If you didnt already know this, MSU runs the Option spread. Which is a combination of the Spread Offense and the Option play.
Rating the Positions:
Quarterback - A+. Drew Stanton can run & pass, I think most realize that he is one of the best QB's in the nation. Backing him up is Sophmore Brian Hoyer, who actually has a better completion percentage than Stanton, and a 2-0 TD-INT ratio. A very solid group here.
Runningback - B+. I hate to compare Javon Ringer to Barry Sanders but he is that kind of back. He'll run for 2 yards, then -1, then 3, then he'll bust one out for a 40 yard gain. The problem is, other than Ohio State last year and Pitt this year, he hasnt performed versus solid defenses. Anyway, he averaged 6.7 yards per carry his freshman season to put things in perspective. Then there is Jehuu Caulcrick. He is a bruiser, 260 pounds and only 5-10. Not exactly a speedster, but we give him the ball on short-yardage situations and he usually pounds it in. If Notre Dame focuses too much on the Pass, your going to have a long day.
Wide Reciever/Tight End - A-. When a talented 6-6 guy isnt your best reciever, that says wonders. Trannon is good, and played well versus the Irish last year...but he rarely shows up to play. Watch out for Kerry Reed, he is NFL Material. He runs his routs well, had solid speed, and solid size. Then there is Jerramy Scott, the small guy. Depite his size, he plays his heart out and is very reliable. Finally, watch out for the burner...Terry Love. MSU has several other solid recievers, but they dont get a ton of time because of the talent of the guys ahead of them. The only thing is, we dont have a big-time standout like Jarrett or Johnson.
Offensive Line - C+. We had a great line last year, but lost 3 of 5 starters. The talent is there, but these guys are still unexperienced. Pass Blocking has been solid, run blocking still thru the middle still needs improvement.
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Defensive Line - C-. When asked upon, we pressure the quarterback pretty well. We didnt come up with sacks, but were in Palko's face all day. As far as running the ball, this unit only shows up to stop the run about half the time. Clifton Ryan and Ervin Baldwin are pretty good, also watch for David Stanton.
Linebackers - C. Before the season started, this looked like the best part of our defense. But they have let everyone down a little. Were flying all over but still missing a little something.
Secondary - B. This looked like the weakest part of our defense to start the season...but they have improved mightily. Otis Wiley and Nehamiah Warrick are both averaging a ton of tackles, also watch out for Demond Williams.
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Kicker - B. Freshman Brett Swenson appears to be pretty good so far. He is 5-6 with a long of 42 yards in a pressure situation.
Punter - B-. Was great two years ago, but had an average year last year. He is starting to get back to his 2004 All-American form.
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Rating the Positions:
Quarterback - A+. Drew Stanton can run & pass, I think most realize that he is one of the best QB's in the nation. Backing him up is Sophmore Brian Hoyer, who actually has a better completion percentage than Stanton, and a 2-0 TD-INT ratio. A very solid group here.
Runningback - B+. I hate to compare Javon Ringer to Barry Sanders but he is that kind of back. He'll run for 2 yards, then -1, then 3, then he'll bust one out for a 40 yard gain. The problem is, other than Ohio State last year and Pitt this year, he hasnt performed versus solid defenses. Anyway, he averaged 6.7 yards per carry his freshman season to put things in perspective. Then there is Jehuu Caulcrick. He is a bruiser, 260 pounds and only 5-10. Not exactly a speedster, but we give him the ball on short-yardage situations and he usually pounds it in. If Notre Dame focuses too much on the Pass, your going to have a long day.
Wide Reciever/Tight End - A-. When a talented 6-6 guy isnt your best reciever, that says wonders. Trannon is good, and played well versus the Irish last year...but he rarely shows up to play. Watch out for Kerry Reed, he is NFL Material. He runs his routs well, had solid speed, and solid size. Then there is Jerramy Scott, the small guy. Depite his size, he plays his heart out and is very reliable. Finally, watch out for the burner...Terry Love. MSU has several other solid recievers, but they dont get a ton of time because of the talent of the guys ahead of them. The only thing is, we dont have a big-time standout like Jarrett or Johnson.
Offensive Line - C+. We had a great line last year, but lost 3 of 5 starters. The talent is there, but these guys are still unexperienced. Pass Blocking has been solid, run blocking still thru the middle still needs improvement.
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Defensive Line - C-. When asked upon, we pressure the quarterback pretty well. We didnt come up with sacks, but were in Palko's face all day. As far as running the ball, this unit only shows up to stop the run about half the time. Clifton Ryan and Ervin Baldwin are pretty good, also watch for David Stanton.
Linebackers - C. Before the season started, this looked like the best part of our defense. But they have let everyone down a little. Were flying all over but still missing a little something.
Secondary - B. This looked like the weakest part of our defense to start the season...but they have improved mightily. Otis Wiley and Nehamiah Warrick are both averaging a ton of tackles, also watch out for Demond Williams.
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Kicker - B. Freshman Brett Swenson appears to be pretty good so far. He is 5-6 with a long of 42 yards in a pressure situation.
Punter - B-. Was great two years ago, but had an average year last year. He is starting to get back to his 2004 All-American form.
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