A look at CMU/Air Force heading into Week 2

The second week of college football games are just a few days away, so let’s take a look at what Michigan State’s and Michigan’s opponents are saying entering the weekend.

Central Michigan

Michigan State should be walking into a pretty hostile environment on Saturday as Central Michigan is hyping Saturday’s game at Kelly/Shorts Stadium as the biggest home game in the program’s history.

One underlying theme to Saturday’s game is that current Chippewa head coach, Dan Enos, is a former Spartan quarterback and assistant under Mark Dantonio.

Nate Schneider of The Morning Sun in Mt. Pleasant has a story on Dantonio discussing his past allegiance to MSU and his current state as head coach of CMU entering Saturday’s game. Here is a quote from the article from Enos on the difficulties of coaching against Dantonio and MSU

“This is difficult,” Enos said. “We texted each other the other day and we both said this is hard. Games against friends always are. But you have to put that aside and play football, so that’s what it is. We’ll see each other Saturday, but it’s hard to coach against someone you have so much respect and admiration for and are friends with off the field. It’s part of the deal and also makes it a little more exciting. I love those guys over there and it’s going to be a fun day and a fun environment.”

Another interesting aspect to this game is the apparent support for MSU on the CMU campus. Central Michigan Life had a story on current Chippewa students going to Saturday’s game to support the Spartans. The photo to the right appeared this week at the La Senorita in Mt. Pleasant, just off the CMU campus.

I can understand people in Mt. Pleasant supporting MSU on any other week, but am surprised so many would blatantly root against the home-town team.

Air Force

Michigan comes into this week’s game with Air Force looking to get the taste of last week’s loss to Alabama out of its mouth.

The Falcons, on the other hand, are spending their time worrying about stopping Denard Robinson and praising the Michigan program.

Air Force coach Troy Calhoun held his weekly press conference boasting about the Wolverines and how great of a program they are. Here are some of Calhoun’s quotes from The Denver Post.

"There are a handful of programs in college football that are guaranteed at least 10 victories every season," Calhoun said, "Michigan is one of them. They clearly are the favorite to win the Big Ten Conference."

"There's not a more dynamic player in college football right now," Calhoun said of the 6-foot , 197-pound Robinson

The article also talks about some of the injury issues for the Falcons as center Michael Husar is out for the rest of the season following a knee injury last week. Receiver Ty MacArthur is going to be a game-time decision for Saturday’s contest due to a head injury.

Little Brother Scale After Week 1

Week 1 of the season provided a lot of opportunity for debate.

It also opened the door from some Michigan State players to throw in their two cents on Denard Robinson.

MSU coach Mark Dantonio quickly addressed the situation and was clearly disappointed with his players.

If anyone knows the anger that some thoughtless comments can make, it’s Dantonio.

He has seemingly carried Mike Hart’s “Little Brother” comment and built the MSU program around it.

What the MSU players did was simply stoop to the same level that Dantonio detested in the first place.

It’s understandable that Spartan players are a little cocky when it comes to Michigan, but they need to take more pride in just beating the Wolverines. Don’t wake a sleeping giant.

That’s not to say that Michigan can just turn things around over a few insults, but it doesn’t help the Spartans in any way.

Regardless of what Dantonio or Brady Hoke say, the roles of the fan bases have shifted over this four year period and the players have to be aware of that.

Michigan State fans went from being the victim to the antagonist and the Wolverines have went from the antagonist to the victim.

Spartan fans are relishing this new role all while forgetting how much they despised Michigan for doing the same thing. Michigan fans hate the idea that MSU fans can rub it in their face only because they can’t effectively do the same right now.

When it comes to this week’s Little Brother Scale, MSU widens the gap a little bit.

Regardless of what your opinion is of Boise State, Friday was still a good win for the Spartans.

Had Michigan simply competed in Saturday’s loss to Alabama, it would have sent a positive message for the future of the Wolverines.

However, Denard Robinson continues to show that he can’t be an effective passer and the Michigan offense has a clear and exploitable offense when facing a top-level defense.

Unfortunately for the Wolverines, the Spartans appear to have that type of defense.

Even worse for Michigan, the Spartans know it.

LITTLE BROTHER SCALE: MSU 17.5, Michigan 14.5

Big Ten Teleconference Quotes for Sept. 4

Here are some quotes from Michigan coach Brady Hoke and MSU coach Mark Dantonio during Tuesday's Big Ten Coaches Teleconference.

Brady Hoke

On the players confidence following the Alabama game

We had a great practice last night. I think we had a good mentality. I thought we had a good tempo as far as how we like to practice. I think our guys are mature enough to understand that that is one of 12 guaranteed opportunities we have and now we have 11 left.

How much falls on him and how much falls on the players to move on from the game

I think it is a combination of both (the coaches and the team leaders). Our seniors, who have been through seasons, know you have to get ready every week. I think they will do a great job.

On what went wrong against Alabama

(Alabama) is a great team. There is no question about it. They do a nice job and are well coached, but I think at the same time, there were things that we did that probably didn’t help us as much as we’d like to.

What has impressed you most about Denard Robinson in your time with him

First and foremost is him as a person. Then, when you go a little further into it, the athleticism that he has. He can start and stop on a dime. His acceleration is something I haven’t seen…a guy that can get to a top speed so quickly.

Does your history in the Mountain West help you for this week’s game

I think Troy (Calhoun) and his staff do such a good job. There are different wrinkles from when we were there two years ago that you see in the offense from when we were there at San Diego State. I think the tempo and the things they are doing are really good. As you know, you have to be such a disciplined defense on doing your job against a football team like this. I also think (Air Force’s) talent level is very good.

Jeremy Gallon’s performance

Jeremy is a guy…he’s not the biggest guy in the world, but he plays hard. He blocks the perimeter about as well as anybody for a guy who is not real big. He runs good routes and he is a guy that makes plays and has made plays for us. I think he continues to improve and you will see us use him a lot and in a lot of different situations.

Did you take any time during fall camp to prepare for the option

We did a little bit. Not as much as maybe we have in the past. Some of that is, you get your fair amount of option with what Air Force does, but Troy still, with some of his NFL background, you are still going to get some traditional pro plays. We did some of it but maybe not as much as did in the past at other places.

Mark Dantonio

On heading to Mt. Pleasant to play CMU in what is billed as their biggest home game in history

I think it is going to be a historic event up there. We are looking forward to that opportunity. As far as them getting ready to play us and us getting ready to play them, there is a history here. They beat us in ’09 so there is a history here of us having to play and play well to come away with a win. I am sure (CMU) is going to be very excited and I am sure they are going to play very well and play very excitedly. We need to be able to match that enthusiasm and execute as well.

His overall thoughts on traveling to places like CMU, WMU and EMU as part of this in-state series agreement

To me, we wanted to do something for the commerce of the state of Michigan by doing this series. I thought it was a positive thing for us to do to be able to reach out to other programs in the state and other communities in this state. That is why we did it. The other factor, to me, that came into this was I knew we’d have a new starting quarterback. If we are going to play an away game at some point, I would rather it be 60 miles up the road in this state, in terms of being our first away game. We will learn from these things.

On Andrew Maxwell’s performance Friday

He was calm and collected and he showed great leadership skills. He had to handle some adversity, which is always key, and how you respond after that. I thought he threw the ball pretty decisively. He had some drops out on the field and there were a couple tipped passes that went away and were picked off. But, I thought he played well, especially for his first time out in a major media event or a nationally televised game, and also with Boise State and some of the things they were doing. There is no question we can improve. But, I liked what I saw when I looked into his eyes and who he was as a young man and a competitor, and the resiliency he showed and the nature he showed in terms of his leadership abilities.

On how the defense was able to react to different situations in Friday’s game

I think the situations we are talking about here is the ability to play after an interception, play in the red zone and be able to limit (Boise State) to a field goal. When the ball gets down to the 4-yard line, to be able to play great goal-line defense. To be able to adjust to the speed of the game and the different formations and what they are doing. To show leadership coming out in the second half and get our football team turned in a different direction. 

On margin of victory and what it means in college football today

I guess the only thing I would say there is they all count one, as coach Perles would say when he was here. They all count one. We feel fortunate to have won and the way we won the other night. That is what is important to me, in terms of how we perform and we move ahead. I am not really looking around the country and saying “wow, this is going on or that is going on.” Everybody takes care of their own program.

On what he sees in Dan Enos as a head coach and what he is doing with the CMU program

I know Coach Enos. Obviously he was in our program here and he also played here, so he knows the core of our players and he knows what Michigan State is about. When you become a head football coach and bring your own program into place, there is transition. You make your way through it. There is going to be problems everywhere you turn. There are always problems if you are here, there or somewhere else. I think the key to every leader is how you perform under adversity. I think he is doing that. I think he is performing. Based on what I saw the first game, they played extremely well and ran the ball very well. They look like they have a good football team.

How is Le’Veon Bell feeling after carrying the ball 44 times on Friday

He is feeling great. He is dressing today. There is no more bumps and bruises than he would normally have. If anything, it creates some excitement for him that he was able to do that. It builds even more confidence for him. We are always going to ride the hot back here. Whoever is hot, whoever is making the yards, that is who we are going to ride. That is what we’ve always done here. We need to be effective and just sort of go with the flow in that situation. It’s not like we don’t have other running backs. We have a number of other guys that can make plays as well. It just depends on how everyone is performing in the game.

Week 2 Odds & Reports that Countess is out for the year

The golden rule in winning or losing college football games is to take 24 hours to deal with it either way.

In a loss, you get 24 hours to sulk and be angry. In a win, 24 hours to enjoy it. Either way, you get back to work after the 24 hours is up.

For Michigan, the Alabama game is still being felt today and that is due to the report from MGoBlog that sophomore starting cornerback, Blake Countess, is out for the season with a torn knee ligament. The injury has been confirmed by Michigan this morning and Countess will get a redshirt for the season and return in the 2013 season as a sophomore.

Countess was injured early in Saturday’s loss and Alabama’s passing game seemed to open up more once he stepped off the field, though it was probably too early to tell how much impact he would have had on the game.

Odds for Week 2

Oddsmakers have released the odds for Week 2 of the season. Here are the point spreads for Michigan & MSU:

Michigan -21.5 vs. Air Force

MSU -24 at Central Michigan

Both games have a lofty spread, which is to be expected. Michigan should be looking to come out and light up the scoreboard after Saturday’s loss to Alabama and look for Michigan State to try and develop the passing game against a weak Central Michigan secondary.

Both teams are capable of covering the point spread on Saturday, but both games are also a little tricky.

Air Force has a quirky offense that can be tough to prepare for in a week and Michigan State is heading to CMU, where the game as being billed as the biggest in the school’s history at home. That environment could give the Chippewas a little boost in play.

Fair or Foul: Judging Week 1 Criticisms

One thing Michigan and MSU fans like is winning.

But, perhaps even more, they like seeing the other lose.

This week made for plenty of trash talk from both sides to the other. As an impartial party, here is what trash talk is fair and what is foul.

Argument from MSU Fans: Michigan was exposed as frauds in 41-14 loss to Alabama

Michigan wasn’t exposed as frauds in this game. Many level-headed people expected this game to be lopsided. As much as we would like to think the Big Ten is on par with any conference in the country, it isn’t. Alabama would dominate all but USC, LSU and Oregon (in my opinion) and that may even be a stretch for those three teams. I am sorry Spartan fans, but MSU wouldn’t have looked much better. The Spartan defense might have put up a better fight, but the MSU offense would have looked just as ugly. Let’s not forget that Michigan State gave up 30 points to Georgia last season, an offense that is not nearly as strong up front as Alabama. Also, the Tide rolled the Spartans 49-7 in 2010. The fact is, Michigan isn’t in Alabama’s league, but few are. VERDICT: FOUL

Argument from Michigan Fans: MSU could barely beat Boise State and that is a sign the Spartans are weak

Similar to MSU fans not giving enough credit to Alabama, Michigan fans aren’t giving enough credit to Boise State. Is this Boise State team the greatest in the Broncos’ history? No, but Chris Peterson has developed a tremendous program. He is now 73-7 as coach at Boise. You don’t get that record without developing strong talent and knowing how to win. I still think Boise State puts up another 10-win season this year. Also, MSU only won 17-13, but the Spartans made that more of a game than Boise did. MSU outgained Boise State 461-206. The Michigan State defense was dominant and the offense moved the ball consistently. The Spartans jut decided to turn the ball over four times and make a game of it. It’s easy for Michigan fans to say it played a tougher opponent this week, which it clearly did, but I am not sure Michigan beats Boise State in the opener if the two played. VERDICT: FOUL

Argument from MSU Fans: Michigan’s loss points to the Wolverines struggling with the Spartans this season

I don’t think there is a big secret on how to beat Michigan. If a team can contain Denard Robinson and make him a passer, the Wolverines struggle. The key is having the players and the speed on defense to do that. Not many teams have that combination. Clearly Alabama does, and I think history proves Michigan State does as well. Wolverine fans had to be hoping to see better passing and decision making from Robinson after an offseason of work. He is still limited as a passer and that could be a problem when Michigan runs into the top teams in the Big Ten, including MSU. VERDICT: FAIR

Argument from Michigan Fans: MSU fans have a big head

The Spartans are feeling pretty good about things after this week. MSU beat a ranked opponent to open the season and still can get better while Michigan got rolled by Alabama on national television. Nobody revels in a Michigan loss quite like the Spartan fans. MSU is taking great joy in being in a position of power in this rivalry. The Spartan fans are now treating Michigan fans as they felt they were treated for so many years. Michigan fans need to deal with it, because they will be doing the same if the tide turns back in their favor. There are still plenty of Wolverine fans that are trying to dismiss Michigan State as relevant in their lives, but we all know that isn’t true. To MSU fans, I can understand your joy and eagerness to rub any Michigan failures in their face, but as Mark Dantonio said, “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” Be prepared for the backlash to come if Michigan rights the ship. So, while I think the taunting is warranted, MSU fans are probably getting a little ahead of themselves. VERDICT: FAIR

Thoughts on Michigan's loss to Alabama

Alright, it wasn’t pretty.

There isn’t much positive to say about Michigan’s loss to Alabama.

But, all is not lost.

The Crimson Tide would embarrass 99% of the teams in college football. They are just on another level right now.

Regardless, here are three things that stand out from the game.

The Michigan Defense was exposed

Again, I will temper my argument here a little bit, as Alabama has arguably the best offensive line in the country and their sixth string running back could be an All American anywhere else. However, I still expected more from Michigan on defense. I thought the Wolverines would really make it tough for Alabama to move down the field. Michigan showed up on the opening possession, but then got out-muscled the rest of the way. We all knew the defensive line had some question marks, but that has to be a concern going forward.

Toussaint, Clark would have made no difference

The 1997 Michigan team could have been on the field tonight and lost, Alabama is that strong. Toussaint may have made Michigan more dynamic on offense, but he certainly wasn’t going to make up for 27 points. I think had Michigan had Toussaint, Denard Robinson would have been used differently and not been forced to be a pocket passer.

The world is not ending

The loss hurts. The injury to Blake Countess didn’t help either. But, in the end, the majority of the country expected Michigan to lose, and lose by a large margin. There really is nowhere for Michigan to go, but up. The Wolverines won’t face a tougher defense than it did on Saturday (sorry MSU fans) and they won’t face an offense that is stronger up front. This loss can show Michigan where it needs to improve and will make them a better team in the Big Ten. I don’t think this means Michigan can’t contend for the Big Ten title. It simply means that they can’t contend for a national title, which I didn’t think they would in the first place. The opening weekend was tough for a number of good teams, Michigan included. I still think there is a lot to figure out about the Wolverines.

Thoughts from MSU's 17-13 win over Boise State

Say what you will, a win is a win.

Michigan State obviously didn’t look like a well-polished national title contender in Friday’s 17-13 win over Boise State, but I don’t think many expected that.

Bottom line for the Spartans was they got a win over a program that has been in the national spotlight for the better part of a decade and is known for pulling off upsets to open the season.

There are plenty of questions ahead for MSU, especially on offense, but this game was like an NCAA Tournament game, just survive and advance.

Still, there are talking points from the game. Here is what stood out to me.

Andrew Maxwell struggled and has plenty of room to grow

Maxwell was just 22-of-38 for 241 yards in his first start. He had three interceptions and no touchdowns. The first INT was not his fault, but he could take plenty of blame for the other two. Maxwell never got settled in and wasn’t consistent with his ability to lead the offense. Had that first INT been a completion (as it should have been) and not an interception, perhaps he would have had a different performance. The Spartan receivers didn’t do much to help him and he didn’t do much to help them. I suspect he will look much better next week at Central Michigan, but Spartan fans certainly didn’t gain much confidence in his ability to win a game.

Le’Veon Bell is a stud

Bell was everything MSU could have asked for on Friday. 44 carries for 209 yards and two scores. It was impressive for its physicality as much as it was for its results. Bell took a number of hits (perhaps too many) but kept on going. Certainly MSU can’t rely on him that heavily going forward, but it is clear he is willing to take the offense on his back if need be.

The MSU Defense is as good as advertised

Boise State had just 208 total yards of offense but had a chance to win. It was no fault of the defense, which set the tone right away. The MSU line put plenty of pressure on Joe Southwick and never allowed D.J. Harper to get going (15 carries, 8 yards). We don’t know how good the Boise State offense will be, but I suspect the Broncos will never be held to fewer yards than they were tonight. Regardless of what the offense does, MSU should be in every game due to its defense.