[rudruff]

I think struggle is kind of an overstatement. USC and MSU had less than 100 rushing yds combined against Stanford. Throw in the OSU total and the 3 "power" teams get just north of 100 yards rushing. Utah ran well (176yds) but got to play against a 3rd string NT.

The three losses aren't even truly similar. Utah and USC got a lead by changing their tendencies early and hung on as Stanford came back. MSU is really the only team that has been able to come back on Stanford and win.

Offensive play calling has been frustrating as watching it live you hope they do certain things more, but the box score often refutes that. It may be that our comfort level with close games just removed our willingness to try certain things (outside runs, short patterns).

Given the changes that have happened since the end of the season, my hope is that the defense won't be called on to hold everyone under 20 points for a win.

[rudruff]

I think struggle is kind of an overstatement. USC and MSU had less than 100 rushing yds combined against Stanford. Throw in the OSU total and the 3 "power" teams get just north of 100 yards rushing. Utah ran well (176yds) but got to play against a 3rd string NT.

The three losses aren't even truly similar. Utah and USC got a lead by changing their tendencies early and hung on as Stanford came back. MSU is really the only team that has been able to come back on Stanford and win.

Offensive play calling has been frustrating as watching it live you hope they do certain things more, but the box score often refutes that. It may be that our comfort level with close games just removed our willingness to try certain things (outside runs, short patterns).

Given the changes that have happened since the end of the season, my hope is that the defense won't be called on to hold everyone under 20 points for a win.