The Spartan game three weather report is in
Thankfully, I am able to write this weather report without comparing Prairie View to Appalachian State. Now if you were wagering on the over or the spread to be covered you are not happy and perhaps not following the actuality of this team. My prediction was 31-10 with the Spartans on top. I’m glad I was closer than Vegas. Even though it’s tough to judge the Spartan output against the Panthers, I’d still say we’re on the sunny side of the street. Let’s dive in to our clouds and suns this week.
CLOUD 1: OFFENSIVE LINE DEPTH/INJURIES
The Spartans just can’t seem to get a break in the injury department. Broscious was already the next man up after Phillips went out last week. He knew it was bad too as he slammed his helmet to the ground. The already thin tackle situation and now the guards thinning all just in time for the schedule gauntlet is not a good look. The line is still struggling in the run blocking department. Yes, I saw some of the big runs, however, if you look deeper at the statistics you’ll see how many rushes went for 4 yards or less. I love that Smith is rotating guys consistently but with the injuries piling up on both sides of the ball Spartan fans better start looking for four leaf clovers to help with injuries. Maybe sacrifice a goat or a wolverine. I don’t know how this works, just throwing out options.
CLOUD 2: PENALTIES
This cloud is becoming a lingering nuisance. 102 yards in 11 penalties. Last week I mentioned 100 being too much. This week the Spartans felt the need to go bigger. Some of these penalties would have been insurmountable against a more formidable foe. Too many personal fouls. This team has got to buckle down in the discipline department and lower the free yards. In comparison, the Panthers had 38 yards in 8 penalties. MSU has to move in that direction.
CLOUD 3: DROPS/INACCURACIES
There could have been some very different moments in this game. Chiles was better with accuracy but still overthrowing wide open receivers and then there was the ill-advised interception that was negated by double penalties. Last week’s diamond, Marsh, was targeted but the connection wasn’t there this game. The Chiles/Carter backfield collision was also very ugly. The Spartans are mostly trending in the right direction here, but it’s tough to tell how much versus Prairie View. Next week will give us a better idea.
CLOUD 4: THE MISSED XP
Missed extra points just can’t happen. I just complimented the kicking game last week. I even saw people blaming the student section for singing “weak” a cappella. I’m sorry, but the student section singing the fight song should not cause a missed extra point. What do you think opposing teams do. So, I repeat, missed extra points just can’t happen. That is all I will say on that.
SUN 1: SPREADING THE BALL
Ten different Spartans caught passes and eight had rushing attempts. The distribution of the ball was fantastic. I understand it’s tough to find a hot hand when so many people are involved. However, I think getting everyone so involved, building confidence and chemistry and keeping defenses guessing is the better play. Sure, we may see another heavy Marsh game, but the involvement of so many players is good for the team.
SUN 2: PLAY CALLING
We were able to see rushing attempts outside the tackles, bootlegs, effective play action calls, an end-around and excellent use of the tight end position. I know there has always been this conspiracy of offenses not showing much from the book before bigger opponents or rivals. I don’t think that State has been hiding anything, I just think they have more. I’m anticipating being surprised in the coming weeks on some plays I didn’t see coming. I’ll say it, I’m excited to see it. What do you all think?
SUN 3: THIRD DOWN EFFICIENCY
A previous cloud deserves to be moved into the light this week. A 72% third down conversion percentage is something I hope this team can maintain. Some of this had to do with good play calls and execution on first and second downs to create third and shorts. If they can come close to this against the gauntlet schedule ahead, State will be in some of these games.
SUN 4: DEFENSE
First, let’s give that pick 6 a nice slow clap. Then, let’s give it at least 105-yard return and not just the 100. I was in the stadium during that play and let me tell you it was beyond electric. Longest defensive return in Spartan history. It can’t go without mention of the beautiful blocks by Martinez and Smith to seal the return. The defense for the most part was smothering. An average of .6 yards per rush, only 140 yards total offense and pitches a shutout. That is the type of performance your defense is supposed to display against a lesser opponent. I mean no disrespect to the Panthers by saying that because we already talked about the spread. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the defense plays against BC and hoping they walk away with even more swagger. It’s fun remembering that defenses can be fun!
VERY SUNNY: JASON RICHARDSON AND JR SPARTANS
This week’s weather stray is a special one. I’d like to shout out all the Jr Spartans that were in attendance. My 6 year old son is a Jr Spartan for the fourth year in a row. It’s pretty special to see all those kids cheering on their Spartans with their lanyards and t-shirts and tailgating away at Munn. If you don’t know much about the program, and you have kids, I highly recommend you check it out. I have one more shout out to Jason Richardson for just being awesome and posing for pics and signing autographs outside Breslin before the game. Another reason to be proud to be a Spartan.
Life can be so sweet, on the sunny side of the street! 3-0
Steve Neumann