Offense Sputters, Defense Shines, and a Mark Dantonio Conspiracy Theory:

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again “I’ll take a bad win over a good loss any day of the week.” Well, Saturday was bad, but not atrocious. Let’s recap MSU’s win over WMU 26-13. 

The offense sputtered for much of the game, with 297 total yards, 1 touchdown, 2 FGs, and a lost fumble. Maxwell seemed to complete his throws but was unable to move the ball consistently, while Cook was able to move the ball but couldn't complete his throws. Cook also was able to create some decent offensive runs with an interesting read-option look. Between the two of them, we have one decent QB. They combine for 17-37 for 116 passing yards. But the guys under-center weren't entirely to blame, RBs Langford & (Riley) Bullough looked good at times but still appeared like first-year backs. It still boggles my mind that WR's coach Terrence Samuel still has a job (let alone deserved a pay raise this year). Despite the so-called improvements in camp, Spartan WRs had six dropped passes, including some really glaringly bad ones. All in all the offense should play better this week against a USF defense that gave up 51 points to McNeese State last week. 

What more can you say about a defense that surrendered just 11 total rushing yards, causes 4 turnovers and scores two TDs? The highly touted defense created havoc all night for the Broncos who eeked out a meager 4-for-20 on 3rd down conversions. As a Spartan fan (and former DB), I can honestly say that Kurtis Drummond’s interception was “Woodson-esque” from 1997. I'm okay with making that comparison because that 1997 defense made plays and won games for that team. This Spartan defense could be close to that level of intensity. And speaking of intensity, was I the only Spartan fan that was reminded of Batman’s nemesis Bane when looking at Shilique Calhoun’s fumble recovery for a touchdown? Modeled after the NY (football) Giants’ Jason Tuck, Calhoun picked up the Marcus Rush forced fumble for a 16 yard score. After Friday night's game, he was quoted as saying, "“When I step on the field, I’m a different type of guy... And I feel like that facemask is kind of like my alter ego.” The Spartan defense also had five sacks and 22 QB hits. Look for more of the same this week. 

If you think Mark Dantonio has been a little hush-hush on the QB controversy, that might be the biggest understatement of the year. But here's my Dantonio conspiracy theory: 

MSU opens the season with three weak non-conference foes before playing #14 Notre Dame in Week Four. The Spartans don't play another ranked opponent until Week Nine against U-M. Last year, the Spartans got owned by the Irish, who sniffed out their schemes all game long. Dantonio, while admittedly not being impressed with the talent on the field has a starter in mind right now. I truly believe Dantonio wants to choose a starter and stick with them. But MSU needs this Notre Dame game and is willing to cause some obfuscation in the earlier weeks if it creates scouting havoc for the Irish, who not only lost their defensive field general Manti T'eo and a few other defense starters, but also their 2 top RBs (Riddick & Wood) and leading receiver (Eifert).

Here's Dantonio (at 0:17) doing his Bill Belichick routine.

Go Green!
Dan Stepanian-Bennett

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Rose Bowl Contender or Second-Tier Pretender?

2013 Michigan State Football Preview:
Rose Bowl Contender or Second-Tier Pretender?

Welcome to another year of Spartan football. This season, I’ll once again blogging every game, recapping the green & white and previewing their upcoming foes. There’s going to be ups & downs (you can guarantee that) but I assure you it’ll be far from boring.

I don’t need to rehash every play of MSU’s 7-6 (3-5) season, but I’ll give you some noteworthy stats to look back on. It seems every story on MSU from local coverage by Freep or LSJ to national media like BTN and ESPN seem to begin with the fact that 5 games were lost by a total of 13 total points. What most of these stories seem to neglect (except BTN) is the 9 totally games decided by 4 or fewer points, 4 of those ending in Spartan victory. Now, do I think MSU was as bad as a 7-win team? No. But were the Spartans capable of 11 wins? Not quite. I think realistically MSU should have been 10-3 last season.

So before we jump into positions, let’s take a look at the leaders of this team. Just voted last week as a team captain is no surprise LB Max Bullough is one of the best Spartan linebackers this side of Josh Thornhill. I suppose I could’ve gone all the way back to Dan Bass or Percy Snow as the top two leading tacklers in MSU history, or even third or fourth most tacklers in Greg Jones and Ike Reese respectively. However, I chose the fifth highest tackler in Josh Thornhill because of two reasons. First, Thornhill was as intelligent as he was tough. At the risk of sounding like a complete cliché he embodied the “student of the game” mantra. But most of all he comes from a family of Spartans (Brother Kaleb and dad Charlie). So does Max Bullough, whose uncle ironically falls just past Thornhill as the sixth leader tackler in Spartan history. Max’s dad Shane also falls seventeenth on that same list of all time tackles. Oddly enough, the senior LB needs 89 tackles (about 7 tackles per game) to replace his dad on the list. Also selected, are CB Darqueze Dennard and Left Guard Blake Treadwell. Oddly enough, 2012 captain Andrew Maxwell was not selected (more on that later).

The Spartans feature a very favorable schedule this year. Not only do they avoid playing OSU and Wisconsin, but also their non-conference features one true road test in a matchup against Notre Dame. The latter half of the season does present some challenges beginning on November 2^nd against U-M at home, followed with a bye week, and back-to-back road games against Nebraska and Northwestern. The Irish in South Bend, Wolverines at home, Cornhuskers in Lincoln, and potentially the Wildcats at Ryan Field (yeah I had to look it up) will undoubtedly decide the fate of this season. Yet, I still believe an unranked Iowa at Kinnick immediately after Notre Dame could derail the Spartans after losing in double OT to the Hawkeyes in 2012.

Ok let’s breakdown the Defensive squad. Unlike all of the media reports, I’m going to give you a double dose of truth. It may be unpleasant, maybe even painful, but you’ll be glad that you have the real story on the Spartan defense. Think of it like dental floss. Let me start by saying this is a good squad. Being a nationally ranked top 10 defense for 2 straight seasons is nothing to scoff at. Last season they were ranked top ten nationally in the following defensive categories: total yardage, rushing yards, passing yards, and points per game. To augment my point, they garnered a 3 & out 44% of their defensive series. Now, here’s the part where I’m going to lose half my readers. I’m going to put it in all caps in case I’m not being clear. MSU’S DEFENSE IS NOT AS GREAT AS THEY THINK THEY ARE! (There I said it). You can scapegoat the offense, but here’s where those people forget (read: neglect) to mention. The Notre Dame front 7 owned MSU’s interior defense and a few big plays gave the Irish enough to win by 17. MSU also got torched for 400+ yards against OSU (it was the Braxton Miller highlight show), albeit a blown call by the officials. Against U-M, the Spartan defense was stout most of the game, once again giving up big plays on the ground and in the air especially the final drive. How about a walk-on fullback named Mark Weisman? You remember the Hawkeye runner who averaged almost 5 yards per carry in that muddy game against Iowa? What about that Nebraska game? Certainly some very atrocious calls in that game, but you can’t blame the guys in stripes for giving up 473 total yards (313 on the ground) and two TDs in the final 7 minutes. I think Taylor Martinez is still running for six at Spartan Stadium.

In closing, I still expect good things from this group despite losing Anthony Rashad White and William Gholston. This squad needs to create more big plays (late-game stops & key turnovers) than it gives up. Or to paraphrase BTN’s Jerry DiNardo, “This defense needs to play with a chip on its shoulder, because they have the talent to compete for a Big Ten Championship.” Now most will simply fault the offense for continually putting the defense in bad field position, consecutive 3 & outs, dropped passes, turnovers, etc. Trust me, the offense bears plenty of blame, but here’s the root of my argument: Good defenses put up good numbers. Great defenses don’t regularly give up big plays. Championship defenses put up wins. Enough said.

Now if you think that was a little bit harsh, just you wait til we discuss the offense. Let’s start with the good: Le’Veon Bell rushed for nearly 1,800 yards and 12 scores. That’s all I got. Now, the offense should open their mouths because it’s time to eat some serious crow. 9^th in the B1G in total offense, and 9^th in QB rating (Maxwell) completing just 53% of his passes. The latter statistic is slightly misleading when you also consider the incredible amount of dropped passes by Spartan receivers last year. Still, if you combine the sacks for Maxwell & Cook, they’re tied for third in sacks most allowed for the conference. This squad dreadfully averaged barely 20 points per game, which ranked them 108^th nationally, scoring less than their 20-point average in 7 games last year! Compounding this abhorrent offense, was a place kicker who made just 71% of field goal attempts. So have there been some good points? Of course. Being down by 13 points with :40 in the 3^rd quarter of a bowl game and scoring on their final drive is certainly a statement win. But what does it say about a team who selects a left offensive guard over a QB as team captain?

I think it’s about as good of a time as any to talk about the so-called “MSU quarterback controversy.”

Andrew Maxwell, Connor Cook, Tyler O’Connor, Damion Terry.

Right now the starting gig is Maxwell’s to lose. He’s the guy with the most knowledge of the offense, significant game experience, and as of today the least amount of risk. From the statements of the coaches, it’s clear they want a real playmaker, but what they need is a guy who will manage a game, not take it over. Ultimately this team will succeed with a consistent QB that can put up a series of 3’s on the scoreboard, rather than short punts. The Spartans need a QB that can avoid costly sacks and timely turnovers. But if Maxwell shows in the first couple games that he struggles to drive down the field, look for a change to the #2. This is where the competition starts. Right now, reliability and play-making abilities is the most important factor for this year’s Spartan signal caller. Tyler O’Connor is outplaying Connor Cook as the #2 QB (Wait, who’s on first?). Cook’s biggest weakness is his decision-making ability. But how much can you really judge a guy with one major drive, and only 17 career pass attempts. But he seems like a scrappy player who can throw the deep ball. Early indications (according to Joe Rexrode) that Tyler O’Connor, who has the size, speed, and skill closer to that of Damion Terry, is outplaying Cook. Speaking of Terry, I still argue Damion Terry is an obvious redshirt this year, despite a great scrimmage against the first team defense. But wouldn’t it be cool (next season) to see an alternate offensive formation? Imagine a 3^rd down or goaline wildcat formation? How about one or two second-half series featuring a complete formation shift to a spread or read-option look? To summarize: Andrew Maxwell is on First, Connor Cook and Tyler O’Connor are battling on Second, and Damion Terry remains on Third (for now). The departure of Dion Sims leaves us some weakness in the TE position. The WRs just need to improve, hands down (no pun intended). I’ve heard that Fowler is fully healthy, and WRs Burbrige and Muphrey could be very dangerous. I’m still not sold on Lippet and Arnette, but could make some contributions this year. Should be an interesting ground game between the dynamic duo of Jeremy Langford and Riley Bullough. Again, game experience will tell who gets the majority of the carries. Despite all of the skilled player analysis, our offensive (and our W-L record) could be hinged on the ability of our offensive line to improve from last year. There are a few nicks here and there but I think if the big guys up front can stay healthy, we’ll be solid.

Final prediction: 10-2 (loss @ Notre Dame and @ Nebraska).

Go Green!

-Dan Stepanian-Bennett

VIDEO: Spartan Allegiance to "The Flag"

It's been a few days since Saturday night's championship game and since then, I've had some time to reflect about this loss... a loss that hurt like no other. I've come to a few realizations...

I realize- that most will ask if I want some "whine with all that cheese"
I realize- that several will try to convince me to be happy that we got this far
I realize- that even more will tell me not to be so petty and simply "get over it"
I realize- that a few will question my football knowledge & label me a Kmart Spartan
I realize- that a lot will tell me that I should just be happy it was such a good game
I realize- that many will lecture about how to be a "good sport" and lose with dignity
I realize- that nearly all will tell me that I'm simply flat-out dead wrong

Finally, I realize- that I DO NOT CARE!

Yes, I'm going to relive, rehash and replay the play that changed the game because I felt that we were wrongfully cheated.
4th & 3 and 1:55 left in the game.
Ball set at the 25 1/2 yard line.

(The replay as shown on TV)


As you all know the outcome, Isiah Lewis was flagged for "Running Into The Kicker" despite Keyshawn Martin returning the ball inside the Wisconsin five yard line which was called back giving Wisconsin the five necessary yards for a first down needed to ice a victory.

A sad ending to this story, right? WRONG. Some of you may have read something similar on Red Cedar message board but I have a very strong opinion about this.

I was always under the impression that the penalty called "Running Into The Kicker" meant to penalize ANY contact whatsoever from a player into the kicker. So I found the official NCAA rule of what constituted "Running Into The Kicker." As the rule reads, it has 10 separate clauses and for brevity sake, I've included the three most relevant refutations as they pertain to the MSU/Wisco "Puntergate" (Yes, I'm coining that term!) play at the end of the game.

My comments to each of the points below in bold.

Per NCAA rules Article 16.1

Clause 3. Incidental contact with a kicker or holder is not a foul.
The replay illustrates Wisconsin punter Brad Nortman's leg being grazed by MSU's Isiah Lewis; at no point is there any contact to his body that would cause a player to fall in that way. *IMPORTANT* Notice how the rule does NOT state, "No contact whatsoever is allowed" but rather the word "incidental" is used-- in the same way the pass interference rule is written. This is exactly why those who don't understand football will chant "boos" at referees when their receiver is "lightly touched" by an opposing defender and no flag is called.

Clause 5. When a defensive player’s contact against the kicker or holder is caused by an opponent’s block (legal or illegal), there is no foul for running into or roughing.
Again, as the replay would clearly show, Wisconsin right side upback #96 Beau Allen make a perfectly legal block on MSU's Isiah Lewis. This block/forearm push on Lewis (while moving full speed) greatly affected his trajectory course, causing the incidental contact with the punter. Again, this rule does not state that an "opponent must directly block the defensive player into kicker." The rule only states that the actual contact made came as a result of the block -including- a player's angle-of-attack.

Clause 8b. A kicker or holder simulating being roughed or run into by a defensive player commits an unsportsmanlike act (A.R. 9-1-16-V).
It's not hard to dissect what sports fans commonly refer to as "The Flop" most commonly associated with soccer players. Once again, I refer you to the replay of the contact made and the voluntary spin-fall that ensued. I also couldn't help but notice Wisconsin punter Brad Nortman's post-contact reactionary smile while beating his unathletic chest coming off the field... or simply read his post game locker room comments where he actually ADMITS to his flop.

Now, having presented with an overwhelming body of evidence, there's also the unwritten rule in all sports: In ANY major game (especially a championship) towards the end of a close game-- refs must swallow their whistles unless a play is so glaringly obvious so as they are forced to make the call. Players should decide games, not officials. I'm not quoting some weird conspiracy theory or goofy camera angle. I simply referring to the rules as written.

I realize this "Running Into The Kicker" penalty is meant to protect defenseless players (which is debatable) however, this is simply unacceptable for referees (who should know this rule distinction) to make a call that dramatically altered the outcome of what otherwise was a great championship game.

Any journalist, commentator, analyst or so-called "expert" that says otherwise is either too lazy to read the rule or blatantly misinformed.

Your Humble Servant,
-Daniel J Stepanian-Bennett

Go Green!


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