Spartans should win again in South Bend...

Lets look at the SpartyMSU.com  prediction. I think it still holds water… We were not exactly, expecting the loss to CMU, but I am sure the Spartans will bounce back.

http://spartymsu.com/2009/07/01/preview--spartans-2009-game-3-notre-dame.aspx
Previous Prediction on Notre Dame Game.

Notre Dame and the Spartans are both coming off tough losses, Notre Dame should have beaten Michigan, and our beloved Spartans should have beaten a good Central Michigan team.  I believe MSU is better equipped and are more resilient of a group.

The Megaphone trophy is what we are playing for, and of course the naming rights to the Stadium in South Bend. .   It’s important to note that the Spartans have won 6 straight at Notre Dame …   Spartans winning 9 out of the last 12 games with Notre Dame (since 1997). 

 I am trying to suggest a Name for the Stadium in South Bend, Notre State, Michi-Dame, Spartan South…  I’m sure we can come up with something that can be put in Gold Gilded Etching on the Entrances.  Any and All Ideas Welcome !   Send them in…

The last 2 seasons under Charlie Weis have been nothing but Dismal.. from players jumping ship mid-season , the over rated and under watched  TV coverage,  to the Teams W/L record.

Most important position for ND this year is the “O” Line.  Five starters returning to the offensive line.  LT  Paul Duncan is back from a hip injury has to protect Jimmy Clausen’s blind side,  LG Chris Stewart , and C Eric Olsen.  RG Trevor Robinson, RT Sam Young They should be better than the last 2 years and give Clausen a little more time…  All seniors and 1 soph..  They should (should...) have gotten better by an appreciable amount... They're big.. but can they protect Jimmy from a better D than what they saw last week in Ann Arbor ?  Don't think so..

Michigan is ranked 9 in total Defense in the Big Ten, Spartans are ranked third, Spartan Greg Jones Big Ten Defensive POY.

Clausen will have Golden Tate as his number 1 go to guy.. Tate is the real deal, He leads the receiving corps, Michael Floyd, and Kyle Rudolph (6'6", 258) are decent catchers as well, if they can get to the ball, they are definite threats. And the Spartans can’t  ignore Junior Duval Kamara.

Spartan D should be up to the challenge; they have to bounce back from the CMU loss.

So far from what we have seen in the Notre Dame Defense, the Spartan should have no problems putting up points.  I think this is more of a game between the Spartan D and the Notre Dame “O”.. That’s my focus.

Keys to a Spartan a Spartan Victory…
Getting to Jimmy and not letting him get his feet planted.
Again, Get pressure all day on Jimmy.
Spartan Run Game = 150 ydrs
Passing game = 250yrds.
Use the Spartans strong run “D”
Stay with Floyd, Rudolph, and Tate.
O line has to pick up the blitz.. “Jon Tenuta is going to blitz until the cows come home”
DNBTU – Brett Sewnson has to hit his long kicks.
Need + 30 points on the board.



Links to the Enemies Insight and Blogs…

Rebounding Effort
http://www.ndnation.com/blog/2009/09/rebounding-effort.html

“The (Spartan)  running game has yet to approach last year’s success now that stalwart tailback Javon Ringer has departed. Freshmen Ray Caulton and Larry Caper are working in tandem to replace him with mixed results to date…..   Michigan State may prove to be tougher against the run with nose tackle Oren Wilson and All-American Greg Jones at middle linebacker. Jones leads the team with 29 tackles in two games.  “

Spartans’ defense to provide major test
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20090917/SPORTS0302/309179971/1087
“….Notre Dame does have the weapons to find the soft spots in Michigan State’s defense, especially the pass defense, which is 79th in the country.
Irish receivers Tate and Michael Floyd have combined for 494 yards and six touchdowns. Tight end Kyle Rudolph has seven catches for 67 yards and touchdown….”

The Jimmy Clausen ZERO Interceptions Thread
http://www.irishenvy.com/forums/notre-dame-football/46403-jimmy-clausen-zero-interceptions-thread.html
“…Michigan State is a huge statement game for Jimmy, If he is a true leader he needs to be outstanding in a situation where it would be easy to come out flat this game after a heartbreaking loss….”

Gold Helmet
http://www.goldhelmet.com/showthread.php?p=191476#post191476
This game is going to be a street fight. MSU owns Charlie and he better come out pissed off. we need to have a solid offensive game plan that keys on controlling the clock. i would love for us to beat them up by running all day long. take advantage of our big o-line.

Gold Helmet
http://www.goldhelmet.com/showthread.php?t=18802
I still believe we're going to think we saw a big improvement in the D at this point next week. Its not that they'll have been improved, but that the offense MSU runs suits our defensive style. As up & down as the D was the first 2 games, I feel like this upcoming game is their first test against a non-gimmick offense. I think they'll rise to the occasion.

Defensive Changes
http://www.irishsportsdaily.com/blogs/smittys-blog/790-defensive-changes
“….It’s time for the defensive backs, by far the most talented group on the defense, to play more aggressively and take a few more chances in coverage.  Notre Dame’s defense bled to death against Michigan.  The time to resurrect the Irish defense through aggressive play begins immediately, or at least it should begin immediately.  We’ll all find out when the Spartans come to South Bend….”

Still am Predicting a Spartan Win… and a sad Little Lepricon...

Prediction:
Spartans   34
Golden Domers  24

Sparty On !!!