Looking for opportunities
Kellen Davis and A.J. Jimmerson just need a break. Both Spartans came to Michigan State and both are waiting for an opportunity to show what they’re capable of doing in a game. Davis has gotten playing time but very few balls thrown his way. Jimmerson hasn’t made it into a game yet.
Steve Grinczel of MLive.com reports that MSU offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin is hoping to use both players against Eastern Michigan on Saturday.
“I wish we could have got a tight-end catch,” Baldwin said. “We had three or four opportunities on plays that were called, and (Idaho) took the tight end away and we went to the second thing. That’s what happens.”
Although the running game produced a respectable 175 yards against Idaho, MSU labored at moving the ball on the ground in the first three quarters.
“We were not physical at all,” Baldwin said. “We lost the physical war. Can’t make excuses. It wasn’t confusion. And then on three or four plays (while) running the football we missed critical blocks that make a huge difference. You’ve got to be physical in this game. It’s our fault.
Dave Dye of the Detroit News also wrote about Davis. He reports that Davis has really focused on improving his blocking during the offseason.
“Coming out of high school, my mentality was come out here and catch the ball,” Davis said.
“I had no focus on blocking or that part of the game. In high school, all I did was catch the ball.”
That approach wasn’t going to work at Michigan State, and Davis realized that.
“For our team to win and for us to run the ball, I have to be good at blocking,” he said. “I have to hold down my side of the line.”
Also of note in Dye’s story is that offensive guard Pete Clifford will be out of the EMU game with an injured knee.
Offensive guard Pete Clifford is expected to miss Saturday’s game against Eastern Michigan.
Clifford sustained a knee injury during Tuesday’s practice. Kenny Shane , a 6-5, 312-pound junior, is expected to replace him.