Thoughts on the Notre Dame Victory...
After a couple days, I am ready to put pen to paper and briefly talk about the Spartans and the Notre Dame game..
First and foremost, I still am concerned for our dear coach Dantonio.. more concerned about this than I was with the possible Coach Izzo defection to the pros.. A man’s health trumps new job prospects…
Get Well Coach !! Even though the only time I see you is on the field from the stands.. You will be missed.. Get Well Soon, the Spartan Nation is behind you and the program.
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The Notre Dame game.. This catapulted both Aaron Bates and Le’Veon Bell in to the Big Ten’s Players of the week… Congratulations Boys..
SPECIAL TEAMS: Michigan State P/Holder Aaron Bates
Bates completed a 29-yard touchdown pass to tight end Charlie Gantt off a fake field goal attempt in overtime to give Michigan State a 34-31 victory over Notre Dame. The senior punter also recorded eight punts for 363 yards, good for an average of 45.4 per boot, and placed two punts inside the 20-yard line. Bates currently ranks third in the conference with 45.9 yards per punt, including a long of 62 yards against the Fighting Irish.
FRESHMAN: Michigan State RB Le'Veon Bell
Bell rushed 17 times for 114 yards and a touchdown and added 18 yards on two receptions in Michigan State’s 34-31 overtime victory over Notre Dame. The freshman running back averaged 6.7 yards per carry and scored on a 16-yard run with 5:51 left in the third quarter to give the hosts a 21-14 lead. On the previous play, he kept the drive alive with a 12-yard reception on third-and-11 from the Fighting Irish 28-yard line. Bell has now rushed for more than 100 yards in two of his first three games in a Spartan uniform.
What I was left with after the game... after an emotionally draining session in the stands on Saturday.. was a few thoughts that have become clearer over the past couple days and seem to be substantiated by some stats..
Thoughts:….
1) The hugely gutsy Little Giants call.. Big Brass ones called this in OT.
Does anything need to be said, Its still on Sports Center as of Tuesday night… And I get goose bumps every time Bates make the pass to Charlie….
2) Offensive line needs help..
3) The Defensive line has shown little pass Defense…
4) The Defensive secondary still needs some serious improvement and focus..
5) Spartans can Run… and Run and Run....
Why do I say that, just look at the stats...
1. Spartans are now 3 – 0… and ranked in the top 25…
2. Cousins was sacked 4 times… Irish’s Crist once (1)…
3. 2010 Cousins has been sacked 7 times already and the season is only 25% done.
4. 2009 MSU QBs were sacked only 14 times.. So far 50% of last years total already..
5. 2010 Spartans have given up 863 passing yards, and the only team of substance was Notre Dame…
6. Notre Dame’s Crist threw 369 against the Spartans…
7. Spartans have 725 yrds rushing so far, 203 against Notre Dame.
8. Baker has already 401 yrds rushing for the year.
9. LeVeon has 318 for 2010….
The game is more complicated than a few numbers, but I think that these are telling stats… and seem to substantiate my opinions…
I really don’t think we will get a feeling for the Spartans until the game against Wisconsin and then the following week when we head into AnnArbor..
But if at that time the “O” line can keep Cousins vertical and healthy, the 3 backs continue the crushing rush numbers, and the Pass “D” has solidified, we might be on the very of a special season….
But... On to the next game against Northern Colorado.
Again, Best wishes on a speedy and full recovery to Coach Dantonio.
Sparty On !!
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