MSU (and Iowa to an extent) games past, present and future

[scrivener]

Im sorry to be a downer, but I don't think we can expect to beat the top most physical teams consistently until we have a truly dominant O-line. Yes, we have elite athleticism and speed, we have had those in the past, we now have a TON of seasoned depth, which is a new improvement, but we still do not have a dominant O-line. I have some concerns about our O-coordinator and offensive approach, but maybe not as much as others. Simply put, physical, tough defensive football teams will be able to hang with us and still remain "toss ups" until we have a physical O-line and running games.

I heard a ton last year about how slow MSU and Iowa were, how they simply could not keep up with our elite athletes all over the field. We lost to a depleted MSU team(i guess their depth isnt so bad) and really should have lost to IOWA minus that crazy play at the goaline. If clifford is under siege in these games and our inside zone runs get stuffed all day, our elite speed/athleticism/ or depth isn't going to mean a lick.

1000% agree. For as much as our losses to OSU have stung, they won the LOS battle on both sides of the ball to find ways to win...it wasn't because their 'speed' was markedly better. This is why MSU and Iowa always battle us tough....physicality can neutralize athleticism to a point. If we can get even one notch better on the OL, I believe that will finally put us amongst the 'elite'.

 

[LaJolla Lion]

1000% agree. For as much as our losses to OSU have stung, they won the LOS battle on both sides of the ball to find ways to win...it wasn't because their 'speed' was markedly better. This is why MSU and Iowa always battle us tough....physicality can neutralize athleticism to a point. If we can get even one notch better on the OL, I believe that will finally put us amongst the 'elite'.

Both those teams try not to get beat deep and come up and tackle well. They are old school football teams with a hint of modern O mixed in. I like this PSU defense a lot...assuming the O isn't turning the ball over. Shelton has really stepped up this year. The LB's are all athletic and can all make plays. People were bagging on Jan Johnson because he's not a freak like the rest of the roster...but he as the instincts and plays at a pretty high level. Forget what everyone else is doing at LB...they are all flying all over the field. DEs are really deep and athletic. From an athletic standpoint, this team can play with anyone...they just need to grow up and start making the plays in big games.