Gopher Football
Michigan State Linebackers vs. Minnesota Backfield
The Spartan linebacking corps is led by senior Ronald Stanley, who so far this season has registered 32 solo tackles (62 total), 2 forced fumbles, and a sack. He also leads Michigan State with 6.5 tackles for loss this year. Stanley is surrounded by help in sophomore standout David Herron, Jr., who has recorded 46 tackles in 6 games, and senior Tyrell Dortch.
In the backfield for Minnesota will once again be the supermen of Laurence Maroney and Marion Barber, though by his play in recent weeks some would swear that Barber has encountered some sort of kryptonite. Barber only had 13 rushes for a very low 40 yards in last weeks loss to Michigan, and before that had only 88 yards on 21 carries against Penn State. Of course, these are not the types of numbers Gopher fans were expecting after he reeled off over 200 yards against Colorado State. Maroney continued his dominance, however, putting up over 100 yards for the 6th time this season. For the Minnesota running game to be as effective as it was against Colorado State, both players need to rise to the occasion against this poor rush defense and contribute equally to the end result.
At quarterback, the Gophers young Bryan Cupito needs to prove to the media and fans that he can be as effective as he has been at home while playing on the road. Against Michigan, Cupito’s stats read more like Wisconsin quarterback John Stocco’s – 8 for 22 for 156 yards and a touchdown. So far, Cupito has completed over 50% of his passes, but with three road games left on the schedule, he needs to prove that he can take his “œA” game into hostile Big Ten environments.
Summary:
No one can stop the Gopher running game. Michigan has been the closest all season, yet they still surrendered 2 rushing touchdowns and nearly 200 total yards rushing. If Michigan State thinks they have a prayer of stopping Maroney and Barber, they’d better think again.
Advantage: Minnesota
Michigan State D-Line vs. Minnesota O-Line
Michigan State’s line has not lived up to their expectations thus far. After cataloging 45 sacks last season, the defense has only recorded 10 sacks through 6 games this year. Some, if not most, of this blame can be put on the offensive line. Clifford Dukes, a defensive end who some thought would challenge for a spot on the All-Big Ten team, has not been the star player the Spartans need on the line. Dukes only has 14 tackles and 2 sacks through 6 games. Next to Dukes are big run stoppers Kevin Vickerson and Brandon McKinney. Vickerson has been decent this season, as he has 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 4 quarterback hurries.
Minnesota’s offensive line has not been what many expected them to be coming into the season; often times, Maroney and Barber have had to dodge opposing players in the backfield just to get back to the line of scrimmage. The Gophers have also had to battle injuries this season; just last week, Brandon Harston had to be helped off the field in the fourth quarter. However, the Gophers have held opponents to just 4 sacks in 6 games. With the zone blocking scheme which head coach Glen Mason employs, the big uglies up front will get their blocks in on opposing linemen.
Summary:
For the Gopher offensive line, it’s usually not a question of if they will be able to overpower the opposing line, it’s a question of how often. In a game like this, expect to see huge holes for both Maroney and Barber and for Cupito to be well protected in the pocket.
Advantage: Minnesota
Michigan State Secondary vs. Minnesota Receivers
Jason Harmon, the senior free safety that was picked by many writers to be an All-Big Ten performer this season, has not disappointed. Aside from his team leading 3 interceptions, he also has 56 tackles and a fumble recovery. Harmon is probably the best pro prospect on the entire Spartan team, and will probably be wherever the ball is on Saturday. Lining up next to Harmon is returning strong safety Eric Smith, who has been involved in 57 tackles this year. At cornerback, the running back convert Jaren Hayes has taken to the position well in the early going, notching both an interception and a sack. As a team, the Spartans are middle of the pack against the pass, giving up almost 200 yards per game through the air.
Opposite this imposing defensive backfield will be some of the best receivers in the Big Ten. Big Ernie Wheelwright, a player who many fans would love to see get more involved because of his acrobatic catches and big play ability, has busted onto the college football scene as one of it’s most exciting players. Consistent Jared Ellerson, who had to leave last weeks game because of an injury, still leads the team with 337 receiving yards. One player missing from the Michigan stat sheet was tight end Matt Spaeth. Spaeth did not catch any passes last week or against Penn State, and if the Gophers want to get the pressure off their wide outs, a quick dump over the middle to Spaeth could be the answer.
Summary:
The Gophers should win this battle, but it may be closer that many Minnesota fans would like. With a relatively inexperience quarterback throwing into a decent Michigan State secondary, the Gophers could turn the ball over once, twice, or even three times. However, the Minnesota wide receivers have enough big play ability to break open the game.
Advantage: Even
Overall Summary:
The Gophers should win this game. Then again, they should’ve beaten the Spartans last year in the Metrodome. One thing is for sure: Gopher fans will know a lot more about their team after Saturday’s game. The talent is there to win this game running away, but the mentality needs to be there too. In this writer’s opinion, the Gophers will come out flat but will be able to overcome the early mistakes to take this one.
Overall Advantage: Minnesota