is this to good to be true mich st -7 vs ill. I know illinois hasn't looked bad this year but Michigan ST seems very capable of covering this number. Any advice?
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I'd stay away.. the game could go either way. I think Illinois is very underrated (only two losses are to undefeated teams and played competitive in both games)Comment -
I think that this game too good to be true for a few reasons. Michigan State does have the advantage at home with only spotting one touchdown. The Michigan State Defense is fantastic this year against the rush and pass (minus the ND game). They have held UM offense to a season low of 377 yards and Wisconsin run O to 175 yards. That is keeping the best option/run qb and one of the best rb in the nation in check. Scheelhaase and LeShoure are not Denard Robinson and John Clay, so Illinois will be struggling to move the ball as well as they have in previous games. I would be a little more concerned about Illinois covering if they had a solid passing game, but they rate 114th overall in passing with only 135 ypg. The only time they passed for more than 200 yards in a game was against SIU (Div I AA), their next best passing game was against Penn State (155 yards). Michigan State can play defense and their front four and linebackers are fast to the ball, can apply pressure to scheelhaase, and will force a few turnovers. Offensively, Michigan State is extremely effective running and passing the ball. They have two excellent RB's in Baker and Bell. And the true offensive leadership is from the senior qb Kirk Cousins who has averaged 285 yards passing/game with 10td's/4int's. The key offensively for MSU is picking up the Illinois blitz. Illinois does get to the qb and when doing so are able to stall drives.
In response to Illinois playing two undefeated teams tough this year in Missouri and Ohio State. They did play Missouri tough, for only the first half but in the second half only had 98 yards of offense and allowed 23 points. Missouri had also lost their starting rb prior to the game. Against OSU, they played farely well on offense, being the only team to run for over 100 yards against them. But, Prior was out for 3 drives and OSU had not established a running game to this point. Also, Tressel did not throw the ball downfield and was content with moving the ball and punting.
Do not be distracted by Illinois' win over Penn State last week. Penn state has a struggling offense (worst in the big ten), and fielded a second string defense.
The defensive scheme for Michigan State is not going to change much from last week when they played Michigan. Both Illinois and Michigan like to run the qb and triple option to the rb. So, Dantonio is going to be able to keep Scheelhaase and Leshoure in check on the ground. After forcing Illinois to pass, the result will look similar to last week against the wolverines, interception, interception, interception.
The one advantage Illinois has is in the kicking game, they have a great kicker and a future pro punter, but Michigan State is dangerous on the return. Sparty has the speed on the field and I dont see Illinois keeping up with them for 4 quarters. When it comes down to it Dantonio is heads above Zook in the coaching department and MSU will be ready for this game, while the Illini are going to be coming off the big win last week at Happy Valley. If you are still unsure about taking Sparty in this game, look to the under!!! Illinois may score up to 17 points as the Illini are good for at least one trick play to move the ball.
Sparty rolls by 14+. BOL!Comment -
Yea I love msu hereComment
