Hail to the Victors!
Nice to type that for a change. Hats off to the whole team from the staff on down. This game had all the warning signs of a letdown week - coming off a tough loss, bowl elimination, and the loss of Threet - and instead they came together and delivered their best all-around game of the season. Great to see.
I don't know who lit a fire under Sheridan, but he was a changed man today. He looked in full command of the offense and actually threw with some zip. Great games from all the backs, receivers and OL, too. Gopher fans are probably pissed about the last TD, but you have to feel good for Moundros getting that chance.
On D - Wow, where's this gameplan been? Finally we got in receivers' faces and made them work to get open, giving our pass rush more time. We played like this in the second half against Utah and then we seemed to shelve it in favor of the Chinese water torture D that conceded first down yardage every third and long. The only concern today was that we looked vulnerable against the option, which has to be fixed before we play the next two games. But man, where was this gameplan last week? Purdue's QB is looking a little less fantastic against a State D that isn't conceding anything (and if anyone tries to claim that State has more defensive talent than us, I'll personally reach through your computer screen and punch you). Oh well.
November 8th, 2008 at 3:02 PM ^
WOOOOO I'M BURNING MY SOFA
November 8th, 2008 at 3:45 PM ^
I think this is what our team will look like against GOOD teams in 2-3 years, except we will score 7 TDs instead of 5 FGs and 2TDs. 200 yards rushing, 200 passing, dominant defense. Hopefully some of the talent in the Safety and Linebacker positions will poke its head out next season so we can get a few more good wins like this one.
GO BLUE
November 8th, 2008 at 3:53 PM ^
I don't think it's all about talent. Western Michigan just held Illinois to 17 points - is their D that talented? We've just got to drop this irrational fear of giving up big plays, and put our guys in a position to make some plays themselves. I don't mind giving up the occasional big play if my D is also forcing lots of 3 and outs and turnovers. Giving up a million 3rd and longs is no better.
November 8th, 2008 at 10:03 PM ^
Word.
It looked like things were finally starting to come together today. Just think what it will be like in 2-3 years, when we have more experienced guys, and more players whose talents match the system.
In Rod I trust!!!
November 8th, 2008 at 11:53 PM ^
Does this mean Brewster is out of the running for Big Ten Coach of the Year? And with JoePa losing, will this make Dantonio the frontrunner? I'm starting to feel ill.
November 10th, 2008 at 2:06 AM ^
I wanted to refute your statement, but as I tried to think of another coach to beat Dantonio out, I drew a blank. The winner of the award will probably have to be the coach of the winner of the PSU-MSU game. God, I hope you are wrong.
November 10th, 2008 at 5:21 PM ^
They'll give it to JoePa. There's an unwritten rule that coaches over 75 win COY every time they have a good team.