Biggest Dissapointment: DBs; Biggest Concern? Running game

The biggest disappointment on Saturday vs. Central Michgian? The play of the Spartan defensive secondary, being smoked left, right, and up the middle (CMU's LeFevour went 34-of-47, a blistering 73% completion rate, for 352 yards). D-coord Pat Narduzzi effectively tied their hands by playing a base defense... The ES kept yelling, "where the hell is the bump-and-run?" and, "where are the blitzes???" If this team has such damn good talent in the defensive backfield, why play scared? Where the hell is the aggressiveness? Tackle, hit, and get after the Goddam Irish on Saturday; the Spartan DBs better not be waiting, or they'll just get run over. Downright embarrassing.

The biggest concern? The Spartan running game. Let's start with the play of the Spartan offensive line. My God, they looked uninspired and couldn't run block as well as my grandma. They looked better in pass blocking, but not by much. John Stipek looked confused half the time replacing Joel Nitchman (sprained knee) at center. You wonder how much of an impact that had on the line - we NEED Nitchman back. At RB, at least Caulton Ray hit the holes going forward and had a few yards. Larry Caper needs to ditch the "I wanna look like Barry Sanders" dance moves and run forward and hit the holes or the Irish will break his ankles and eat him alive. Listen, ND gave up 190 yards rushing to the Yellow Bellies of Ann Arbor, so there IS room to run. But, MSU better find it.

Spartans... Touchdown Jesus is waiting for you. You want some, or you want to just give up? Here is the best opportunity to RUIN the Irish pride. What do you do when a rabid dog is in a corner? You grab it by the neck and stomp on it. Ruin their day, their season, their football tradition. I want it. Do you? Go out and do it. It will be sweet redemption and put the Spartan Nation back on track. 1-2 is unacceptable. Go get it done.

Roster update for MSU vs CMU

As of Wednesday morning, there are no changes in the depth chart from the season opener vs. Montana State to this weekend's contest against Central Michigan. Doctor Mark Dantonio stated the quarterback situation as a "status quo," though certainly the coaches hinted that Cousins was a little more efficient with his arm, via accuracy and strength, than Kirk Cousins. ES says expect Cousins to start again but both with plenty of playing time. As for Joel Nitchman, coach stated he was " day to day" with a sprained knee. But, it seems as if he is probable to doubtful, "He may not be able to practice much this week, but he may be able to be an emergency guy or he may not. We'll see on that." ES says watch for junior John Stipek and redshirt frosh Ethan Ruhland to step in.

Kickoff is set for noon, with the game on ESPN2. Temperature for now is forecast for 76 degrees and sunny.