Youngstown State vs Michigan State: Spartans eye to top Big Ten

Michigan State Spartans will try to make another run for the Big Ten conference supremacy as they meet Youngstown State on September 2. The Spartans look for a major improvement in this season’s quest for the Big Ten title.

Michigan State’s main story last year was about coach Mark Dantonio who suffered a mild heart attack last year and missed two games. Without him as the coach, the players dedicated to him the two games as yet the team won against Northern Colorado 45-7 and against Wisconsin 34-24. The Spartans went on to an 11-2 record and share of a Big 10 title having 7-1 record.

Dantonio spent five years with the Youngstown State Penguins under the coach Jim Tressel. He understands his early beginning with the the Penguins. Going into his eight season as the Michigan State coach, Dantonio’s great job of turning the team into a contender last season was highly appreciated. He pushed the right buttons to be considered as one of the elite teams in the Big 10.

Because of the success of Michigan State in 2010, the team is ranked 17th in the nation. Furthermore, it is in the top 25 spot because seven starters on the offense return to play for 2011 season.

In talking about Michigan State’s offense, quarterback Kirk Cousins will lead the Spartans into his third year as starter. He compiled 67 percent of his passes, making 2,825 yards, 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He may not have the same targets losing of course Mark Dell but Cousins still is a quarterback who can find the open man at the right time and at the right place.

The Spartans never became effective in offense without the running game. Edwin Baker is ready to showcase his legs for the cause of Michigan State’s offensive attacks on the ground. Last year he averaged 92.4 rushing yards per game, 207 carries, 1,201 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns. Baker is an important component on Spartans success this season. Baker has a reliable backup Le’Veon Bell who had 605 rushing yards last season

Offensively, Michigan Stage has the players to make things happen in times of pressure. With a polished quarterback and efficient running back, the Spartans are ready to conquer Big Ten Conference, also a national title quest is imminent.

The major concern for the Spartans is their defense. Losing the grip on defense can affect how they will get more possessions. The team will be missing the services of linebacker Eric Gordon and Greg Jones. Who will fill up the vacated positions?

Spartans are still happy because some of the players return to help the team for another year. Defensive tackle Jerel Worthy, nose tackle Kevin Pickelman, and Tyleer Hoover are back on the defensive line. The experience will be an important factor for Michigan State to beat Youngstown tonight. In addition, William Gholston and linebacker Chris Norman are going to play.

On the other hand, Youngstown State will look to start strong after finishing a disastrous 3-8 record last season. It was disappointing not only for coach Eric Wolford and the players but also for the fans.

Though the Penguins went on have one of their best offensive seasons averaging 412 yards per game, still they fell short of having a winning season. Offensively, Youngstown State can create the most damage against Michigan State.

Quarterback Kurt Hess is back to start for the Penguins with greater knowledge and experience of the game. His performance allowed him to accumulate 2,117 yards and 12 touchdowns to make his case as one of the top freshman quarterbacks of the year.

Youngstown State was not only about passing, Jamaine Cook effectively changed the offense with his 1,276 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He is back this season to improve the team’s offense. Can he be effective against Michigan State’s mounted defense?

Hess will have to figure out how he will anchor the team with his primary target Ely Ducatel and his tailback Cook. Penguins have the offense that can upset Michigan State but the biggest question is about their shallow defense.

Youngstown State gave up 41 touchdowns last year, 26 of them in the air. Without a doubt, this is the area in which improvement is badly needed. Though they have the players like John Sasson and Obinna Ekweremuba, still a pass rush defense is a must to have a winning season.

Youngstown State vs Michigan State kickoff time is at 7:30 PM EST. Can Youngstown State match the Michigan State’s scores?

Update Final score: Michigan State 28, Youngstown State 6