MSU VS. CAL PREVIEW
A. Isaac  |
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Now that the off-season is over, every Friday, Guyism will have a MSU preview.
Tomorrow night, the Spartans face the Cal Bears. Before we hit up the ins and outs of the game, here are some highlight videos of the 2007 MSU Spartans courtesy of Spartantailgate.
Recent Injuries
Both Deon Curry and AJ Jimmerson were banged up in the last couple of days. Curry will be a game time decision but Jimmerson will be out. Curry saw some time last year as a possession type receiver but can be replaced in the lineup with several other options. Same goes for Jimmerson who was fighting for that backup spot with a multitude of other running backs.
Cal’s 3-4 Defense
Cal will be running a 3-4 defense according to ESPN.com’s Ted Miller.
While many teams employ spread offenses, or at least have adopted zone blocking schemes — you know, finesse schemes — Michigan State is a throwback. California will play host to a true power-running team Saturday, and it will be a test to see of the Bears new 3-4 look on defense avoids getting put through the Ringer.
If Cal can stuff the run, I wonder how well Hoyer will handle the pressure. While not a huge Hoyer fan myself, he’s a senior now, and if he can’t step up on the road right now, than it speak volumes about the rest of the season.
MSUs Depth Chart
QB
Brian Hoyer, Sr.
Kirk Cousins, R-Fr.
RB
Javon Ringer, Sr.
A.J. Jimmerson, Jr.(out)
WR
Mark Dell, So.
Blair White, So.
WR
Deon Curry, Sr.(questionable)
B.J. Cunningham, R-Fr.
FB
Andrew Hawken, Jr.
Jeff McPherson, Sr.
TE
Charlie Gantt, So.
Garrett Celek, R-Fr.
LT
Rocco Cironi, Jr.
Brendon Moss, Jr.
LG
Mike Bacon, Sr.
Joel Foreman, R-Fr.
C
Joel Nitchman, Jr.
Mike Bacon, Sr.
RG
Roland Martin, Sr.
Jared McGaha, R-Fr.
RT
Jesse Miller, Sr.
Mike Schmeding, Jr.
Defense
DE
Brandon Long, Sr.
Dwayne Holmes, Sr.
DT
Oren Wilson, So.
Antonio Jeremiah, So.
DT
Justin Kershaw, Sr.
Kevin Pickelman, R-Fr.
DE
Trevor Anderson, Jr.
Colin Neely, So.
SLB
Greg Jones, So.
Brandon Denson, Jr.
MLB
Adam Decker, Jr.
David Rolf, Fr.
WLB
Eric Gordon, So.
Ryan Allison, Sr.
CB
Chris L. Rucker, So.
Jeremy Ware, Jr.
FS
Kendell Davis-Clark, Sr.
Mike Bell, Sr.
SS
Otis Wiley, Sr.
Danny Fortener, Jr.
CB
Ross Weaver, Jr.
Ashton Henderson, Jr.
Special teams
PK
Brett Swenson, Jr.
Matt Haughey, Sr.
KO
Todd Boleski, Sr.
Brett Swenson, Jr.
P
Aaron Bates, So.
Kyle Selden, Fr.
SN
Alex Shackleton, So.
John Stipek, Jr.
KR
A.J. Jimmerson, Jr.
Kendell Davis-Clark, Sr.
PR
Otis Wiley, Sr.
Mark Dell, So.
The Spartan Defense
WIth the loss of Jonal St. Dic, MSU will need to find somebody who can rush the passer and make plays. They are hoping, former Big East and Cincinnati standout Trever Anderson fills that role.
The linebacking core is led by sophomore Greg Jones who was the first Spartan freshman in 32 years to lead the team in tackles.
The secondary took a big hit when junior Roderick Jenrette left the team. However, MSU should still have more experience and depth out there than they’ve had in recent years.
Cal’s boneheaded quarterback
Kevin Riley will be the starting quarterback for Cal coming into this game. If you don’t remember him, maybe you’ll recall this little stunt he pulled at the end of the Oregon State game last year….
Prediction
Going out west for the first game of the year isn’t something I’d prefer for my team. If it was a cupcake, sure, but not against a legit Pac-10 opponent.
Still, for some reason, I got faith that Dantonio can somehow pull this one out. Call it slappy, call it homer, call it green kool aid.
MSU-31
Cal-27
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