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Living in the heart of anti-Badger country (Minneapolis, MN) I have picked up a renewed dislike for MSU’s best basketball rivalry, the Wisconsin Badgers. The Badgers, likely missing big man Jon Leuer, are next on tap for MSU on Wednesday night at 9:00 Eastern, on ESPN.
For the sake of keeping it fresh lets talk about some things on my mind.
I was watching "The Journey: Big Ten Basketball 2010" and thought to myself that The Big Ten Network is one of the greatest things to happen in my fan-hood. I get tired of getting all East Coast coverage on other networks so it is nice to have a place to go for additional coverage of the games and teams that matter the most to me. Some of the analysts are raw, as well as the some of the game calling but overall I'm quite thankful for the BTN. Also, since I mentioned "The Journey" I love it. It is great footage and coverage from inside the programs.
We've all pretty much digested the Minnesota win by now and most posted on one of Joe's blogs but I would like to weigh in that in my opinion every win is a good win. I, like many of you, spent much of that game frustrated but I'll take a close win like that over playing a great game and losing every time.
The trip to Crisler tomorrow should be a fun one. It goes without saying that rivalry games are hard to judge and are usually competitive regardless of the talent. I am confident that Michigan State should and will win. However, road games in conference are no picnic and U of M plays up for big games (UCONN at home for example). They've also had good showings at their place against MSU in recent years so it may not be a blowout like many of us are hoping for.
I am expecting a passionate and closely played game with an eventual Spartan victory.
The combination of Joe's blog today, and the poll on greenandwhite.com are making me have my own thoughts on this year. The poll asks what is the greatest strength of the Spartans this year. Once again, I'll make my case without statistical analysis but rather how it looks the the naked eye.
I think the poll question is unfair. One of the choices for greatest strength is coaching. All of the other aspects are a result of coaching and recruiting so coaching shouldn't be a choice. Plus I know I'm not alone on this site proclaiming that the Spartan's greatest strength in any year is coaching. That's what we get with Tom Izzo. I chose rebounding by the way, which I will get into in a minute.
OFFENSE:
Biggest Positive: Seems to me like the best part of the offense this year is that lots of players are involved. Several different players have been double digit scorers, and the Spartans have gotten clutch buckets from all of their regulars in big moments. Obviously Kalin has the ball in his hands late but the scoring in this year's version of MSU basketball is coming from everywhere.
Biggest Negative: Turnovers. There are only three losses to dissect but in all three turnovers were the biggest statistical factor. Even in victories early turnovers have kept some games closer that we would like.
Biggest concern going forward: Half court execution. This is the area where losing Goran Suton hurts the most. It seemed he always touched the ball in the half court last year. His perimeter shot had to be honored and opened the floor for others. I don't have an exact number but there have been a few possessions this year where the team has gotten shot clock violations, or very poor shots out of time outs. In the final four run last year a time out generally meant a bucket for State.
DEFENSE:
Biggest Positive: Rebounding. Piggy-backing on last season's rebounding efforts this year's team continues to own the boards. Their ability to limit possessions/shots has actually made defense the early strength of the squad. Also, Raymar Morgan seems to be embracing his role of stopper.
Biggest negative: Post/transition Defense, at times. It is hard to really find a major defensive weakness this year without singling out specific players. During the UNC and Texas game the Spartans had a hard time defending athletic post players. In The Big Ten MSU can often out-run and out-athlete other teams in the open court. Texas and UNC were able to match the athleticism and the Spartans found themselves giving up some easy transition buckets.
Biggest concern going forward: Summers/Allen perimeter defense. Allen is defending much better as a junior and Summers has his moments but the Big Ten is stocked with perimeter talent and these regulars will have to consistently make plays down the stretch for State to maintain this lead in the Big Ten.
PLAYERS:
Biggest Positive: No Brainer, Draymond Green. There are a lot of good player developments on this team. I previously mentioned Chris Allen, and I can also throw in Korie (Assists to TO), Delvon (Rebounding, Ft%, athleticism), Raymar (Health), and Kalin (improved FG% and defense). I think we all expected Green to be better and a solid contributor, but it turned out that he is the engine for this team and I can't get enough of his passion and work ethic.
Biggest Negative: Tom Herzog. I was really hoping he'd turn out this year. I lost most of that confidence when I saw a clip of practice where Tom got into him about not going hard enough or being ready to play.
Concern moving forward: The Spartans really need Durrell Summers to become a go to number 2 guy. when he is rebounding, defending, and scoring he is a match-up nightmare. In my opinion his emergence could very well be the piece that truly separates MSU from the rest of the pack.
I'm no analyst, just a passionate fan like you and this is what I see. As always feel free to comment, debate, and add to the list above. Go Green!
With all but the National Championship decided I have a few thoughts on the Bowl season and MSU opponents.
Michigan State suffered 6 regular season losses this year, but 4 of them came to Bowl season winners.
Wisconsin, and Penn state took care of business agaisnt formidable opponents in Miami and LSU. Central won the GMAC bowl last night, and Iowa took one of 2 BCS trophies for the Big Ten this year.
Also, don't forget to take into account the Spartan's good showing against against pass happy Texas Tech minus key Defensive backs, and the two close losses to the aformentioned Bowl winners. To me that collection of data makes this a decently succesful postseason for Spartan football. Or we could at least make a case that Bowl wins by teams that beat the Spartans this year validate those losses a bit.
My question... Does it make me feel better about our Spartan football team? Well, I'm a glass half full type of guy so yes it does. How about you?
Also, Joe got the BBALL blog going today but thats a good win last night against a very gritty team. Feel free to comment on that as well.
