This season, heading into games against opponents ND faced in 2009, we review the playmakers from the opposing side in that 2009 match-up who will not be facing the Irish in 2010, and then preview their replacements. Granted, there may well be players who made big impacts in last year's game, but if they're going to be on the field this season too, then we don't worry about them here. Here, we're entirely focused on who's gone.
A pick of John L. Smith, because he's still funny.
The 2009 MSU/Notre Dame game was an opportunity for Notre Dame to reclaim any sense of "home field advantage" in this series. In 2008, MSU became the first home winner in the series out of the last 8 contests, and had already enjoyed jokes on the Irish's behalf about feeling right at home in ND Stadium too, having claimed victory in the last 6 games in South Bend. The 2009 contest came right down to the final seconds, and wasn't won by the Irish until Kyle McCarthy intercepted a pass at the Irish 4 with 57 seconds left - an interception made possible only because a wide-open Spartan, Larry Caper, dropping a sure TD pass in the end zone moments before.
WR - The Replaced: Blair White - While most of the college football world was pretty aware of Mark Dell (returning for the Spartans this year), most of the world was probably just as unaware of Blair White, but he went on to be the 3rd most productive receiver in the Big Ten with 70 receptions for 990 yards and 9 TDs. Against the Irish, he tallied 6 catches for 75 yards and 2 touchdowns.
WR - The Replacement: B.J. Cunningham - Currently 3rd in total receptions with just 3 for 46 yards and 1 TD, he was actually 2nd to White in total receptions in 2009 with 48 catches, 641 yards and 4 TDs. Last year, against the Irish, he actually tallied more catches (7) than White, but didn't records a TD. And this year, it appears that the Spartan offense is much more focused on rushing the football than passing.
KR - The Replaced: Glenn Winsotn - In 2009, Winston had a fairly mediocre 21 kick returns for 503 yards, but quite a few of those yards were gained against the Irish. In the ND game, Winston had 154 return yards in 7 tries, including a 34 yard return. Glenn wont be facing the Irish this year, having been suspended indefinitely (and we can't seem to track an update) due to a fight with MSU hockey players in which a hockey player was severely injured.
KR - The Replacement: Keshawn Martin - Keshawn actually had more kickoff returns than Winston last year (23) and tallied one TD on a return. Keshawn was the 11th ranked kick returner in the nation in 2009. You may remember Keshawn's name, as he actually completed one of the passes for a touchdown that went to Blair White. This year, Keshawn just 4 returns for 89 yards.
CB - The Replaced: Jeremey Ware - Jeremy was 5th on the Spartan defense with 52 tackles last year - 39 of which were solo. Against the Irish in 2009, Ware was the top tackler on the Spartan squad with 7 solo stops.
CB - The Replacement: Johnny Adams - Near as we can tell simply from the NCAA stat sheets, Adams is the new starter at CB, replacing Ware. Though it does seem that there's a pretty healthy rotation in the spartan secondary too. Currently, Adams has 5 solo tackles and 4 assists. Adams did not play in ND Stadium last year.
By The Biscuit September 15, 2010 - 3:07 pm
Not a whole lot to replace. But we’re a ton better than last year, I know it. Changing my tune to victory – it will keep my preseason calls on pace.
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By domer_mq September 15, 2010 - 3:13 pm
Their QB from last year is back. He had 302 yards passing against us. Mark Dell is back, he had 121 yards receiving. And they’ve got a three-headed terror in running backs this year, all of whom didn’t really do much against the Irish in 2009, but look pretty darn good this year.
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By The Biscuit September 15, 2010 - 4:22 pm
Right, everyone’s back on a middling team that did fairly well against but still lost to a middlingtobad ND team. So I like our chances, bc I dont think they have improved all that much. And I think we have, when not facing Denard.
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By domer.mq September 15, 2010 - 8:09 pm
The amount of trickery they employed last year sort of astounds me. That double-pass for the TD, but also they started the 2nd half with a onsides-kick. Positively Johnelsian stuff.
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By the biscuit September 16, 2010 - 10:09 am
Johnelsian is a great synonym for ‘insane’
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By VicPaul September 15, 2010 - 3:38 pm
They also don’t have a very mobile QB so that should help our boys huge not having to worry about him pulling it down and running too much on us. ND by 13. Go Irish!!!
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By VicPaul September 15, 2010 - 3:50 pm
Man I wish John L. was still their coach, he was funny.
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By SDI September 15, 2010 - 4:02 pm
I think Crist is going to carve these guys up this week. Not sure how the defense will do but I’m hoping that the safeties play better.
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By domer.mq September 15, 2010 - 8:11 pm
I do think it’ll help some not having to “account” for every man on D. I think, for example, Manti’s better when he’s reading a full play rather than spying the QB (not that I know he was always spying, but he was at times).
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By StewVee September 16, 2010 - 11:34 am
Please, more passing. More passing to people that will catch the ball. And more scoring by those people who will catch the ball.
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By The Biscuit September 16, 2010 - 12:17 pm
We’re 20th in the nation in passing offense right now. Even with Crist out for half a game. 70th in rushing. Even though the split has been pretty even, and we’re improved running the ball….I think you’ll see lots of passing this year.
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By GB September 16, 2010 - 9:47 pm
I won’t be saying ND is better this year until i SEE AN improved defense. They still have not impressed me. The running game is definitely improved. I hope they can turn a new leaf.
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