Though Western Michigan quarterback Zach Terrell butchered the Spartans through the air, it was more on the linebackers than the secondary.
Someone might need to remind Michigan that Big Ten play doesn’t really pick up until next month.
This is college football’s newest game of the century, and this time it’s at East Lansing, which hasn’t seen such a high-profile football event since No. 2 Michigan State battled No. 1 Notre Dame to a 10-10 tie in 1966.
A blue “M” was painted on Sparty’s chest with yellow, Greek letters directly under it. There are also some streaks on Sparty’s arms and face.
With the enormous amount of recruits and former players in attendance as part of the electric crowd that will fill up the stands, there is a big chance that Michigan State could receive some pledges from some of its top targets.
That being said, however, it’s unusual for the statue to be targeted outside of that rivalry week.
Michigan State defensive back RJ Williamson said Freeman proved that Oregon wasn’t just about Mariota. The Ducks totaled 731 yards, including 485 on the ground, and 61 points against Eastern Washington.
While the Spartans are likely pumped about their offensive prospects in the privacy of their locker room (don’t be surprised if Cook shows off his running skills), you don’t hear it in the spotlight.
The crowd is going to be huge and raucous, and the Oregon State players have some experience with this having played in Autzen Stadium against the Oregon Ducks (not to mention other Pac-12 schools with loud crowds).
At his usual midweek meeting with media following practice Tuesday, UO coach Mark Helfrich was asked how Oregon’s defense had responded to allowing 42 points and 438 passing yards by Eastern Washington on Saturday. The Spartans ran out of gas in the second half against Oregon last season, and will struggle again this year. They remain one of the sport’s top teams, but they are the underdogs in this year’s matchup with Michigan State. It will be a great game, and Oregon’s speed and athleticism will be enough late to prevail. Connor Cook against Vernon Adams, a matchup of two quarterbacks with Heisman Trophy potential.
The final score was much closer than the game actually was in the Spartans’ 37-24 win over the Broncos last Saturday.
No. 14 LSU (-4) at No. 25 Mississippi State – 9:15 p.m., ESPN: An interesting game, and one that will probably ensure the entire SEC West isn’t ranked next week.
Kreifels left the game too as he was ejected for targeting on the fourth-quarter hit.
And as for his take on Adams, there’s mutual admiration there. Entering the 2015 season, Oregon has been favored in 45 straight games, including the last two games against Ohio State and Florida State in the inaugural College Football Playoff.
When Michigan State traveled to Eugene last season to take on supposedly mighty Oregon, the Spartans knew very well how important the game was-for their reputation, yes, but for the reputation of their league, as well.
Oregon RB Royce Freeman against Michigan State’s defensive front.
What’s Going To Happen?
Notice anything similar? Those numbers are creeping up on Marcus Mariota-esque levels.
Dantonio believes this time his team has the weapons to keep up with Oregon on offense.
It’s a game they should have won.
“Throughout the whole offseason (we were) talking about the losses that we had, marking those on the calendar for next year so we can go out there and avenge our losses”.