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University of Minnesota Athletics
Blog: Opposing Viewpoint
10/28/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Each week during the football season, GopherSports.com will bring you the opposing viewpoint by talking to a member of the media who covers Minnesota's opponent for that week. This week, we're joined by Joe Rexrode of the Lansing State Journal.
Rexrode has covered Michigan State football and basketball for the Lansing State Journal since 2003 and authored the book, "Stadium Stories: Michigan State Spartans," in 2006. He lives in Okemos, Mich., with his wife, Katie, and sons, Jack and Brennan..
GopherSports: The big question this week is how will the Spartans respond to that last-second loss to Iowa?
Joe Rexrode: And it's a great question. Mark Dantonio has been able to get his players refocused consistently in three seasons, after emotional wins and losses, but the Iowa loss was especially tough for these guys. They go from being in first place in the Big Ten and having a real shot at pursuing the Rose Bowl, to 4-4 and fighting for a bowl game. This will be the ultimate test of their resilience and Dantonio's ability to keep them on task.
GopherSports: What are Michigan State's strengths this season?
Joe Rexrode: The passing offense has been very good, with Kirk Cousins (and sometimes Keith Nichol) throwing, and a talented group of receivers and tight ends catching. Senior wideout Blair White has, in my opinion, been the second-best receiver in the Big Ten behind Eric Decker. And the run defense has been very good, with redshirt freshman tackle Jerel Worthy and junior linebacker Greg Jones making things tough for opponents on the ground. Also, senior kicker Brett Swenson is a great one, he just became MSU's all-time leader in scoring and field goals.
GopherSports: Who, or what has the Spartans' attention this week?
Joe Rexrode: They're very respectful of Minnesota's defense, particularly that group of linebackers. The Gophers' overall speed is a concern, as is the possibility of some switching at quarterback. MSU has to prepare for both Weber and Gray.
GopherSports:What are your thoughts on the Minnesota program?
Joe Rexrode: I think it's similar to MSU in some ways, and the new stadium has to be a big boost moving forward. Tim Brewster seems to be recruiting at a higher level than his predecessors, which is a good thing. A bowl game is important for Brewster to demonstrate progress. Same with Mark Dantonio. Same with a lot of programs around the Big Ten. Eight of them have coaches in their fifth year or earlier.
GopherSports:What are some of the top matchups in this week's game?
Joe Rexrode: I'll be interested to watch Lee Campbell go after MSU's power running attack. Can Marcus Sherels limit Blair White? I mentioned Worthy, Minnesota's shuffled offensive line will probably have to devote extra attention to him. And my key matchup this week may be MSU's kick coverage vs. Troy Stoudermire. He's electric, and Swenson's kickoffs and MSU's coverage have not been very good this season.
GopherSports: Who should Minnesota fans keep their eye on for the Spartans? Maybe someone who plays well, but doesn't get much attention?
Joe Rexrode: Worthy, No. 99, would be that guy, but I already mentioned him. At receiver, Blair White gets all the attention, but B.J. Cunningham, No. 3, also has been outstanding this season.
GopherSports: What are your keys to the game for both teams?
Joe Rexrode: Minnesota: Start fast, get a big play early to boost the confidence and stoke the crowd. Controlled passing to loosen up MSU's defense. Force someone other than Blair White to beat you. MSU: Keep stuffing the run. Avoid turnovers as in the Iowa game. Run for 120 yards or more.
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