Greg Jones was named the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year; Blair White was named First Team all Big Ten as a WR, as was Brett Swenson as a PK. Joel Nitchman was named a Second Team lineman. Congrats, Jones! A highlight in a disappointing year.
What is most surprising, however, maybe shouldn't be on second look. Swenson was named the team's Most Valuable Player by his peers, the first time a kicker has ever taken home that award... and MSU is the home to the best kickers in college football history. After you consider the inconsistency and disappointment on both sides of the ball this year, the one thing you could always count on was Swenson - he earned it. Congrats!
Showing posts with label Brett Swenson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brett Swenson. Show all posts
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Swenson gets POW; MSU ranked #7 in nation in kick returns
Brett Swenson gets the Big Ten POW nod for his four field goals... although Keshawn Martin and his 250-all purpose yard performance, including his kick returns, should have garnered some recognition. Without the two of them and a blocked field goal, the Big Green may have lost by 20 points to Purdue.
Still, a pair of 52-yard FGs on the road, and a 4-for-4 performance was sweet. FYI, Swenson is hitting a blistering 90% (18-of-20) field goals this year. Ouch! Can you say "Lou Groza"?
So where does MSU rank statistically, nationally? Our best stat is, no surprise #7 in the country in kick returns. But, our rush defense at #24 and pass offense at #21 ain't half bad. Greg Jones is third in the nation in tackles at 11.45. Keshawn Martin is fifth in kick returns at 31.7. Kirk Cousins is #13 in pass efficiency at 149.7
Still, a pair of 52-yard FGs on the road, and a 4-for-4 performance was sweet. FYI, Swenson is hitting a blistering 90% (18-of-20) field goals this year. Ouch! Can you say "Lou Groza"?
So where does MSU rank statistically, nationally? Our best stat is, no surprise #7 in the country in kick returns. But, our rush defense at #24 and pass offense at #21 ain't half bad. Greg Jones is third in the nation in tackles at 11.45. Keshawn Martin is fifth in kick returns at 31.7. Kirk Cousins is #13 in pass efficiency at 149.7
Friday, October 02, 2009
ES Game Day Preview: MSU 30, Michigan 27
Michigan (4-0, #22 AP, #30 Sagarin) at Michigan State (1-3, #59 Sagarin),
Saturday, October 3, 2009. 12 Noon.
TV: Big Ten Network
Weather: 51 degrees, 40% chance rain.
Latest Line: Michigan State favored by 2.
Tickets available.
ES will tweet from the game with comments posted in the right column; live chat will be available on the website.
Injuries: Michigan - QB Tate Forcier (shoulder), probable; C David Molk (foot), out. Michigan State - OL Joel Foreman (knee), probable; WR Mark Dell (shoulder), probable; S Trenton Robinson (doorknob), probable.
Prediction: MSU's Greg Jones blindsides scUM's Forcier in the first quarter, knocking him senseless and out of the game. MSU runs adequately behind Glenn Winston, but enough to free up QB Kirk Cousins to use his rocket arm to score TDs through the air to BJ Cunningham, Blair White, and Mark Dell. MSU's defense? Who knows, who cares. Michigan State needs to prove itself defensively, and scUM is overrated and untested on the road. The ES will split the difference, thinking Spartan DBs won't play great, but will play just well enough to win. Willthis scUM team actually go 5-0? Hey, go jump in a lake and take yer smelling salts. Spartan special teams will be the difference in the game, with a few FGs out of Brett Swenson. That's enough detail for me on this game.
Give it up to an improved coaching effort and better play out of MSU in its best game of the year, at home. There's a reason a 1-3 team is favored by 2 at home over a 4-0 team.
Halftime: MSU 14, scUM 14. Final Score: Michigan State 30, scUM 27.
Saturday, October 3, 2009. 12 Noon.
TV: Big Ten Network
Weather: 51 degrees, 40% chance rain.
Latest Line: Michigan State favored by 2.
Tickets available.
ES will tweet from the game with comments posted in the right column; live chat will be available on the website.
Injuries: Michigan - QB Tate Forcier (shoulder), probable; C David Molk (foot), out. Michigan State - OL Joel Foreman (knee), probable; WR Mark Dell (shoulder), probable; S Trenton Robinson (doorknob), probable.
Prediction: MSU's Greg Jones blindsides scUM's Forcier in the first quarter, knocking him senseless and out of the game. MSU runs adequately behind Glenn Winston, but enough to free up QB Kirk Cousins to use his rocket arm to score TDs through the air to BJ Cunningham, Blair White, and Mark Dell. MSU's defense? Who knows, who cares. Michigan State needs to prove itself defensively, and scUM is overrated and untested on the road. The ES will split the difference, thinking Spartan DBs won't play great, but will play just well enough to win. Willthis scUM team actually go 5-0? Hey, go jump in a lake and take yer smelling salts. Spartan special teams will be the difference in the game, with a few FGs out of Brett Swenson. That's enough detail for me on this game.
Give it up to an improved coaching effort and better play out of MSU in its best game of the year, at home. There's a reason a 1-3 team is favored by 2 at home over a 4-0 team.
Halftime: MSU 14, scUM 14. Final Score: Michigan State 30, scUM 27.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
ES Game Day Preview: Michigan State 23, Notre Dame 21
Michigan State (1-1, #67 Sagarin) at Notre Dame (1-1, #32 Sagarin)Saturday, September 19. 3:30 pm noon EST.
TV: NBC
Weather: 74, sunny.
Injuries: Michigan State — WR Mark Dell (shoulder), probable; C Joel Nitchman (knee), questionable; RG J'Michael Deane (leg), questionable; Notre Dame — WR Michael Floyd (knee), probable; FB James Aldridge (shoulder), doubtful.
ES predicts Michigan State 23, ND 21. MVP of the game: Brett Swenson. Why? This will be a back and forth game, with the Spartans needing three clutch FGs from Swenson to come away with the victory. The ES isn't yet cashing in his chips on MSU, and he ain't sold on ND. MSU faces a more traditional offense, as does ND. Both these teams have many of the same players as last year, and enough talk out of MSU that the Spartans will be aggressive on defense. Expect the TEs on both teams to be involved: ND will combat the Spartan aggressiveness with RB screens and outlets to TEs. This means that Spartan LBs need to honest and tackle solid... which is their forte. ND wideout Michael Floyd had 15 stitches behind his knee... will that reduce his effectiveness? We shall see how the tall Spartan DBs stand up to the long ball. A good pass rush, and MSU will be fine because it will reduce pressure on all the others. This may mean blitzing is in order.
On offense, MSU needs to find a running game, and hopefully the return of Joel Nitchman and Mark Dell will lead to a more effecient MSU offense. Expect Kirk Cousins to see more playing time at QB... and better hands out of Spartan receivers when it matters (on 3rd down). MSU will involve their capable TEs after giving them a rest last week (and, subsequently, criticism for bad playcalling). I'm not convinced the Spartan running game will get any better this week even though the Irish are giving up boat loads of yards on the ground so far. But, it won't matter as much, because the game will turn into a defensive battle as the two teams dig in.
A concern is MSU not allowing long returns by ND kick returners: watch MSU make some adjustment to minimize this risk. MSU needs to reduce the stupid penalties and play aggressive. It will. MSU will be ready, and I'm getting the sense that MSU has the focus to get it done. This is the biggest test yet of the Dantonio era, and it can also be a defining test by showing Weis how to rally the troops and get it done.
Game Day Analysis on ND: USA Today, Bleacher Report (ND 34-23), Midwest Sports Fans (ND), NBC Sports (ND 30-24), Irish Sports Daily, UHND.com,
What do you think? What will be the game's biggest surprise? Comment Below -
Thursday, August 20, 2009
MSU to retain "Kicker U" crown in 2009
A bit of a closer look at the Spartan special teams shows why MSU this year will likely retain its crown as "Kicker U." Add in the strength of MSU's kick and punt coverage and you can see why MSU gets an "A" for its special teams entering 2009:
Brett Swenson hit several crucial field goals last year, including the game winner vs Wisconsin and crucial kicks in wins over Iowa and Notre Dame. He was 22-of-28 (79%), although just 1-of-3 beyond 50; and, three of his misses were immaterial in the dominating performance over Michigan. Still, his 6-of-7 beyond 40 was impressive. He's a first-team All Big Ten performer. Similarly, Aaron Bates is an all-conference punter, and should improve on his already good 42.0 average and 22-of-71 punts inside the 20 of a year ago. While JoePa may have "Linebacker U", Michigan State has "Kicker U" -- and Swenson and Bates continue Michigan State's tradition as the best school for kickers in college football history. MSU's return game took a year off and was average in 2008... but should be improved with the return of Glenn Winston to the roster, who was the Spartans' shining returner on kicks with a 23 yard return average.
MSU has been very strong in its kick and punt return coverage under Dantonio, allowing only one score on 177 punt and kick returns (a measly 0.5%) the past two years -- on a short punt return (38 yards) at that. MSU coverage allowed just 21.1 yards per kick return in 2007, and 21.4 yards per return in 2008.... for punt returns, MSU allowed 7.9 average in 2007, and 9.7 last year. While MSU can improve on its 34 punt net average, not giving up scores or long returns demonstrates the solid coaching in this area.
Brett Swenson hit several crucial field goals last year, including the game winner vs Wisconsin and crucial kicks in wins over Iowa and Notre Dame. He was 22-of-28 (79%), although just 1-of-3 beyond 50; and, three of his misses were immaterial in the dominating performance over Michigan. Still, his 6-of-7 beyond 40 was impressive. He's a first-team All Big Ten performer. Similarly, Aaron Bates is an all-conference punter, and should improve on his already good 42.0 average and 22-of-71 punts inside the 20 of a year ago. While JoePa may have "Linebacker U", Michigan State has "Kicker U" -- and Swenson and Bates continue Michigan State's tradition as the best school for kickers in college football history. MSU's return game took a year off and was average in 2008... but should be improved with the return of Glenn Winston to the roster, who was the Spartans' shining returner on kicks with a 23 yard return average.
MSU has been very strong in its kick and punt return coverage under Dantonio, allowing only one score on 177 punt and kick returns (a measly 0.5%) the past two years -- on a short punt return (38 yards) at that. MSU coverage allowed just 21.1 yards per kick return in 2007, and 21.4 yards per return in 2008.... for punt returns, MSU allowed 7.9 average in 2007, and 9.7 last year. While MSU can improve on its 34 punt net average, not giving up scores or long returns demonstrates the solid coaching in this area.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Spartan Media Day Notes - ES Nuggets
The Big Green is underway for fall camp; lots of song and dance, as is typical early. Good news, knock on wood - everyone is healthy, and there is good depth across the offense and defense. A few nuggets the ES found of interest.
Dantonio on RBs, QBs: "The next two weeks, three weeks will tell the difference, tell the story there. But if not, I'm okay with that. I don't think the quarterback situation is a problem. I think our quarterback situation is as strong as it's been since I've been here. We lack game experience, and that's a big deal. "
More from MD on RBs by committee: "But somebody has to come to the forefront there. Somebody has to emerge, and really when you look at it, it's going to be an opportunity probably for two guys to get 150-to-200 carries each or for three guys to get 100 carries each, but whatever the situation dictates, that will play itself out."
From offensive coordinator Don Treadwell, expect more balance: "one of the things we hope to utilize is more balance because we have more veteran players in the bigger picture overall. So we don't have to look at the running back position to carry the load per say. With returning veterans at receiver and tight end, that should do well for us."
This summer, Brett Swenson trained with the best kicker in football history (college and pro), Morten Andersen. He stated "my flexibility is much better and think I'm more efficient in getting to the ball."
Defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi on LB Greg Jones: "as good as a linebacker as I have coached in 20 years. He has everything. He has a nose for the ball which is probably the most important thing and he has great instincts."
D-line coach Ted Gill on Jerel Worthy: "We spotted Jerel a couple years ago in camp. He has a lot of athletic ability. He can dunk a basketball, and he can change direction very well."
D-lineman Oren Wilson: "I feel like we are underrated. I mean we have a lot to work on, and a lot to prove. We have a lot of depth at every position."
Andrew Hawken has switched to FB from linebacker.
MEET THE SPARTANS
Meet the Spartans is schedule for Aug 18 - all you kids can head on out to Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 5:45-7:15 p.m. at Meridian Mall in Okemos, Mich.
Dantonio on RBs, QBs: "The next two weeks, three weeks will tell the difference, tell the story there. But if not, I'm okay with that. I don't think the quarterback situation is a problem. I think our quarterback situation is as strong as it's been since I've been here. We lack game experience, and that's a big deal. "
More from MD on RBs by committee: "But somebody has to come to the forefront there. Somebody has to emerge, and really when you look at it, it's going to be an opportunity probably for two guys to get 150-to-200 carries each or for three guys to get 100 carries each, but whatever the situation dictates, that will play itself out."
From offensive coordinator Don Treadwell, expect more balance: "one of the things we hope to utilize is more balance because we have more veteran players in the bigger picture overall. So we don't have to look at the running back position to carry the load per say. With returning veterans at receiver and tight end, that should do well for us."
This summer, Brett Swenson trained with the best kicker in football history (college and pro), Morten Andersen. He stated "my flexibility is much better and think I'm more efficient in getting to the ball."
Defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi on LB Greg Jones: "as good as a linebacker as I have coached in 20 years. He has everything. He has a nose for the ball which is probably the most important thing and he has great instincts."
D-line coach Ted Gill on Jerel Worthy: "We spotted Jerel a couple years ago in camp. He has a lot of athletic ability. He can dunk a basketball, and he can change direction very well."
D-lineman Oren Wilson: "I feel like we are underrated. I mean we have a lot to work on, and a lot to prove. We have a lot of depth at every position."
Andrew Hawken has switched to FB from linebacker.
MEET THE SPARTANS
Meet the Spartans is schedule for Aug 18 - all you kids can head on out to Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 5:45-7:15 p.m. at Meridian Mall in Okemos, Mich.
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