Any Early Thoughts on the Penn State game?

[coach_]

I've been reluctant to make predictions ever since the CMU game, but I guess it doesn't really matter now. We've been talking all season about how we need a solid program win to really define our team - here is our chance. I understand that PSU isn't nearly as good as it was last season, but they are still pretty good. We are still looking at a mismatch against our defense and their offense - while it may not be to the level of knocking OSU off their pedistal, this would be a big win for our program. If that doesn't motivate our team and our fans to bring it with everything they've got, then this season truly has been a disappointment.

Now, while I do think our defense is going to be potentially outmatched, they have also shown signs of promise several times this season. If they come out with the type of effort we saw against Iowa, I think we have a very good chance of winning a close one. As someone said earlier, PSU has been a second half team this season. Unfortunately, that has been where we seem to play our worst ball on defense, especially in the 4th quarter. Our offense, however, has tended to wait until the second half to get the kinks out and start to play. I anticipate being down by 7-10 points going into halftime, so if our defense can dig in and stop their offense, we should be able to catch up a bit.

I really think that this game is going to come down to emotion and who wants it more - this is where I think we have the greatest advantage. I have to believe that has been reminding the players all week how PSU embarassed them last season - as well as reminding them of the 2007 team fighting back to hand JoePa the biggest blown lead of his career. The Spartans will be playing in front of the home crowd for one last game with the seniors in Spartan Stadium. While neither team really has anything to lose, I think that PSU might be thinking more about which bowl game they are heading to that what needs to be done in East Lansing. PSU played an extremely soft non-conference schedule, and that seems to haunt them against teams that play anything that resembles football.

I can see this game going either way, and it really depends entirely on our defense. Our offense isn't good enough to win a shoot-out with PSU...may have worked against Purdue, but it will only get us jailsexed by PSU. If the defense finally plays 60 minutes of football, and the offense can provide them significant time to catch their breath and rest up, I think MSU can win this game by a 7 or more. If not, PSU by 14.

[SpartanGrad99]

Our chances of winning depend entirely on whether or not we can get a "Fire Millen" chant going loud enough to be heard on TV. Everything else is irrevelant.

[Madison Spartan]

Originally Posted by Bracey Wright=respect

Got it this time.

[PennSpartan]

I feel as confident about this game as any this season. Lots of motivation for MD and company, and pride for the seniors. MSU 31, PSU 20.

[Madison Spartan]

Originally Posted by coach_

I've been reluctant to make predictions ever since the CMU game, but I guess it doesn't really matter now. We've been talking all season about how we need a solid program win to really define our team - here is our chance. I understand that PSU isn't nearly as good as it was last season, but they are still pretty good. We are still looking at a mismatch against our defense and their offense - while it may not be to the level of knocking OSU off their pedistal, this would be a big win for our program. If that doesn't motivate our team and our fans to bring it with everything they've got, then this season truly has been a disappointment.

Now, while I do think our defense is going to be potentially outmatched, they have also shown signs of promise several times this season. If they come out with the type of effort we saw against Iowa, I think we have a very good chance of winning a close one. As someone said earlier, PSU has been a second half team this season. Unfortunately, that has been where we seem to play our worst ball on defense, especially in the 4th quarter. Our offense, however, has tended to wait until the second half to get the kinks out and start to play. I anticipate being down by 7-10 points going into halftime, so if our defense can dig in and stop their offense, we should be able to catch up a bit.

I really think that this game is going to come down to emotion and who wants it more - this is where I think we have the greatest advantage. I have to believe that has been reminding the players all week how PSU embarassed them last season - as well as reminding them of the 2007 team fighting back to hand JoePa the biggest blown lead of his career. The Spartans will be playing in front of the home crowd for one last game with the seniors in Spartan Stadium. While neither team really has anything to lose, I think that PSU might be thinking more about which bowl game they are heading to that what needs to be done in East Lansing. PSU played an extremely soft non-conference schedule, and that seems to haunt them against teams that play anything that resembles football.

I can see this game going either way, and it really depends entirely on our defense. Our offense isn't good enough to win a shoot-out with PSU...may have worked against Purdue, but it will only get us jailsexed by PSU. If the defense finally plays 60 minutes of football, and the offense can provide them significant time to catch their breath and rest up, I think MSU can win this game by a 7 or more. If not, PSU by 14.

Actually, I don't think that's a bad summary.

It's very strange to say this, considering Penn State has played 11 games already this year, but I feel like I don't have a good gauge on their ability. I mean, they've beaten 9 teams weaker than MSU (and mostly won convincingly) and lost to two teams better than MSU (and were not all that competitive in either of those losses). No doubt, PSU has talent, but so does MSU. From my perspective, it's just a matter of who is more focused and who executes better. Senior day, under the lights, at home--I gotta give the edge to the Spartans.

[SpartanGA]

have to win with big plays and special teams. We will not out grunt PSU. Our defense will allow points, we need to respond and get lucky as hell.

[rodent]

Originally Posted by madisonspartan

Actually, I don't think that's a bad summary.

It's very strange to say this, considering Penn State has played 11 games already this year, but I feel like I don't have a good gauge on their ability. I mean, they've beaten 9 teams weaker than MSU (and mostly won convincingly) and lost to two teams better than MSU (and were not all that competitive in either of those losses). No doubt, PSU has talent, but so does MSU. From my perspective, it's just a matter of who is more focused and who executes better. Senior day, under the lights, at home--I gotta give the edge to the Spartans.

If Penn State uually blows teams out when they win, I think we will be in good shape, because we play close games. We are used to playing 60 minutes. 9 of their games have been over before the 4th quarter. When the game is tight, it's usually not a good outcome for PSU.
We need everyone to play well. This will be a measuring stick for us. In my opinion it's been too long since we have beaten a "top team"! That's another streak that has to end.

[In a pylon st8ofmind]

http://www.theonlycolors.com/2009/11...view#storyjump

PSU’s Offense vs MSU’s Defense


What to Expect
As I’m sure everyone has either read or heard, Penn State loves them some 5 yard outs. This is the route that is almost specifically designed to beat MSU. It will be a heck of a chess match between Narduzzi and Paterno/Hall, if chess consisted of two pieces that only moved in one direction. If the Spartans can get penetration from the d-line, Penn State will go to the 5 yard routes by their WR. MSU normally drops the DBs off the LOS, so the route will be open. Penn State will be able to nickel and dime MSU all the way down the field. It is something that Clark has done on more than one occasion this year and has the patience to do against the Spartans. I would not be surprised to see Penn State put together two drives that are longer than 6 minutes each and for PSU to dominate time of possession. Then it will be up to Narduzzi to make his move, putting the DBs on the LOS in press coverage. That completes the chess match.
If MSU can not get penetration with the d-line, the Spartans defense will be on the field for long stretches and giving up points all day. If this happens, Narduzzi’s chess move will be to do nothing. The defense won’t get torched, but it’ll give up another 500 yards on roughly 100 plays while being on the field all day.

MSU’s Offense versus PSU’s Defense

What to Expect
It is Senior Day for MSU. The team is going to come out absolutely fired up. They’ll need to. MSU needs to ride that emotion to an early 10+ point lead before things settle down. If PSU starts off hot, MSU will be in trouble all day. I expect MSU’s defensive line will be able to get consistent pressure on Daryll Clark and will force him to make a few bad throws. I thiank at least one INT is likely. No matter what MSU does though, PSU will not quit and the game won’t be over until late in the 4th quarter. MSU will have problems moving the ball on offense, but will hit big plays to keep putting points on the board. PSU will not hit big plays, but will keep grinding out long drives that put points on the board. PSU will shut down MSU’s run game forcing everything onto Kirk Cousins and Keshawn Martin. I am guessing it will end up being a high scoring game with the Spartans eeking out a victory. The deciding factors will be 1) home game and 2) senior day.

[Bender]

What's with all this prevaricating?

KILL THE NITTY KITIES!!!

[SpartanRocky]

PSU lacks a true speedy deep threat so will see to nickel and dime us down the field (thank you Pylon for pointing this out).

I'm hoping our DBs can jump some of these 5 yard routes, etc. There is nothing more frustrating to me than watching a football game where the opposing team has 6-8 min. drives. It's like your team doesn't even have a chance, completely demoralizing.


Our secondary is atrocious, no doubt about it. I don't know if it's the scheme or the players, probably a bit of both. PSU doesn't really have a precision passing O like Purdue or NW does, but if a guy is open, Clark can hit him. What Clark isn't good at is "threading the needle"; the key is to make him throw into traffic. He's not a terribly precise passer, so the less easy throws we give him, the better.

[TheDoctorIsIn]

I think K Martin could play a big role. We'll probably need some big plays to pull it out, and the team is finally starting to utilize his playmaking abilities better

[SpartanRocky]

Originally Posted by TheDoctorIsIn

I think K Martin could play a big role. We'll probably need some big plays to pull it out, and the team is finally starting to utilize his playmaking abilities better

They really need to watch out for Glenn Winston, who's "been a consistent presence!


http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnews...ate_at_m.html\


I've read through their Scout Boards; they are infinitely more concerned about beating out Iowa for a BCS game than they are about beating us. If their team is half as confident as their fans, we'll win by 14.

[DantonIzzo]

Originally Posted by SpartanRocky

Our secondary is atrocious, no doubt about it. I don't know if it's the scheme or the players, probably a bit of both. PSU doesn't really have a precision passing O like Purdue or NW does, but if a guy is open, Clark can hit him. What Clark isn't good at is "threading the needle"; the key is to make him throw into traffic. He's not a terribly precise passer, so the less easy throws we give him, the better.

Doesn't that mean we should blitz all day?

[Madison Spartan]

Originally Posted by DantonIzzo

Doesn't that mean we should blitz all day?

Unless we're putting 13 defenders on the field, we're either going to blitz, or we're going to force Clark to thread the needle. Alas, we cannot have it both ways.

[Scott37189]

Looks like they returned a bunch of tickets. I was messing around online and could have ordered 40 together in Sec. 4.

[SpartanRocky]

Originally Posted by Scott37189

Looks like they returned a bunch of tickets. I was messing around online and could have ordered 40 together in Sec. 4.

Really?? That's great news actually. Sounds like MSU should have a dominant fan presence, always huge, but especially on Senior Day!

[SpartanRocky]

Originally Posted by DantonIzzo

Doesn't that mean we should blitz all day?

Actually the opposite; we need to send 5 and drop 6 so that Clark has to throw into traffic.

The 3 man rush is terrible; if they're putting out 5 WRs that does allow 8 people to cover, but with only 3 people rushing (and Clark being mobile), he'll have all day to throw and it won't matter how many people are covering. You give a QB 5 seconds to throw, someone will be open.

We really need a fully healthy TA and Worthy so we can get some pressure with 4 and at least flush Clark out.

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

I'm just going to say that whomever turns the ball over more will lose. 85% of the time that's true.

[SpartanRocky]

Originally Posted by Super Nintendo Chalmers

I'm just going to say that whomever turns the ball over more will lose. 85% of the time that's true.

That is not good news for us.

[Gene Parmesan]

Originally Posted by PRStoetzer

Actually, college replay rules will save us. The 2 yard slant pass will be reviewed and we will be awarded the first down, run out the clock, and win.

No slant play, Dantonio brings in the Jumbo package and tries to run. The play gets stopped like every other time they've done that this season.

[SpartanRocky]

Originally Posted by Gene Parmesan

No slant play, Dantonio brings in the Jumbo package and tries to run. The play gets stopped like every other time they've done that this season.

Not true.