Rose Bowl Open Thread

Submitted by MJ14 on

The Granddaddy of them all! The 100th Rose Bowl. Number 4 Michigan State vs. Number 5 Stanford. Who are you guys taking in this game and why? I like Stanford so I wouldn't mind to see them win. I do think the perception of the Big Ten is somewhat important, but I also don't think the Big Ten being that great matters a whole lot. I'm cheering for neither team though. I am just hoping for a good quality game. 

The line favors Stanford by 5.5 points. Michigan State has the best defense in the country. Stanford has one of the best ground and pound teams in the country. 

F/+ Projection: Stanford 20, Michigan State 11
Win Probability: Stanford 73%
 

 
  Michigan St Stanford
Actual Score 0 0
Most Likely 13 17
Median 13 17
Mean 14.63 19.37
Win Probability 36% 64%

 

los barcos

January 1st, 2014 at 7:44 PM ^

Win or lose I am definitely impressed with state --- which disgusts me to say. I am a hoke "homer" and even I can see they are playing on an entirely different level than us. I am actually impressed we kept it close for as long as we did...

Don

January 1st, 2014 at 7:54 PM ^

Next year is going to go a decent ways toward answering the question as to whether our troubles are entirely and only due to youth and inexperience, or whether there are serious coaching deficiencies on our staff. 2015 will clinch the answer one way or the other.

LordGrantham

January 1st, 2014 at 7:47 PM ^

Stanford has been ridiculously outcoached this game.  It's like they didn't scout MSU at all on either side of the ball.

MJ14

January 1st, 2014 at 7:47 PM ^

Well I certainly didn't think Stanford would do this. They have to run something other than run the ball straight up the middle every play. What's confusing is that when they pass, it usually goes for a good gain. 

alum96

January 1st, 2014 at 7:50 PM ^

Cook makes stupid plays here and there but he is the polar opposite of Maxwell.  He is a gamer.  Maxwell puts up a ton of yardage but doesnt win.  Cook is the opposite.  Their heralded freshman Mr. Terry is going to have a tough time unseating Cook next year.

YoOoBoMoLloRoHo

January 1st, 2014 at 7:50 PM ^

If your CBs can lock down in press coverage. If the game is played inside the hashes with 9 on 9, a DC can turn loose a whole bunch of stunts and blitzes so guys play downhill. Remember our '97 D?

Perhaps Mattison and Mallory can learn something.

alum96

January 1st, 2014 at 7:54 PM ^

My personal opinion is MSU is the 3rd best team in the nation.  They have a defense to play with anyone and their offense need only be competent versus most teams and their offense is better than compent now.  Cook has a NFL arm if he makes some bonehead plays and Langford has turned into a hell of a back and they have a very good OL.   I think FSU would beat Sparty by about 14-17 and Alabama the same.  MSU would slow down Auburn as they are built on the run.  Everyone else I think MSU can beat.  It's just their year, they are a complete team with their offense now churning.  And they got better as the year went by.   and a top 5 coaching staff in the nation.  They'd smoke ND by 20 if they replayed now. 

Next year they take a step back on defense to "only" top 10, and the offense loses a few OL but they rotate 8.  They wont be going anywhere in a bad Big 10.

bronxblue

January 1st, 2014 at 7:56 PM ^

That sounds about right, though I think people are discounting how many players they are losing on defense.  6 of 12 starters is a big hit, and even if they cycle guys in I wouldn't expect quite the level of results.  top-15 defense probably, but that could be the difference between 8 and 10 wins.  Still, a good team is going to be in EL for the next couple of years.

LordGrantham

January 1st, 2014 at 7:51 PM ^

I'm just amazed that so few teams have been able to expose MSU's extremely aggressive defense. One good WR should be able to force MSU out of single coverage, but teams just keep running into 9 man boxes over and over again.

alum96

January 1st, 2014 at 8:00 PM ^

It is a misconception they have a great pass rush - that their one weak point.  Calhoun is the only guy who gets pressure really.  They completely take away the run and take up passing lanes.  Which makes their results that much more remarkable - because you'd think it was reliant on pass rush.  Both corners are very good so it gives their line extra time to get to the QB.  Of their 3 levels of defense their LBs are #1, DB #2 and line last.  But its a great run stuffing line.

c1s2m0466

January 1st, 2014 at 7:53 PM ^

Has 9 juniors or seniors starting on D this year. This many older guys in the same system for multiple years that were recruited by the coaches so they know what is expected.

No coaching turnover.

That is the difference.