MSU Week 1 Analysis: Youngstown State

Spartans Analysis: MSU 28 Youngstown State 6

What Happened:

It was not pretty. Luckily, all wins count the same. It is often said that teams improve the most between games 1 and games 2. For the Spartans sake I hope that is true. Offensively, the passing game was solid but the rushing game was only so/so. Defensivel,y the Spartans only allowed 6 points. They had a hard time stopping the Penguins rushing attack. They allowed 128 yards. Both lines of scrimmage need to get their act together this week. Though this is not surprising since the lines of scrimmage have 6 new starters (out of 9 possible positions).

No worries Spartan nation. This was an abnormal week for the Spartans. Friday night game, Dantonio’s father passing away, and it was the first game of the year. Though many are surprised, I am not. Spartans play many sloppy games…the true test is next week.

What We Learned:

1. Kirk Cousins, when given time, will carve up defenses. He was 18-22, 222, 1 TD and 0 interceptions. Problems arise when he is under pressure. I have always had questions about his ability to process information quickly.
2. Le’Veon Bell will be the red zone back. While only receiving 9 carries, he scored on two short Touch Down runs. He is a force in short yardage situations.
3. BJ Cunningham might be ready to take the leap into Pro Prospect stratosphere. His 9 receptions, 130 yards, and 1 Touch Down made for a big day. He tied the MSU record for career receptions…that is saying something. Mushin Muhammad, Derrick Mason, Charles Rogers, and Andre Rison played at Michigan State. Keep an eye on this kid.

Questions That Need Answers

1. New offensive line deserves a pass on week 1. The Spartans rushed for almost 160 yards and Cousins was kept clean most of the game. I still feel like they under achieved when you take into account the competition. Next week this unit will be under a harsher microscope. Will they step up to the challenge?
2. The defensive line was supposed to be a strength, but it generated zero sacks and allowed the Penguins to rush for 128 yards and gain an average of 4.0 yards per carry. This needs to be improved if the Spartans are to compete in the Big Ten. Spartans could not get the Penguins off the field in the first half. Was this a one game problem, or a season long battle?
Last year, Special Teams saved the Spartans. In this game: Conroy missed a short FG due to a bad snap, Keyshawn Martin fumbled a punt return, and coverage units were disappointing. Next week they need to reestablish their ST dominance. Can the special teams recover?

Next Week

Florida Atlantic comes into town. Spartans barely beat them last season and with week 1 not going as smoothly as hoped, it is a chance to get the Spartans back on track.

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