MSU vs BC week four weather report
This is one that the Spartans will look back on as potentially costing a bowl appearance. This was one of those games that was actually infuriating to watch. Moments of real hope and then moments of, “what are they doing”? Coach, you have some fixing to do. I didn’t think the Spartans were going to win this one, but I of course was wanting to be wrong. I had this game at 28-17 BC with o-line and turnovers being the kryptonite. The Spartans have me feeling like a miserable Nostradamus. Let’s get into the weather report for week four.
CLOUD 1: TURNOVERS
This one could not be more obvious. It’s tough to win games with four turnovers. The last three were really head scratchers. The fumble by Kay’Ron was tough to swallow. I can only assume that he thought he was on the line and had to run it out. Now all of us watching were screaming “what are you doing”? Side note, the amount of screaming I did in this game definitely did some vocal damage. The second interception and second miscommunication with Velling was another head scratcher. Then we have the scramble throw on the run into double coverage. That pass did not need to be made. The Spartans have to stop being so careless with the football.
CLOUD 2: CHILES
Chiles has these beautiful moments of, “how did he do that”? He follows those up with moments of “why did he do that”? I keep reminding myself he’s young and he’s a first year starter. However, the errant throws and questionable vision has me wondering when the improvement is going to start. I saw a recent ranking that has Chiles as the number ten NFL prospect QB currently in college football. Obviously the talent is there but it is time to start seeing smarter decision making and finding the touch with your receivers.
CLOUD 3: CHEMISTRY
Last week the ball was spread all over. This week I am questioning the chemistry between Chiles and his receivers and ends. The one interception to Velling looked as if Chiles was throwing to the opening and Velling just didn’t go where Chiles was expecting. That is a chemistry problem as much as it is overthrowing and route running. It is one of the things that separates a decent quarterback from an exceptional one.
CLOUD 4: THROWING ON SECOND AND THIRD DOWN WITH 4 PLUS MINUTES LEFT
Why? Why? Why? Ugh, those two calls were a mess. I give Chiles credit though because he did dump that pass right in the hands but I wish he would have tucked it a run. Stopping the clock on those two plays and not taking the time to work more clock and try to punch it in the end zone. I’d love to enter a time warp and redo those two plays and see what happens.
SUN 1: GAME KEYS
The Spartans won almost every facet of this game except turnovers and the final score. They won time of possession, total yards, and third down efficiency. If the Spartans can keep that going and fix the glaring problems there will be more winnable games on the schedule.
SUN 2: GOAL LINE DEFENSE
The Spartan D may have blown the coverage on the game winning drive but they actually played a really tight game. The defensive stands at the goal line should have been even bigger momentum shifts. The grit and determination in those trenches is some true Spartan Dawg showcasing. We’ve missed that and I hope it stays. I know the weather slows things down but the offensive player knows where they are going. The fact that the defense stood strong with their backs against the wall is reason for optimism.
SUN 3: BALANCED ATTACK
The weather playing a factor would usually mean you’ll be relying heavy on the run game. Granted, the offensive line is hobbled and struggling, but the Spartans still had 33 rush attempts to 35 pass attempts. If the run game can ever take off and Chiles finds the right rhythm, the Spartans will be able to keep teams guessing. Maybe less weight on Chiles’ shoulders is the code to his super power accuracy upgrade?
SUN 4: PENALTIES
Finally, the Spartans played a much more disciplined game in the penalty department. This was a huge fix and another reason why it’s so frustrating that this game was handed to Boston College. Here’s hoping this improvement is a permanent one moving forward.
RAINBOW: WELLES
BC’s Red Bandana Game is truly a beautiful thing. What Welles Crowther did on 9/11 and how they honor him is absolutely worth a rainbow. The world needs more people like that and to have moments to remind us of that are just good for our society. I also loved seeing Sparty with his red bandanas on in support. Thanks for having the Spartans be a part of that tradition this year BC. Oh, and you’re welcome for the win.
No singing in the rain this week. 3-1