Online Now 4004

The Blue Board

We aren't just committed to college football; we're early enrolling in it.

On this Board 2377
Record: 7394 (2/14/2012)

Online now 4089
Record: 18710 (2/25/2012)

Boards ▾

The Blue Board

We aren't just committed to college football; we're early enrolling in it.

247Rumors

College football scuttlebutt and scoop- powered by Football Rumor Mill

The Green Board

Where the madness isn't just in March.

Big Ten Board (Beta)

Reply

The Official Michigan, MSU Thread (CLOSED)

  • Jandy said...

    Good, hopefully our OL realizes some of its potential next year.

    I know you're a fan and wish for that, but I wonder if they realized their potential this year. Sad if true.

    xxmgobluexx ●

  • steveschneider said...

    Read a great article today by Rexrode discussing MSU hoops team. I agree that the experiment of having Nix Payne on the floor at the same time needs to end. I'd also like to see Appling spend some time at SG allowing for Valentine to take over at PG.

    Sounds like we will see more of Valentine at the point tonight which should help him get some more experience.

    I think eventually this is the type of lineup we will see this year:
    Nix/Payne C
    Dawson PF
    Valentine/Trice PG
    Appling SG
    Harris SF.

    Only a 7 man rotation?

    xxmgobluexx ●

  • steveschneider said...

    I think eventually this is the type of lineup we will see this year:
    Nix/Payne C
    Dawson PF
    Valentine/Trice PG
    Appling SG
    Harris SF.

    That is a small, but ridiculously athletic lineup.

    I think that's the lineup we end up with too, especially since Izzo has been harping on the fast break for the last 2 months. If Payne were to start, it could be the most athletic lineup Izzo has ever had.

    signature image

    laconophilia is everywhere... http://www.msu-umbig10.com/

    Jandy

  • xxmgobluexx said...

    I know you're a fan and wish for that, but I wonder if they realized their potential this year. Sad if true.

    Haha, you know they haven't. How could an OL that has had as many injuries as MSU's come anywhere close to having reached it's potential?

    Yes, though; were it to be true, it would be incredibly sad.

    signature image

    laconophilia is everywhere... http://www.msu-umbig10.com/

    Jandy

  • xxmgobluexx said...

    Only a 7 man rotation?

    I think he's only talking about the starting lineup.

    Our rotation will be 9-10 for the majority of the year, probably coming down to 8-9 for the tournament.

    signature image

    laconophilia is everywhere... http://www.msu-umbig10.com/

    Jandy

  • Costello should get some decent minutes. Byrd and Kearney probably will too. Gauna gets phased put, IMO

    signature image signature image signature image

    Braintrust ●

  • Jandy said...

    That is a small, but ridiculously athletic lineup.

    I think that's the lineup we end up with too, especially since Izzo has been harping on the fast break for the last 2 months. If Payne were to start, it could be the most athletic lineup Izzo has ever had.

    The Michigan/MSU games this year should be amazing. Both squads loaded with talent.

    xxmgobluexx ●

  • Jandy said...

    The DL is basically the same next year? You lose 2/4 starters. It may end up just as good, but not because it is 'basically the same'.

    The top 4 WR's (as listed in your Iowa depth chart) are Roundtree, Gardner, Gallon and Dileo. Assuming Gardner moves to QB, that means you will be losing 2 of your 4 best WR's. Furthermore, Roundtree and Gardner would both be on the field at the same time fairly frequently, correct? As the X and Z WR's, I believe? With Gallon lined up in the slot. The issue with this is that two tall, deep-threat WR's will have to be identified. I assume Jerald Robinson will take one spot, and Darboh the other? Again, it could work perfectly fine, or it could not. I presume that chemistry issues could exist in the first half of the year, and the pass game could ultimately rely on how well Gardner gels with the WR's.

    I agree OL is a question mark, but disagree that it's answered if Lewan returns. If Lewan comes back, it definitely helps, but the entire interior will be very inexperienced (from what I understand). While having 2 inexperienced guards with experienced players at both OT's and C could work, having an inexperienced C between those 2 G's could hurt a lot. If you think there's going to be improvement at those 3 spots, I think you're crazy, and several of your fellow UM posters have agreed that the interior OL has struggled this year.

    I'll say this about the defensive line. We lost a lot more last year, had more question marks coming into this year, and we still have a pretty good defensive line. It could be arrogance but this staff has proved they know how to coach the defensive line. I'm actually not that worried about it next year and I was probably the biggest pessimist here about our line's potential. We went into this year with ONE returning starter(who switched positions) and yet here with are with one of the best defenses in the big ten.

    As far as the wide receivers go, we've had more success through the air these last two games than we've had all of this season(without Gardner at wide receiver) mainly because Gardner can actually make the routine throws look routine. So, although the receivers will probably be worse, I think the passing game will actually be better next year. We're 101st in the nation in passing at only 189 yards a game through the air. It doesn't get much worse. Again, I think it all comes back to the offensive line. Can they protect Gardner long enough to make the throws? Can they run block well enough to keep us multidimensional? Can they help the running backs get enough production to offset the loss of Denard's legs?

    As the offensive line goes, so will the team to a certain extent. The defense should be pretty good (though MSU's should be better) but the offense has too many question marks to make any kind of guess about what it will be.

    jimtaco

  • Jandy said...

    That is a small, but ridiculously athletic lineup.

    I think that's the lineup we end up with too, especially since Izzo has been harping on the fast break for the last 2 months. If Payne were to start, it could be the most athletic lineup Izzo has ever had.

    I can't picture Payne starting over Nix but I see those literally splitting the minutes.

    Rexrode talked about how Dawson is perfect for PF. In the pros he's projected to be a SF but I guess PF are typically small in college.

    I feel like Appling over at SG with Valentine running the point would be an incredible guard combo.

    signature image

    steveschneider

  • Jandy said...

    I think he's only talking about the starting lineup.

    Our rotation will be 9-10 for the majority of the year, probably coming down to 8-9 for the tournament.

    I read that we could go 11 deep during the year.

    Rexrode mentioned that Byrd go come in for a few minutes at PF. We'll also see Gauna and Costello competing for minutes at PF.

    I missed most of the UConn game, how did Kearney look? I saw he got six minutes and I saw he got a reb and an assist.

    signature image

    steveschneider

  • steveschneider said...

    I can't picture Payne starting over Nix but I see those literally splitting the minutes.

    Rexrode talked about how Dawson is perfect for PF. In the pros he's projected to be a SF but I guess PF are typically small in college.

    I feel like Appling over at SG with Valentine running the point would be an incredible guard combo.

    It would be, as long as Valentine picks it up defensively and limits the turnovers.

    I think Valentine actually matches up best at SF on the defensive side. He isn't quick enough (defensively) to stick with faster guards, and has the bulk to match up with bigger players. What's great about this is that Harris probably matches up best against the PG/SG, defensively speaking.

    Valentine's court vision is simply amazing. His peripheral vision absolutely reminds me of Magic, he simply needs to execute some of his passes better and learn when to hold off a bit.

    signature image

    laconophilia is everywhere... http://www.msu-umbig10.com/

    Jandy

  • xxmgobluexx said...

    The Michigan/MSU games this year should be amazing. Both squads loaded with talent.

    They should be really good games, with a lot of really stupid, costly errors, with both teams relying pretty significantly on freshmen.

    signature image

    laconophilia is everywhere... http://www.msu-umbig10.com/

    Jandy

  • xxmgobluexx said...

    Only a 7 man rotation?

    Should go 10-11 deep based on what I've read. I just put in the significant contributors.

    I think Gauna has a ways to go, Byrd needs to find his shot and Costello is a frosh with a lot of upside from what I've read.

    I'd be curious to see how Kearney has progressed. My feeling is he'll come off the bench and contribute with some solid d, rebounding and contribute a shot here and there.

    signature image

    steveschneider

  • Jandy said...

    It would be, as long as Valentine picks it up defensively and limits the turnovers.

    I think Valentine actually matches up best at SF on the defensive side. He isn't quick enough (defensively) to stick with faster guards, and has the bulk to match up with bigger players. What's great about this is that Harris probably matches up best against the PG/SG, defensively speaking.

    Valentine's court vision is simply amazing. His peripheral vision absolutely reminds me of Magic, he simply needs to execute some of his passes better and learn when to hold off a bit.

    I only watched the last 2 minutes of the UConn game but my take away of Valentine is that he wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line.

    I feel like he will evolve into great leader on the floor.

    This post was edited by steveschneider on 11/13/2012 at 3:23 PM

    signature image

    steveschneider

  • Torii Hunter is in town and reports are good that he will sign with the Tigers.

    I think this will be a great pickup.

    Not sure how I feel about Sanchez. I think signing him to that big of a contract sets a bad precedent esp when you have better pitchers in the rotation earning less. Not to mention I'm not that impressed with his regular season numbers.

    I feel like getting a reliever that can come in and provide a solid 2 innings would do wonders for the Tigers bullpen.

    signature image

    steveschneider

  • steveschneider said...

    I feel like he will evolve into great leader on the floor.

    100% agree. Would be a little disappointed if he isn't a captain by his junior year. Preferably next year, IMO.

    signature image

    laconophilia is everywhere... http://www.msu-umbig10.com/

    Jandy

  • Jandy said...

    They should be really good games, with a lot of really stupid, costly errors, with both teams relying pretty significantly on freshmen.

    Yep, that court will be loaded with kids dripping with talent.

    Right Michigan is going with
    PG: Burke
    SG: Vogrich
    SF: Hardaway
    PF : Robinson
    C: Morgan

    Spike rotates in at PG to give Burke a breather. They had him on the court with Burke for a little bit last night also.
    Stauskus rotates in SG or SF. That boy is money from the 3, no joke.
    Horford and McGary rotate in at C. Morgan has moved to PF a few times when they come in giving Michigan a big lineup.

    My 2 favorite lineups right now would be taking Vogrich out and inserting Stauskus or taking Vogrich out and inserting either McGary or Horford and bump Morgan to PF, Robinson to SF, and Hardaway to SG.

    xxmgobluexx ●

  • steveschneider said...

    Read a great article today by Rexrode discussing MSU hoops team. I agree that the experiment of having Nix Payne on the floor at the same time needs to end. I'd also like to see Appling spend some time at SG allowing for Valentine to take over at PG.

    Sounds like we will see more of Valentine at the point tonight which should help him get some more experience.

    I think eventually this is the type of lineup we will see this year:
    Nix/Payne C
    Dawson PF
    Valentine/Trice PG
    Appling SG
    Harris SF.

    Nix/Payne C Morgan/McGary/Horford
    Dawson PF Robinson
    Valentine/Trice PG Burke
    Appling SG Vogrich/Stauskus
    Harris SF Hardaway

    Push at C and PF. MSU advantage at SG. Michigan advantage at PG and SF.

    xxmgobluexx ●

  • xxmgobluexx said...

    Nix/Payne C Morgan/McGary/Horford Dawson PF Robinson Valentine/Trice PG Burke Appling SG Vogrich/Stauskus Harris SF Hardaway

    Push at C and PF. MSU advantage at SG. Michigan advantage at PG and SF.

    I don't even know enough about your team to comment too much on the match ups, but my call out would be Dawson vs. Robinson. Are you sure on that?

    Also, I would give MSU the edge in coaching.

    signature image

    steveschneider

  • steveschneider said...

    I don't even know enough about your team to comment too much on the match ups, but my call out would be Dawson vs. Robinson. Are you sure on that?

    Also, I would give MSU the edge in coaching.

    Before the season started, I would have given the edge to Dawson. After seeing Robinson play so far this year, it is a push. Robinson is the real deal with an inside/outside game that Dawson can't match. He is 3 for 3 from the three-point line, can drive to the basket, has the size to rebound, and can jump out of the gym like Dawson. The one thing Dawson has on Robinson at this point is strength, but I like Robinson's overall game more from what I have seen.

    Coaching, recent history says otherwise, but it is a whole new year.

    xxmgobluexx ●

  • xxmgobluexx said...

    Nix/Payne C Morgan/McGary/Horford
    Dawson PF Robinson
    Valentine/Trice PG Burke
    Appling SG Vogrich/Stauskus
    Harris SF Hardaway

    Push at C and PF. MSU advantage at SG. Michigan advantage at PG and SF.

    If C is a push then MSU wins PF, and SF is a push.

    This post was edited by Jandy on 11/13/2012 at 4:18 PM

    signature image

    laconophilia is everywhere... http://www.msu-umbig10.com/

    Jandy

  • xxmgobluexx said...

    I know you're a fan and wish for that, but I wonder if they realized their potential this year. Sad if true.

    238 yards on the ground, 5.5 YPC and 0 sacks given up? Sign me up biggrin

    This post was edited by SpartanRocky on 11/13/2012 at 4:19 PM

    Michigan State does not and will not run the 3-4 defense.

    SpartanRocky

  • Do any MSU fans expect MSU to beat Kansas tonight? I decided a few seasons ago that I wouldn't get emotionally invested in an MSU bball game until after the Spartans play in their bowl game; just seems that every year the team looks like it forgot to play bball over the summer . . . but usually rounds into shape by late December/early Jan. Just don't see the point in getting worked up over these non-conf. games. I'd like to see them knock off Miami in the Big 10 ACC challenge, but MSU hasn't been a good early season team in forever.

    Michigan State does not and will not run the 3-4 defense.

    SpartanRocky

  • SpartanRocky said...

    Do any MSU fans expect MSU to beat Kansas tonight? I decided a few seasons ago that I wouldn't get emotionally invested in an MSU bball game until after the Spartans play in their bowl game; just seems that every year the team looks like it forgot to play bball over the summer . . . but usually rounds into shape by late December/early Jan. Just don't see the point in getting worked up over these non-conf. games. I'd like to see them knock off Miami in the Big 10 ACC challenge, but MSU hasn't been a good early season team in forever.

    Only way MSU wins tonight is if Dawson/Payne/Nix combine for 35+ rebounds.

    This post was edited by Jandy on 11/13/2012 at 4:32 PM

    signature image

    laconophilia is everywhere... http://www.msu-umbig10.com/

    Jandy

  • xxmgobluexx said...

    Nix/Payne C Morgan/McGary/Horford Dawson PF Robinson Valentine/Trice PG Burke Appling SG Vogrich/Stauskus Harris SF Hardaway

    Push at C and PF. MSU advantage at SG. Michigan advantage at PG and SF.

    Is that your starting lineup right now, or what you expect it to be towards B1G season? I haven't seen Michigan start (caught the 2nd half of IUPUI last night), but i though McGary would start at the 4, GR3 at the 3, and Hardaway at the 2. GR3 would be a matchup nightmare at the 4.

    signature image signature image signature image

    Braintrust ●

Football Recruiting
Basketball Recruiting
Features
Resources
Connect

247Sports In partnership with CBS Sports