MSN/FoxSports MSU football preview
You’ve probably seen this preview on CollegeFootballNews.com, but it’s now been posted under the MSN banner. Since I never posted it the first time, here goes:
OFFENSE - Basically … The offense had one shocking explosion against Florida last year and that was about it. This was, and is, a very young offense with a year of experience under its belt. The running game was the bread-and-butter thanks to RB Jerious Norwood, and he’ll be the featured star again working behind a good offensive line [huh?]…Omarr Conner, Jr. - Still figuring out the subtle nuances of the position at the collegiate level, Conner’s move from receiver was a bit rocky last year only throwing six touchdown passes with seven interceptions. While athletic, he didn’t provide as much of a rushing threat as he should’ve considering his excellent speed for the position. There are signs that things are turning around as he had a strong finishing kick to last season and an off-season to prepare himself to be more of a passer…Jerious Norwood, Sr. - It’s time to start hailing Norwood among the SEC’s best running backs after an 1,050-yard, seven touchdown season as the team’s only viable offensive threat… Tackle Brad Weathers, Jr. - Weathers is a 361-pound mauler who has to get healthy and in shape after injury problems the last two seasons.[huh? I don't know what Weathers is doing nowadays, but it's not playing football]
Other than some incorrect or overly optimistic comments on the offensive line, I think the preview is pretty close to dead on.
DEFENSE - Basically … This was a very, very, young defense last year as defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson experimented with several different position changes and moves to try to find the right fit. What he has now is a good looking young defense that’s growing into something that has the potential to be special. The problem is size in the linebacking corps as 234-pound Titus Brown is the only non-safety sized player…Expect this to grow into a seriously good line as the year goes on. There wasn’t much of a pass rush outside of Willie Evans and the run defense wasn’t always stout, but experience should change that with a starting front four with a ton of upside. The depth has been developed as well with Corey Clark more than good enough to challenge Andrew Powell and Deljuan Robinson for one of the starting tackle jobs and Rob Walker growing into a reliable end. If Michael Heard can get in the backfield more, this will be a tough line to stop.
And now that linebacker-sized player is a defensive end. Ellis is determined to get the quickest, best tacklers on the field, even if they’re undersized
4th and One × The Team that lost to Maine, or the One that beat Florida? × It was clear during games within the SEC that MSU was a step or two behind its conference foes in 2004. But, when Florida allowed the Bulldogs to keep it close, MSU broke through with a historic victory for their program. What’s become the staple of a Sly Croom coached team is that they’ll compete hard and play smart. Continue to do that, with the influx of the state’s high school talent, and SEC West success may not be too far away. Well, as long as Maine is not on the schedule.
I’ll be glad when we don’t have to hear about Maine anymore. A season without a marquee loss - whether by massive blowout or meltdown to a lesser opponent - would be a welcome change.
