I've stopped trying to guess. They couldn't run between the tackles vs. Indiana, but then they turn around and do just that against Iowa. The o-line is so banged up that I'm not sure anyone knows what to expect from week-to-week.
You're reading too much into one comment. Obviously there's more to it than "460 yards = win" and "turnovers = bad." Maybe the WR comment muddied my point: I thought the run game was fine overall and Maxwell played well down the stretch.
You're right, they can and should improve on their YPP. The passing game was pretty bad outside of the fourth quarter. I thought Maxwell played fine in the second half and especially in the fourth quarter. I'm happy with how he handled the pressure. Now, will some WRs step up? Your guess is as good as mine. Realistically, it might not happen until mid-season when the young guys get some experience.
Run game was fine. They completely controlled the clock in the 4th, which is what they should have done against a defense like that.
Re: Turnovers and scoring ... Obviously they'll be in trouble if they can't hang onto the ball. I'll be the first one to call them terrible if they turn it over four times every game.
I enjoy college football and I glean information from this site, among others. I post because it's fun to go back and forth with people who don't share my views. I don't have a shit-ton of free time, but then again I don't post a ton. Mostly lurk.
Good size, strong arm, solid athlete. Not a true dual-threat but can make things happen when things break down. I'm really interested to see how he stacks up to the competition since he isn't even rated on some services.
I had a nice long response to this typed up this a.m. but apparently it didn't save. Oops.
Short story: I expect a lot from the current crop in the next three seasons ... At least 9-10 wins a year through 2013-14 and at least one B1G title in those three seasons (barring catastrophic injuries and NFL defections).
Aggregrate record over five years? I honestly have no idea. I think you need to step back and re-evalutate the league every 2-3 years because so much changes. As of now, I think the teams in the best position to compete for titles in 5-7 years are MSU, UM, OSU, Wisconsin, and maybe Nebraska. PSU is a total wild card. Iowa seems happy with Ferentz, which is fine. The rest have a steep hill to climb.
You don't think a "ceiling" of Top 4-ish team in the B1G is a bit conservative?
I don't think any B1G team has a ceiling like that save maybe NW or Indiana. Any team, given the right coach and a financial commitment, can compete for B1G titles annually. The problem with most schools is they're either a) not a final destination for good coaches, or b) geographically disadvantaged.
That said, I think MSU's ceiling is as high as any other B1G team's ceiling, including UM or OSU. Look at what Wisconsin has done over the past two decades. They were a joke until Alvarez showed up ... Now an 8-win season is a down year. All it takes is a good coach and an administration commited to winning.
Ferentz has been to two Orange bowls. He had a nice run from 2002-2004, but has been pretty mediocre with the exception of 2008-09. Now they're replacing their OC and DC after two disappointing seasons. I think MSU's ceiling is higher than that.
MSU's wounds in the 70s, 80s and early 90s were mostly self-inflicted. It helps to have a an administration focused on winning instead of fighting with each other.
Also, the game is different now because recruiting is different. The reality is that coaches can scout nationally via e-mail and YouTube. In addition, brand recognition can be built much faster these days thanks to ESPN and recruiting websites.The barriers to recruiting that existed a few decades ago are no longer applicable.
I agree with some of what you're saying, but I'd be disappointed if MSU's ceiling was the current Iowa program because I think MSU has a higher ceiling.
Don't get me wrong ... I think Ferentz does a nice job with what he has. MSU and its staff, however, have regional advantages that Iowa can only dream about. When's the last time Iowa beat MSU for an Ohio kid? Or a Michigan kid? It's happened maybe once or twice in the last few years. Iowa has a bigger advantage in Illinois, but which situation would you rather have?
I like MSU's 2013 class so far. They'll likely be halfway done by the end of April and will be able to focus on filling only a handful of spots the rest of the year.
I see this argument a lot on here and I have two thoughts:
1) UM will outrecruit MSU for the forseeable future. Been that way for decades. Will the Hoke era produce more wins over MSU than the Rich Rod era did? Probably ... But I don't think this automatically means MSU recruiting goes into the shitter. They're doing pretty well in the 2013 class despite Michigan's hot start. Another solid season certainly won't hurt those efforts.
2) The State of Michigan could support two winning programs. People love to throw out the UM vs. MSU head-to-head recruiting battles like the end result (wins and losses) is some sort of zero-sum game. The head-to-head battles with UM are just one part of the equation. MSU has done pretty well for themselves despite also having to recruit against traditional heavyweights like OSU, ND and PSU -- all of which are within a very reasonable driving distance from their home turf.
If MSU keeps winning, like it or not, their recruiting footprint will continue to expand and their talent level will be strong.
Anyone else think it might be a mistake to play the games at Cass Tech? Seems like having them play somewhere around the Pontiac area - OU maybe? - would have been a much better test case for an MLS team that plans on playing at the Silverdome.
I know you're being sarcastic, but I've heard nothing on Pocic lately so I have no clue. tRCMB has zillions of users and just as many opinions. One thing's for sure: the Midwest is loaded with OT/OG talent this year.
That said, nobody anywhere in the country should be "worried" about their team's recruiting since it's only Feb. Unless you're a PSU fan ... Then maybe you'd be worried.
Sure, it's possible, but I'm glossing over him because the Wisky writer lists him as the third choice behind two guys with career-threatening injuries. Not exactly a ringing endorsement.
So they basically have a RS junior who may or may not even be healthy enough to play, a RS senior who was a dual threat until he tore his ACL twice, a RS soph and a couple of freshmen. One more injury and Angry Wisconsin QB Hating God will become a thing.
Link to the National Bone Marrow Registry for those who can't make it to Ann Arbor: http://marrow.org/Home.aspx. Very quick and easy to get registered.
Norfleet is a nice pickup. I wanted him in MSU's class before Kings and Tompkins committed because he can play CB as well as RB/WR.
I think he'll end up a slot WR a la Jock Sanders, the former WVA WR. Sanders was very fun to watch. I believe he used to get a few carries per game out of the backfield as well.
Article printed today on an MSU site has quotes from his coach saying it's down to MSU, Michigan and Kentucky. MSU has been pursuing him a long time, but they now have 3 WR commits + Arnett. He is reportedly still taking a Michigan official in Jan.
No worries. I don't think Adams got his draft grade yet, but I'd be surprised if he was projected anywhere above 6-7. He's a big risk to go undrafted, which is a shame because I think he's a talented cover guy. Give him another year to get stronger and he'd be a much higher pick.
As mentioned above, the rumor is that he has a kid and is looking to get out ASAP.
Maxwell at QB will have some learning curves but will benefit from a running game that rounded into shape as the year progressed. He'll be a step down from Cousins but I doubt he'll be a below-average B1G QB.
On defense, I'm worried about whomever replaces Robinson and Adams (if he goes). The DL is young but relatively deep. DL will be downgraded to "major concern" if A.R. White doesn't stay healthy next year.
It would be funny if the OP's statement is true because everything he said is pretty much the opposite of everything I've read over the past few weeks. I'd be curious about the identity of the MSU-related media member. If it's a writer, I don't think it's anyone from the pay sites. Could be Rexrode from the LSJ as he's probably the most tied-in to the program. The Freep/DetNews guys are generally useless for anything but fluff.
Yes, but it might have been different if I hadn't fumbled my coffee, then thrown the paper into the sink instead of the recycling bin on my way out the door.
I think you'll see less blitzing this weekend vs. Wisky. MSU really dialed up the blitzing the past two games (OSU and U-M). That double-A gap blitz, for example, is one of their bread-and-butter plays out of their base D, but you won't usually see them run it more than 2-3 times a game. Against OSU they sold out to stop the run, then simply blitzed Miller/Bauserman to death when they realized they could have their way with OSU's O-Line (which was the biggest surprise in that game).
That said, Wilson will kill MSU with his arm if they leave the corners to play man coverage all day. They're going to have to take some chances if Wisky establishes the run game right from the start, but I wouldn't expect much beyond a base 4-3 with some form of zone coverage on the first few drives.
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I've stopped trying to guess. They couldn't run between the tackles vs. Indiana, but then they turn around and do just that against Iowa. The o-line is so banged up that I'm not sure anyone knows what to expect from week-to-week.
Do the monkeys run 5-wide sets on third-and-three despite the fact that Le'Veon Bell is our RB?
You're reading too much into one comment. Obviously there's more to it than "460 yards = win" and "turnovers = bad." Maybe the WR comment muddied my point: I thought the run game was fine overall and Maxwell played well down the stretch.
You're right, they can and should improve on their YPP. The passing game was pretty bad outside of the fourth quarter. I thought Maxwell played fine in the second half and especially in the fourth quarter. I'm happy with how he handled the pressure. Now, will some WRs step up? Your guess is as good as mine. Realistically, it might not happen until mid-season when the young guys get some experience.
Run game was fine. They completely controlled the clock in the 4th, which is what they should have done against a defense like that.
Re: Turnovers and scoring ... Obviously they'll be in trouble if they can't hang onto the ball. I'll be the first one to call them terrible if they turn it over four times every game.
I enjoy college football and I glean information from this site, among others. I post because it's fun to go back and forth with people who don't share my views. I don't have a shit-ton of free time, but then again I don't post a ton. Mostly lurk.
I'll take 460 yards of laughable offense most weeks.
Prater in the third round? Yikes. I know he was a 5-star and all but he hasn't played a meaningful snap since h.s.
Good size, strong arm, solid athlete. Not a true dual-threat but can make things happen when things break down. I'm really interested to see how he stacks up to the competition since he isn't even rated on some services.
I had a nice long response to this typed up this a.m. but apparently it didn't save. Oops.
Short story: I expect a lot from the current crop in the next three seasons ... At least 9-10 wins a year through 2013-14 and at least one B1G title in those three seasons (barring catastrophic injuries and NFL defections).
Aggregrate record over five years? I honestly have no idea. I think you need to step back and re-evalutate the league every 2-3 years because so much changes. As of now, I think the teams in the best position to compete for titles in 5-7 years are MSU, UM, OSU, Wisconsin, and maybe Nebraska. PSU is a total wild card. Iowa seems happy with Ferentz, which is fine. The rest have a steep hill to climb.
You don't think a "ceiling" of Top 4-ish team in the B1G is a bit conservative?
I don't think any B1G team has a ceiling like that save maybe NW or Indiana. Any team, given the right coach and a financial commitment, can compete for B1G titles annually. The problem with most schools is they're either a) not a final destination for good coaches, or b) geographically disadvantaged.
That said, I think MSU's ceiling is as high as any other B1G team's ceiling, including UM or OSU. Look at what Wisconsin has done over the past two decades. They were a joke until Alvarez showed up ... Now an 8-win season is a down year. All it takes is a good coach and an administration commited to winning.
I don't read it that way, but I can see how you might.
Ferentz has been to two Orange bowls. He had a nice run from 2002-2004, but has been pretty mediocre with the exception of 2008-09. Now they're replacing their OC and DC after two disappointing seasons. I think MSU's ceiling is higher than that.
MSU's wounds in the 70s, 80s and early 90s were mostly self-inflicted. It helps to have a an administration focused on winning instead of fighting with each other.
Also, the game is different now because recruiting is different. The reality is that coaches can scout nationally via e-mail and YouTube. In addition, brand recognition can be built much faster these days thanks to ESPN and recruiting websites.The barriers to recruiting that existed a few decades ago are no longer applicable.
I agree with some of what you're saying, but I'd be disappointed if MSU's ceiling was the current Iowa program because I think MSU has a higher ceiling.
Don't get me wrong ... I think Ferentz does a nice job with what he has. MSU and its staff, however, have regional advantages that Iowa can only dream about. When's the last time Iowa beat MSU for an Ohio kid? Or a Michigan kid? It's happened maybe once or twice in the last few years. Iowa has a bigger advantage in Illinois, but which situation would you rather have?
I like MSU's 2013 class so far. They'll likely be halfway done by the end of April and will be able to focus on filling only a handful of spots the rest of the year.
I see this argument a lot on here and I have two thoughts:
1) UM will outrecruit MSU for the forseeable future. Been that way for decades. Will the Hoke era produce more wins over MSU than the Rich Rod era did? Probably ... But I don't think this automatically means MSU recruiting goes into the shitter. They're doing pretty well in the 2013 class despite Michigan's hot start. Another solid season certainly won't hurt those efforts.
2) The State of Michigan could support two winning programs. People love to throw out the UM vs. MSU head-to-head recruiting battles like the end result (wins and losses) is some sort of zero-sum game. The head-to-head battles with UM are just one part of the equation. MSU has done pretty well for themselves despite also having to recruit against traditional heavyweights like OSU, ND and PSU -- all of which are within a very reasonable driving distance from their home turf.
If MSU keeps winning, like it or not, their recruiting footprint will continue to expand and their talent level will be strong.
Anyone else think it might be a mistake to play the games at Cass Tech? Seems like having them play somewhere around the Pontiac area - OU maybe? - would have been a much better test case for an MLS team that plans on playing at the Silverdome.
There's a lot of speculation - possibly unfounded - around whether or not he will qualify.
MSU lost because they had nobody to guard Buford when Dawson went down. Not because of some perceived lack of focus.
I know you're being sarcastic, but I've heard nothing on Pocic lately so I have no clue. tRCMB has zillions of users and just as many opinions. One thing's for sure: the Midwest is loaded with OT/OG talent this year.
That said, nobody anywhere in the country should be "worried" about their team's recruiting since it's only Feb. Unless you're a PSU fan ... Then maybe you'd be worried.
Pretty nice day for you guys. Congrats.
Sure, it's possible, but I'm glossing over him because the Wisky writer lists him as the third choice behind two guys with career-threatening injuries. Not exactly a ringing endorsement.
I came for the recruiting news and stayed for the football UFRs.
This blog post does a good job of summarizing Wisky's current QB situation: http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2012/2/7/2783523/way-too-early-position-preview-quarterbacks.
So they basically have a RS junior who may or may not even be healthy enough to play, a RS senior who was a dual threat until he tore his ACL twice, a RS soph and a couple of freshmen. One more injury and Angry Wisconsin QB Hating God will become a thing.
I'll take my chances with Maxwell.
Way
He'd be an idiot to go to MSU, where he'll have to compete for the starting job. He could start from Day 1 at Wisky.
Link to the National Bone Marrow Registry for those who can't make it to Ann Arbor: http://marrow.org/Home.aspx. Very quick and easy to get registered.
Good luck to you and your friend.
With or without salsa?
Congrats again. Nice pickup.
Norfleet is a nice pickup. I wanted him in MSU's class before Kings and Tompkins committed because he can play CB as well as RB/WR.
I think he'll end up a slot WR a la Jock Sanders, the former WVA WR. Sanders was very fun to watch. I believe he used to get a few carries per game out of the backfield as well.
Charlie Baggett is not on staff at MSU.
Article printed today on an MSU site has quotes from his coach saying it's down to MSU, Michigan and Kentucky. MSU has been pursuing him a long time, but they now have 3 WR commits + Arnett. He is reportedly still taking a Michigan official in Jan.
What's Michigan's OL look like next year? You lose Molk, correct? Who's his replacement?
No worries. I don't think Adams got his draft grade yet, but I'd be surprised if he was projected anywhere above 6-7. He's a big risk to go undrafted, which is a shame because I think he's a talented cover guy. Give him another year to get stronger and he'd be a much higher pick.
As mentioned above, the rumor is that he has a kid and is looking to get out ASAP.
Main positions of concern: WR and TE.
Maxwell at QB will have some learning curves but will benefit from a running game that rounded into shape as the year progressed. He'll be a step down from Cousins but I doubt he'll be a below-average B1G QB.
On defense, I'm worried about whomever replaces Robinson and Adams (if he goes). The DL is young but relatively deep. DL will be downgraded to "major concern" if A.R. White doesn't stay healthy next year.
I thought it was funny, but not in the same way many of you think it's funny.
It would be funny if the OP's statement is true because everything he said is pretty much the opposite of everything I've read over the past few weeks. I'd be curious about the identity of the MSU-related media member. If it's a writer, I don't think it's anyone from the pay sites. Could be Rexrode from the LSJ as he's probably the most tied-in to the program. The Freep/DetNews guys are generally useless for anything but fluff.
No, he didn't. FWIW.
How many more WRs are you guys taking? I know Madaris is visiting in Jan ... Is he still on your radar if Chesson commits?
I'd bet 90% of MGoBlog users know more about MSU recruiting than Greg Johnson of the GR Press.
Nope, I don't think they're going for another.
MSU has been recruiting him as a linebacker, but I believe he was quoted a while back saying he wants a shot at RB.
Yes, but it might have been different if I hadn't fumbled my coffee, then thrown the paper into the sink instead of the recycling bin on my way out the door.
I kicked three Badgers and a Wolverine on my way into work.
A lot of favorable matchups for B1G teams. The only big underdogs might be Wisky and Iowa.
Va Tech, Georgia, SC, Houston, Florida, A&M, UCLA (lol) ... All very beatable.
I believe Lyles himself mentioned it to a 247Sports writer a few weeks ago.
Jamal Lyles, LB, Southfield-Lathrup
I think you'll see less blitzing this weekend vs. Wisky. MSU really dialed up the blitzing the past two games (OSU and U-M). That double-A gap blitz, for example, is one of their bread-and-butter plays out of their base D, but you won't usually see them run it more than 2-3 times a game. Against OSU they sold out to stop the run, then simply blitzed Miller/Bauserman to death when they realized they could have their way with OSU's O-Line (which was the biggest surprise in that game).
That said, Wilson will kill MSU with his arm if they leave the corners to play man coverage all day. They're going to have to take some chances if Wisky establishes the run game right from the start, but I wouldn't expect much beyond a base 4-3 with some form of zone coverage on the first few drives.
Just wanted to say that I appreciate you putting these together. Definitely my favorite weekly feature on this site.