So I guess I owe you all an explanation. If you are a regular reader of the blog, then you probably noticed that I’ve been noticibly absent since right before the Iowa game. What happened? Was it the soul-crushing defeat in the final seconds in the end zone that was directly in front of my sightline while I stood next to my yelling, whooping, “we’re in the national championship picture!” buddy? Was it a reaction to the worst officiated two plays I’ve ever seen in my life during the Minnesota game, where tricks were the word de jour for Michigan State fans, and treats were what the officials were clearly handing to the Golden Gophers?
While both of those could potentially be worthy explanations, neither legitimately qualify in this case. Actually, the reasons have been somewhat more personal, and not really tied to the performance of the team (or the officiating) at all. I can’t go into much detail now, but I will say that it’s going to effect the output of new content for the remainder of the season. That being said, I’m going to try to continue to post as much as I reasonably can, even if those posts are somewhat shorter and less detailed.
So without further adieu, Western Michigan. This game couldn’t come at a better time. Initially when I looked at the 2009 schedule last year, this was a game that stood out to me as a trap game. I figured we would be coming off of a victory against Minnesota and could potentially be looking past the Broncos and a lackluster Purdue team to the Penn State game which would close the season and hopefully be for a Big Ten title. This game was originally scheduled to be played in Ford Field in Detroit, but due to economic conditions was moved to East Lansing.
When MSU is on Offense
With three games to go in the season, we know what the story is here. Establish the run to open up the pass. Yes, the passing game has been very good this season. But the success of this football team depends on the running game. Want proof? In MSU victories so far, MSU averages 249 passing yards per game and has 7 throwing TDs. In losses, the passing game averages 285 yards per game, and has 11 total TDs. That’s right, we are actually doing better throwing the ball in losses than we are in wins. On the rushing side of things, the Spartans average 63 additional yards in victories than in losses (164 yards vs. 101 yards), with 6 TDs in wins versus 4 TDs in losses. But this is the telling statistic for me: in games that MSU has won, the Spartans average 17 more rushing attempts than in losses. 17! Simply put, when MSU is able to establish the run, good things happen.
Defensively, Western Michigan’s run defense is, well, not good. They’re averaging 177 yards per game, you know, for the other guys. Opposing teams are averaging 4.5 yards per carry against this defense. Edge definitely goes to MSU here.
The Spartans continue to be strong through the air, throw
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