(Photo by Domenic Centofanti/Getty Images)
Michigan State Run Offense vs. Notre Dame Run Defense
In the 90's, Michigan State was Wide Receiver U.
This decade, their offense has become known for its steady stable of running backs. Even with the departure of Javon Ringer, MSU is still deep at the position. The starter is small redshirt freshman, No. 24 Caulton Ray, who is averaging 14 carries and 61 yards per game.
Ray also has the team's lone rushing touchdown on the year. He is complemented by several backups, notably No. 22 Larry Caper, who is averaging six to seven carries and 33.5 yards per game.
The Spartans are employing a dual quarterback system this year, and of the two, No. 7 Keith Nichol is the runner. Nichol has had moderate success on the ground, averaging three to four carries and 17.5 yards per game.
Ray is averaging 4.4 yards per carry for the Spartans, and Caper and Nichol are both above five yards per carry. Michigan State uses a fullback, but no Spartan fullback has carried the ball yet.
No. 82 Keshawn Martin has the team's lone carry made by a receiver, but don't rule out more by Martin and the other wideouts against Notre Dame. After two weeks of seeing variations on the veer option, Notre Dame will finally face a traditional pro-style offense.
That may be a blessing or a curse for a run defense that has been gashed to the tune of 171.5 yards per game so far. Leading tacklers for the team continue to be safeties Kyle McCarthy and Harrison Smith, followed by linebackers Brian Smith and Toryan Smith.
Injuries limited Toryan's playing time in the Michigan game, but he should be back to full strength now. He'll need another performance like the one he had against Nevada to keep these MSU rushers at bay. Toryan is leading the team in tackles for a loss with 3.5, followed by Brian Smith, and Darius Fleming with 2.0 apiece.
Notre Dame Run Offense vs. Michigan State Run Defense
Last week, the Irish faithful saw a running performance perhaps unprecedented in the Weis era. It wasn't just Armando Allen's final numbers on the day, it was the way he ran—fighting and pushing for every yard he could get and refusing to go down until gang-tackled.
Allen is the definite starter on this team, averaging 18 carries and 105.5 yards per game. Jonas Gray has established himself as the top backup, but it remains to be seen how a fumble in the Michigan game will affect the sophomore's psyche.
Gray is averaging six carries and 25 yards per game. Allen is averaging 5.9 yards per carry to Gray's 4.2. James Aldridge is doubtful for Saturday's game, which likely means more of Robert Hughes and Bobby Burger at fullback.
Hughes is averaging 3-4 carries and 10 yards per game, while Burger is used exclusively as a blocker—where he has excelled. MSU's run defense has been stout this year, holding opponents to 64.0 yards per game.
One may chalk that up to the quality of opponents the Spartans have faced thus far, but Michigan State has two things working in their favor.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Notre Dame Football articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
13 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete