So what? Express version

So what? 09.17.2009

Quick version this week - Purdue week.

First, good job to the kids for not hanging their head. It was too close for comfort, but they looked fairly confident they could win, and did.

I didn’t hear much news on the defense this week. There was plenty of “how are they going to replace Floyd” news. But, while I wish Michael Floyd was with them, I still think they’re fine without them. Kyle Rudolf, Golden Tate, and Duval Kamara are hardly bad alternatives.

I think Weis my use Armando Allen as needed. If they’re running well, he’ll sit. Especially if the offense is controlling the game: Why risk it with the games ahead?

Defensively speaking, after watching the reply of the game, the defense was better than I remembered. They’re seems to be a lot of missed assignments. Harrison Smith in particular just seems like he’s not sure where he needs to be. Apparently he was ready for the questions based on this response to the blown coverage that almost cost the game:

“At the end of the day, it’s the safety … That’s on me,” said Smith of the miscommunication. “We need to handle that better and be on the same page. There were a few times we didn’t get communication down, on or off the field. We’ve been practicing that all week, signaling, and talking to each other.”

The other mistake is the defensive line allows their opponent to push them horizontal. On the Blue Gray Sky feature article and video, you can see what Ian Williams can do when he pushes off his blocker. They also have to figure how to plug the middle. The run defense is good on the ends, but there are too many lanes in the middle. Yet, Michigan State basically abandoned the run anyway (40 passes, 25 rushes, and averaged 4.2 per rush).

With all this said, I don’t think Notre Dame has a problem Saturday night. ND rushed for 200 yards last year. I think it is fair to believe they’ll match if not exceed that this year. I also think the fade passes and jump pass will be present in the scheme.

That’s all! Go Irish!

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