Cotton Bowl Preview: Michigan State vs. Alabama
Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) celebrates tight end O.J. Howard (88) after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter to beat the Auburn Tigers 29-13 Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
If you love two “run-and-gun” offenses that light up the scoreboard and create fireworks, this isn’t your game. You want a hard-nose, rugged, knock-the-snot out of you type game? Grab your popcorn, get a drink, take the batteries out of the remote and enjoy this motion picture. Let’s take a look and preview one of the College Football Playoff semifinal games.
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Why Michigan State May Win:
The Spartans are led on offense by potential first round QB Connor Cook (2,911 yards, 24 TDs, five INTs). The 6’4 quarterback has had his share of inconsistencies but those are going to have to be adjusted to beat an elite team such as Alabama. While most teams go two deep at running back, Cook and the Spartans leans on the three-headed monster at RB in LJ Scott (691 yards, 11 TDs), Madre London (489 yards, three TDs) and Gerald Holmes (534 yards, eight TDs). The run game is so key for Michigan State that 56 percent of their play calling are run plays. Although leading receiver Aaron Burbridge (1,209 yards, seven TDs) has made plays on the season the committee of running backs are going to dictate how the offense operates.
What Dantonio does have in his back pocket is a stingy, tough defense. The unit is 21st in the nation in overall defense and an even better ranking of 18th in scoring defense. LB Darien Harris (82 tackles, three pass deflections) is going to be in charge of maintaining discipline as they encounter a Bama team who is going to be just as or more aggressive. Two guys to keep an eye on are defensive linemen Shilique Calhoun (45 tackles, 14.5 TFLs, 10.5 sacks, three PDs) and Malik McDowell (39 tackles, 12 TFLs, 4.5 sacks). If they can get consistent penetration and set the tone, they can very well contain Heisman Trophy running Back Derrick Henry.
Why Alabama May Win:
Henry, Henry, Henry, and another scoop of Henry. Saban has a thoroughbred in his backfield and he has made defenses aware of what Henry can do. The Heisman Trophy winner has carried the rock 339 times this season and the junior running back is already eighth on Alabama’s list of career attempts and third in career rushing yards. With all the attention on Henry, it could very well turn into the Calvin Ridley show as the wide-out is the team’s leading receiver (893 yards and five TDs).
What is interesting is that Bama’s defense is the better unit of the two. The defense is third overall in the country in scoring defense, second in total defense, first in yards allowed per play and more. Saban stresses discipline and expects the defense to be sound in tackling, communicative, as well as play smart. LB Reggie Ragland (90 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, six pass deflections, and two forced fumbles) has comfortably added his name to the long lineage of talented defenders that Saban has coached. LB/DL Jonathan Allen leads the team in sacks (10) and is one of fifteen players to record a sack on the season. CB Cyrus Jones is going to have the assignment in covering Burbridge but his job could be relatively easy if the Tide’s deep front seven can make life hectic for Connor Cook and his stable of running backs.
Who May Win:
Get ready for a hard, hitting slugfest between two schools who live off of aggressive play. The running backs for Michigan State are going to be crucial. If they can have consistent play, it not only drains the clock and keep the time-of-possession in their favor but it also keeps Henry off the field and forces Alabama to use QB Jake Coker more than they prefer. Look for Alabama to go with Henry early but possibly keep things balanced and sling it a little with Coker to prevent MSU from stacking the box.
Crimson Tide 24 Spartans 21