Once again, in trying to gain some perspective on our upcoming opponent, I've asked a friend from the wrong side of the tracks to give us their perspective. This week its my friend and MSU alum, 'Sparty Tom' who lends his writing talents to our blog, giving us his take on how he thinks the game will shake out. Here's his take:It’s been an all too common occurrence this year to be writing for an upcoming game after a very close loss from the previous week. I’m a big believer in the three strike rule…meaning three heartbreaking last-second losses in one season, and I don’t think your kids can get off the mat. Yes, Michigan State rescued their season earlier this year with consecutive victories over Michigan, Illinois, and Northwestern. However, after a stunning last second loss to Iowa, a last minute loss to Notre Dame, and loss to Central Michigan on a last second field goal, this season has essentially turned into a salvage operation for the Sparties. It’s warm weather bowl, or bust.
Now to the game at hand. Minnesota looked impressive earlier in the season by winning the games they were supposed to win, taking Cal down to the wire, and making Wisconsin a very close game. However, with two blowout losses to Penn State and Ohio State (granted they were both on the road), they appear to be on the ropes. The situation got worse as reports have surfaced that Gopher star receiver Eric Decker will miss the remainder of the season with a foot injury. From a Spartan standpoint the greatest concern is that it’s a night game, the fans will be jacked, and there could be a big hangover from the Iowa heartbreak. For Michigan State on offense, Kirk Cousins has entrenched himself as the full time starting quarterback with the highest passer efficiency rating in the Big Ten conference. Freshman running backs Larry Caper and Edwin Baker continue to improve each week, and are due for a breakout performance. On defense, Spartan linebacker Greg Jones is a legitimate All-American; in my opinion, the surest tackler in the Big Ten. If the defense can duplicate the effort from the previous game, Minnesota could be in for a long night. If not, the Gophers can definitely win this one.
Combine the fact that this is a big game for both teams (in terms of eventual bowl eligibility) and it’s a Halloween night game in which the home fans will be nuts, this one is tough to call. The Spartans may have the edge in talent, and at the beginning of the year this game was circled as a win, but I believe the environment and the effects from last week’s stunner will be too much to overcome. Michigan State is wounded, and Minnesota is playing them at just the right time…
Now to the game at hand. Minnesota looked impressive earlier in the season by winning the games they were supposed to win, taking Cal down to the wire, and making Wisconsin a very close game. However, with two blowout losses to Penn State and Ohio State (granted they were both on the road), they appear to be on the ropes. The situation got worse as reports have surfaced that Gopher star receiver Eric Decker will miss the remainder of the season with a foot injury. From a Spartan standpoint the greatest concern is that it’s a night game, the fans will be jacked, and there could be a big hangover from the Iowa heartbreak. For Michigan State on offense, Kirk Cousins has entrenched himself as the full time starting quarterback with the highest passer efficiency rating in the Big Ten conference. Freshman running backs Larry Caper and Edwin Baker continue to improve each week, and are due for a breakout performance. On defense, Spartan linebacker Greg Jones is a legitimate All-American; in my opinion, the surest tackler in the Big Ten. If the defense can duplicate the effort from the previous game, Minnesota could be in for a long night. If not, the Gophers can definitely win this one.
Combine the fact that this is a big game for both teams (in terms of eventual bowl eligibility) and it’s a Halloween night game in which the home fans will be nuts, this one is tough to call. The Spartans may have the edge in talent, and at the beginning of the year this game was circled as a win, but I believe the environment and the effects from last week’s stunner will be too much to overcome. Michigan State is wounded, and Minnesota is playing them at just the right time…
Prediction: Minnesota – 24 MSU – 17
Thanks for that take Sparty Tom, good stuff. I have heard about the excellence of LB Greg Jones, but have yet to watch him much this season. I'll be keeping a close eye on him all game, along with Blair White.
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