[MSUFAN4320]

Great thread. You guys bring refreshing perspective and thoughtful analysis to your takes. I'm not used to that, dealing with Ohio State fans, Michigan fans, etc. haha

I would say MSU has a good running back but an average overall running game. We tend to have low rushing totals because the OC strives for a balanced attack, and also because we don't have a running QB to help "inflate" those totals (for lack of a better word), like a lot of teams do. But frankly, I'm fine with that. I want my qb throwing, not tucking and running. We'll occasionally use a WR on a jet sweep or some other play out of the backfield with a speedster, but for the most part, it's ground and pound with Jeremy Langford.

Personally, I don't think we'll have much success on the ground against Stanford. I would be thrilled with 90-100 yards from Langford. Our running game tends to start slow, and we wear people down over the course of the game, and late in the 3rd and 4th quarter is where Langford gets his biggest runs. Against your front 7, I don't see that happening. I think for MSU to win, it's going to come down to Connor Cook's arm. 

[MSUFAN4320]

Great thread. You guys bring refreshing perspective and thoughtful analysis to your takes. I'm not used to that, dealing with Ohio State fans, Michigan fans, etc. haha

I would say MSU has a good running back but an average overall running game. We tend to have low rushing totals because the OC strives for a balanced attack, and also because we don't have a running QB to help "inflate" those totals (for lack of a better word), like a lot of teams do. But frankly, I'm fine with that. I want my qb throwing, not tucking and running. We'll occasionally use a WR on a jet sweep or some other play out of the backfield with a speedster, but for the most part, it's ground and pound with Jeremy Langford.

Personally, I don't think we'll have much success on the ground against Stanford. I would be thrilled with 90-100 yards from Langford. Our running game tends to start slow, and we wear people down over the course of the game, and late in the 3rd and 4th quarter is where Langford gets his biggest runs. Against your front 7, I don't see that happening. I think for MSU to win, it's going to come down to Connor Cook's arm.