Another beautiful day for football and the warmest one of the season had Spartan faithful hoping for a nice and easy victory. Unfortunately, the game ended up being a bit closer at times than we were hoping and with key injuries surmounting after every quarter, it feels more like a limp into B1G conference games. Many questions still hang over this team and instead of answers, at the games conclusion it felt like more questions arrived. Let’s take a look at this week’s clouds and suns.
Sun 1: Velling Involved
i know I have
been waiting for this moment all season. Velling had been rather insignificant in the first two games. He seems to have too much talent to not be utilized. Perhaps his nagging injury is truly mended now. Regardless, Velling finally was a focal point in some of the offensive attack. With 6 receptions for 70 yards, including some strong after the catch moves and plowing defenders over, Velling should hopefully continue to be an integral part of the passing game. It was nice seeing Chiles use a bit more of the middle of the field in this game. The Spartans have pass catchers and its always tough to spread the ball around. Chiles can keep defenses on their heels a bit if he spreads the ball more and doesn’t stare down the first option so long. I also wouldn’t mind seeing some more two tight end sets as Masunas can catch and make things happen too.
Sun 2: Return Game and Special Teams in General
The Spartan return game has been on point this season. After losing Alante Brown in warm ups to an undisclosed injury, the Spartans were still able to make things happen on returns. All season long the blocking and vision has been there and it has seemed that they were bound to break one soon. Well, Omari Kelly just missed taking one to the house as he took a punt 83 yards in the third quarter to give MSU some much needed momentum. I think the return game moving forward is going to have to produce to hopefully keep the Spartans in games with potentially setting up a quick answer. I also would not be opposed to some trickery in the return game because the way the defense has looked, MSU is going to need all it can get from the other units.
Connington continued to kick it through the uprights when his number was called which continues to build confidence for everyone. Eckley only had to punt one time and got that rest TOC writers were hoping for, but sorry O, it may have hurt his Heisman bid. A turnover on downs and an interception took away some possible chances. Special teams looks to be a strong unit for the Spartans and in close games, it is usually the unit that can be a difference maker.
Sun 3: Chiles
Chiles ended this game 22-29, with 270 yards, 1 TD and 8 carries for 76 yards. That means he was a part of 346 yards of the 444 total by the team. That is pretty phenomenal. Yes, he had a terrible interception, but his first in 176 attempts (thanks for the stat Mike). He also had an overthrow to Velling and an additional one that was missed pretty badly. That being said, he is looking far more comfortable and confident in the pocket. He also has utilized his legs very nicely to get away from collapsing pockets and pressure. The exciting one where he ran right up the gut and then tried to high jump a Penguin defender as the entire crowd gasped. The arm shrug after the play telling the crowd and the team, “I don’t know what I was doing there” made for a laugh. Still, there are things for him to clean up. I feel he has a tendency to stare down the option he wants a bit too long before he goes to other reads. I also would like to see him get two hands on the ball when he’s under excessive pressure. The short yard gains from flare out passes can inflate the completion percentage some but he is getting more successful with the downfield options. You would like to see more touchdowns against this opponent but the stat line is still impressive. There is definitely a long ball TD coming soon, I can feel it.
Cloud 1: The Defense
Honestly, if it weren’t for the injuries needing a cloud, this unit could take all three clouds themselves. The defense seems to have zero answers for any sort of air attack. There is no pass rush. Nobody is creating pressure to move the QB out of the pocket. This obviously pst a strain on the secondary but they are also getting beat badly out there. Martinez returned this week, but he was not the answer we were hoping for. The Penguins effortlessly went down the field on their first possession. MSU was lucky to walk away only down 3. I will give them credit for shutting down Brungard’s rushing attack, but he didn’t need to rush when guys are wide open. The terrifying thing about this is this was Youngstown State at home. You have USC in the Coliseum next week. You don’t think they are going to watch this game film and think they can do whatever they want? I know I am struggling to see how MSU walks away from that game as a winner.They need to come up with some answers to the passing game and the opponent’s opening drives. They gave up a 66 yard run and a 39 yard pass play, both from Jaden Gilbert, that led to two touchdowns. Susceptibility to big plays is never a good label to carry for a defense and this one has it printed on the back of the entire units jerseys.
Cloud 2: Injuries
This was likely the most painful, no pun intended, part of the game. We all know from last year how rough things got with injuries. This game not only saw injuries, but they were unfortunately to very important personnel. Not a lot of answers to these injuries at the time this article is being written. Smith did seem most concerned with right guard Luka Vincic. It never is good news for a lineman when they get rolled into. Makhi Frazier left in the 4th with a leg injury that he couldn’t even put pressure on and was seen with a boot on. I already mentioned Alante Brown being injured in warm ups. Petzlaff appeared to have re-injured his left shoulder. Of course the big one being Nick Marsh. Smith said his injury was “inconclusive” and he wasn’t cleared to play. Cameras also caught him with a wrap on the right calf. Marsh appeared destined to break 100 yards receiving in this game and perhaps much more. He is definitely a player that changes defensive assignments that leaves others open. Luckily, MSU has some strong receivers. Kelly will definitely be picking up the Marsh defenders with may leave McCray and Velling with some opportunities. Key injuries against a non-conference Youngstown State that should have been an easier game make leaving this one tough to stomach.
Cloud 3: Time of Possession
This might seem like a strange one to some of you. Did anyone notice the TOP in this game? Penguins 29:54 and MSU 30:06. That is another sign of poor defensive play. You’re letting Youngstown State control the ball for that long at home? This is the first game all year that has been this close. We can not be allowing opponents to run 11-15 plays a drive. Even last week against BC, they were putting together 11 and 12 play drives resulting in touchdowns. MSU needs to control the ball more. They have to start getting some 3 and outs. My brain may be foggy, but I am struggling to think of many drives this season where the defense put up some 3 and outs. If the Spartans want to have a chance at a bowl game and a chance in some of these bigger games coming up, the defense has got to keep the ball in our offense’s hands and the offense in turn needs to execute in long drives.
Rainbow: MSU Marching Band and Alumni
This week’s rainbow goes out to the Spartan Band. It was pretty amazing to see the current students and then the alumni that showed up fill the entire field at halftime. Even more fun, was the moving basketball player formation with ball. That was a lot of fun. The drum line continues to thrill in their third quarter showcase. Also, for the first time in a few years it seems the band is finally given the lead when it comes to music over the system. They have finally found the balance and are no longer blasting Party Rockin’ over Eat em’ Up. Love the sound and the Spartan faithful appreciate you MSU Marching Band.
Well, we are officially halfway to bowl eligibility. Will the injuries plague the rest of the season? I know we’ll all be waiting for that update this week. Will the Spartan defense find answers? Or will this be the last victory of the season. Lot’s of questions left to answer. Now it’s your turn, let me know your suns and clouds in the comments and answer the poll.
