Sheehan's 3-2-1: Michigan State vs Minnesota
Three things we want to see, two key stats, one best bet as the Spartans take on Minnesota
Welcome to the bye week's eve, again.
This time around the Spartans are going to try to get into the bye week with a road win...or just any win at this point. Here is what we need to see in what could be a very ugly game -- but one MSU can win
-- in Minneapolis.
Three Things We Want To See
A shorter leash on offense
There’s definitely a world where Aidan Chiles plays just fine against Minnesota. But if he starts the game slow off the blocks like last Saturday, let’s please mix things up a bit. Show your team and, less
importantly, your fan base you are trying something different to win.
You’re clearly not parting ways with the offensive coordinator, Jonathan Smith isn’t taking over play-calling duties, and at this point something has to change after roughly a month of stagnant offense. If that means calling Alessio Milivojevic early, please just do it.
A carbon copy of last week’s defensive intensity
Look, I have no idea whether last week was the last stand on defense or if it was the start of a renewed energy. They looked energized, made Michigan’s passing game irrelevant and at least gave the offense a chance to do their part (they didn’t, but alas).
In the end they fell apart with some missed gap assignments after the botched offsides penalty took the wind out of their sails, but they’ll need the same tenacity and pressure today.
They got 15 pressures last game, which is pretty much the ceiling of what this unit can do. With a Minnesota run game that’s on its third string running back (should Darius Taylor not play) and an offensive line that’s been hot and cold, it’s a prime spot for an encore performance of last week.
A…RUN GAME?!
Point blank the Spartans rushing attack just needs to be adequate. Which they haven’t been in quite some time. But coming just in time is the Minnesota defense that, while having a strong front, has more missed tackles (84) than Michigan State has (81) according to Pro Football Focus.
If there’s no run game, there’s no chance at a victory. Chiles needs a run game to help him get the recently struggling play action going. The defense needs to see their offense sustain longer drives to catch a second on the bench before they’re called again. I don’t have much hope, but we need to see it.
