Michigan State Final Thoughts

A few thoughts not so much x and o or what can happen stuff. More background, foundational, etc. Old coach stuff (a few of you stay quiet, you know who you are).

Michigan State is going to come into the game in a foul mood and physical, no doubt. So what, nothing Michigan has done lately accounts for that, it is the identity. Both coaches will give good final prep- probably in very different world views.

So, Michigan cannot retreat to getting smashed in the mouth and intimidated, that would be a huge step backwards and I do not expect this. On the other hand, if I were Harbaugh I would caution my guys that there may be a time in the game that there may be a time that impulse may say go wacko, avoid this and practice some smarts. There will be no excuse for a penalty that is self-caused, that is a 15 harder for mouth running, showboating, etc. there is no excuse for stupid stuff like off-sides on 4th down or giving the Spartans new life when they were stopped. You can play full speed with intensity and brains. There will always be some fluky bad luck deal where a target gets called, then there are just stupid and obvious shots that cannot be defended. We accept the first and do not expect the second. You play with no fear, there is no reason for fear, there cannot be self-doubt, there will be mistakes, clear your head be ready to win the next battle., there can be no letup, none. There will also be eccentric old coaches who know better and write run on sentences.

So, you have a great opportunity, it is a game, it is what you have been waiting for. Play hard, play smart, play well. Do your job physically and mentally, but have your teammates back. There are a few people waiting for you to take the field.