NEGATIVES:
Michigan State gave up 52 yards rushing to Miami and 117 to Northwestern. I think the chances are low this is the game the RB running game will break out. Still, we do have a past history of running on MSU when no one else does.
They have a lot of "belief" and swagger having solidly beat last years West Division Champs (though we believe a shell of last years team) and ran all over preseason #14 Miami at Miami. Not too much difference in Alabama - Miami score vs MSU - Miami (though Alabama was all over Miami and let up versus MSU and Miami were close until MSU blew open in fourth quarter.
Appear to have one of the better RBs in Walker.
Thorne is very efficient with minimal turnovers and their defense is good at taking them away. Nailor pretty good WR.
Officiating - I know it sounds like whining but really we went almost 2 years without an opponent holding call 2016-2018. Last year none in the first 5 games and this year hardly any when i can see our line being held practically all the time. All that while we get crazy penalties on scoring plays. Insanity to expect we get a fairly called game? Home crowd only puts more pressure on officials to make calls for home team.
They are at home hosting us on a night game on TV.
POSITIVES:
Pass defense has been their weakness (maybe just because no one can run so they have to pass) and Martinez is (aside form Illinois) throwing the ball very well. Beautiful deep balls to Betts, Toure and Martin this year.
Our QB Run game may add the wrinkle to open up some RB runs more than they have seen so far.
Our defense is probably the best defense they have faced this year. If they get 21 can we get more.
We seem to have their number. If that is a real thing.
OU game should have positive impact on our belief that we can play with anyone. Only drawback is if we don't give MSU the respect they are due and get ready for a slobber knocker.
Michigan State gave up 52 yards rushing to Miami and 117 to Northwestern. I think the chances are low this is the game the RB running game will break out. Still, we do have a past history of running on MSU when no one else does.
They have a lot of "belief" and swagger having solidly beat last years West Division Champs (though we believe a shell of last years team) and ran all over preseason #14 Miami at Miami. Not too much difference in Alabama - Miami score vs MSU - Miami (though Alabama was all over Miami and let up versus MSU and Miami were close until MSU blew open in fourth quarter.
Appear to have one of the better RBs in Walker.
Thorne is very efficient with minimal turnovers and their defense is good at taking them away. Nailor pretty good WR.
Officiating - I know it sounds like whining but really we went almost 2 years without an opponent holding call 2016-2018. Last year none in the first 5 games and this year hardly any when i can see our line being held practically all the time. All that while we get crazy penalties on scoring plays. Insanity to expect we get a fairly called game? Home crowd only puts more pressure on officials to make calls for home team.
They are at home hosting us on a night game on TV.
POSITIVES:
Pass defense has been their weakness (maybe just because no one can run so they have to pass) and Martinez is (aside form Illinois) throwing the ball very well. Beautiful deep balls to Betts, Toure and Martin this year.
Our QB Run game may add the wrinkle to open up some RB runs more than they have seen so far.
Our defense is probably the best defense they have faced this year. If they get 21 can we get more.
We seem to have their number. If that is a real thing.
OU game should have positive impact on our belief that we can play with anyone. Only drawback is if we don't give MSU the respect they are due and get ready for a slobber knocker.