Steve Stripling gives some real insider tips
Former MSU assistant coach Steve Stripling, now with the Michigan Wolverines, spoke by phone on WTKA radio about Saturday’s big in-state matchup.
Can Michigan stop that offense or are you just looking to slow that thing down?
“We give them guys a lot of credit — they are an outstanding offense. They have a lot of different weapons. They have a very skilled wide receiver corps, they’ve got seniors up front with their offensive line, tough guys, But I think, defensively, we’re coming together, we’re playing better. We are playing with some confidence, and so we are looking forward to the challenge of facing them.”
Are you expecting anything new based on your experience at MSU?
“I think there is that element there, but honestly, when you watch them on film they change every week. Every week they have a new wrinkle, so it’s not going to be because now I am at Michigan, it’s because it’s what they do. Each week they will add a little wrinkle, a new play, or a new formation, those type of things.”
What do you think of MSU’s talent?
“They’ve got a very versatile offense, and you know it’s based around their quarterback, Drew Stanton. Stanton has really improved as a thrower. They have an offense that spreads it out and he is terrific as a runner. So verything starts with him. They have three good running backs. You have a young man named Teague, a true freshman who has come in this year named Ringer, who is really outstanding and has great speed. But I think probably what’s making that team go is I think they have quality wideouts, they have good speed and good athletic ability and they have four, five or six of them.”
How is Michigan State’s running game?
“I think Michigan State, especially up front in their offensive line, they consider themselves a rushing team. When the fans watch them, they are a passing team because of their formations. They are running team, and they like to run the ball. Last year they had three good backs, again this year they have three good backs. Their offensive line has small splits, they like to pound it up in there. We have to be able to contain the running game, put pressure on the passing game, be sound in the back end and we will be sound on defense.”
Stripling continued on about how U-M’s defense would approach the Spartan spread, and took a few phone call questions.