What is everyone's expectations for tomorrow's game?
Man, it's been dead here this week in regards to discussing actual football. Last weekend was so disappointing that I completely understand it, but the truth is that this team still has the opportunity for an outstanding season, &, to have that, we must win tomorrow night.
Here are my quick thoughts:
1. I think this is a good matchup for MSU from a talent standpoint, but MSU has to show up. Arkansas is playing with confidence right now, & MSU got a big kick in the balls last week by Bama. Can MSU recover? We'll see tomorrow night, but IMO while Mullen has really struggled at MSU to get his teams to play above themselves against elite opponents, he has done really well in these types of spots in getting his team to not have let downs. Mullen coaches an even keel, consistent style of football. While this is frustrating against Bama, LSU, & A&M, the payoff is that we rarely have flat games in which we seem non-interested. We'll see if Mullen can pull it off again.
2. Many analysts have pointed towards a poor MSU run defense this week when breaking down the game, & I think that's a misconception. MSU has given up some big runs to Derrick Henry, Fournette, & the Kentucky back that has skewed it's run defense stats, but no one has consistently rammed the ball down MSU's throat. MSU is plenty capable creating numerous 3 & outs if a team attempts to just run it down their throats.
3. MSU's offensive line sucks balls, but Arkansas is tied for last in the SEC in sacks. Let me be clear, Alabama is that good & I think their has been a light overreaction from the media this week as far as MSU's offensive line. It's still the same line that blocked Missouri & Kentucky While I expect Arkansas to get a few sacks tomorrow night, I also believe the offensive line will play with some pride tomorrow night & give Dak enough time. Due to the matchups, if MSU's offensive line gives Dak "enough time", MSU has a great chance of scoring in the 30s tomorrow night.
4. I'm glad we are playing at night in what should be a good atmosphere. I would fear a let down much more if we were playing at 11 AM on a foggy, NW Arkansas day. However, it will be in the 30s tomorrow night & should be the coldest game some of our players have played in in a while. Dak will have to make sure the ball doesn't get slippery, hard, & that he's able to get a good grip. The receivers will have to step up tomorrow night & be prepared to catch a hard football.
In conclusion, I expect MSU to either get blown out or win. MSU will either show up & play, in which case they have a great chance to win, or MSU will be on a Bama hangover, show up soft, & get run out of the stadium.
This is a big game.
