GBMWolverine: Overview of the Michigan State – Michigan Game
Posted at 12:00pm — 10/7/2010
GBMWolverine: Overview of the Michigan State – Michigan Game
This is a classic match up featuring differing styles, schemes, and philosophies. MSU’s vertical running and passing game versus UM and its lateral stretch offense; the spread versus the pro style offense and the classic pocket passer versus the dual threat athlete. It is also a contrast in defensive style. UM and its 3-3 -5 versus MSU and its 4-3 zone blitz schemes.
Offense:
Quarterback’s
MSU features Kirk Cousins, a big tall quarterback with a strong and accurate arm. He is a classic drop back pocket passer who is also a nuisance runner. Cousins is a high percentage, good ball handling QB who spreads the ball around. This observance is in comparison to UM’s Denard Robinson an elite level, difference-maker athlete who scares defenses to death with his legs. He also keeps defenses honest by hitting almost 70% of his passes.
Advantage: UM and Denard Robinson
Running Back’s:
Here is another interesting contrast, UM’s super quick and athletic RB’s versus MSU’s bigger, more physical RB’s. MSU’s combination of Bell and Baker has combined for over 1000 yards rushing. UM’s RB by committee is around 700 yards. If Shaw cannot play this really hurts UM.
Advantage: MSU
Offensive Lines:
MSU’s O line has surprised us with their play. MSU graduated most of the 2009 Line and they were very average this spring. UM returned 3 starters and all their key back ups from 2009. We thought this would be a fairly good advantage for UM, but MSU has really closed the gap. Due to experience we will give UM a slight advantage, but again MSU has significantly closed the gap.
Advantage: Slightly to UM, but we will not argue with anyone who calls this a push.
TE’s and Receivers:
Again a contrast, MSU’s bigger, very physical WR’s versus UM’s quicker more athletic bunch. Roundtree is DRob’s favorite target, but Stonum and Odoms keep defenses honest. If Hemingway stays healthy and continues to contribute it will be a huge help. Also if UM continues to use the TE’s it will be a big help. MSU’s trio of Martin, Cunningham, and Dell has combined for 49 catches; add in the TE’s 15 catches and MSU has super balance. MSU also uses the RB’s out of the backfield very well.
Advantage: Push/Tie
Offense Overall: Thanks to DRob and his marvelous talent, an advantage UM
Defense:
Defensive Line:
UM’s three-man front versus MSU’s four-man front. Martin is the best defensive lineman on either team in our opinion, but MSU counters with two very good ones in Worthy and Pinkleman. Neither teams DE’s do a great job of rushing the passer, but all are solid against the run.
Advantage: Push/Tie
Linebacker’s:
MSU’s Greg Jones is probably the best defender on the field. He is big, physical, and covers a lot of ground. Gordon and Misch/Norman are also solid to very good. We also really like MSU’s back up to Jones, true freshmen Max Bullough. UM’s best linebacker is Mouton, who is very good at things ran right at him. Roh is a good blitzer and pass rusher, he can be a liability in coverage and against the run; especially a power team that uses TE’s like MSU. Watch UM’s MLb’er play; Ezeh or Demens has to do a great job of filling and taking on the lead blockers. If they do not, UM could have significant problems handling MSU’s running game.
Advantage: MSU
Secondary:
UM’s woes in the secondary are well documented. MSU’s secondary does very well against the run. Neither group is stellar. MSU’s safety play is the difference in our opinion.
Advantage: MSU
Overall Defense: Advantage MSU
Special Teams:
Punters:
MSU Bates versus UM Hagerup. Bates averages over 45 yards per kick, Hagerup 38.
Advantage: MSU
Kickers:
Conroy is 7-7 with 4 over 40 yards including a 50 yarder. UM’s kicking woes are well documented.
Advantage: MSU
Returners:
Stonum does good job as does MSU’s Martin.
Advantage: Push/Tie
Overall Special Teams: Big Advantage MSU
Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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