Sabrina Carpenter inspires this week’s weather report on the MSU vs Indiana game.
To quote one of this past year’s most successful musical artists (clean version) “don’t embarrass me mother trucker”. That is how I felt as I headed to Spartan Stadium to watch the Indiana game. I didn’t think we’d win, I didn’t think it’d be all that close, I just didn’t want to feel like Sabrina Carpenter. Yet, there I was, heading back to my car saying, “my give a f’s are on vacation”. After another week of one quarter of play by MSU, it’s time for the weekly weather report.
CLOUD 1: COACHING
I can’t for the life of me figure out why MSU can’t play beyond quarter one. The first 14 or so scripted plays seem nice, effective even. Then quarter two comes roaring its vicious head at the coaching staff and nobody seems able to adapt. Brian Lindgren needs to be held accountable to some extent. Sure, he may not have the players for his system and he’s had to deal with injuries, but there just seems to be a bigger issue. We have a fairly promising looking vehicle in the garage. We’d love to show it off and have it do all that fancy Woodward Dream Cruise stuff. Unfortunately, we are getting to a state of wondering if we have a lemon. Is the vehicle the lemon? Is the driver creating a lemon? Or are the assembled parts around the engine causing the lemon? I think maybe I need some more lemon in my Hendrik’s as this team has been “driving” me to drink. The development of offensive players has just stalled out. I can’t just blame Chiles. Don’t get me wrong, he’s got plenty of the blame to shoulder, but there also needs to be some accountability to offensive production, adaptation, creativity, and ability to use the resources you have. Ford, are you listening? Can you fix this? It is sad to say but even some of the stronger players we have are likely headed elsewhere in this climate of the game.
CLOUD 2: THE RUNNING GAME
What in the name of Duffy Daugherty was that? -36 yards rushing and -1.1 yards per attempt. That, my friends, is an absolute dumpster fire. Granted, a piece of this is attributed to Schuster’s amazing -44 yards statistic. Take a look at this, Brown: 16 yards, Lynch-Adams: 10 yards, Carter: 6 yards, Chiles: -2 yards. That alone is on 25 carries total. This all against a mediocre at best run defense by the Hoosiers. I am at a massive loss here. Hell, I don’t even know what questions to ask that haven’t already been asked a million times. Where was the line? Where was the creativity? Other than a few moments this season the rushing attack has been garbage. I hate being so brutally harsh on my alma mater but I feel as if we collectively need to stand up and scream it so perhaps someone will hear us and attempt to make a change.
CLOUD 3: FRUSTRATION
This game felt it from all areas. You could see the defense start to show it. It’s difficult to go out there and produce when you’re feeling like the only unit contributing. Brantley makes a beautiful pass deflection on a one-on-one coverage route to help stop a Hoosier daddy moment. The offense comes back out and proceeds to do absolutely nothing. Special teams give up a blocked punt and the defense once again has to trot out there and try to respond. Yes, I am aware that is their job but teamwork exists for a reason. There was also another moment that to me seemed a bit telling, but I hope perhaps I’m reading too much into it. There was a play mid to late second half when Chiles went down and every player just seemed to turn and walk away. Usually someone is there helping up a QB 1. Not on this play. That moment worries me. Just as much as a players-only meeting does. I don’t typically see rainbows after moments like those. I’m just saying, maybe there is something deeper to be concerned about.
CLOUD 4: BOWL ELIGIBILITY?
Most fans came into this season with a clear head and common sense. We thought, “I know I have good judgement, I know I have good taste” and going to a bowl game seemed like just that. Now. “it’s funny and it’s ironic, that only I feel this way”. I’m having fun with my Sabrina Carpenter references, don’t judge me. Although I digress a bit, I am being sincere. A bowl eligible team is not necessarily a given. You’d think Purdue would be a winnable game. Then we have two games left on the schedule with one win needed. Illinois did just lose, but they are a feisty team and even though we get them as we come off a bye, I don’t love chalking that up to a victory. So, that leaves us with Rutgers. A team that is also riddled with mediocrity as our Spartans are and this could be the game of the year. Both teams could very well be playing for bowl eligibility. If that is the case, it may be worth the fans coming out to freeze in the home finale of the season. It will by no means be considered a victory going in so, who knows? I look forward to seeing you all there.
SUN 1: MARSH
Marsh had himself another audition day out there. He’s clearly one of the best players on the field and he showcased that on his touchdown catch and toe drag. I don’t have a lot of optimism that Marsh will be wearing green and white next year. I’m not a fan of the NIL landscape and how it changed the game so drastically. With a team like ours, a player of his caliber surely sees greener pastures elsewhere. I know I’m being redundant but once again I hope that I am wrong. MSU has had success in the wide receiver position transitioning into successful NFL careers. Hopefully that, along with wanting to be part of the reason for upward movement in the program next year will be enough to keep his talents in East Lansing.
SUN 2: NO GAME NEXT WEEK
I think we all collectively need a break after BC, OSU, Oregon, Iowa, Weasels and Hoosiers. I know there already was a break in there, but this one is for the mental health of the fans.
SALUTATION TO SUN: MILITARY APPRECIATION
As MSU celebrated the Armed Forces and Veterans Day I’d like to take a moment to thank all of you readers that may have served or perhaps your family members that have. Thank you for your service and your sacrifices you’ve made for our country. My grandfather was in the Navy, my father-in-law was in the Army, and one of my very good friends is a Ranger. Know that you are all appreciated and I hope you have a wonderful Veterans Day.
4-5 as we head into a weekend break from disappointing football. Watch some hockey and enjoy the stomp they put on some Buckeyes. I know you’ll miss the weather report, cause “that’s that me espresso”.