MSU Red Cedar Message Board

I don't know what the circumstances were surrounding Cousins three interceptions. If it's improper mechanics as poster seems to indicate the coaches will see it on the film and make the necessary corrections. This staff scrutinize every player on the team when they review film, including a veteran starter.

A couple of things to remember, first the first team OL consists of a converted DT at left tackle (France), a RS freshman Center (Jackson), and a oft injured player who for the first time in his MSU career has been able to practice consecutively for eleven days (Hueter). I don't know who was the guard on the left side, but since Foreman is out this spring it is a safe bet that is a depth player, leaving McDonald as the only true returning starter on the first team OL. Secondly that very same OL was going against a first team defensive line that consisted of Hoover, White, and a number of players who have more game experience under their belts at their respective positions than does the OL. Strayhorn, Drone, and Freeman, though not stars by any stretch of the imagination do have the advantage of having been in the program longer/playing their position longer than the list of musical chair candidates that currently is the offensive line. If the first team OL is routinely getting beat because of their youth and inexperience by a more veteran DL, Cousins could have been under constant pressure the entire scrimmage and throwing with a hand in his face on every pass attempt.

Maxwell's numbers are impressive but I sense he didn't face the pressure that Cousins did, and the depth in the MSU receiving corps is exceptional that includes Nichol, Fowler, Mumphrey, Spencer and Sims. They were likely going against a secondary consisting of Dixon, Lippett, and White at corner, and any combination of Hicks, Jones, and Drummond at saftey. That's a lot of proven receiving talent going against a very raw and inexperienced secondary.

With each scrimmage I keep coming away with the same foreboding feeling that the offensive line has a ways to go before the season opener. With so much shuffling going on it is difficult to achieve any continuity and allow whatever five to get a feel for how each performs. An offensive line is similar to a synchronized swim team. Each member may know what to do individually, but if their timing isn't perfect things do not flow. Right now the OL is disjointed. The coaches are looking for those individuals who are consistently doing the right things and will eventually bring the starting five together. This may not happen until preseason camp.

I agree with you, spartan4ever, it seems like the further this spring goes, the more the coaches just want to pack it up and say “let’s see what happens in the fall”. I mean, it’s not bad to be giving France and Heuter and Jackson all of these reps, but it certainly is not ideal. I’m sure it will help with depth, but it doesn’t seem like these guys are the real stars that we need to have. And I’m sure summer will help a lot with everyone. I don’t really have a problem with these guys getting playing time next year, but they are all relatively new to their positions. I have no doubt that France is bringing it, he was always really firery when he got in a DT, but his technique can’t be totally refined yet. It is good news that he’s been at the position since bowl practices, that helps. Heuter also brings some positives, namely, his size. The guy is a monster, and if he has a summer of busting his butt in the weight room and practicing technique, there is no reason to think he won’t succeed. It’s all just not ideal.

As far as Cousins picks go, of course I’m not worried, and my reasoning mostly follows SpartanRocky’s. I’m guessing that the coaches are saying “You’re a senior now, you should be able to complete these passes no matter what”. I’m sure he’s out there forcing plays, but at least he’s practicing it, we will probably need that out of him a few times this year.

Really glad to hear about Denico’s tackles and Adams and Robinson’s days. I don’t want to judge Allen until I see him play, but those tackles mean that he’s covering ground out there.

They already know he can be consistent when they play it safe.

Signed,

Notre Dame Fall of 09

I stated the very same thing in a post earlier this month that I was going to wait to see who gets drafted. I speculated that Gholston or Hoover would be the first two selections to keep them from being on the same squad, but now I believe an offensive linemen wil be going first because I figure the players will see this as being the most critical need at the most unsettled unit on the team. Remember these squads are playing for a steak dinner, so there is incentive to assemble the best team you can. McDonald could easily be the #1 selection as he is the only healthy returning starter, and a proven player to build the OL around. Who follows will be telling because it provides some incite as to who the captains and coaches believe are performing at a high level. If Hueter or Schofner go next then you can be sure that there is a solid level confidence in their abilities.

Great points about the draft, they sure were onto something with that Leveon Bell guy last year. I also think that the WR spots, besides BJ's might be more open than they seem, I would like to see Fowler start somewhere. And along with the points about Cousins INTs, I've got to believe that the absence of Baker and Caper played into this as well. It looks like Langford got a lot of reps, I'm assuming that's on the second team, so who running with the 1s? It must have been Bell, and he didn't appear on that stat sheet except for a 1 yard TD. Sounds to me like they were airing it out, I mean, Baker and Caper aren't really hurt, this was probably by design.

....Really?

Yes, Kirk Cousins is the same exact football player as he was in his THIRD GAME AS A STARTER. Bring it stronger next time, por favor.

He's a brick wall at 5'10 218. That's a solid built dude. Don't knock his size; Renne Curran was an All-SEC LB at aroudn the same dimensions. I also like what I heard about Bullough taking hte next step.