Too early for predictions? BG at MSU

San Fran Falcon · Post by **San Fran Falcon** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 4:07 pm

I just hope we don't bask in the glory of this one too long. It's way too early to be patting ourselves on the back. Don't get me wrong, that Minny win made a statement, but it needs to carry over. I think we go in to E. Lansing with some serious confidence, but I think we come up short. Hope to hell that I'm wrong.

BG 28
Sparty 38

Tacky_Glue · Post by **Tacky_Glue** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 4:07 pm

As impressed as I was watching Bowling Green on Saturday night, I thought they tired on both offense and defense as the game went on. As impressive the win against Minnesota was, keep in mind that they have been picked to finish last in the Big Ten this year by a number of sources. Michigan State will be a totally different opponent.

First, MSU's offensive line is bigger and stronger than what the Falcons experienced in Minnesota. MSU has a corps of four outstanding runningbacks in Ringer, Caulcrick, Jimmerson and Anderson. Each are punshing runners and will give the Falcon defense a true test.

Through the air, MSU will also pose a bigger threat than Minnesota. Wide receivers Devin Thomas and Mark Dell are fast with great hands and athletic moves. Tight end Kellen Davis is a huge target at 6-6, 246 lbs who can punish defenders after the catch.

The Falcons strength on offense will come through the air, as MSU's secondary is still pretty weak. Most of UAB's drives stopped because their own mistakes through the air (incomplete passes, hurries, etc.). If the Falcons can protect their quarterback, the receivers should be open most of the afternoon.

On the ground, Bowling Green will struggle. The Spartan run defense was very impressive, routinely getting to the ball-carrier in the backfield. It will be tough to run on MSU's defensive line.

That being said, Bowling Green does pose a strong risk of pulling an upset, but I think the bigger, stronger MSU will pull away in the second half.

MSU 38
BGSU 24

Falconboy · Post by **Falconboy** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 4:21 pm

Tacky_Glue wrote:As impressed as I was watching Bowling Green on Saturday night, I thought they tired on both offense and defense as the game went on. As impressive the win against Minnesota was, keep in mind that they have been picked to finish last in the Big Ten this year by a number of sources. Michigan State will be a totally different opponent.

First, MSU's offensive line is bigger and stronger than what the Falcons experienced in Minnesota. MSU has a corps of four outstanding runningbacks in Ringer, Caulcrick, Jimmerson and Anderson. Each are punshing runners and will give the Falcon defense a true test.

Through the air, MSU will also pose a bigger threat than Minnesota. Wide receivers Devin Thomas and Mark Dell are fast with great hands and athletic moves. Tight end Kellen Davis is a huge target at 6-6, 246 lbs who can punish defenders after the catch.

The Falcons strength on offense will come through the air, as MSU's secondary is still pretty weak. Most of UAB's drives stopped because their own mistakes through the air (incomplete passes, hurries, etc.). If the Falcons can protect their quarterback, the receivers should be open most of the afternoon.

On the ground, Bowling Green will struggle. The Spartan run defense was very impressive, routinely getting to the ball-carrier in the backfield. It will be tough to run on MSU's defensive line.

That being said, Bowling Green does pose a strong risk of pulling an upset, but I think the bigger, stronger MSU will pull away in the second half.

MSU 38
BGSU 24

Unfortunately Tacky is right. MSU is much bigger than Minnesota and probably much more athletic. Checked the MSU's depth chart for the AUB game and their OL averages about 330lbs and their wr's are all big. Ironically their one starting DT for that UAB game was only like 259lbs but most of the backups where your usual 290-320lb'ers.

Whether we can make this game close or not will be determined by how good or bad MSU's secondary is and if we can pass at will on them. Just lookin at a little of the MSU game you can tell MSU's athletes are on higher level than Minny's.

jpfalcon09 · Post by **jpfalcon09** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 4:38 pm

Even still, the prospect of going 1-1 through the Big 11 and having a bye week plus 2 home dates sets us up perfectly for a 3-1 start. The Minnesota game has really made a difference, at the least offering us a chance at a winning record heading into a tough road game at BC.

BGGrad01 · Post by **BGGrad01** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 9:20 pm

BG 28
MSU 35

We will have a shot to win this game late, but I fear their ability to wear us down with power running. If we can keep the D line fresh and the linebackers make plays, I think we can win this one in the fourth quarter.

Either way, a strong performance should give us a huge crowd at the Doyt against Temple.

BGDrew · Post by **BGDrew** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 9:33 pm

41-24 MSU. Sparty will run the ball all day long and will eventually wear out our D.

It'll be close at the half.

Falconfreak90 · Post by **Falconfreak90** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 1:08 pm

Damn. I never pick against BG but after taking the orange glasses off, MSU is a better football team than MN. How much better remains to be seen but I was pretty impressed with their RBs and DL. We will have our hands full....very full. Dantonio is a no nonsense guy that will have his team prepared for BG

My heart says:

BG 31, MSU 28

My brain says:

MSU 38, BG 21

I won't be wrong either way.

If MSU starts ripping off chunks of yardage on the ground, ala Wisky in 2005, we'll be in a world of hurt.

MichState04 · Post by **MichState04** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 1:19 pm

Falconfreak90 wrote:Damn. I never pick against BG but after taking the orange glasses off, MSU is a better football team than MN. How much better remains to be seen but I was pretty impressed with their RBs and DL. We will have our hands full....very full. Dantonio is a no nonsense guy that will have his team prepared for BG

My heart says:

BG 31, MSU 28

My brain says:

MSU 38, BG 21

I won't be wrong either way. If MSU starts ripping off chunks of yardage on the ground, ala Wisky in 2005, we'll be in a world of hurt.

I watched the Spartan Sports Zone coverage of the lockerroom after the game on Saturday and Dantonio made a point to tell the team as they were celebrating the win that BG is going to be a much better team than they saw that day (UAB). If BG wins, it will be because you were the better team because there will be no surprise..we know BG can play.

MSU will no doubt be running Caulcrick and Ringer.

Columbus_Zak · Post by **Columbus_Zak** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 1:19 pm

Our march on New Orleans gains even more speed...

BG 38

MSU 31

A bit tighter as Partridge probably sits, a healthy Corey would've saw a two touchdown victory. I can't see a BG loss as we still have two of our three Heisman hopefuls playing. Surely we'll be in the top 25 after this massive victory.

bgsufalcon24 · Post by **bgsufalcon24** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 2:10 pm

I think Michigan State is going to run, run, run. And we're going to pass, pass, pass. It's going to be a very offensive game. In the end, the deeper Spartans will end up wearing us out and win it late.

Bowling Green 31
Michigan State 38

Jacobs4Heisman · Post by **Jacobs4Heisman** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 2:19 pm

I'm making this prediction purely to try to duplicate what happened last week.

38-14 MSU. We're gonna get smoked.

C'mon, karma.

The Niz · Post by **The Niz** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 2:19 pm

Tacky_Glue wrote:As impressed as I was watching Bowling Green on Saturday night, I thought they tired on both offense and defense as the game went on. As impressive the win against Minnesota was, keep in mind that they have been picked to finish last in the Big Ten this year by a number of sources. Michigan State will be a totally different opponent.

First, MSU's offensive line is bigger and stronger than what the Falcons experienced in Minnesota. MSU has a corps of four outstanding runningbacks in Ringer, Caulcrick, Jimmerson and Anderson. Each are punshing runners and will give the Falcon defense a true test.

Through the air, MSU will also pose a bigger threat than Minnesota. Wide receivers Devin Thomas and Mark Dell are fast with great hands and athletic moves. Tight end Kellen Davis is a huge target at 6-6, 246 lbs who can punish defenders after the catch.

The Falcons strength on offense will come through the air, as MSU's secondary is still pretty weak. Most of UAB's drives stopped because their own mistakes through the air (incomplete passes, hurries, etc.). If the Falcons can protect their quarterback, the receivers should be open most of the afternoon.

On the ground, Bowling Green will struggle. The Spartan run defense was very impressive, routinely getting to the ball-carrier in the backfield. It will be tough to run on MSU's defensive line.

That being said, Bowling Green does pose a strong risk of pulling an upset, but I think the bigger, stronger MSU will pull away in the second half.

MSU 38
BGSU 24

Lots of plays in the backfield by MSU on defense are to be expected against UAB. Our offensive line is quite stout and I believe our running game will be just as effective this week as last.

If we can use the run effectively to keep DB's honest, it will be a great game.

BG 31
MSU 28

1987alum · Post by **1987alum** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 2:28 pm

Jacobs4Heisman wrote:I'm making this prediction purely to try to duplicate what happened last week.

38-14 MSU. We're gonna get smoked.

C'mon, karma.

It has be divinely blessed ...

BGorDeath · Post by **BGorDeath** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 3:33 pm

I predict all the female cheerleaders will get naked at half time and have a tickle fight at the 50. Oh, please let me be right.

JimmyZ11381 · Post by **JimmyZ11381** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 3:41 pm

I hope I'm wrong, but I think MSU will be ready for us. Look for them to pound the run game all day long. We keep it relatively close.

MSU - 35
BG - 21

However, let me say this....

If we WIN THIS GAME, I'm gonna start planning the road trip to Boston College!!!