Spartans Week 2 Review
By Editorial Staff
Spartans Analysis: MSU 41 Florida Atlantic 0
What Happened:
Spartans looked much better this week. I think after last week’s performance, the team was much easier to coach. Some egos were brought to earth, and the hunger to prove themselves was apparent. Defense allowed a meager 56 yards. The middle of the defense dominated this game. Cousins picked apart the Florida Atlantic defense, and the Spartan offense simply ran over the Owls. It was apparent after the first drive of the game this was not going to be close.
What We Learned:
- Defense came to play. Spartans have only allowed 6 points this season so far and it all starts up front. After the first half of last week’s game, this Spartan front seven has shut down the run game. Secondary is not allowing anything down the field. Sophomore Safety Isaiah Lewis looks like he will be playing on Sunday’s.
- Jerel Worthy is a stud. He blows the pocket back and makes offenses focus on him. His running mate Anthony Rashad White is another horse. They keep the LB’s clean and make it very difficult for opponents to run up the middle. Next week is a real task for them and if Worthy can dominate on National TV his draft stock will begin to sky rocket.
- Keyshawn Martin can take over games in multiple ways. He is dynamite in the return game, on reverses, and he showed he is a capable WR on Saturday. Having 7 receptions for 72 yards was huge. Cunningham needs help when the Spartans face harder opponents and Martin showed he is more than just a deep threat and bubble screen receiver.
Questions Arisen:
1. As stated last week Special Teams are not what they were last year. Spartans are having trouble with the coverage unit as well as simply catching punts. Conroy missed another FG and backup kicker Kevin Muma kicked a late FG. It was stated that Conroy and Muma were neck in neck in the summer….I wonder who will take over next week at Notre Dame.
2. This offensive line is going to be a problem. They are not overly physical in run blocking, struggle in pass protection, and get costly penalties. Even Junior Brandon McDonald had two holding calls. With exception to Joel Foreman no one should feel safe. To give them a break the offensive play calling has been vanilla and very predictable. Though my eyes do not lie and center Blake Treadwell is getting pushed back more than he should.
3. If Kirk Cousins gets knocked out of a game, we could be in trouble. Andrew Maxwell is clearly not ready and it pressed into meaningful action, can he get it done? I am not confident.