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What a game last week, eh? We'll have to see if it carries over to this week, or if this is the typical "one game a year we shouldn't lose, but do" scenario we've experienced each year under Pelini. Why do I say that? Because this has all the makings of one of those games. On the road. Huge emotional win from last week. Yikes.
Game 9: Michigan State University Spartans
November 3rd, 2012 | 2:30 PM CT
Spartan Stadium | East Lansing, MI
Television: ABC/ESPN2
Announcers: Play-by-Play - Sean McDonough Color Commentator - Chris Spielman
Sideline Reporter - Quint Kessenich
Tickets from $5 (Yes friends...$5 bucks)
Michigan State Spartans Blog: The Only Colors
Michigan State Team Stats at CFBstats.com
ESPN College Football: Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Michigan State Spartans Preview
M Live: Michigan State: Nebraska Manhandled Us In Lincoln
Husker Mike's Pre-Season and Game Preview
Corn Nation: Spartan Defense. Not As Dangerous?
Last Week: Defeated Wisconsin Badgers 16 - 13
Michigan State Spartans Coaches and Personnel
Head Coach: Mark Dantonio, 6th Season. Record: 49 - 26, (Overall 67 - 43)
Offensive Coordinator: Dan Roushar
Defensive Coordinator: Pat Narduzzi
Both coordinators have been on staff as long as Dantonio has been head coach. They are and continue to be a great defensive unit under Narduzzi, although maybe not as good as last year. They run a pro-style offense and will look to lean on our DL and run it right at us.
Offensive Leaders:
QB - Andrew Maxwell, JR. Last Week: 24 - 39, 216 Yds, 2 TDs
This is usually the type of QBs that Pelini's defenses love to feast on...the immobile drop-back passer. He has been improving from week to week and showed that he can sling the ball around a little bit when he has to when they beat Wisconsin. He's gaining confidence, so hopefully the game plan is to get in his face often, disrupt, and generally abuse him.
RB - Le'Veon Bell, JR. Last Week: 21 carries, 77 yds.
You all know the story here. The real workhorse of their offense. They go as he goes. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he declares for the draft after the season, depending on where he's projected. He'll probably get between 25 - 30 carries in the game, and maybe 3 - 5 catches out of the backfield and in their screen game. Expect us to load the box early and often, leave our corners in man to man, and have safeties within 12 yards of the LOS. We'll sell out to stop Bell and make Maxwell prove he can beat us with his arm.
Defensive Leaders:
DE -William Gholston, JR. Last Week: 5 Tkls, 4 Solo, 1 Asst., 4.5 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 PBU.
Their star on defense. Although some Spartan fans say he hasn't been playing as well this year as last year. Doesn't matter. He's still someone we definitely have to account for as he is Jedi-like disruptive in his ways of using the force to blow plays up. Our tackles better be ready, or Martinez is going to have a long, long day.