Possible perfect storm to aid M: Can Cook play / can MSU stop Hackenberg?

Submitted by tedheadfred on

Do we have a possible perfect storm coming up to get that needed help?  Let's look at a few item for MSU/PSU:

PSU O vs MSU D:

Last night the wind may have protected the MSU secondary from being exposed.  PSU's most successful play and biggest talent is at QB and had good receivers.  Can PSU throw on MSU and get a lead?  (insert comment on the strength of the MSU D line here)

MSU O vs. PSU D:

MSU isn't a rushing juggernaut.  Cook may still be out.  Can MSU generate offense against a stout PSU defense?  PSU D can generate turnovers.

 

No spread yet.  It's gonna be exciting!

 

 

LKLIII

November 22nd, 2015 at 2:17 PM ^

Pretty sure the answer to #1 is likely no. If Hack could roll out to buy himself a few more seconds due to his terrible line they may have a shot, but from what I saw yesterday he doesn't have the ability to mitigate a broken line very well.



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ijohnb

November 22nd, 2015 at 6:56 PM ^

know they haven't beat anybody, have nearly lossed to everybody, and basically had a mass defection after the game, correct. You also know that Florida completely plummeted immediately following their sudden rise also right?

Surveillance Doe

November 22nd, 2015 at 3:09 PM ^

Sparty hasn't shown they are capable of destroying anyone, and them winning yesterday actually made next week's game a much bigger game for PSU. They were talking about the Michigan game being an opportunity to get a marquee win for this season. Well, how about knocking Sparty out of the playoff picture?

Naked Bootlegger

November 22nd, 2015 at 2:18 PM ^

I was actually impressed by MSU's rushing attack yesterday.   They smashed OSU pretty good when it counted the most.  Both QB's had some decent runs, too.   But PSU's strength is rushing D, so I'm hoping this is a wash.  

I worry that Hack will have very limited time in the pocket next week.  

I expect MSU to take care of business, but crazier things have happened. 

getsome

November 22nd, 2015 at 2:31 PM ^

yeah overall #s didnt look great but they ran it ok when it mattered - they moved the chains, flipped the field several times in key moments and churned out yards with tough runs to open up some limited pass opportunities.  

msu couldnt really run vs m with hammered OL and osu has a solid front 7 and run D so the #s werent great but they got it done.  people can say what they want but that team ran it like 80% of the 2nd half or whatever the stats, played cautiously to favor of their D and still came out with the w.

just enough variety in the run game, both inside and outside, designed QB runs and option plays to the edge (especially in red zone) kept the osu D off balance (similar to m using all their play action and runs into front 7s teeth to allow rudock to get it downfield when it mattered).  and i wont mention that msu has at least 3 backs with some vision, quickness, explosion, and actually capable of making a jump cut or turning the corner to grab those vital extra yards

Mabel Pines

November 22nd, 2015 at 2:19 PM ^

Either way, a good lesson for our young team has to be you cannot rely on others... have to take care of your own business. We needed to finish State off, up 9 at home.

UMForLife

November 22nd, 2015 at 2:20 PM ^

Watching that PSU game again, I realize that Hackenberg actually made some good throws downfield. Our CBs were in great position. Our DL made his life miserable pretty much and I expect the same from MSU, if not more. They are also at home. If somehow they protect Hackenberg and Cook doesn't go, then there is a chance. That Zittel (sp?) targeting call may be a blessing in disguise. Wouldn't that be ironic if PSU wins because of Zittel?

I sure hope this is enough, but MSU's OL was really good yesterday. If they can do that again, it will be a shootout and I am not sure if PSU can win that. We will see.

harmon98

November 22nd, 2015 at 2:23 PM ^

Mike Riley beat Sparty by having Tommy Armstrong Jr armpunt and shred the Spartan secondary. If James Franklin cuts Hackenberg loose they've got a shot. Problem is protecting Hackenberg which will be a tall order.

Wolvie3758

November 22nd, 2015 at 2:40 PM ^

but not probable...However a post OSU hangover, get caught up in the accolades and Sparty being Sparty lay a egg isnt out of the realm of possible either..One can dream...We just have to WIN THE GAME and good things will happen either way...either a trip to the BIG title game or New Years 6 Bowl game is on the line...Can they FINALLY break the hex?

Qmatic

November 22nd, 2015 at 2:23 PM ^

I don't trust Franklin at all. But you have a QB with an NFL arm and some weapons on the outside. Hopefully they'll do what Nebraska and air it out all day

chunkums

November 22nd, 2015 at 2:25 PM ^

Regarding MSU's rushing attack, I think their OL just got healthy for the first time all season a couple weeks ago. This was supposed to be one of the best units in the country going into the season, and it looks like they're starting to gel at just the right time. If MSU can survive Penn State and get Cook back, they could make some noise. 

Shadowban

November 22nd, 2015 at 2:25 PM ^

Two minutes ago I sit down at a chair in the mall in Traverse City. Wearing block M beanie. old (70's) man immediately asks me if I am ready to lose next week. I notice he is wearing Sparty gear. I good naturedly say "not without a fight". he then says " what a bunch of pansies in Ann Arbor. they're still whining about that fumble (?????) down there. you guys all wear that block M everywhere and they have a whole store here in town (actually closed four years ago) that sells that stuff but they need to sell you fab five underwear to cover your asses!!". at that point I told him to fuck off and did and double flipped him. I know, cool story bro. But they do need to lose next week. Sparty are scum and need to be humbled. and it doesn't get any better with them as they age apparently.