3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
Game Seven: @Michigan State 10/14/06
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VprHis
Get off my lawn, you hooligans!
Spartan Spring Scrimmage
OK, Folks, here's the hot news on what Sparty's been up to this off-season!
Stopped by the spring scrimmage today, and just a few of my thoughts.
First, the administrative stuff.
Spring Depth Chart
Personnel notes:
Offense--
Overall, much as anticipated. Be nervous. Especially if our D is slow to gel. MSU runs a complex system at high speed. All the skill position guys are talented and experienced, and this offense is anything but one-dimensional.
...And let's not forget just how frustrating a mobile QB can be for a young D.
WR's: As we've come to expect, the passing game should be a strength this year. MSU will boast a receiver corps led by a trio of eminently capable players, Matt Trannon (6'6, 227), Terry Love (5'11, 172), and Jerramy Scott (5'10, 186). Tranny (or Trannibal Lecter, as he's more fondly known) is an excellent possession receiver, Love always seems to play taller than he is, and Scott's a burner. The backups all seem capable, if perhaps not quite as consistent or as significant threats to break each play.
TE's: OK, so I'm no talent scout. But the TE's looked good to me. Which is to say. Davis looked good. I don't know what's up with his backup (he's 6'0, 275 lbs, and I might just be slimmer than he is.... THAT"S saying something! In fact, we nicknamed him the Loose End.) Anyway. Davis. Good blocker, in that I saw no glaring errors, GOOD receiver--looked like nice crisp routes, soft hands, and a nice burst down the seam. Depth could be a problem here, as I see no receiving threat aside from Davis.
O-Line: I admit, I tend to watch the ball, rather than the whole field. The line looked OK, nothing spectacular. Some breakdowns, some solid blocking. I'm just not sure... it's too hard to keep track of if I'm seeing 1's vs 1's or mismatches. Again, I do wonder about the depth... although I can't really give a solid reason as to why.
RB's: Teague graduated, but Caulcrick and Ringer are both back, and I think I can honestly say Ringer looks great this year. He seems more comfortable with the system, and had some really great cutback runs. Had some nice breakouts, and was more than willing to lower his shoulder and fight for inches. Caulcrick... well. He's not exactly nimble, but he doesn't need to be. I did watch him drive 1 CB and 2 Safeties back across the goal line on 1st and G from the 3. New face to watch: A.J. Jimmerson (5'10, 210 Redshirt Fr.) Got lots of reps today and looked, well... as polished as a guy can look in an intrasquad scrimmage with patchwork blocking. Seems to be maybe a half (quarter) step behind Ringer, but IMO he will be quite effective as a #3 back.
THIS SHOULD BE A DANGEROUS RUN GAME. Two quick backs to frustrate and evade the D (yet who have the power to break tackles), alternating with the power back Caulcrick (6'0, 245 and knows how to use that mass to great advantage).
QB: Stanton. He's a known commodity. Solid. Capable. Dangerous. Much like Ohio State, the big question at QB concerns the next in line. Behind Stanton are RS Frosh Domenic Natale and Soph Brian Hoyer. Both about 6'1, 200-ish. Both seem to have more than decent mobility and good arms. Hoyer looks to be a step ahead. He made good decisions with the ball (yeah, Jim Tressel's rubbing off on me, too :)), seemed to have good ball placement, footwork and release just seem a touch quicker, more confident.
Defense:
Optimism is high in E. Lansing. There are whispers that the D will no longer be a liability. Today I saw a defense that stood its ground against a potent offense. They played with attitude. Fire. Arm Tackles.
...Ok, so it's a start.
D-line: Got some good penetration at times, but was also stonewalled at times. Again, hard to really tell much with the patchwork nature of the thing.
LB's: Herron looked good. I saw him flying to the ball when he was in. Actually ran down Ringer at one point. I don't remember seeing too much from the others, but I honestly wasn't paying that much attention to the LB's (I'm not sure why)
DB's: The spartans use a player JLS likes to call the 'bandit,' a hybrid LB/DB. Last year, this was SirDarean Adams, who shows up as the #2 FS this year. I seem to recall hearing he's back at Bandit now, though. Either way, he had a heck of a Pick-6 at the end of the scrimmage (Natale made a bad decision on a slant.... SDA jumped the route, 50 yd footrace ensues). KNOW THIS NAME: Nehemiah Warrick. (6'1, 204 Jr. Strong Safety--although I seem to recall seeing him out in single coverage as well). JuCo transfer, 1st year in Lansing. The man is out to make a name for himself. Nemo, as he's known--prepare for all sorts of bad jokes--plays the defensive backfield the way it ought to be played. Think Donnie Nickey, but pissed off. Loves to hit, exudes confidence, look for him to be the spartans' emotional leader on the field. If he's on his game, the rest of the D can feed off of his intensity.
Special Teams:
P: Brandon Fields. Some Booming punts today. Of course, I said that last year, too, and he was, well.... disappointing throughout the fall campaign.
K: We all know that the MSU kicking game last year could best be described as a 'fiasco.' There may be some hope in sight in the form of Todd Boleski (listed as KO specialist). The guy's got the range, and is working on the accuracy. Was about 50% from 50+ yards today. All the kicks had plenty of distance, but he tended to push them a bit at times.
PR: Terry Love handled many of the return duties... nothing spectacular, but there was one funny one. Kick to the left sideline, Love juked left, then gave up ground to cut back to the right. John L Smith's bellowed "NO!" echoed throughout the stadium. I do not envy that young man. :)
All in all, it was a gorgeous day, and a lovely appetizer for tomorrow's Scarlet and Gray spring game. Something tells me that MSU and OSU are both on course for a meeting that should make for one hell of a game. Offensive playmakers will abound, and young defenses will be tested to (and beyond) their limits. We'll just have to wait and see how things develop in the intervening months.
OK, Folks, here's the hot news on what Sparty's been up to this off-season!
Stopped by the spring scrimmage today, and just a few of my thoughts.
First, the administrative stuff.
Spring Depth Chart
Personnel notes:
Offense--
Overall, much as anticipated. Be nervous. Especially if our D is slow to gel. MSU runs a complex system at high speed. All the skill position guys are talented and experienced, and this offense is anything but one-dimensional.
...And let's not forget just how frustrating a mobile QB can be for a young D.
WR's: As we've come to expect, the passing game should be a strength this year. MSU will boast a receiver corps led by a trio of eminently capable players, Matt Trannon (6'6, 227), Terry Love (5'11, 172), and Jerramy Scott (5'10, 186). Tranny (or Trannibal Lecter, as he's more fondly known) is an excellent possession receiver, Love always seems to play taller than he is, and Scott's a burner. The backups all seem capable, if perhaps not quite as consistent or as significant threats to break each play.
TE's: OK, so I'm no talent scout. But the TE's looked good to me. Which is to say. Davis looked good. I don't know what's up with his backup (he's 6'0, 275 lbs, and I might just be slimmer than he is.... THAT"S saying something! In fact, we nicknamed him the Loose End.) Anyway. Davis. Good blocker, in that I saw no glaring errors, GOOD receiver--looked like nice crisp routes, soft hands, and a nice burst down the seam. Depth could be a problem here, as I see no receiving threat aside from Davis.
O-Line: I admit, I tend to watch the ball, rather than the whole field. The line looked OK, nothing spectacular. Some breakdowns, some solid blocking. I'm just not sure... it's too hard to keep track of if I'm seeing 1's vs 1's or mismatches. Again, I do wonder about the depth... although I can't really give a solid reason as to why.
RB's: Teague graduated, but Caulcrick and Ringer are both back, and I think I can honestly say Ringer looks great this year. He seems more comfortable with the system, and had some really great cutback runs. Had some nice breakouts, and was more than willing to lower his shoulder and fight for inches. Caulcrick... well. He's not exactly nimble, but he doesn't need to be. I did watch him drive 1 CB and 2 Safeties back across the goal line on 1st and G from the 3. New face to watch: A.J. Jimmerson (5'10, 210 Redshirt Fr.) Got lots of reps today and looked, well... as polished as a guy can look in an intrasquad scrimmage with patchwork blocking. Seems to be maybe a half (quarter) step behind Ringer, but IMO he will be quite effective as a #3 back.
THIS SHOULD BE A DANGEROUS RUN GAME. Two quick backs to frustrate and evade the D (yet who have the power to break tackles), alternating with the power back Caulcrick (6'0, 245 and knows how to use that mass to great advantage).
QB: Stanton. He's a known commodity. Solid. Capable. Dangerous. Much like Ohio State, the big question at QB concerns the next in line. Behind Stanton are RS Frosh Domenic Natale and Soph Brian Hoyer. Both about 6'1, 200-ish. Both seem to have more than decent mobility and good arms. Hoyer looks to be a step ahead. He made good decisions with the ball (yeah, Jim Tressel's rubbing off on me, too :)), seemed to have good ball placement, footwork and release just seem a touch quicker, more confident.
Defense:
Optimism is high in E. Lansing. There are whispers that the D will no longer be a liability. Today I saw a defense that stood its ground against a potent offense. They played with attitude. Fire. Arm Tackles.
...Ok, so it's a start.
D-line: Got some good penetration at times, but was also stonewalled at times. Again, hard to really tell much with the patchwork nature of the thing.
LB's: Herron looked good. I saw him flying to the ball when he was in. Actually ran down Ringer at one point. I don't remember seeing too much from the others, but I honestly wasn't paying that much attention to the LB's (I'm not sure why)
DB's: The spartans use a player JLS likes to call the 'bandit,' a hybrid LB/DB. Last year, this was SirDarean Adams, who shows up as the #2 FS this year. I seem to recall hearing he's back at Bandit now, though. Either way, he had a heck of a Pick-6 at the end of the scrimmage (Natale made a bad decision on a slant.... SDA jumped the route, 50 yd footrace ensues). KNOW THIS NAME: Nehemiah Warrick. (6'1, 204 Jr. Strong Safety--although I seem to recall seeing him out in single coverage as well). JuCo transfer, 1st year in Lansing. The man is out to make a name for himself. Nemo, as he's known--prepare for all sorts of bad jokes--plays the defensive backfield the way it ought to be played. Think Donnie Nickey, but pissed off. Loves to hit, exudes confidence, look for him to be the spartans' emotional leader on the field. If he's on his game, the rest of the D can feed off of his intensity.
Special Teams:
P: Brandon Fields. Some Booming punts today. Of course, I said that last year, too, and he was, well.... disappointing throughout the fall campaign.
K: We all know that the MSU kicking game last year could best be described as a 'fiasco.' There may be some hope in sight in the form of Todd Boleski (listed as KO specialist). The guy's got the range, and is working on the accuracy. Was about 50% from 50+ yards today. All the kicks had plenty of distance, but he tended to push them a bit at times.
PR: Terry Love handled many of the return duties... nothing spectacular, but there was one funny one. Kick to the left sideline, Love juked left, then gave up ground to cut back to the right. John L Smith's bellowed "NO!" echoed throughout the stadium. I do not envy that young man. :)
All in all, it was a gorgeous day, and a lovely appetizer for tomorrow's Scarlet and Gray spring game. Something tells me that MSU and OSU are both on course for a meeting that should make for one hell of a game. Offensive playmakers will abound, and young defenses will be tested to (and beyond) their limits. We'll just have to wait and see how things develop in the intervening months.
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Very informative post by VprHis. This one shapes up to be a tough battle. You have to think that John L. has this one circled on his calendar. Sparty has yet to piece everything together under Smith, but they have some quality athletes and a solid QB. It's really early, but I could see this game being pivotal in the Big 10.
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CFBNews Spartan preview.
cfbnews.MichiganState
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cfbnews.defense
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cfbnews.MichiganState
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cfbnews.defense
cfbnews.FurtherAnalysis
cfbnews.depthchart
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Link
<!-- %%% End of aspt_pre.html %%% --> Spartans ready for rebound after mediocre 3-year stretch
By Tim Martin The Associated Press
EAST LANSING, Mich. — John L. Smith says his fourth Michigan State team might have the best shot at success since he arrived on campus.
A winning season would help his job security.
Following three seasons and an 18-18 record, the Michigan State faithful are looking for bigger and better things from Smith's program.
The charismatic cowboy from Idaho was hired away from an up-and-coming Louisville program in late 2002 and charged with turning the Spartans into a Big Ten title contender. After a surprisingly successful 8-5 record in Smith's first season, Michigan State has faltered and posted back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1991-92.
Smith ranks 14th among active coaches on the NCAA Division I-A win list. His 128-78 career record includes previous stops at Idaho, Utah State and Louisville. He has had only three losing seasons — two at Michigan State — in 17 years.
University President Lou Anna Simon provided a public show of support for Smith after last season, but made it clear she expects Michigan State to compete for conference championships and make major bowl appearances soon.
The Spartans host Idaho — where Smith was head coach from 1989-94 — to open the season Saturday. The Spartans host Notre Dame on Sept. 23 and face their toughest Big Ten matchups Oct. 7 at Michigan and Oct. 14 at home against Ohio State.
"It's a new year and a new opportunity," said Smith, in the fourth year of a six-year contract that pays him about $1.5 million annually. "We want to go out and show we're better."
A particular problem at Michigan State has been late-season collapses. Under Smith, the Spartans have gone 10-3 in games before October. But they're a combined 2-10 in November and December when injuries and tougher competition take their toll.
Smith said he has been pleased with offseason workouts and that players collectively are in the best shape they have been since his arrival.
"The true test of that will come in the fall," said Drew Stanton, one of the nation's best quarterbacks.
Stanton said he believes Smith has the program on the right track and that the Spartans are "capable of something special" this season. That potential starts with their senior QB, whose career passing completion percentage (65.7) ranks first in Big Ten history entering the season.
Stanton threw a school-record 22 touchdown passes last season and ranks among the best in Spartan history in several categories. He also is a dangerous runner, gaining more than 1,000 yards rushing during his career.
Michigan State has plenty of weapons surrounding Stanton in its one-back, spread offense that averaged 497 yards and 33.8 points per game in 2005.
The Spartans' top two rushers from last season — speedster Javon Ringer (873 yards) and bruiser Jehuu Caulcrick (486 yards)— are both back, joined by redshirt freshman A.J. Jimmerson.
"We have three of the best," Ringer said. "We're all good at what we do and it's a great combination."
The top two receivers from last season, Jerramy Scott and Matt Trannon, return for their senior seasons. Each caught at least 40 passes a year ago in a balanced attack. Trannon, a forward on the basketball team, has good speed and is a 6-foot-6 target. Tight end Kellen Davis has shown he is a receiving threat, but must improve his blocking to get more playing time.
The offensive line returns just two starters, Kyle Cook — who will shift from guard to center this season — and tackle Mike Gyetvai.
Michigan State returns six starters on defense, a weaknesses in recent years. But the Spartans say they have more depth and perhaps more speed at key positions.
By Tim Martin The Associated Press
EAST LANSING, Mich. — John L. Smith says his fourth Michigan State team might have the best shot at success since he arrived on campus.
A winning season would help his job security.
Following three seasons and an 18-18 record, the Michigan State faithful are looking for bigger and better things from Smith's program.
The charismatic cowboy from Idaho was hired away from an up-and-coming Louisville program in late 2002 and charged with turning the Spartans into a Big Ten title contender. After a surprisingly successful 8-5 record in Smith's first season, Michigan State has faltered and posted back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1991-92.
Smith ranks 14th among active coaches on the NCAA Division I-A win list. His 128-78 career record includes previous stops at Idaho, Utah State and Louisville. He has had only three losing seasons — two at Michigan State — in 17 years.
University President Lou Anna Simon provided a public show of support for Smith after last season, but made it clear she expects Michigan State to compete for conference championships and make major bowl appearances soon.
The Spartans host Idaho — where Smith was head coach from 1989-94 — to open the season Saturday. The Spartans host Notre Dame on Sept. 23 and face their toughest Big Ten matchups Oct. 7 at Michigan and Oct. 14 at home against Ohio State.
"It's a new year and a new opportunity," said Smith, in the fourth year of a six-year contract that pays him about $1.5 million annually. "We want to go out and show we're better."
A particular problem at Michigan State has been late-season collapses. Under Smith, the Spartans have gone 10-3 in games before October. But they're a combined 2-10 in November and December when injuries and tougher competition take their toll.
Smith said he has been pleased with offseason workouts and that players collectively are in the best shape they have been since his arrival.
"The true test of that will come in the fall," said Drew Stanton, one of the nation's best quarterbacks.
Stanton said he believes Smith has the program on the right track and that the Spartans are "capable of something special" this season. That potential starts with their senior QB, whose career passing completion percentage (65.7) ranks first in Big Ten history entering the season.
Stanton threw a school-record 22 touchdown passes last season and ranks among the best in Spartan history in several categories. He also is a dangerous runner, gaining more than 1,000 yards rushing during his career.
Michigan State has plenty of weapons surrounding Stanton in its one-back, spread offense that averaged 497 yards and 33.8 points per game in 2005.
The Spartans' top two rushers from last season — speedster Javon Ringer (873 yards) and bruiser Jehuu Caulcrick (486 yards)— are both back, joined by redshirt freshman A.J. Jimmerson.
"We have three of the best," Ringer said. "We're all good at what we do and it's a great combination."
The top two receivers from last season, Jerramy Scott and Matt Trannon, return for their senior seasons. Each caught at least 40 passes a year ago in a balanced attack. Trannon, a forward on the basketball team, has good speed and is a 6-foot-6 target. Tight end Kellen Davis has shown he is a receiving threat, but must improve his blocking to get more playing time.
The offensive line returns just two starters, Kyle Cook — who will shift from guard to center this season — and tackle Mike Gyetvai.
Michigan State returns six starters on defense, a weaknesses in recent years. But the Spartans say they have more depth and perhaps more speed at key positions.
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Last season, during the MSU warmups... WR Matt Trannon was heaving bombs from the right 50 yard marker to a streaking grad assistant near the goal line. Turns out that was more than just pitch and catch... as he completed that same pass today for a TD.
That kid is one heck of an athlete... (basketball player too for those who are unfamiliar)
That kid is one heck of an athlete... (basketball player too for those who are unfamiliar)
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VprHis
Get off my lawn, you hooligans!
jwinslow;601740; said:
His play yesterday really deflated the fans' ire, too. For quite a while, there have been complaints that such a large, powerful receiver has no physicality or intensity in his play. Some of that came out yesterday, as evidenced by his aerobatic touchdown.
...Then again, it was against Eastern.
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buckeye247
# 33
Does anyone know what time and channel this game is going to be on. I will be away for this weekend and im hoping that it will be on National T.V.
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ytownbuckeye
Heisman
sparty collasping this year after meltdown against the cheatin catholics just like they did last year after the blocked field goal they are a mess 
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My .02:
-As someone above said; Thank God its a 3:30 game and not another night game.
- I am a bit worried that Sparty did the opposite of what I expected vs scUM. They came out and got smacked in the mouth then acted like they found some heart after it was already too late.
-We want the wheels falling off, listless, heartless, gutless, headcase Sparty that blew the ND game and lost to Illinois.
-We do not want to see the Sparty that remembers they have talent and decides to forget everything else thats happened and put together 4 good quarters.
-We can beat their A game but I'd rather see their C game.
-This game can go a long way in excorsising the demons of 1998 or.......
-Did anyone see if Tranon's injury was serious or just a cramp?
-As someone above said; Thank God its a 3:30 game and not another night game.
- I am a bit worried that Sparty did the opposite of what I expected vs scUM. They came out and got smacked in the mouth then acted like they found some heart after it was already too late.
-We want the wheels falling off, listless, heartless, gutless, headcase Sparty that blew the ND game and lost to Illinois.
-We do not want to see the Sparty that remembers they have talent and decides to forget everything else thats happened and put together 4 good quarters.
-We can beat their A game but I'd rather see their C game.
-This game can go a long way in excorsising the demons of 1998 or.......
-Did anyone see if Tranon's injury was serious or just a cramp?
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BP Fan
Big time fan
SI has a peice about a MSu fan who goes off on the team over the radio. I hope we can make the fans this mad.:)
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/austin_murphy/10/05/spartans/index.html
"
On Stanton:
Now, I love Drew Stanton. But I can't defend you when you play that way ... you HAVE to make better decisions.
And you know what? It's time for Drew to step up in a big game. It's time for Drew to play [in a big game] the way he plays against Kent State and Indiana.
On Stanton's teammates:
Every single stereotype about Michigan State football came true on Saturday night. They CHOKED. They ABSOLUTELY GAGGED. While Notre Dame played with fire, emotion, poise and tact, Michigan State sat there, and CHOKED ON APPLESAUCE. They CHOKED.
I'M DISGUSTED WITH THE GUYS WHO STRAP ON THOSE UNIFORMS. MAKE PLAYS! YOU'RE AT HOME. AT NIGHT. THIRD-LARGEST CROWD IN THE HISTORY OF THAT STADIUM. WITH A 37-21 LEAD. MAAAKE PLAAAYS! [Verging on derangement] DON'T SIT THERE AND PUCKER. MAKE PLAYS. [Thumping the desk in front of him] DON'T SIT THERE AND TURN TO YOUR QUARTERBACK WITH A PUPPY-DOG LOOK AND SAY, HELP US! WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WE'RE DOING OUT HERE! HELP US!
On Smith, the beleaguered head coach:
MSU is pounding ND, and they took off the accelerator. They mismanaged the clock -- AGAIN -- they didn't use their timeouts right -- AGAIN -- and they allowed an opponent to get into halftime and make adjustments, AGAIN.
IT'S THE same tired-ass story. Note to John L. Smith: Learn the effin' rules, and understand that your timeouts ARE NOT LIKE CELL-PHONE MINUTES. THEY DON'T CARRY OVER"
:osu:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/austin_murphy/10/05/spartans/index.html
"
On Stanton:
Now, I love Drew Stanton. But I can't defend you when you play that way ... you HAVE to make better decisions.
And you know what? It's time for Drew to step up in a big game. It's time for Drew to play [in a big game] the way he plays against Kent State and Indiana.
On Stanton's teammates:
Every single stereotype about Michigan State football came true on Saturday night. They CHOKED. They ABSOLUTELY GAGGED. While Notre Dame played with fire, emotion, poise and tact, Michigan State sat there, and CHOKED ON APPLESAUCE. They CHOKED.
I'M DISGUSTED WITH THE GUYS WHO STRAP ON THOSE UNIFORMS. MAKE PLAYS! YOU'RE AT HOME. AT NIGHT. THIRD-LARGEST CROWD IN THE HISTORY OF THAT STADIUM. WITH A 37-21 LEAD. MAAAKE PLAAAYS! [Verging on derangement] DON'T SIT THERE AND PUCKER. MAKE PLAYS. [Thumping the desk in front of him] DON'T SIT THERE AND TURN TO YOUR QUARTERBACK WITH A PUPPY-DOG LOOK AND SAY, HELP US! WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WE'RE DOING OUT HERE! HELP US!
On Smith, the beleaguered head coach:
MSU is pounding ND, and they took off the accelerator. They mismanaged the clock -- AGAIN -- they didn't use their timeouts right -- AGAIN -- and they allowed an opponent to get into halftime and make adjustments, AGAIN.
IT'S THE same tired-ass story. Note to John L. Smith: Learn the effin' rules, and understand that your timeouts ARE NOT LIKE CELL-PHONE MINUTES. THEY DON'T CARRY OVER"
:osu:
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