[NU Sports] MSU: First quarter ...

[SjT (Stephen J. Truog)]

Random thoughts in chronological order ...

- Dang that was fast -- looks like Coach Smith, unlike
Coach Alvarez, actually scouted our defense and came
out throwing. 7-0 MSU.

- STUPID PENALTIES! They killed our O on that first
drive (though the key call on Sutton on 3rd down
looked suspect - he seemed to be moving lateral).
Looks like we're fighting the zebras and mental
mistakes today.

- Hey, a 3rd down stop! And a missed FG -- dodged a
big bullet there.

- And they're booing already in East Lansing -- I tell
ya, there's something about the forest green (think:
Eagles fans). I remember a game there in the late 90s
when we were down 3 or 4 scores at half and they booed
Saban because he took a knee with 10 seconds left in
the half instead of hurling an 80 pass to try for
another score. BRUTAL!

- Looks like Herbert came to play today - that's a
good sign.

- Hmm, we're #4 in total offense (MSU is #3) and two
of the teams that got to face our defense (ASU and
NIU) are #5 and #6. Draw your own conclusions.:)

- That late hit penalty helps avoid a 3rd and 10.
Thanks Sparty. Close call though - looks like the refs
are whistle-happy on each side. Uh-oh.

- Looks like Walker scouted the MSU defense as well
and we're throwing downfield. Go Herbert!

- Seems like MSU's scorekeeper is feeling generous -
giving Sutton six before it was signaled a TD. Better
watch this guy - MSU doesn't have the best history
with  scoreboards and time.:) But you can't blame the
guy for being ready to light up the board today.

- Rats - we could have used that gimme with Sutton's
fumble at the goal line. UGH! That's one chance blown.

- Hey, the D HELD!!! I was expecting another 90+ yard
drive by an opponent after the fumble. BIG stop for
the D --- now LET'S GO O!!!

- QUACK! Guess the MSU punter isn't used to kicking
much this year.

- Herbert is da MAN! Bailing the O out on 2nd and 15
... he hasn't looked this sharp since the opener. Good
sign. In the red zone again.

- BAZ FOR SIX!!! YES!!! All tied up at 7-7. We needed
that after fumbling down there before.

- A touchback! Yaa!

- That Ringer's a pretty good back as well --
superfrosh all over the Big Ten! How did both those
guys get out of Ohio when the Buckeyes desperately
need a consistent running back?

- I hate 4th down!:)

- Refs seem to be giving some generous spots today.

- We're not getting fooled by MSU's trick plays, which
is good ... but we're not stuffing them for losses
either.

- INTERCEPTION!!! Needed that to even the turnover
battle. Brendan Smith has made some nice plays today.
Hope he's not too hurt.

- End of the first ... only 7-7? Well, each team has a
turnover by the goal line. Maybe they're just warming
up.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog at yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


		
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