Phil Steele loves Green defense as the Dark Horse in the B1G for 2013

Phil Steele hones in on the close losses and the stout defense to give MSU the official underdog status of the 2013 season.

(FYI - Tom Deinhart at BTN.com chimes in on MSU with his impressions, and they are all spot on with the ES' so far on offense and defense.  Deinhart notes the great play from Bullough at RB, his senior brother at LB, and better results at WR).

When you read his unit projections, overall he predicts MSU as the #5 scoring defense and #3 overall defense in the nation (Behind Alabama and Florida State).  He likes the MSU schedule avoiding Wisc and Ohio State.  And, he figures the wide receiving corps can’t get any worse.  Interestingly, he predicts MSU coaching as third-best in the Big Ten, after Ohio State (Urban Meyer) and Northwestern (Pat Fitzgerald). 

Steele projects out best individual units every year.  Don’t think I have ever seen MSU defense ranked so high in so many categories:  Defensive Line (#35), Linebackers (#5), and Defensive Backs (#14). No mention on special teams, quarterbacks, running backs, or receivers – we earned that.  But, the O-Line has a #17 ranking.  So, we have a great line to block for… nobody????  Argh. 

Steele ranks MSU tied for first in the Legends (with Nebraska and Michigan), and his preseason rankings post MSU at #23 overall (one spot ahead of Michigan at #24). Other Big Ten teams in his preseason are: Ohio State (2), Nebraska (16), Wisonsin (20), Northwestern (32), and Penn State (34).

USA TODAY POLL

MSU is on the outside looking in at #28 ranking the national coaches' poll... PERFECT.  And, looking at the USAT poll below finds really only three surprises:  Boise State at #19, UCLA at #21, and Northwestern at #22.  We beat Boise last year in East Lansing, and they return all their starters, but they weren't THAT good.  Northwestern should be VERY GOOD this year, they beat us in East Lansing because of terrible coaching and the worst game of Maxwell's career, but just seeing them in the preseason top 25 at any time is a surprise.  UCLA, just don't know much about them.

Quick thoughts: Oklahoma State is better than #14 but needs to prove it; Stanford is  not as good as #4; Notre Dame at #11 - the Irish were lucky all over 2012 and got due payment playing ' Bama, and they won't have such luxury this year, especially after the Spartans win in South Bend in September.  Michigan at #17 is overrated, much like Notre Dame - they have a better QB and a good coach, but have a tough schedule, plus the Spartans in East Lansing.

USA Today Poll
RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS
1	Alabama (58)	0-0	1545
2	Ohio State (3)	0-0	1427
3	Oregon	0-0	1397
4	Stanford	0-0	1262
5	Georgia	0-0	1250
6	Texas A&M (1)	0-0	1215
7	South Carolina	0-0	1136
8	Clemson	0-0	1047
9	Louisville	0-0	1010
10	Florida	0-0	930
11	Notre Dame	0-0	872
12	Florida State	0-0	844
13	LSU	0-0	797
14	Oklahoma State	0-0	726
15	Texas	0-0	622
16	Oklahoma	0-0	620
17	Michigan	0-0	589
18	Nebraska	0-0	426
19	Boise State	0-0	420
20	TCU	0-0	400
21	UCLA	0-0	202
22	Northwestern	0-0	186
23	Wisconsin	0-0	172
24	USC	0-0	165
25	Oregon State	0-0	135

Others receiving votes: Kansas State 113, Miami (FL) 101, Michigan State 89, Baylor 80, Virginia Tech 65, Fresno State 62, Arizona State 51, Ole Miss 32, Vanderbilt 29, Utah State 23, Brigham Young 20, North Carolina 19, Northern Illinois 19, Tulsa 9, San Jose State 8, Ohio 8, Arizona 5, Cincinnati 3, East Carolina 3, Mississippi State 3, Kent State 3, Washington 3, UCF 2, Tennessee 1, Toledo 1, Rutgers 1, Arkansas 1, Arkansas State 1

Prime Time BTN = Anything BUT Prime

OK, so the Big Ten Network is promoting its "Prime Time" matchup football schedule this fall, including a Friday, Aug 30, welcome of Western Michigan to Michigan State. 

A fairly pathetic schedule to promote.  Really, what is interesting?  Maybe BTN will be lucky to capture a Thunderstorm or Tornado in the Cowboys' 10-hour, 700-mile drive from Cheyenne to Lincoln.  Syracuse at Northwestern - maybe a 2-hour video of a student rendition of the Scopes Monkey Trial.  Vegas at Minny?  Hopefully it snows in August in Minneapolis.   Indiana State at Indiana?  Godforbid, the Hoosiers best shot is if Larry Bird stays retired, football, basketball, whatever.

Good grief.  Save the press release, but enjoy Big Ten football! 

BTN PRIMETIME SCHEDULE (all times Eastern)
Thursday, August 29

• 7 PM – UNLV at Minnesota

Friday, August 30

• 8 PM – Western Michigan at Michigan State

Saturday, August 31

• 8 PM – Wyoming at Nebraska

Saturday, September 7

• 6 PM – Syracuse at Northwestern
• 6 PM – Southern Miss at Nebraska

Saturday, September 14

• 6 PM – UCF at Penn State
• 6 PM – Washington vs. Illinois (at Soldier Field)
• 9 PM – Western Michigan at Northwestern

Saturday, September 21

• 8 PM – Missouri at Indiana

Saturday, October 19

• 8 PM – Wisconsin at Illinois

REGIONAL COVERAGE

Thursday, Aug. 29

• 7 PM – Indiana State at Indiana

Saturday, September 7

• 6 PM – Navy at Indiana

Connor Cook excels in Spring game; looks to start in Fall

Yes, it snowed today during the Spring football game for Michigan State here in East Lansing.  You know what else sucked?  Andrew Maxwell. He has not improved one iota since last year.  Maxwell looked like the crack of mine arse with very tentative, poor leadership (mind you, the 46-yd TD pass from Maxwell was off a busted defensive play from a 7 yard interior slant).  But a very nice crowd... maybe 30,000 in 30 degree weather?  Wow. Now, see the stats of the 24-17 White victory.

So, let's get to the QB talk.  Connor Cook?  Unlike Maxwell, Cook actually used his eyes, looking further than 5 yards down the field, throwing countless passes (most incomplete) along the sidelines on timing patterns.  But, Cook threw some very sharp passes, including a nifty 22-yard TD to Arnett in the 3rd stanza.  Cook looked better than serviceable - he has improved.  He was determined more often than Maxwell.  Our third choice, Tyler O'Connor, threw three interceptions, all were on very poor reads with worse passes.  At halftime, Cook at 200+ yards passing.  Maxwell had 18.  Yes, 18 yards from Maxwell threw the air.  The problem?  Maxwell can't make decisions.  Period.  He is just flat incapable of getting it done.

Today, if the ES were going to layout the QB depth chart for the fall:  #1 Cook, #2 Maxwell, #3 O'Connor. 

MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAYER IN SPRING GAME?
Riley Bullough at fullback. There was one play when Bullough darted around left end, used his stiff arm, and ran for another 20 yards.  That dude has the Bullough-family trademark of toughness and he really, really played well.

WHO CAN WE SPARTANS COUNT ON IN THE FALL?
Max Bullough at LB was his usual stud-self.  Loved his bro at FB/TB.  Arnett and Fowler were most consistent at WR.  Marcus Rush played well at LB/DE. And, Cook at QB for sure.  The defense is far ahead of the offense so far.  Final score in this game was 24-17... Of 5 TDs, 3 were scored by the defense. 

CONCERNS?
Maxwell.  WR Burbridge & Mumphrey both dropped passes and had fumbles. DT Lawrence Thomas (pushed back off the line too often with slow feet, he needs to lose some weight).  Big ole #77 in Green, Henry Conway (6'6, 320).... is he just too big?  He has GOT to move his feet faster.

Spartan Spring Game with Snow!

OK, so the Spartan Spring football game is today, at about 2:35 pm ET.  It will be broadcast on BTN.    There is no admission, so come on over.... if...

IF you want to dodge the snow flurries.  Yes, here it is, April 20, and it snowed about 1/2 inch last night here in EL.  Right now, half an hour (2 pm ET) before kickoff, and it is 35 degrees here in EL.  Brutally cold. Most of the snow melted around here by noon.  But, it still is too damn cold.

The ES may go over and see Big Bob if he can break away... but if not, no big deal.  It will be a lot warmer on television.  The worst spring EVER here in East Lansing. 

Spartan D Dominates; MSU on BTN tonight at 8 pm

So, getting back to the important things in life, a.k.a. Spartan Football, it was refreshing to read the account of the Spartan defensive domination in the latest scrimmage.  The juicy quote from MD was "I really feel like again, we still have great chemistry on this football team, guys are playing extremely hard and playing with toughness."

And, the ES has always had a love affair with defensive-minded football, far more than an offensive shootout.  Thus, it was reassuring to know that in the recent scrimmage, the first-team defense didn't allow a touchdown and overall, the defense caused four turnovers, including two interceptions returned for touchdowns. Right on, knock their blocks off. The Doctor had all sorts of praise for LB Max Bullough, who seems to be fitting right along in replace of Greg Jones and Eric Gordon (ahem, as we expected with them bloodlines, no?). 

The team is healthy, with the exception of blue-chipper LB Lawrence Thomas, who has missed a majority of preseason camp with a shoulder injury -- he is being held out of practice and might not see his first playing time of his career until after a few games in the season.

MSU on BTN - August 23
Tonight (Tuesday, Aug. 23) at 8 pm, BTN will have a 30-minute preview of the Big Green. The show gives an inside look at a Spartan practice and also includes interviews with head coach Mark Dantonio, offensive coordinator Dan Roushar, defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive tackle Jerel Worthy.

MSU first -ever Friday tilt vs #158 Youngstown State

Michigan State is going to open up the 2011 football season hosting Youngstown State on Friday, September 2... at 7:30 pm, to be televised on Big Ten Network... Is this the first ever Friday game for Michigan State football? Methinks so.

Last year, YSU finished 3-8 and #158 according to Jeff Sagarin (MSU finished 11-2 and #31). YSU has a fairly impressive stadium for a Division I-FCS institution... the ES visited it on a trip to Pittsburgh back in 2007. Here's a shot of where the Penguins play on Saturdays:




A quick look at future schedules for Michigan State... we open the 2012 season hosting Boise State on a Friday as well....

2011
Sept. 2 YOUNGSTOWN STATE
Sept. 10 FLORIDA ATLANTIC
Sept. 17 at Notre Dame
Sept. 24 CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Oct. 1 at Ohio State
Oct. 15 MICHIGAN
Oct. 22 WISCONSIN
Oct. 29 at Nebraska
Nov. 5 MINNESOTA
Nov. 12 at Iowa
Nov. 19 INDIANA
Nov. 26 at Northwestern

2012
Aug. 31 BOISE STATE
Sept. 8 at Central Michigan
Sept. 15 NOTRE DAME
Sept. 22 EASTERN MICHIGAN
Sept. 29 OHIO STATE
Oct. 6 at Indiana
Oct. 13 IOWA
Oct. 20 at Michigan
Oct. 27 at Wisconsin
Nov. 3 NEBRASKA
Nov. 17 NORTHWESTERN
Nov. 24 at Minnesota

2013 (BIG TEN ONLY)
Oct. 5 at Iowa
Oct. 12 INDIANA
Oct. 19 PURDUE
Oct. 26 at Illinois
Nov. 2 MICHIGAN
Nov. 16 at Nebraska
Nov. 23 at Northwestern
Nov. 30 MINNESOTA

2014 (BIG TEN ONLY)
Oct. 4 ILLINOIS
Oct. 11 at Michigan
Oct. 25 at Indiana
Nov. 1 NORTHWESTERN
Nov. 8 at Purdue
Nov. 15 NEBRASKA
Nov. 22 IOWA
Nov. 29 at Minnesota