Michigan State has won 40 of its past 45 games dating to late in the 2012 season, yet it still operates with a chip on its shoulder. Why?
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“Just because games before were (close) doesn’t mean this one is going to be”. “We’ve got to get both guys ready every week. and I think it’s helped both those guys continue to develop, so we’re not going to change it”. They face four ranked opponents over the next five games. That could be good news for David Blough, who despite having a horrendous five interceptions the last time he and the Boilermakers took the field has been putting up positive numbers, too, now leading the Big Ten with 323 passing yards per game through just two contests.
Head coach Paul Chryst elaborated on the situation during Monday’s press conference even before reporters had the opportunity to ask. Rudolph sounded just as elusive about his injured running backs.
Hornibrook is a redshirt freshman in his second year in the Wisconsin program under second-year coach Chryst. The Badgers’ offense was nowhere to be found against the Panthers and was held to a pair of field goals in the first half by the visiting Sun Belt squad. By comparison, Hornibrook was 8 for 12 for 122 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
“I think now as I came back here we’re trying to emulate what Michigan State is doing”, Chryst said.
The Huskers are coming off that huge win over OR in which the offense looked as good as it did in the previous two games but the defense came up big for Nebraska, too. “It was a good football team and you knew it and the kids knew it”. For us to be the best team we can be we’re going to need them both. I think if it’s external, it leaves you fast. “I’ll let the week determine all this stuff, with who’s going to play running back, who’s going to play left guard, who’s going to play quarterback, who’s going to play receiver, who’s going to be the nickel corner”. “We always know there’s good football in the Big Ten Conference”, he said.
After three weeks of nonconference play, the teams that are legitimate contenders – and the teams that could be facing some hard questions – could separate themselves this weekend. That was always challenging and enjoyable.
“I thought Raequan improved greatly from his first game”, MSU coach Mark Dantonio said Tuesday. “I really appreciated being part of those games when I was an assistant”. Kickoffs would be the place we would love to see that happen. In 2011 alone, the teams met twice with the Spartans winning the regular season on a 44-yard Hail Mary from Kirk Cousins to Keith Nichol on the final play of the game for a 37-31 victory. “That’s the history of this game, and those are the expectations we have”. I think that’s why you got to approach every week as its own week, and be in that moment and enjoy that.
On the night Michigan State out-gained the Irish 501-401, out-rushed them 260-57 and dominated time of possession by a 38-22 split.
“When you’re playing in-conference. the chips just get a little bit bigger”.
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Perhaps, but Dantonio’s performance in nine-plus seasons on the job at Michigan State has been so impressive that UW now finds itself looking up to the Spartans.
