It has taken me a while to figure out what to blog about next because there is not too much new stuff with Michigan footbll, previewing the bball game against Iowa St does not sound too appealing right now, and my last post was my favorite so far.
One side note before jumping into Sparty vs Bucky... a co-worker told me one of his MSU friends has said that recruiting doesnt matter, but if it did MSU has been dominating the state of Ohio. I hope they meant compared to Michigan the past few years, because if they are just making the general statement with Ohio included, they should never be allowed to comment about sports again. the Ohio has not allowed a 5 star recruit to leave the state in quite a few years, with Michigan finally taking Kalis (and hopefully Dunn) this year. Ohio does recruit nationally, but the main reason they have so much more talent than Michigan is because Tressell would take every worthwhile football recruit from the state... leaving us with leftovers and mostly underwhelming players from Michigan, and the mountain goats from Pahokee.
On to more important things... the game tomorrow night should be an exciting one. I am looking forward to the rematch, mostly because I had to put my foot in my mouth after last game when I predicted Wisconsin to beat State similarly to what they did to Nebraska. It was going well for the first quarter, then Bielema pulled his standard coaching method and State made some huge plays and won the game.
It is hard for me to pick this game because both teams are going to be fired up with the Rose Bowl on the line, and I think Wisconsin is a more talented team but that doesnt always transition to a victory in a one game setting. Lets take a look at the matchups.
Wisconsin Run Offense vs Sparty run D: I have a feeling Bielema wants Ball to have a chance to get to Barry's TD record, so he will not be opposed to running up the score if possible. But will State allow it to happen? Gholston will be back for MSU, since he was in prison... I mean suspended... for their first meeting after he thought it was a good idea to punch a guy and try to make Denard an owl. Worthy had a big game in the first meeting, and with Gholston on the line tomorrow with him it makes State even tougher to block especially if they dial up some LB blitzes. I would imagine they would be able to get free on some. I look for Wisconsins huge OLine to eventually wear down the Sparty defensive front and for Ball to have a big game (150 yards, 2 TDs).
Bucky Pass offense vs States pass defense: If State is able to create a pass rush and make Wilson throw under pressure, State could have a great game. Wilson hasnt had to do that much this year, and when he has he looked his worst (State and Ohio rushed him pretty well at times). If he does have time though, the Spartan group of misfits will not be able to cover Wisconsin's talented receivers and tight ends. I think Wilson gets knocked around more tomorrow night than he has all season, but still gets enough time to throw on most ocassions leading to some big passing plays. I think he will have one turnover, with 2 TD passes.
State rush offense vs Badger defense: State is running the ball better lately, but still finsihed at the bottom of the B1G in rush offense this year. I look for this to continue tomorrow night, and for Wisconsin's front 7 to keep State in check. If State can run the ball, they can control the clock and keep Wisconsins good offense off of the field. It will also help set up Cousins in the playaction game, where he is usually most dangerous. I still think Wisconsin slows them down enough.
State pass offense vs Wisconsin pass defense: Kirk Cousins had one of his best games against the Badgers when they met earlier this year. I think that can continue tomorrow because Wisconsin's secondary is not that dominant. They might come up with a turnover, but they will struggle to cover Cunningham and Martin in space. I think Cousins has another big game for him, and throws for 2 TDs.
Special Teams: Last game this is the area that State dominated. The blocked punt and field goal were changing points in the game. I don't think it will be do lopsided in this game, but State is more talented in this area.
Coaching: Well tomorrow night will be the rematch of Big Game Bret and the arrogant slime bag... sorry I dont really like either of these guys if you cant tell. I think Dantonio has been successful, but I would never want him leading my team. I cant handle some of his comments about Michigan, especially immediately after beating us for a 4th straight time and him saying it will be a lot better after 5 in a row. Really dude?! You can't just enjoy beating us, you have to look to next years game. I hope we beat them like a drum, and keep this moron out of the B1G championship game from here on out. Then we cross sidelines, where Big Game Bret will likely wither under the pressure and try to outcoach himself. All of Wisconsin's losses the past two years follow the same pattern. He gets in his own head, and goes away from what makes Wisconsin successful (pounding the ball and playaction passing). Agaist TCU they outweighed their DLine on an average of 55 pounds, but they called more passing plays than they had all season. Then finally at the end of the game when they needed points, their two minute offense consisted of handing the ball off to Monte Ball. Where was that in the first 3 quarters? Same thing in the 2 losses to State the past 2 years, and the loss to Ohio earlier this season. He needs to keep doing what got them to this place and they will be tough to beat.
Prediction: Wisconsin 31 State 17
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