How good is MSU really?

[HawktimusPrime]

They've been an elite team for a few years now, constantly in the battle for the conference title and undeniably they have lots of big wins in that time frame as well. But how good are they really THIS year?

Thing to think about.

-Lucked out completely against Michigan. A stupid, stupid mistake on Michigans side led to victory for the Spartans. Freak incident that you rarely ever see.

-Losing to Nebraska, say what you will about that out of bounds call, but there was nothing to prove that Nebraska wouldn't have scored regardless. They were marching right down the field that entire drive. 5-7.

-Struggled big time with Purdue, and they had to squeak it out in the end.

-Subpar showing against Western Michigan.

-Team stats are good, but all the major team categories are better for Iowa.

Positives:

-Won against Oregon, though this is probably the weakest Oregon team in years.

-Won against OSU, big win anytime it happens, but Ohio State failed to scheme against them big time. 11 carries for the best RB in the B1G and arguably all of college football? Stupid, stupid strategy, and this was one time where I didn't seeing a player speak out. Give credit to MSU, but also realize that the OSU that showed up this weekend would have rolled right over them.

-Won their last game in dominant fashion against PSU. A good win, and nothing but that. PSU was pretty decent this year. They lost to Temple yes, but Temple has only lost 2 games this year, and one of them was to Notre Dame by 4 points.

In all, I think MSU is pretty good, but I just don't just see this world breaker team that others do.

 

[ichawks]

I think last years MSU team was much better. They've had a few breaks as well as Iowa this year. Defensively, they are a lot like Iowa, they give up some yards but are stingy when it counts. I watched the Nebraska game and that was the best I've seen Nebraska play all year. They played 4 solid quarters and earned the win.
Iowa will need to play like they played against Northwestern, loose and dictating the game.

 

[Hawkfan5220]

They've been an elite team for a few years now, constantly in the battle for the conference title and undeniably they have lots of big wins in that time frame as well. But how good are they really THIS year?

Thing to think about.

-Lucked out completely against Michigan. A stupid, stupid mistake on Michigans side led to victory for the Spartans. Freak incident that you rarely ever see.

-Losing to Nebraska, say what you will about that out of bounds call, but there was nothing to prove that Nebraska wouldn't have scored regardless. They were marching right down the field that entire drive. 5-7.

-Struggled big time with Purdue, and they had to squeak it out in the end.

-Subpar showing against Western Michigan.

-Team stats are good, but all the major team categories are better for Iowa.

Positives:

-Won against Oregon, though this is probably the weakest Oregon team in years.

-Won against OSU, big win anytime it happens, but Ohio State failed to scheme against them big time. 11 carries for the best RB in the B1G and arguably all of college football? Stupid, stupid strategy, and this was one time where I didn't seeing a player speak out. Give credit to MSU, but also realize that the OSU that showed up this weekend would have rolled right over them.

-Won their last game in dominant fashion against PSU. A good win, and nothing but that. PSU was pretty decent this year. They lost to Temple yes, but Temple has only lost 2 games this year, and one of them was to Notre Dame by 4 points.

In all, I think MSU is pretty good, but I just don't just see this world breaker team that others do.

They are a solid football team, I could just as easily go over some of our games and critique them the same way. Best thing Mich St. has going for them is that more often than not find a way to win, as well as experience of playing in games that matter.

 

[schneeb5]

We may have caught a break vs UM but we also played that game without 10 starters. We beat OSU in the Shoe with our backup QB. Completely dominated the LOS which is why Elliot didn't get the ball.

 

[Herkmeister]

MORE BAD: When they focus, they be BAD!!! Pretty sure they be focused. Know what I'm saying?

 

[Herkmeister]

We may have caught a break vs UM but we also played that game without 10 starters. We beat OSU in the Shoe with our backup QB. Completely dominated the LOS which is why Elliot didn't get the ball.

I "WILL" see YOU in Indy, Beotch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ichawks]

We may have caught a break vs UM but we also played that game without 10 starters. We beat OSU in the Shoe with our backup QB. Completely dominated the LOS which is why Elliot didn't get the ball.

I'm going to throw-up by saying this but MSU dominated Michigan statistically without 10 starters.

 

[His Hawkness]

I think MSU is better now than they were for most of the season. These last couple of games have really shown that.

 

[HawktimusPrime]

MORE BAD: When they focus, they be BAD!!! Pretty sure they be focused. Know what I'm saying?

Yeah, well, Iowa is pretty BAD as well.

 

[HawktimusPrime]

We may have caught a break vs UM but we also played that game without 10 starters. We beat OSU in the Shoe with our backup QB. Completely dominated the LOS which is why Elliot didn't get the ball.

 

[HawktimusPrime]

 

[HawktimusPrime]

I'm going to throw-up by saying this but MSU dominated Michigan statistically without 10 starters.

 

[Sodak Spartan]

If Iowa plays its game, you win by 10 or more. Honestly, this MSU team has underachieved all season, and still won 11 games. It's unbelievable that Dantonio has instilled a winning culture in a program where one simply did not exist. The disrespect claim coming from some Hawk fans is way, way off. Don't pay any attention to ESPN, that's not sports commentary, it's entertainment/hot takes. I don't know of many MSU fans that have actually watched any amount of games this season that expect to MSU to win this game. MSU is not one of those programs that thinks we have some divine right to win the national championship every year, or that we are somehow just inherently superior to everyone else, like our you-know-who neighbors wearing maize and blue walmart stuff. Sober, properly seasoned Spartan fans (hopefully the majority) respect the hell out of classic, fundamental, tough, hard-nosed, disciplined football -- which is exactly what this Iowa team plays. With that said, let's see a great football game and keep Big 10 football on the rise.

 

[schneeb5]

If Iowa plays its game, you win by 10 or more. Honestly, this MSU team has underachieved all season, and still won 11 games. It's unbelievable that Dantonio has instilled a winning culture in a program where one simply did not exist. The disrespect claim coming from some Hawk fans is way, way off. Don't pay any attention to ESPN, that's not sports commentary, it's entertainment/hot takes. I don't know of many MSU fans that have actually watched any amount of games this season that expect to MSU to win this game. MSU is not one of those programs that thinks we have some divine right to win the national championship every year, or that we are somehow just inherently superior to everyone else, like our you-know-who neighbors wearing maize and blue walmart stuff. Sober, properly seasoned Spartan fans (hopefully the majority) respect the hell out of classic, fundamental, tough, hard-nosed, disciplined football -- which is exactly what this Iowa team plays. With that said, let's see a great football game and keep Big 10 football on the rise.

I agree with some of what you say. I disagree that most Spartan fans do NOT expect to win this game. I think most fans think it will be a tightly contested game that MSU will win. It is not about disrespecting Iowa because we respect the heck out of Iowa and their program. Ferentz is the only B1G coach with a winning record vs. Dantonio so I expect nothing less than a great, physical, closely contested battle...but I think Conner Cook is the difference

 

[HawktimusPrime]

If Iowa plays its game, you win by 10 or more. Honestly, this MSU team has underachieved all season, and still won 11 games. It's unbelievable that Dantonio has instilled a winning culture in a program where one simply did not exist. The disrespect claim coming from some Hawk fans is way, way off. Don't pay any attention to ESPN, that's not sports commentary, it's entertainment/hot takes. I don't know of many MSU fans that have actually watched any amount of games this season that expect to MSU to win this game. MSU is not one of those programs that thinks we have some divine right to win the national championship every year, or that we are somehow just inherently superior to everyone else, like our you-know-who neighbors wearing maize and blue walmart stuff. Sober, properly seasoned Spartan fans (hopefully the majority) respect the hell out of classic, fundamental, tough, hard-nosed, disciplined football -- which is exactly what this Iowa team plays. With that said, let's see a great football game and keep Big 10 football on the rise.

I'll say this, Dantonio is a winner for sure. I hope he stays in the B1G until his retirement. Your team has helped elevate the entire conference in the past few years. We need more teams like ours and yours having seasons like this. The more the merrier. Wisconsin, PSU, MSU, Iowa, need to rise up and challenge OSU every year.

 

[HawkeyeDenny]

Whomever wins the TO battle will win the game 27 - 24...should be a great one..!!

 

[bravehawks1]

I agree with last 3 posts. B1G needs this well coached and fundamental based teams. My only complaint with MSU is the blatant fake injuries that have occurred in past games. I have no idea if that was player or coach initiated but it was pretty weak and Mr. Worthy admitted to this tactic.

 

[LincolnHawkeye]

In the past 10 meetings, the team that won the turnover battle is 7-0 (3 ties)

 

[SpartanJD]

Tough to figure out because we had 10 starters injured for a stretch and have had to play 11 guys in the secondary and 11 guys on the OL.

We finally got a few guys back in our secondary and our OL is as healthy as its been since week 2.

This MSU team right now is way better than they were when we were going through all that turmoil. Amazing the depth Dantonio has built here. Crippling OL and secondary injuries can just crush a season...but we persevered somehow and now are rolling pretty well heading into Indy.

This MSU team is legit. Multiple first round talent players, including the most important position.

One area that does concern me are special teams.

 

[the24fan]

Tough to figure out because we had 10 starters injured for a stretch and have had to play 11 guys in the secondary and 11 guys on the OL.

We finally got a few guys back in our secondary and our OL is as healthy as its been since week 2.

This MSU team right now is way better than they were when we were going through all that turmoil. Amazing the depth Dantonio has built here. Crippling OL and secondary injuries can just crush a season...but we persevered somehow and now are rolling pretty well heading into Indy.

This MSU team is legit. Multiple first round talent players, including the most important position.

One area that does concern me are special teams.

My thought as well.
If it is close at the end we do have a guy who can hit a 60 yard field goal.
Will be close but agree the turnover battle will loom large and don't forget shooting yourself in the foot with stupid penalties. Little things like that holding call can add up to a loss....

 

[Herkmeister]

If Iowa can run, we win. If MSU shuts down our ground game, turn out the lights.

 

[BulliesOfTheBigTen]

Make no mistake about it, MSU is playing at an extremely high level right now. This will be, by far, Iowa's toughest test of the season. Their defensive line will really test Iowa's pass blocking, and CJ will have to step up and use his feet now and again. This will be a tough outing for Iowa.

 

[Rustys Dad]

Make no mistake about it, MSU is playing at an extremely high level right now. This will be, by far, Iowa's toughest test of the season. Their defensive line will really test Iowa's pass blocking, and CJ will have to step up and use his feet now and again. This will be a tough outing for Iowa.

Against PSU, MSU looked great ... A couple of weeks ago against Nebby? Not so much ... MSU is "good." But so are we. Agree that we need to be able to pass the ball and give CJ the time to throw. We won't win this game simply by running the ball. CJ needs to have a big game ... And, we need to get some type of pressure on Cook or he is going to pick us apart.

 

[farhawks]

I think the biggest missing piece to Sparty is there defense isn't nearly as good or aggressive as it was last year. Not having Narduzzi is huge in my opinion. I fully believe that the Hawks will continue to do what they have done all season long.

 

[HawktimusPrime]

s

Make no mistake about it, MSU is playing at an extremely high level right now. This will be, by far, Iowa's toughest test of the season. Their defensive line will really test Iowa's pass blocking, and CJ will have to step up and use his feet now and again. This will be a tough outing for Iowa.

Michigan state showed they have a hard time with a mobile QB, now they face one who unlike TA, is actually good and has good mechanics. Plus the RB they face with us is superior to Nebby, far superior.

 

[DavenportHawk8]

If Iowa plays its game, you win by 10 or more. Honestly, this MSU team has underachieved all season, and still won 11 games. It's unbelievable that Dantonio has instilled a winning culture in a program where one simply did not exist. The disrespect claim coming from some Hawk fans is way, way off. Don't pay any attention to ESPN, that's not sports commentary, it's entertainment/hot takes. I don't know of many MSU fans that have actually watched any amount of games this season that expect to MSU to win this game. MSU is not one of those programs that thinks we have some divine right to win the national championship every year, or that we are somehow just inherently superior to everyone else, like our you-know-who neighbors wearing maize and blue walmart stuff. Sober, properly seasoned Spartan fans (hopefully the majority) respect the hell out of classic, fundamental, tough, hard-nosed, disciplined football -- which is exactly what this Iowa team plays. With that said, let's see a great football game and keep Big 10 football on the rise.

While I want to agree with you, I don't. MSU is a solid program and Dantonio (i know people on here have different opinions) is a great coach. He has built that program up and they are finally getting healthy when it matters. Your front 7 is very tough and will be hard to move. I understand your secondary is suspect which could play into Iowa's favor. But Iowa will try to run the ball, to set up the pass.

The thing that scares me the most is Connor Cook. The kid is accurate as they come and is spot on with his throws. If Iowa doesn't pressure him, he will pick apart our zone coverage all game long. Your OLINE is physical and will try to set the tone.

I look at this game as a toss-up. Which ever team comes ready to play and executes their game plan will have a good shot at winning. My gut keeps telling me its going to come down to a special teams play (KR/PR, Field Goal) that will win this game. Best of Luck Spartans. Looking forward to a 3 hour competitive game and then drinks afterwards to bash OSU & MICH.

 

[ichawk24]

How good? Almost as good as Iowa. Should be a tight game.

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

I think one key (not the only one) is if MSU can be hyper aggressive defensively against Iowa without getting burned for it. If they can rush 5 or more on passes, crash the gaps on runs, all without giving up big plays, Iowa will be in trouble offensively. If Iowa can keep them off balance and negate their aggression, Iowa will put quite a few points on the board. This aspect is probably the one that worries me the most since Pitt and Wiscy were hyper aggressive and, though they lost the games, they both did a good job of holding Iowa well under their scoring average.

As far as QB goes, Cook is very, very good, but high praise for him is causing people to overlook what CJ has done this year. Cook should make a very good NFL QB, but history has favored mobile dual thread QB's in the college game. This is even more true with a mobile QB who still has a very good arm and makes good decisions. Beathard may be overshadowed by Cook, but he could easily be the X factor for Iowa.

Lastly, turnovers are a huge question mark. A big part of the success for both teams has been the positive turnover margin, where they're both equal. Does the turnover battle become a stalemate or does one team assert their will on the other. This is arguably the biggest factor in the game.

 

[BulliesOfTheBigTen]

Against PSU, MSU looked great ... A couple of weeks ago against Nebby? Not so much ... MSU is "good." But so are we. Agree that we need to be able to pass the ball and give CJ the time to throw. We won't win this game simply by running the ball. CJ needs to have a big game ... And, we need to get some type of pressure on Cook or he is going to pick us apart.

I think they clearly woke up after the Nebby game. They have played on another level against OSU and PSU. They're extremely dangerous.

 

[BulliesOfTheBigTen]

s

Michigan state showed they have a hard time with a mobile QB, now they face one who unlike TA, is actually good and has good mechanics. Plus the RB they face with us is superior to Nebby, far superior.

As I said in my other response, I think they are playing at their highest level following their Nebby loss. Iowa is catching them at a bad time. I still think Iowa can win, but I do think some folks here are under-selling how good they are. You have to give credit to a team that demolishes Penn State like that, and won at Ohio State the week prior. CJ will be dodging pressure all day, so he's going to have to work a little of his magic.

 

[farhawks]

Sparty also has a lot of people slapping them on the back telling them how awesome they are.

 

[1971hawkeye]

I expect msu to stack the box and stop our run. With blitzing on 3rd down. What iowa needs to do on O is counters and sweeps/edge plays. We need to roll out CJ often and not go away from what works. I think CJ puts in a good performance this game.
On D I expect to see us in the Raider so it keeps them guessing. We need to blitz on 3rd and long. We simply cannot afford to have cook nickel and dime us down the field. If our D is out there too long, it'll be game over.

 

[HawktimusPrime]

As I said in my other response, I think they are playing at their highest level following their Nebby loss. Iowa is catching them at a bad time. I still think Iowa can win, but I do think some folks here are under-selling how good they are. You have to give credit to a team that demolishes Penn State like that, and won at Ohio State the week prior. CJ will be dodging pressure all day, so he's going to have to work a little of his magic.

They bring pressure, we bring running game. Our offense has multiple facets for success, including a mobile QB. The one key to this is getting them to worry of the deep threat, which we have shown at times. This is a tough game, but it is completely winnable.

 

[broth87]

As I said in my other response, I think they are playing at their highest level following their Nebby loss. Iowa is catching them at a bad time. I still think Iowa can win, but I do think some folks here are under-selling how good they are. You have to give credit to a team that demolishes Penn State like that, and won at Ohio State the week prior. CJ will be dodging pressure all day, so he's going to have to work a little of his magic.

We're under selling you? Listen dude, our 12-0 team has been under sold all god damn year and is being completely under sold in this game as well. You have a good football team. Respect. But forgive if done of us refuse to bow down. You got your hands full this weekend with the only undefeated team in the league. You might be our most difficult game of the year but I can argue we might be your most difficult game of the year too. No one has punched you all year like Iowa is gonna punch you on Saturday. Cook is not Tom Brady and your team is not the 85 bears. I think Iowa does EXACTLY the same thing it's done all year. They'll grind in the first half and work their way into a lead. And they will hold out the entire second half again even though the outcome will be right and likely cone down to the last possession where I think sparty has to get 7 to tie and comes up short.
This is Iowa's year. This a team that's just too good collectively and they're gonna send a message to EVERYONE around the nation that refuse to give credit, that we're crashing the damn playoff party and we're gonna be a pain in the ass when we get there for anyone who has to play us.

 

[BulliesOfTheBigTen]

They bring pressure, we bring running game. Our offense has multiple facets for success, including a mobile QB. The one key to this is getting them to worry of the deep threat, which we have shown at times. This is a tough game, but it is completely winnable.

Not saying Iowa doesn't have a chance, but I do see their defensive line giving Iowa fits. We'll need Canzeri or Wadley to bust a big run at some point.

 

[ichawks]

We're under selling you? Listen dude, our 12-0 team has been under sold all god damn year and is being completely under sold in this game as well. You have a good football team. Respect. But forgive if done of us refuse to bow down. You got your hands full this weekend with the only undefeated team in the league. You might be our most difficult game of the year but I can argue we might be your most difficult game of the year too. No one has punched you all year like Iowa is gonna punch you on Saturday. Cook is not Tom Brady and your team is not the 85 bears. I think Iowa does EXACTLY the same thing it's done all year. They'll grind in the first half and work their way into a lead. And they will hold out the entire second half again even though the outcome will be right and likely cone down to the last possession where I think sparty has to get 7 to tie and comes up short.
This is Iowa's year. This a team that's just too good collectively and they're gonna send a message to EVERYONE around the nation that refuse to give credit, that we're crashing the damn playoff party and we're gonna be a pain in the ass when we get there for anyone who has to play us.

 

[BulliesOfTheBigTen]

We're under selling you? Listen dude, our 12-0 team has been under sold all god damn year and is being completely under sold in this game as well. You have a good football team. Respect. But forgive if done of us refuse to bow down. You got your hands full this weekend with the only undefeated team in the league. You might be our most difficult game of the year but I can argue we might be your most difficult game of the year too. No one has punched you all year like Iowa is gonna punch you on Saturday. Cook is not Tom Brady and your team is not the 85 bears. I think Iowa does EXACTLY the same thing it's done all year. They'll grind in the first half and work their way into a lead. And they will hold out the entire second half again even though the outcome will be right and likely cone down to the last possession where I think sparty has to get 7 to tie and comes up short.
This is Iowa's year. This a team that's just too good collectively and they're gonna send a message to EVERYONE around the nation that refuse to give credit, that we're crashing the damn playoff party and we're gonna be a pain in the ass when we get there for anyone who has to play us.

Sensitive much? Dude, you're talking to an Iowa fan...

 

[HawktimusPrime]

Not saying Iowa doesn't have a chance, but I do see their defensive line giving Iowa fits. We'll need Canzeri or Wadley to bust a big run at some point.

Daniels needs to be used minimally IMO. Nothing against him, I just think Wadley and Canzeri are capable of getting yards in bigger and faster chunks.

 

[BulliesOfTheBigTen]

Daniels needs to be used minimally IMO. Nothing against him, I just think Wadley and Canzeri are capable of getting yards in bigger and faster chunks.

I agree, but it seems like Daniels has taken all of Wadley's carries lately. Or has Wadley been dinged up? Daniels should only be used for short yardage situations primarily as a north-south runner.

 

[1971hawkeye]

Wadley has been nursing an ankle I believe.
From an interview with KF. Said he is good to go this week and that he'll be in.