Rutgers vs. Michigan State Recap

Michigan State 49, Rutgers 0. I almost didn't post a recap of this game simply because I would prefer not to think about it. Although there was not much positive to take from the game, there were a few interesting things that came out of the post-game comments and the Monday press conferences.

A clearly agitated Chris Ash took the podium in East Lansing. You can tell that he was frustrated by the performance even before he spoke. He mentioned that Rutgers "struggled to get anything going" and that the team was distracted "talking back and forth" with some of the Spartans. Michigan State "dominated us up front, that's what happened." And of the quarterback play, he simply stated that Gio Rescigno "wasn't good today" but that "we still feel he gives us the best chance to win." In terms of preparation, Ash felt the team had a good week of practice leading up to the game and he said, "I would not have thought today would've happened."

Just breaking a few of those statements down one at a time: First of all, MSU dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Despite being on defense seemingly the entire game, Rutgers didn't manage to get a sack or a turnover. Deonte Roberts, who led the team with 17 tackles, forced a fumble that Michigan State recovered. And on the other side of the line, in the Monday presser offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer mentioned that he felt the "pass protection was a little bit better." But still, it seemed MSU got good penetration and quickly closed up the holes that the line was able to create.

In terms of Rescigno's play, I don't know that going back home to Michigan was the problem insofar as him pressing. I think that pick 6 early in the game likely rattled him a bit and caused him to then be off the mark with some of his throws. At one point in the game he also banged his hand on a helmet while releasing a throw and that may have affected him slightly. Not that it was an excuse for the performance, but it could've factored in some of the errant throws. Also, Rutgers had no significant running game to open up the passing lanes. Backup QB Tylin Oden provided the best rushing spark, but that was against a lot of second teamers after the game had long been decided. I expect Rescigno to play a lot better at home against Penn State. He seems to be the type of guy who does well when people doubt him.

Cornerback Damon Hayes started in place of the injured Blessuan Austin, and finished with an impressive 10 tackles including one tackle for loss. Both Chris Ash and defensive coordinator Jay Niemann praised Hayes for his contribution and expressed excitement for his future.

My favorite moment of the postgame press conference was this from quote from Chris Ash:

"I think there's a lot of positives moving forward. Again, nine guys coming back on defense. We've been playing a younger quarterback. We've got a lot of guys coming back in certain spots on special teams. We're recruiting our tail off right now. And there'll be better days."

And I'm one fan that will be maintaining my patience. A look at the two-deep shows that of the 25 positions (11 offense, 11 defense, kicker, punter, and long snapper) 17 have eligibility next year. If you count Kiy Hester as a started since he has been playing at least as many snaps as Cioffi, that's 18 coming back!