*** OUTBACK BOWL SCOUTING REPORT ***       
 
GEORGIA (10-3) vs. MICHIGAN (10-3) SCOUTING REPORT
Both teams come into this game off disappointing conference title losses. Richt’s Bulldogs are 3-0 against Big 10 teams in bowl games and beat Michigan State 24-12, in the Capital One Bowl 3 years ago. However, this Spartan team appears to be a much tougher challenge. This senior class is the winningest in MSU history, with 36 wins…but they have yet to win a bowl game. Sounds like a dangerous combination to me. Bet they are motivated to go out a winner, against a team that beat them a few years ago.
 
GEORGIA OFFENSE vs. MSU DEFENSE
 

This Michigan State defense is one of the top units in CF, allowing only 17.5 points per game, which ranks 10th nationally. It’s a young group. They will only play 1 senior in Tampa.

QUESTION #1: CAN THE ‘DOGS RUN BLOCK ALL-AMERICAN DT JEREL WORTHY? Kenarious Gates and/or Dallas Lee have their hands full with this guy. Worthy is a 6’3”, 315 lb. junior, who gobbles up offensive guards and centers. Ben Jones is going to have to help Gates & Lee out. Can’t allow this big dude to be too disruptive. Got to get him blocked.

Another issue is effectively dealing with SLB DENICOS ALLEN, who leads the Spartans with 10 SACKS & 17 TFL. He is also 2nd on the team, with 78 tackles. Against Wisconsin, in the Big 10 Title Game, Allen had 9 tackles and 3 sacks.

KEY MATCH-UP: BULLDOG WRs versus MSU SECONDARY: FS TRENTON ROBINSON leads the team with 74 tackles. He had 12 of those in the Big 10 Title game loss. Robinson also has 4 picks and is the only senior on the defense. SS ISAIAH LEWIS has 71 tackles and 4 interceptions. JOHNNY ADAMS (#5) is a 1st TEAM ALL-BIG 10 CB, so expect Coach Bobo to attack Darqueze Dennard (#31).

QUESTION #2: WHO CAN THE ‘DOGS COUNT ON AT RB? Isaiah Crowell’s ankle is still healing and he hasn’t gone full speed in practice. It doesn’t sound as though Richard Samuel’s foot will be ready. Right now, Ken Malcome is the starter.

 
GEORGIA DEFENSE vs. MSU OFFENSE

 
The MSU offense is a balanced attack; which features an experienced senior QB, two big-play WRs and a 1-2 punch at RB. The O-Line was a perceived weakness entering the season, but it has developed into a solid unit, during the course of the schedule. The Spartans have a run-pass-ratio of 53/47 and score 30.8 points a game. Grantham’s defense faces a tough challenge in Tampa.

KEY #1: HUNKER DOWN AGAINST THE SPARTANS RUN GAME. Because of the Spartans 2 big-play WRs, Grantham will have to limit the number of times he can get 8 in the Box versus the Spartans run game. Le’VEON BELL (#24) has emerged as the go-to RB and the sophomore checks in at a large 6’2”, 237 pounds. In the last 7 games, Bell has averaged 15 carries and 87 yards. For the season, he gets 5.5 yards per carry. He is a load. EDWIN BAKER (#4) is a junior, who torched Michigan for 167 yards on 26 carries. His work load has been cut back some, with the emergence of Bell. BELL & BAKER are getting 25 carries combined, in the 2nd half of the season.

QUESTION: CAN THE ‘DOGS COVER UP B.J. CUNNINGHAM & KEYSHAWN MARTIN? Boykin and Commings will been to deliver big performances. Cunningham (#3) has been a beast this season; with 72 catches, 1,240 yards and 12 TDs. He’s long and physical, at 6’3” in cleats and 215 pounds. Martin (#82) had 62 catches this season, working opposite Cunningham. Both are seniors.

KEY #2: GET PRESSURE ON QB KIRK COUSINS. The Spartans senior QB has delivered a memorable season. His signature play is the Hail-Mary TD toss against Wisconsin, on the final play of the regular season match-up. But check the season stats: 65% passer, with 24 TDs and just 7 interceptions. The guy can play. At 6’3”, he can scan the field & he can also make plays out of the pocket. They’ve played

football at Michigan State for 115 years and this guy has won more games than any QB (26). He’s an outstanding leader, both on and off the field.

QUESTION #2: CAN THE ‘DOGS WIN THE BATTLE UP FRONT? The Spartans O-Line has come on strong, during the season. They only returned 2 starters off last year’s team…All-Big 10 OG Joel Freeman and OG Chris McDonald. The LT Dan France moved over from the DL. RT Fou Fonoti is a JC transfer. The center Travis Jackson is a redshirt freshman. There were some growing pains early, but that’s over. COUSINS HASN’T BEEN SACKED SINCE NOVEMBER 5TH…THAT’S 4 SACKLESS GAMES. Their O-Line is playing ball right now.

 
 
SUMMARY

 

In the Capital One Bowl last January, Alabama embarrassed the Spartans, 49-7. IT was 28-0 at the half. The Tide physically dominated the match-up. Michigan State’s running game got stuffed. Edwin Baker had 14 yards on 12 carries. Cousins got sacked 4 times. The Tide ran for 5 TDs, which was a bowl game record.

I don’t believe this ‘Dogs team is that physical. We don’t have a Heisman Trophy RB like Mark Ingram to pound at them. So, don’t expect to see that type of whipping. I’m sure the Spartans will hit the field with a major chip on their shoulder. Sure hope we are ready to battle.

For us to win this one, Aaron Murray needs to get the hot hand. And we need some big plays out of Orson, Tavarres and Malcolm. Can’t be dropping the ball. It would be a huge boost to have Isaiah Crowell step up with a big performance.

Grantham’s defense needs to force some turnovers. How? By playing the run tough and then, bringing some heat on Cousins.

Our special teams will need to elevate its performance level too. We need to break a return for a score and cover kicks better than we did in Atlanta.

PREDICTION

GEORGIA 24 MICHIGAN STATE 20


 
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