| Mel Tucker wasn't extended primarily for his coaching acumen, but for the promise that he would upgrade the talent on the Spartans' roster. So far, he is seemingly on the right path there. But there is also a minimum baseline standard to coach at the Power Five level, and thus far, this coaching staff has not shown to have it. The talent isn't there yet, despite last year, and that's fine. But the coaches continuing to not put the talent they have in the position to succeed is concerning. From late game clock management situations, to short yardage play calling, to horrific special teams gaffs, to two different fifth year seniors freewheeling last week and harpooning two drives, there are certainly some red flags. Look no farther than James Franklin, who has had identical complaints during his tenure in Happy Valley. A great head coach 353 days a year, but deeply concerning on those 12 game days. And minus any outside factors, does anyone think Michigan State, at peak recruiting is going to recruit with Ohio State, Michigan or Penn State? They are the 4th biggest helmet in their own division. Mark Dantonio neutralized a lot of that, by arguably being the best in game and player development coach in the Big Ten. The early returns on Mel Tucker suggest that this Michigan State's ceiling is being a poor mans Penn State. As to the game itself, this is a super contrived rivalry, but it at least feels like it fits at the end of the season. The Spartans have fared well in it recently, winning 7 of the past 10 to take an 18-17 all time series. Penn State is playing for a potential New Years Six Bowl, but after the disaster last weekend Michigan State finds themselves playing just for a bowl. The easy narrative is that the Big Ten's worst run defense got shredded on the ground. But overall, the Spartan defense was ok against the run, their problem was was surrendering the explosive play. They gave up three touchdowns on plays of over 35 yards, a 35 yard run (set up by a 50 yard kickoff return), a 79 yard run, and an 88 yard kickoff return. After winning 4 of 5, including over Wisconsin and Illinois, I thought this Spartan unit was finally rounding into form, but after blowing a 31-14 second half lead at home, with a bowl game on the line, it's clear there are deeper problems. |
