind winner? Hoyer is better. This would be all well and good, if Longshore was the starter. Unfortunately, he's not, and Tedford has tabbed Kevin Riley as the starter. But wait!

"Tedford said Longshore will still play in the season-opener against Michigan State and the position will continue to be evaluated throughout the season."

So who's playing? What is this? Michigan? Platooning QB's? This ain't good. It's also not good when your returning starter who passed for 3,000+ yards in '06 isn't good enough to beat out his backup.

EDGE: HOYER

RUNNING BACK:

Ringer vs. Best

Oddly, nobody seems to be talking about Javon Ringer this year as a potential game-breaking back in the Big Ten. Caulcrick may have gotten the majority of the attention last year, but Ringer actually carried the bulk of the load for the Spartans. He is one of the better backs in the conference, but it remains to be seen how he will hold up without Caulcrick in there to take the punishing carries.

On Cal's side, they return Jahvid Best, who is an electrifying little guy (185 lbs.) who saw time last year in spelling starter Justin Forsett. While he only carried the ball 29 times, his 7.6 YPC is impressive. According to Scout, Best was the fastest tailback in the '07 class, and his 10.31 in the 100 yard dash back that up. Cal is super-high on this guy, as he is adept at catching the ball out of the backfield, and returning punts. Tedford again:

"We're gonna use him wherever he's the best player...It may be as a returner, it may be in the backfield, it may be in the slot catching balls. He's a very versatile guy in that way."

In a way, this matchup is a microcosm of the Big Ten/Pac-Ten differences. Javon Ringer is going to give you every-down performance, will punish between the tackles, and will move the chains. Jahvid Best is a homerun threat for sure, but has a big question mark over his head regarding toughness, and ability to run inside. He is rather injury prone, bruising his hip against USC last season, and missing the final few days of camp this season with an undisclosed injury. The Big Ten in general has trouble with players like Best, and as such the edge goes to Cal here, but just barely.

EDGE: BEST

WIDE RECEIVERS

Michigan State's wide receivers grabbed the attention of anyone who thought that the departure of Thomas was going to impact the air-attack. Nearly all the receivers were impressive in the spring game, and will only get better as Deon Curry returns from injury. If Hoyer gets better (which he should) this unit will turn heads. Look for freshman Fred Smith to get some time in as well - he was a 4 star to Scout, and chose MSU over the Wolverines. Coaches love him.

Cal's receivers are...ummm...new. Receiving coach Kevin Daft:

"I have confidence they are going to make plays when the ball is thrown their way...Not everyone has experience, but they have a ton of talent. I'm excited to see them play. They've paid their dues and they've worked hard."

Kevin might have confidence, but he's the only one. The only two receivers who have caught passes in an NCAA game are LaReylle Cunningham and Sean Young. They've caught 5 passes total. Combined.

EDGE: MSU

DEFENSE

Michigan State's defense will be good - D'Antonio will see to that. Greg Jones (this blog's patron linebacker) should be an unholy terror at the position, and will be nominated for several awards by the end of the season. The defense should be fast and physical. Last season, they racked up 40 sacks, impressive by anyone's standard. This season, with another year of D'antonio under their belt, they should be more consistent.

Cal's defense sucked last year. There really isn't a nicer way to put it. This year they look to be much improved, as they return nearly everyone. However, returning players who sucked last year doesn't automatically mean they won't suck again this year. The strength of the defense is the linebackers, who should be able to contain Ringer. The defensive line, however, is another story. They have trouble pressuring the QB, and if there is one thing that Hoyer can do, it's stand in the pocket for 7 seconds and find the open receiver. The secondary is a question mark, as sophomore Christ Conte gets the start at Corner.

EDGE: MICHIGAN STATE


Still to come...

Utah vs. Michigan
Illinois vs. Mizzou

Compare/Contrast

To wrap up part 2 of the BTB's preseason awards, I thought I'd do some compare/contrast ramblings with what turned out to be the tabulated results.

Here is what the BTB voted.

Offense

QB - Curtis Painter, Purdue
RB - Beanie Wells, Ohio State
RB - Javon Ringer, Michigan State
WR - Brian Robiskie, Ohio State
WR - Arrelious Benn, Illinois
WR - Greg Orton, Purdue
TE/SB - Travis Beckum, Wisconsin
OT - Alex Boone, Ohio State
OG - Steve Rehring, Ohio State
C - AQ Shipley, Penn State
OG - Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin
OT - Eric Vanden Heuvel, Wisconsin

For those not paying attention, here is what I voted:

QB: C.J. Bacher NW
RB: Chris Wells OSU
RB: Javon Ringer MSU
WR: Arrelious Benn IL
WR: Brian Robiskie OSU
WR: Brian Hartline OSU
TE: Travis Beckem WI
OT: Alex Boone OSU
OT: Gerald Cadogan PSU
OG: Jon Skinner OSU
OG: Steve Schilling UM
C: Ryan McDonald IL

Apparently, I was one of two who voted for C.J. Bacher - with the other being LTP themselves. I am genuinely surprised by this, as I genuinely doubt the playmaking ability of Curtis Painter. He was best described as "middling" last season, and I don't see Purdue getting any better as a team this season.

I was dead on with running backs, which is no surprise given that Beanie Wells is a definite Heisman favorite, and Javon Ringer has been good since he first strapped 'em up for the Spartans. I would have loved to see the final results of the vote to see how close P.J. Hill was to getting that second slot. On a tangent - why did everyone fall off the "P.J. Hill is the second coming" bandwagon? Take a look at his stats:

2006

1569 Yards
15 TD's
121 YPG
5.05 YPC

2007

1212 Yards
14 TD's
111 YPG
5.20 YPC

He played in 2 less games in '07, which is why his total yards and (probably) TD's are down, but other than that, it looks like a carbon copy of his 2006 campaign that saw him earn Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors.

My wideout picks were pretty much dead on. Greg Orton could be good - but only as good as Painter. Apparently, the BTB as a group think higher of Purdue than I do. I knew that it was either going to be Hartline or Robiskie in the final tally - and I was right. My hypothetical 4th pick would have been for Greg Matthews before Orton.

The Tight End position was such a foregone conclusion that I'm not going to even say "told you so."

In hindsight, I completely missed Rehring, who should have definitely been included on my vote. Other than that, I believe the linemen I selected have just as much probability of being awesome as any of those who made the final cut.

Defense


Final Vote:

DE- Greg Middleton, Indiana
DE - Maurice Evans, Penn State
DT - Terrance Taylor, Michigan
DT - Mitch King, Iowa
LB - James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
LB - Marcus Freeman, Ohio State
LB - Anthony Heygood, Purdue
S - Anthony Scirrotto, Penn State
S - Anderson Russell, Ohio State
CB - Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State
CB - Vontae Davis, Illinois

Beauford's vote:

CB: Morgan Trent MI
CB: Vontae Davis IL
SS: Anthony Scirrotto PSU
FS: Shane Carter WI
OLB: James Laurinitis OSU
OLB: Marcus Freeman OSU
MLB: Greg Jones MSU
DE: Maurice Evans PSU
DE: Greg Middleton IN
DT: John Gill NW
DT: Terrence Taylor MI

Ignore the formatting issues here - it's Friday.

I knew that Jenkins would get the final nod - and probably deservedly so. I still believe that Morgan Trent is going to have an outstanding year - but he is definitely a long-shot compared to Jenkins. Carter is kind of in the same vein as Trent - but he's more a complete unknown. His season last year was the kind of charmed season that DB's are sometimes presented with. 7 INT's in 13 games and, IIRC, he wasn't even a full-time starter. I think, given the year's development, the fact that he's on a Biliema defense, and his already proven nose for the ball, he could have a monster year to unseat Russell for the All Conference nod.

I am actually shocked that Greg Jones didn't make the final cut. We all knew that the two linebackers from Ohio State would make it - but Anthony Heygood beats out Greg Jones (who? Greg Jooanes)?

Stat comparison:

Total tackles

Jones - 78
Heygood - 80

Sacks

Jones - 4.5
Heygood - 1 and even this one is "iffy"

TFL's

Jones - 8.5
Heygood - 14

The only thing that Heygood has a clear advantage in is TFL's, while getting blown out in sacks. I had to really dig to find how many sacks Heygood had last year - finally landing on "one" from a Purdue website. All my usual stats pages didn't have him listed - hence the "iffy" assessment. Mark it down now - Greg Jones is going to not only be All-Conference this year - he's going to be in the running for some All-American teams.

King for Gill is the only other discrepancy - and one that I can live with.

Totals


Overall, I was 13 for 23 on total picks being "correct" if the final BTB vote is to be considered correct. It should be noted that 4 of those incorrect picks were due to my own (admitted) lack of knowledge on offensive line play. The only egregious error on my part was the omission of Steve Rehring. Otherwise, I stand by my picks in their entirety.

Feel differently? Enlighten me in the comments section.