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University of Minnesota Athletics
Blog: Opposing Viewpoint - Michigan State
11/4/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Each week during the football season, GopherSports.com brings 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.com: The fortunes of Michigan State and Minnesota have sure changed for each team since Halloween of last year. When the Gophers and Spartans faced off in 2009, they were in roughly the same boat. Since then, MSU has really trended upward and Minnesota has done the opposite. Why do you think that is?
Joe Rexrode: I can speak much better on MSU, which I think was a talented but young team last season that lost a lot of close games. The Spartans had a great offseason and learned from their close calls in 2009. Young players such as Jerel Worthy on defense and Edwin Baker on offense emerged as star-quality guys. I look at Minnesota and I see a team that lost virtually its entire defense from 2009, which is too bad because the Gophers have the makings of a solid offense.
GopherSports.com: Who/what has the Spartans' attention in this game?
Joe Rexrode: Definitely Adam Weber, after he burned the Spartans for 416 passing yards last Halloween. Da'Jon McKnight is someone the Spartans may bracket some. To me, the Gophers need a huge day passing to stay in this thing.
GopherSports.com: How will MSU respond to its first defeat of the season?
Joe Rexrode: I think the Spartans will respond well. Players and coaches always say the right things after losses, but MSU has a Big Ten title in front of it still, and last week's loss in Iowa City was embarrassing. I'll be surprised if the Spartans don't come out inspired.
GopherSports.com: Is there any way for Minnesota to pull off the upset in this one?
Joe Rexrode: It goes back to Weber and his receivers. Those guys need to play out of their minds. If Minnesota can get it going through the air, maybe Eskridge can find some seams in the ground game. The Gophers are going to have to outscore the Spartans and force some turnovers to win.
GopherSports.com: Do you have any insight on who Minnesota's next coach might be? Who would you hire?
Joe Rexrode: Well, I would hire Mike Leach. But that's because I think Leach is hilarious and would bring a lot of personality to the Big Ten. A great offense, too. And since Minnesota has had some Texas recruiting success under Tim Brewster, why not keep it going there? I think Minnesota definitely needs to find someone who is proven as a head coach, unlike Brewster.
GopherSports.com: Have you ever seen a crazier play than last year's TD pass from Weber, off Tow-Arnett and into the hands of Bennett?
Joe Rexrode: That's up there on the crazy play scale. Off the top of my head, I can't think of a wackier one. MSU has had some memorable trick plays this season, but that was a play that couldn't be replicated.
GopherSports.com: Is there a particular position battle or individual battle to keep an eye on in this game?
Joe Rexrode: Chris L. Rucker vs. Da'Jon McKnight. Rucker is getting back from his suspension, could be a bit rusty still. McKnight is an underrated player in this league, I believe. Should be interesting.
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