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YSU Penguin Athletics => YSU Penguin Athletics => Topic started by: AFGuin on August 27, 2013, 01:25:26 PM
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I feel almost as confident we pull off the upset as i did vs Pitt, We like the pitt game, Matchup very well with MSU. They have a QB who sucks and the rest dont have experiance being that our secondary has been our weaklink this is great for us. We also kept up with them until the 4th the last time we played them, i think we should win by a TD or so
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What are you smoking? Is this fodder for the MSU board? They are picked to win their side of the B1G according to several analyists.
While they could be overlooking us becasue they play ND, I don't think Narduzzi will let the defense forget. Narduzzi hates YSU becasue they fired his dad to hire Tressel.
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Let's get Dayton out of the way before we look too far down the road. It has been unusually quiet out of Youngstown so it's hard to know what to expect. Some areas of the depth chart that was posted doesn't make much sense.
We may catch michigan state looking ahead towards ND, but they still have the #1 ranked defense in the
Big 10. Turnovers and injuries would be their downfall. That said: "on any given Saturday (or Thursday)"
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What are you smoking? Is this fodder for the MSU board? They are picked to win their side of the B1G according to several analyists.
While they could be overlooking us becasue they play ND, I don't think Narduzzi will let the defense forget. Narduzzi hates YSU becasue they fired his dad to hire Tressel.
What the hell are you smoking? MS isn't even going to be a .500 team this year
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One of the big shortcomings under Wolford has been the inability to focus on the opponent at hand. Need I remind anybody of the Missouri State fiasco of two seasons ago? We should worry about Michigan State at the appropriate time and not a second sooner.
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We should worry about Michigan State at the appropriate time and not a second sooner.
The thought of catching MSU looking ahead when that is exactly what we're doing. OK, so what is the update on Penguin injuries and the outlook for Dayton? I hear we should win by a comfortable margin but I haven't heard why. What should we look for Thursday?
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We should worry about Michigan State at the appropriate time and not a second sooner.
The thought of catching MSU looking ahead when that is exactly what we're doing. OK, so what is the update on Penguin injuries and the outlook for Dayton? I hear we should win by a comfortable margin but I haven't heard why. What should we look for Thursday?
Only guy out is Hymes, and Wolf said even that's precautionary. The team is ready to go
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What are you smoking? Is this fodder for the MSU board? They are picked to win their side of the B1G according to several analyists.
While they could be overlooking us becasue they play ND, I don't think Narduzzi will let the defense forget. Narduzzi hates YSU becasue they fired his dad to hire Tressel.
What the hell are you smoking? MS isn't even going to be a .500 team this year
Please don't take my comment to heart. I was just having fun with you since you are new. I like your thoughts, just don't think that it will be that easy. Dantonio is a great coach and coached here and he won't let them look past us, especially with Narduzzi there and the fact that losing that game could be career ending at MSU. Just don't see that happening.
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Lil brother's defense will be one of the better ones in the B1G, but their offense is very average especially with the loss of Leveon Bell. They just lost 2 starters on the offensive line. They do have big physical receivers, but Maxwell was just named the starter after battling to keep his job from last season. YSU will have to play flawless on offense and grind it out and try to wear down MSU's D. MSU will win by 21+
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Big bad MSU struggling with Western scUM ;D up 7-0 in the 2nd with about 8 minutes til half IIRC in a lighting delay
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7-7 3 minutes til halftime
Like i said, MSU has no offense
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13-7 MSU at Half.
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Welp about 5 minutes left in the game, MSU scored 2 TDs on both sides of the ball, but their D didnt look real impressive as WMU OL is terrible and slow
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Welp about 5 minutes left in the game, MSU scored 2 TDs on both sides of the ball, but their D didnt look real impressive as WMU OL is terrible and slow
Nothing spectacular, lets worry about Morehead first. This is a 12 game season. Our mediocre performance vs. Dayton does not need to define our season. God knows that Pitt win didn't define last season.
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Dantonio is one of the best coaches in college football. They have a fantastic defense. Dominant defense. The offense needs some worr but that is how he rolls. I don't see us having a chance. We can't even complete a pass against a PFL team at this point. The line is not playing well and they are inexperienced. This will spell doom for the O in the game.
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South Florida gave up 53 to an FCS school last week
Michigan State is only winning vs USF 7-6 at halftime today
if we dont beat MSU then this is going to be a bad year, they have a god awful team
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Yeah I watched a little of the game.... Not impressed at all
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What is the line on this game?
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Michigan State certainly had some issues on offense during the first two weeks. But let's not get carried away. They have better football players than we do, especially on defense. They will have 80,000 fans in the seats, and Delaney's Big Ten officials will not give us any 50-50 calls. Furthermore, we have no idea what we can or cannot do against a real team. Let's just hope for a competitive game. No stupid turnovers. If we are still there in the fourth quarter, pressure shifts entirely to them.
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Does anyone know if the game will be broadcast on a local station?
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Michigan State certainly had some issues on offense during the first two weeks. But let's not get carried away. They have better football players than we do, especially on defense. They will have 80,000 fans in the seats, and Delaney's Big Ten officials will not give us any 50-50 calls. Furthermore, we have no idea what we can or cannot do against a real team. Let's just hope for a competitive game. No stupid turnovers. If we are still there in the fourth quarter, pressure shifts entirely to them.
No one is getting carried away, MSU is a bottom feeder type team this year, if we cant beat them we aren't beating NDSU, NIU or any other hard teams we play this year
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Does anyone know if the game will be broadcast on a local station?
It's on the Big 10 Network if you get that
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Michigan State certainly had some issues on offense during the first two weeks. But let's not get carried away. They have better football players than we do, especially on defense. They will have 80,000 fans in the seats, and Delaney's Big Ten officials will not give us any 50-50 calls. Furthermore, we have no idea what we can or cannot do against a real team. Let's just hope for a competitive game. No stupid turnovers. If we are still there in the fourth quarter, pressure shifts entirely to them.
No one is getting carried away, MSU is a bottom feeder type team this year, if we cant beat them we aren't beating NDSU, NIU or any other hard teams we play this year
What are you talking about? They have a national championship defense with national championship special teams and an offense that is inept.
purdue and Iowa are bottom feeders.
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Sparty's defense has given up 100 yards total rushing in two games on 52 attempts.
They are fourth in the nation in sacks, 14th in scoring defense.
The defense has four touchdowns in two games.
If anyone thinks a loss to Sparty means that YSU is destined for failure in the MVFC, they are clueless.
The only reason YSU might have even a chance in this game is the ineptness of Sparty's offense.
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Michigan State certainly had some issues on offense during the first two weeks. But let's not get carried away. They have better football players than we do, especially on defense. They will have 80,000 fans in the seats, and Delaney's Big Ten officials will not give us any 50-50 calls. Furthermore, we have no idea what we can or cannot do against a real team. Let's just hope for a competitive game. No stupid turnovers. If we are still there in the fourth quarter, pressure shifts entirely to them.
No one is getting carried away, MSU is a bottom feeder type team this year, if we cant beat them we aren't beating NDSU, NIU or any other hard teams we play this year
What are you talking about? They have a national championship defense with national championship special teams and an offense that is inept.
purdue and Iowa are bottom feeders.
AFGuins knows everything about high school and college football. Do not question his vast knowledge.
As an aside, Ursuline faced MSU QB's Tyler O'Connor (Lima Central Catholic) and Damian Terry (Erie Cathedral Prep) in the past 3 seasons. Although both are very talented, Damian Terry completely ate apart Ursuline's defense last year and was one of the best quarterbacks I've seen in person yet. He did not play last week due to an illness, but Dantonio expects that he may play.
He has that IT factor that the MSU offense has not seen this year and I would argue last year. He is mobile and has a rocket for an arm. Only thing that we have going for us is this will be his first college football game. Our defense best be ready.
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Michigan State certainly had some issues on offense during the first two weeks. But let's not get carried away. They have better football players than we do, especially on defense. They will have 80,000 fans in the seats, and Delaney's Big Ten officials will not give us any 50-50 calls. Furthermore, we have no idea what we can or cannot do against a real team. Let's just hope for a competitive game. No stupid turnovers. If we are still there in the fourth quarter, pressure shifts entirely to them.
No one is getting carried away, MSU is a bottom feeder type team this year, if we cant beat them we aren't beating NDSU, NIU or any other hard teams we play this year
What are you talking about? They have a national championship defense with national championship special teams and an offense that is inept.
purdue and Iowa are bottom feeders.
They dont have anything close to national championship defense or ST. They will not finish above .500. they are a putrid, putrid team.
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Michigan State certainly had some issues on offense during the first two weeks. But let's not get carried away. They have better football players than we do, especially on defense. They will have 80,000 fans in the seats, and Delaney's Big Ten officials will not give us any 50-50 calls. Furthermore, we have no idea what we can or cannot do against a real team. Let's just hope for a competitive game. No stupid turnovers. If we are still there in the fourth quarter, pressure shifts entirely to them.
No one is getting carried away, MSU is a bottom feeder type team this year, if we cant beat them we aren't beating NDSU, NIU or any other hard teams we play this year
What are you talking about? They have a national championship defense with national championship special teams and an offense that is inept.
purdue and Iowa are bottom feeders.
AFGuins knows everything about high school and college football. Do not question his vast knowledge.
Damn right skippy and dont you EVER forget it, understood?
As an aside, Ursuline faced MSU QB's Tyler O'Connor (Lima Central Catholic) and Damian Terry (Erie Cathedral Prep) in the past 3 seasons. Although both are very talented, Damian Terry completely ate apart Ursuline's defense last year and was one of the best quarterbacks I've seen in person yet. He did not play last week due to an illness, but Dantonio expects that he may play.
He has that IT factor that the MSU offense has not seen this year and I would argue last year. He is mobile and has a rocket for an arm. Only thing that we have going for us is this will be his first college football game. Our defense best be ready.
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Sparty's defense has given up 100 yards total rushing in two games on 52 attempts.
They are fourth in the nation in sacks, 14th in scoring defense.
The defense has four touchdowns in two games.
If anyone thinks a loss to Sparty means that YSU is destined for failure in the MVFC, they are clueless.
The only reason YSU might have even a chance in this game is the ineptness of Sparty's offense.
and they've played WMU and USF. YAAAAAAAAWNNNNNNNNNNNNN.
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Sparty's defense has given up 100 yards total rushing in two games on 52 attempts.
They are fourth in the nation in sacks, 14th in scoring defense.
The defense has four touchdowns in two games.
If anyone thinks a loss to Sparty means that YSU is destined for failure in the MVFC, they are clueless.
The only reason YSU might have even a chance in this game is the ineptness of Sparty's offense.
and they've played WMU and USF. YAAAAAAAAWNNNNNNNNNNNNN.
I am beginning to think youe are thick in the head or a fan that is delusional. They have more scholarships and more athletes than we do. They are a slow starting offense just as tOSU was under tressel. MSU is not as good as tOSU was, but we will have great difficulty moving the ball on that defense. We have a shot if we can keep the game close. One thing you need to remember is that when we play good defenses Hess tends to struggle in the passing game. Most of our WR's will be overmatched with their DB's. MSu has proven they can score and win football ga$es with their defense. Their special teams will keep the field long for us.
If we don't turn the ball over and if we can find some success running and passing we have a chance to keep it close enough to have a shot in the 4th qtr. That is as long as our defense can contain them.
You are coming off as if WMu and USF are cupcakes. Boith of them played MSU tough. But the better athletes pulled away in the end. We will certainly have our hands full. This will not be like the Pitt game. Pitt let our receivers and TE's free in the secondary. You won't see that against MSU. We will have to earn evertything. There will be no gifts. Also would like to point out the youth of our OL and DL this will nake it even more difficult.
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Power, excellent points. By the way, does anyone else think that our new friend, AFGuins, is actually a high school student? Could you comprehend a former YSU player calling a Big Ten team "putrid?" Would a former YSU player fail to know the correct abbreviation for Northern Iowa? Wait for the name-calling directed at me for offering this hypothesis. It will be another demonstration of failing to act like a grown-up.
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Guess that means we won't be playing Northern Illinois this year--oh well we will have our hands full Southern Illinois and maybe even Western Illinois. :(
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Now that we have beaten that dead horse, lets get back on track.
This will be a very tough game for the Penguins.
Not much if anything will be in their favor. Outcome depends on performance.
Hope to be in E. Lansing on Saturday
With that said, "LETS GO GUINS!"
Back to you in the booth
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What does everyone think about #1? Childs could not keep up last week. The Spartans are going to exploit that something fierce Morehead also averaged just over 4ypc and over 300 yards of offense.
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What does everyone think about #1? Childs could not keep up last week. The Spartans are going to exploit that something fierce Morehead also averaged just over 4ypc and over 300 yards of offense.
He got beat on one play? And it's easy to rack up 400 yards of offense when all YSU did was play base defense all day. They scored 2 TD's the whole game. Relax, Childs is our best corner
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What does everyone think about #1? Childs could not keep up last week. The Spartans are going to exploit that something fierce Morehead also averaged just over 4ypc and over 300 yards of offense.
I saw that and I will say a few things:
1. It was a perfect pass becuase it was like a fade in the corner.
2. Childs should have disrupted his timing at the LOS but he didn't.
3. The pass rush was not fast enough on that play.
I will say that we do need to be concerned about picking up the back out of the backfield. We have been burned twice on plays where the QB throws to the RB or FB releasing out of the backfield. That is what we need to be concerned about and get it corrected.
You are allowed to hit the receiver within the first 5 yards of the LOS (unless the rules have changed). I say hit them and mess up the timing routes. That is old school defense.
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I saw the press conference and I agree with the coach on why he ran the 2 point conversion. That is exactly what I was talking about last week. Not htat the coach proably cares, but I am happy he is making MSU prepare for a 2 point conversion among many other plays.
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Wick I was thinking the same thing, but really wondering if it is a visit from our old friend Pally????? Makes you think......Dan I would keep my eyes open, you never know.
GOOOOOOO GUINS!!!!!!!!!!
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Michigan State has opened as a 26 1/2 point favorite
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Michigan State has opened as a 26 1/2 point favorite
I would take that. They have proven they can score with defense. I dont think they will cover.
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Hell has frozen over. Paladin, who stated we didn't have a chance at the playoffs this year, has picked YSU to upset MSU:
(http://i.imgur.com/caVqgLR.jpg)
And folks, there are a lot of fans picking YSU across the nation. We caught MSU at the right time.
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Hell has frozen over. Paladin, who stated we didn't have a chance at the playoffs this year, has picked YSU to upset MSU:
And folks, there are a lot of fans picking YSU across the nation. We caught MSU at the right time.
I hope you are right Valley...the tail end of our schedule is brutal and a big win here can help carry us in voters minds if we stumble.
Keep in mind MSU had a couple softy games too...maybe they are playing it close to the vest as well. Maybe they will continue to do so and blow it while looking ahead to ND.
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We are goignt o have a lot of trouble moving the ball on them. With the struggles that Hess has against good defenses, I am concerned. MSU is running a spread O this year with read option etc. MSU defense has practiced against the spread. The last time we played them, they had not defended the spread and afterward the kids asked the coaches to teach them how to defend the spread.
This is a toss up to me. We will have a lot of trouble with at least two of their D Linemen (High Round NFL picks) and their secondary is superb. If we can't run and we are forced to pass we could turn it over and then......we won't win. If I had a crystal ball and could see how well we could move the ball, then I would feel better about the game. Becuase this is game #3 for both teams, the rust should be shaken off and both teams should be reachign mid season form that is also a concern. If this was the first game, it would be easier.
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Detroit Free Press article
http://www.freep.com/article/20130910/SPORTS07/309100032/michigan-state-spartans-youngstown-state (http://www.freep.com/article/20130910/SPORTS07/309100032/michigan-state-spartans-youngstown-state)
By Joe Rexrode
Detroit Free Press Sports Writer
EAST LANSING — Youngstown State looked like one of the easiest games on Michigan State’s schedule just a couple of weeks ago. But now? For one thing, there are no easy games for the Spartans, not with two offensive touchdowns in two games.
For another, the Football Championship Subdivision Penguins are 2-0 and gained 718 yards — 359 rushing and 359 passing — in a 67-13 win Saturday over Morehead State. If they can find a way to surprise MSU’s defense with big plays Saturday at Spartan Stadium (2 p.m., Big Ten Network), this game could be more interesting than it was supposed to be when scheduled.
Youngstown State, the former employer of MSU coach Mark Dantonio, will try to beat a Big Ten team for the first time in six tries. Last season, the Penguins got their first win over a Football Bowl Subdivision team, Pittsburgh, and two years ago hung with MSU into the fourth quarter in an eventual 28-6 loss.
“It’s obviously a big football game,” YSU coach Eric Wolford told the Youngstown (Ohio) Vindicator after Saturday’s game. “It’s a Big Ten team; they’re nationally ranked, and they’re well-coached. We went up there and played two years ago, and it’s a great environment, a fun place to play. You’re in the wrong business if you don’t get excited to play Michigan State.”
YSU quarterback Kurt Hess told the Vindicator he started thinking about the Spartans “in the locker room” after Saturday’s game.
The Penguins may sense vulnerability, considering MSU beat Western Michigan, 26-13 — after which the Broncos lost to FCS team Nicholls State. A week before MSU beat South Florida, 21-6, the Bulls lost, 53-21, to FCS team McNeese State.
Then again, Morehead State is a non-scholarship team that lost to Pikeville of the NAIA in its opener. And the Penguins beat non-scholarship FCS team Dayton, 28-10, in their opener — then spent a week answering questions about their struggling offense.
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Professional bookmakers, who have no loyalty whatsoever beyond their bank accounts, think that Michigan State will win by 26.5 points. And yet FCS fans, ours and others, are actually picking us to win this game. This is getting really crazy. NDSU has a great defense. Can we all agree on that? Well, Michigan State has a better defense....much better. This will be a gigantic challenge. What pains me is that if Michigan State drubs us, a distinct possibility, uninformed FCS fans will now make us an object of ridicule. No such stigma gets attached to James Madison, who could not even defeat a bad Akron team.
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Professional bookmakers, who have no loyalty whatsoever beyond their bank accounts, think that Michigan State will win by 26.5 points. And yet FCS fans, ours and others, are actually picking us to win this game. This is getting really crazy. NDSU has a great defense. Can we all agree on that? Well, Michigan State has a better defense....much better. This will be a gigantic challenge. What pains me is that if Michigan State drubs us, a distinct possibility, uninformed FCS fans will now make us an object of ridicule. No such stigma gets attached to James Madison, who could not even defeat a bad Akron team.
Excellent Post Wick. You are dead on the money here. I couldn't agree more.
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Professional bookmakers, who have no loyalty whatsoever beyond their bank accounts, think that Michigan State will win by 26.5 points. And yet FCS fans, ours and others, are actually picking us to win this game. This is getting really crazy. NDSU has a great defense. Can we all agree on that? Well, Michigan State has a better defense....much better. This will be a gigantic challenge. What pains me is that if Michigan State drubs us, a distinct possibility, uninformed FCS fans will now make us an object of ridicule. No such stigma gets attached to James Madison, who could not even defeat a bad Akron team.
Excellent Post Wick. You are dead on the money here. I couldn't agree more.
Let me guess Wick...AGS boards?
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Dantonio has named sophomore Cook as the starting quarterback with true freshman Terry slated in at #2
http://statenews.com/article/2013/09/cook-named-starter-terry-slated-as-backup-against-youngstown-state (http://statenews.com/article/2013/09/cook-named-starter-terry-slated-as-backup-against-youngstown-state)
Head football coach Mark Dantonio announced at his press conference today that sophomore Connor Cook will enter practice this week as the starting quarterback, while true freshman Damion Terry will prepare as the backup for MSU’s week three matchup against Youngstown State.
Cook got the first start of his career last week against South Florida, and finished six-for-11 through the air with 32 yards while splitting time with redshirt freshman Tyler O’Connor and senior Andrew Maxwell. Terry was withheld against the Bulls with a thumb injury and illness.
Dantonio said Terry will begin the week as the No. 2 man and he will evaluate whether the true freshman can handle the responsibilities throughout the week of practice. He said Tuesday he doesn’t want to burn Terry’s redshirt just to see him play one game, and that Terry won’t play if he’s unprepared.
Terry arrived this summer as a heralded four-star dual-threat quarterback prospect after a decorated senior season at Erie Cathedral Prep in Erie, Pa. Chants of “We want Terry,” have emerged from the student section in two home games so far this season.
In MSU’s second closed scrimmage of fall camp, Terry threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 40 more against what was said to be primarily first-team defenders. according to a release from the athletics department
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Wick is exactly right. Get used to seeing alot of Nick Liste. He'll be the most important Penguin on the field Saturday. Without a special teams or defensive score, 14-17 points would be cause for celebration. We'll give up more than that. And the line is up to 27. Early $ on MSU. If you really think we're going to win, I suggest a flight to Vegas and play YSU to win straight up as MSU is 5600 to 1 favorite with no line. You can fly back first class!!
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Good point IP. My son-in-law is an OSU grad and big fan. He went to his fist Penguin game against UD and he said that List is better than any punter in the big-10 (at least what he saw that game). List is really "booming" them this year, with good drops. If this continues ...he will be getting a pro try-out.
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So much are we getting paid for this game??
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I have a stupid and unrelated question, but how does the board choose to make an new page? Is it by number of posts or is it by amount of info? There doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason.
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$650,000 Second largest Big 10 payday this year - only the OSU - FAMU game pays more.
http://www.foxsportswest.com/mobile/story/big-ten-to-pay-just-under-5-million-to-f?blockID=918507&tagID=12114 (http://www.foxsportswest.com/mobile/story/big-ten-to-pay-just-under-5-million-to-f?blockID=918507&tagID=12114)
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I have a stupid and unrelated question, but how does the board choose to make an new page? Is it by number of posts or is it by amount of info? There doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason.
number of posts ...15.
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Fans on the MSU message boards are thinking that MSU will score 3-4 offensive TD's against our defense and get a defensive TD as well. they do not think that we will score more than 3 points on thier defense.
If you go to youtube.com and search for Michigan State Athletics it will take you to a page showing a practice interview with players. They have lots of Ohio players on the team and the players said they are not taking YSU lightly, that we are a program on the rise competing for conference championships. The Ohio players were also saying that YSU football is a big deal and very important to the area and that YSU does not care who their lining up agianst they are going to bring it. See if the link works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oraLyCLqp9E&feature=c4-overview&list=UUWBSBTSrUk_pym0Q42PA4Mw
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Michigan State blog does 5 questions with Joe Scalzo:
http://www.theonlycolors.com/2013/9/11/4717590/michigan-state-football-game-week-q-a-youngstown-state (http://www.theonlycolors.com/2013/9/11/4717590/michigan-state-football-game-week-q-a-youngstown-state)
This week, MSU hosts Youngstown State. Beat reporter Joe Scalzo from The Youngstown Vindicator was kind enough to answer some questions about the Penguins.
1. There have been many FCS upsets of FBS teams this season. Is that something that gives the Penguins some more motivation or confidence for this Saturday?
I think they gain confidence from the fact that they were competitive against Michigan State two years ago, then beat Pitt last year. And I'm sure YSU's coaches will draw attention to the fact that Jim Delany compared FCS schools to junior varsity teams last week. On a deeper level, I think every FCS player believes he's good enough to play at the FBS level and wants to prove it. This game means significantly more to FCS players, YSU's included.
2. Offensively, YSU has put up some impressive numbers. What should MSU expect to see in terms of style, and who are some playmakers?
YSU leads the FCS in rushing right now (363.0 yards per game), although some of that was due to the level of competition. (The Penguins played two non-scholarship FCS teams.) Still, Eric Wolford loves to run the ball to set up play-action. YSU's offense has been the strength of the team in his four seasons but it's more of a grind-it-out, control-the-clock approach. Other than WR Andre Stubbs (who is also a running threat), there's not a lot of explosive playmakers. But when QB Kurt Hess is playing well, he makes good decisions and keeps the chains moving.
3. On the other side of the ball, it hasn't taken much to stop this MSU offense. How has Youngstown State's defense looked, and who are some key players?
YSU's defense has been a weakness in recent years but it's looked a lot faster this season. One player to watch is junior linebacker Travis Williams, who is a three-year starter who transferred from the University of Miami (Fla.). He's got NFL talent. The secondary is a little suspect, but, like you said, Michigan State hasn't exactly been lighting up the scoreboard.
4. What are three keys to victory for the Penguins?
The first key is turnovers. When YSU went through a four-game losing streak last year, it had a bundle of turnovers in three of those games. Turnovers always matter, but they matter more when the other team has a lot more talent.The second key is running the ball. Hess has been a little shaky at times over the past two seasons and he's not usually someone who can win the game by himself.Third? The Penguins need a little luck. Maybe get a couple turnovers or some lucky bounces.
5. Do you have a score prediction?
I think Michigan State will win 28-13. Because Narduzzi's dad coached at YSU (and was fired just before the Penguins hired Jim Tressel), and because Dantonio has YSU ties, they're not going to look past YSU, especially after all the FCS upsets this season. But I think the Penguins can keep it close, in part because the Spartans don't look like they're going to be blowing anyone out this year.
Thanks again to Joe for answering some questions. Check out Vindy.com for Youngstown State coverage
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Line down to MSU -24 Big $ on YSU!!!! Must be Paladin spending his millions!!
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Paladin's Pigskin Pick this week is YSU, 24-21. There are 3 reasons why. #1 is the kick game -- if Liste booms them and keeps MSU's O in a long field, our D should contain much of the nation's WORST Passing O( by stats) and if he can place short kicks into the corner so they have to go 80-90+yds, YSU 's D has an advantage. #2 -- YSU's D should handle a poor passing team and stop what is now a one dimensional run game by MSU . Spartans have played two poor teams so far and struggled to beat both. YSU will be the best team they have played so far. Young MSU QBs will get blitzed and pressured. I look for some turnovers to help the Guins. #3 -- YSU's O, which hasn't shown many plays in two easy wins so far will be released with a wealth of running backs, a bevy of talented WRs and a record setting QB. If there is a weak link here, it is in an untested OL who have some players I see as "shakey". So, the view is if YSU can keep MSU's O in a long field situation, their D should hold and maybe force some turn-overs. If MSU is held and turns the ball over to YSU in short field situations, YSU will score on the Spartans by the run, the pass and kicking. This won't be a domination like Pitt was, but should be a game YSU is in all the way with a shot to win even at the end. If YSU is put in long field situations , they will struggle against a good MSU D and not have much chance to win. While the Spartans remain the favorites, if the above scenario takes place, an upset is in the cards.
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I hope that I am absolutely wrong and that Paladin and our rude new friend are correct. I am just not seeing it. True, MSU struggled on offense for two weeks. That just makes them more dangerous against their third opponent with inferior talent. Do you really believe that our inexperienced d-line can "handle" their offensive front? Do you think that our much-maligned defensive backs can shut down their wide receivers? Most importantly, do you feel that our also inexperienced o-line can block their front seven? Again, I would be absolutely delighted if I am dead wrong.
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I hope that I am absolutely wrong and that Paladin and our rude new friend are correct. I am just not seeing it. True, MSU struggled on offense for two weeks. That just makes them more dangerous against their third opponent with inferior talent. Do you really believe that our inexperienced d-line can "handle" their offensive front? Do you think that our much-maligned defensive backs can shut down their wide receivers? Most importantly, do you feel that our also inexperienced o-line can block their front seven? Again, I would be absolutely delighted if I am dead wrong.
I'm with Wick...although I also hope the ghost of paladin is right. We can win if all the breaks go our way but it still boils down to Big10 recruits vs. FCS recruits.
If their O struggles and the fans get on them maybe we have a shot. Hess must be accurate and get rid of the ball quickly if he can do that we have a punchers chance.
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I believe Hess has to come out throwing. Get the ball in Stubbs hands, get him in space. Coming out and trying to run against this D early will not work. If YSU can't score, at least pin the Spartans deep like Paladin said and make that offense go 80 yards.
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I hope that I am absolutely wrong and that Paladin and our rude new friend are correct. I am just not seeing it. True, MSU struggled on offense for two weeks. That just makes them more dangerous against their third opponent with inferior talent. Do you really believe that our inexperienced d-line can "handle" their offensive front? Do you think that our much-maligned defensive backs can shut down their wide receivers? Most importantly, do you feel that our also inexperienced o-line can block their front seven? Again, I would be absolutely delighted if I am dead wrong.
I'm with Wick...although I also hope the ghost of paladin is right. We can win if all the breaks go our way but it still boils down to Big10 recruits vs. FCS recruits.
If their O struggles and the fans get on them maybe we have a shot. Hess must be accurate and get rid of the ball quickly if he can do that we have a punchers chance.
I like your thinking. Quick passes will work. Just remember that will shoot our running game, as it brings in the secondary and LB's. Live by the pass ...die by the pass.
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From the Lansing State Journal
http://db.lsj.com/blogswp/spartanshadows/football-championship-subdivision-schools-making-noise/ (http://db.lsj.com/blogswp/spartanshadows/football-championship-subdivision-schools-making-noise/)
EAST LANSING — Schools from the Football Championship Subdivision are on the rise.
Through the first two weeks of the college football season, those lower-tier schools have had success knocking off teams from the Football Bowl Subdivision. A total of 11 upsets have taken place this year, most notably North Dakota State’s win over Kansas State.
This week, Michigan State (2-0) will try to not be the latest FBS school to fall victim to an FCS team when it hosts Youngstown State (2-0) at 2 p.m. Saturday (Big Ten Network).
“Those teams come to play,” MSU captain and senior linebacker Max Bullough said. “(No matter) what level they are, those guys are all football players and they’re all practicing and they all want to win too. They guys come to play and you can play with anyone when you have that attitude.”
Youngstown State pulled off one of those FCS-FBS upsets last season when it knocked off Pittsburgh on the road. That was the first victory for the Penguins over a school from a BCS conference. And in 2011, they stayed competitive with MSU for a good portion of the contest before the Spartans pulled away.
Youngstown State coach Eric Wolford believes one of the main reasons the gap is closing between the top tiers of college football is because of the accelerated pace of recruiting in the FBS. Wolford, who has spent time on coaching staff sat Illinois, South Carolina and Arizona, knows the pressure and challenges of making quick recruiting decisions on prospects based off sophomore and junior film at FBS schools.
“At our (FCS) level we’re kind of taking guys that have good senior years and are maybe more developed,” Wolford said during the Missouri Valley weekly teleconference Tuesday. “I think a lot of recruiting mistakes are being made. You see kids committing all the time as sophomores and juniors, and they really haven’t fulfilled their potential yet and you really don’t even know what the finished product is. There’s a lot of pressure in the recruiting market to sign a bunch of guys with a lot of ratings and that type of thing.
“Maybe some of those guys are guys that developed early and they didn’t continue to develop when they were 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21. I think that’s the advantage we have (in the FCS).”
MSU quarterbacks coach Brad Salem agrees with Wolford’s assessment about early commitments at the FBS level allowing FCS schools to land the late bloomers.
“There’s a lot of seniors out there that are 6-3, 240 (pounds) as a junior and not big enough, and then all of the sudden they go (and get bigger),” Salem said. “I think that’s a factor and obviously they’re getting kids that they see visually and see proof as seniors. But there’s a lot of very good teams out there at the FCS.”
Coaching is also helping FCS teams gain ground and Wolford’s staff at Youngstown State includes many that have been at FBS schools. Wolford, who is in his fourth season at YSU, said FCS teams have to do things schematically to hang against FBS schools and pull off upsets.
“I know they have more scholarships than we do but you’re still only allowed to play with 11,” Wolford said. “You’ve got to trust the fact that you’re doing a better job developing your players and you’ve got to do things schematically where you’re not wearing your players out. You have to do things schematically so that way you’re not having to tap into that depth. It’s pretty fair to say that their No. 2s and 3s are probably better than ours for the most part across the board.”
That coaching has been especially strong in Youngstown State’s conference – the Missouri Valley. Schools from that conference have made noise this season with North Dakota State’s upset of Kansas State, Northern Iowa knocking off Iowa State and Southern Illinois giving Illinois a major scare. Several teams from the Missouri Valley are in the top 25 of the FCS polls, led by two-time defending national champion and top-ranked North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Northern Iowa, Illinois State and Youngstown State.
North Dakota State coach Craig Bohl believes the FCS increasing success against the FBS should be a reason for more cross-divisional games being scheduled, even though Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany has urged schools from his conference to no longer schedule non-FBS teams.
“(The FCS success is) a case in point that college football needs to be more inclusive instead of exclusive,” Bohl said. “The men who are really coaching the game understand how important it is and to continue cross-divisional games like this. I think the proof is in the pudding. Certainly you’re going to see some lopsided scores occasionally, but you’re seeing more and more upsets.”
But those upsets are making it more difficult for FBS schools to want to schedule teams from the lower tier. The FBS schools are more apprehensive about paying a lot of money for a game against an FCS team that no longer is a guaranteed victory.
“I know several years ago we beat Central Michigan and now we can’t even get a MAC school to return a call,” Bohl said. “There’s certainly other FBS schools that are more open. It’s important that we have more inclusion. The games between FCS and FBS are real important for our game.”
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mlive.com preview and prediction
http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2013/09/matchup_youngstown_state_a_mor.html (http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2013/09/matchup_youngstown_state_a_mor.html)
EAST LANSING — The red flags are abundant, and the alarm bells should be sounding.
After two Saturdays of storms posing the largest threat in Spartan Stadium, a well-coached FCS school from Ohio poses the biggest threat of ruining the day for Michigan State fans this Saturday.
It's Youngstown State -- a four-time FCS national champion that's on its way back up, with an arguably more accomplished coaching staff than Michigan State boasts and hungry, talented players with something to prove.
The Spartans have a championship defense, but the Penguins will be more equipped to handle that at quarterback than any previous opponent, bringing a three-year starter and the school's first-ever three year team captain to battle.
Michigan State, meanwhile, still has four different quarterbacks scrambling for the starting job -- including a true freshman in Damion Terry who may or may not see his first playing time.
Here's a position-by-position breakdown:
QUARTERBACK
Youngstown State: Kurt Hess -- a 6-3, 230 three-year starter and captain -- might be the best QB in the game. Hess operates out of the pocket, but he has some mobility, having only been sacked 30 times in 35 career starts.
Michigan State: Connor Cook has the arm strength and mobility Michigan State coaches love, but freshman Damion Terry might steal the show as he's reputed to have a more accurate arm and even better running skills. Andrew Maxwell is a steady hand who may be called upon.
EDGE: Youngstown State
RUNNING BACK
Youngstown State: The Penguins go by committee. Senior Torrian Pace is a power back while freshmen Martin Ruiz and Jody Webb are freshmen burners who both went over 100 yards last week. Adaris Bellamy missed last week with an ankle and might be the best of the bunch.
Michigan State: The Spartans are content with the three-headed monster of Jeremy Langford, Riley Bullough and Nick Hill. It's mildly surprising Delton Williams couldn't crack the rotation, because none of the three has exhibited elevated play to this point.
EDGE: Even
WIDE RECEIVER
Youngstown State: Christian Bryan is a 3-year starter, whose first game was against Michigan State two years ago. Michael Wheary has also emerged. Andre Stubbs is a small but very quick target. Marcel Caver (6-3) and Andrew Williams (6-4) were prep basketball stars who can go up and get the ball. Tight ends are solid but have not factored heavily into pass game.
Michigan State: Macgarrett Kings Jr. looks to be a reliable target, but Aaron Burbridge has lacked focus and is off to a disappointing start. True freshman R.J. Shelton has earned more time. Bennie Fowler is still in the mix, and Tony Lippett is supposedly going to get another chance. Keith Mumphery appears injured. DeAnthony Arnett was once again left off the depth chart. Tight ends have disappointed.
EDGE: Youngstown State
OFFENSIVE LINE
Youngstown State: Senior center Chris Elkins (6-4, 300) is a preseason All-American. RT Andrew Sinko (6-4, 295) is a senior first-year starter, RG Brock Eisenhuth (6-5, 315) is a redshirt freshman, LG Fred Herdman (6-4, 290) is a senior first-year starter and LT Kyle Bryant (6-7, 320) is a Detroit high school product who transferred from Bowling Green.
Michigan State: Jack Allen, a freshman All-American, might be back at RG. If so, Jack Conklin will be back at LT, where he is more effective. Senior Fou Fonoti is still getting in shape and hasn't been able to handle a full game at RT. Center Travis Jackson and LG Blake Treadwell have been adequate.
EDGE: Even
DEFENSIVE LINE
Youngstown State: DE Terrell Williams is an agile 255-pounder, while senior Kyle Sirl (6-3, 260) has been solid. Sophomore DT Emmanuel Kromah (6-2, 280) might be the soft spot. NTs Octavius Brown (6-0, 305) and D.J. Moss (5-11, 290) might be hard to move.
Michigan State: DE Shilique Calhoun has scored three TDs but been run on. Marcus Rush is fighting to keep the starting job over Denzel Drone at the other end. Tyler Hoover is off to a strong start at DT, while Micajah Reynolds has been adequate at NT.
EDGE: Michigan State
LINEBACKERS
Youngstown State: A Penguins strength. Teven Williams is a three-year starter at MLB, while Travis Williams is a three-year starter at WLB. Dom Rich is a senior captain at SLB who is a second-year starter. A very active, aggressive group.
Michigan State: The heart of the Spartans football team, led by senior MLB Max Bullough. Senior SLB Denicos Allen has been a catalyst for turnovers. The WLB is split between Taiwan Jones and pass defense specialist Jairus Jones.
EDGE: Michigan State
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Youngstown State: Solid cornerbacks with Julius Childs and DeVon McKoy, and a hard-hitting team captain at strong safety with Donald D'Alesio. The weak link could be redshirt freshman Jameel Smith at free safety.
Michigan State: Trae Waynes has stolen the show at cornerback, as preseason All-American Darqueze Dennard is off to a slow start by his high standards. Kurtis Drummond has been a highlight reel at free safety, while Isaiah Lewis has provided steady play at strong safety.
EDGE: Michigan State
SPECIAL TEAMS
Youngstown State: Punter Nick Liste is off to a great starter, booming 64- and 62-yard punts in the opener and a 59-yarder last week. Kicker Joey Cejudo is a JC transfer who connected on a 37-yarder last week and has 50-yard range. Stubbs has been an efficient return man.
Michigan State: Punter Mike Sadler is the big star, with 10 punts inside opponents' 20. Kevin Muma missed a 25-yard field goal. Neither kick nor punt return has made a positive impact play, though Andre Sims did have a costly fumble last week.
EDGE: Youngstown State
COACHING
Youngstown State: Penguins HC Eric Wolford and two of his YSU assistants were on Illinois' 2008 Rose Bowl staff, and assistant head coach Mark Mangino was national head coach of the year in 2007 and was Oklahoma's offensive coordinator when the Sooners won the 2000 national title.
Michigan State: Mark Dantonio is off to the best six-year start for a head coach in Michigan State's history, and DC Pat Narduzzi has become one of the more coveted assistant coaches in the nation. Co-OCs Dave Warner and Jim Bollman have been strapped by the great QB debate, and it has kept the offensive staff from operating with any rhythm.
EDGE: Even
PREDICTION
Michigan State 20, Youngstown State 10
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Spartan Nation is picking an extremely close game much less than the spread:
http://www.freep.com/article/20130913/SPORTS07/309130076/michigan-state-football-akron-youngstown-state-predictions
(http://i.imgur.com/NLOslTr.jpg)
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$650,000 Second largest Big 10 payday this year - only the OSU - FAMU game pays more.
http://www.foxsportswest.com/mobile/story/big-ten-to-pay-just-under-5-million-to-f?blockID=918507&tagID=12114 (http://www.foxsportswest.com/mobile/story/big-ten-to-pay-just-under-5-million-to-f?blockID=918507&tagID=12114)
Darren Rovell tweeting that Akron gets $900k at the Big House from Michigan this week and Western Illinois getting $375k from Minnesota.
So I guess the earlier Fox Story about only payout larger than the YSU-MSU payout was incorrect.
Also Toledo paying $325k to Eastern Washington. I am thinking that is kind of high for a MAC team to pay out - wonder if this was a late add? And is it a chance for a FCS win?
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Game day!!! Let's go baby