College Football: Week 1 Watchlist - MICHIGAN STATE v CAL

MICHIGAN STATE v CALIFORNIA

Two teams, two different conferences, two different paths, one record of 7-6. Cal was flying high at the beginning of last season as they were on the brink of a number 1 ranking. Then something happened, the bears went in hibernation as they fell down, down to the ground losing six of their last seven. Michigan St. on the other hand played well all season and were a few points short of a stellar season, losing some close games to good teams (Ohio St. 17-24, Michigan 24-28, Wisconsin 34-37, Iowa 27-34 OT). Head Coach Mark Dantonio in his first year led the Spartans to their first bowl game since 2003. Cal is better than their record was last year and now the expectations are down, which is when Jeff Tedford thrives. Mich. St. is on the rise and returns many of their key starters. This game will be close and I’m like a teeter totter with my pick so I’m going to break this game down position by position.



Quarterback
Mich. St. Brian Hoyer showed some moxie and promise with strong decision making as a starter in his first year. He’s only 6-2, so not your desired height out of a QB, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in heart. Not a running QB but has good mobility and pocket presence.
Cal. For arguing purposes we’re going to assume Nate Longshore is the starter. Longshore a two year starter did not play well when Cal struggled, due to foot injuries or mental lapses he frankly played like crap. Longshore though is 6-5, has a good arm and has shown flashes of being a star. With showboat DeSean Jackson gone, Longshore needs to take control of the huddle and consistently make good passes.
Advantage: Mich ST

Running Back
Mich. St. The Spartans have a ringer in Javon Ringer. He’s a little guy only 5-9, but this kid can move and is a homerun waiting to happen. Sporting News has Ringer as a second team All-American and first team All-Big Ten. Ringer is good but he will need a bigger back to come in for those short yards. A.J Jimmerson and Ashton Leggett are bigger bruisers and vying for that complimentary spot behind Ringer.
Cal. This is the game of little tailbacks as Cal’s Jahvid Best is only 5-10 but just as explosive as Ringer. Best is coming off a hip injury and we’ll have to wait and see how his health is, but when healthy this guy can run like the wind. With only spot duties last year for Justin Forsett it will be interesting and very fun to watch Best for what is becoming running back U.
Advantage: Mich St.

Wide Receiver
Both teams lost their main go to guys last year and now need receivers by committee until someone steps up and makes a name for themselves like Devin Thomas and DeSean Jackson did. There is no winner here until I get to see who steps up and makes some plays.

O-Line
Mich St. The Spartans lost four out of their five starters on the offensive line so it will be up to some new faces to block and hold their own in the trenches.
Cal. Alex Mack is one of the best Centers in the nation. He’s a big guy who could be a tackle at 6-5 316. This is an experienced line with four out of the five starters being seniors.
Advantage: Cal

D-Line
Mich St. Lost three of their four starters last year and look to DT Antonio Jeremiah (6-5 322) to be a beast and plug some running lanes. The ends are not big guys there more like tall linebackers, but they have the speed to get a good pass rush.
Cal. The Bears just switched to a 3-4 front to better soot their personal, so good line play is critical to let the linebackers run and do what they do best, hit somebody. Their DE’s are anchored by ex-marine Rulon Davis who showed star potential in six games of play getting 3 sacks. The main point of the three down line man is the nose tackle and 6-2 311 Mika Kane is gonna have to play big.
Advantage: Who ever steps up

Linebackers
Mich St. The three '07 opening day starters are gone but sophomores Eric Gordon, Greg Jones and Jon Misch were all plugged into the lineup at some point getting substantial playing time and playing well. A young group with experience and talent has the potential to be stars for the Spartans for some time if they stay healthy.
Cal. Zack Follett has one of the best football IQ’s and is a hell of an athlete. He reads and sees the plays like Zach Thomas of the dolphins. With Follett and speedy Mike Mohamed rushing off the end and Worrell Williams and Anthony Fielder holding down the middle this is a group not to be messed with.
Advantage: Cal

Secondary
Mich St. This could be the best secondary the Spartans have fielded in the last 10 years led by senior cornerback Kendell Davis-Clark. Sophomore Ross Weaver who got some time on the field last year is big for CB at 6-1 202lbs. With his size he brings good footwork and an uncanny knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Cal. Thomas Decoud is gone after leaving for the NFL but the bears return key starters, CB Syd’Quan Thompson and FS Bernard Hicks. This will be a solid group for the bears, but will need to see good consistent play from new starter at cornerback 6-3 198lbs Chris Conte.
Advantage: Mich St

Coaches: Who knows how good Dantonio will be and Tedford Shines when there isn’t expectations so to me the better coach is who wins this game.



Prediction
Home field advantage will be huge and give the bears that little extra boost they need to win between these evenly matched teams at California Memorial Stadium.

Michigan St. Cal
34 37(OT)