The Big Red One
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No, I’m not referring to the World War II film starring Lee Marvin and Mark Hamill which delves into the experiences of several US soldiers and the effects war has on them. I am referring to the Nebraska Cornhusker’s “Big Red One”. That would be Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead (130 attempts, 752 yards, and 10 TDs). Rex is very similar statistically to Wisconsin’s Montee Ball (125 attempts, 768 yards, and 16 TDs) who Michigan State had trouble stopping before he left last weekend’s game with an injury.
Everything starts and stops literally with Burkhead if the Spartan’s are to continue their quest of being Big Ten Champions. Rex is a power back Nebraska features in power heavy sets like two tight ends. He is currently ranked the 17th best back in the country averaging a little over 107 yards a game. Keep in mind Nebraska head coach, Bo Pelini, pulled him the second half, in a blowout victory over Minnesota a week ago. Nebraska’s rushing attack is ranked 7th in the country averaging 261 yards a game. Their scoring offense is rated the 20th best averaging 37 points a game. Michigan State did a nice job holding down Wisconsin’s #1 scoring offense, but MSU will be on the road in what is to be a crazy Lincoln Memorial Stadium.
Michigan State is currently ranked 8th nationally at stopping the run yielding roughly 89 yards a game. It all boils down to the experiences of several MSU defensive linemen when it comes to trench warfare when stopping the Big Red One. Defensive Tackles Jerel Worthy and Kevin Pickleman, along with Defensive Ends William Gholston and Marcus Rush really need to play their best game controlling the line of scrimmage allowing Michigan State linebackers the ability to fill. This will be the key for Michigan State to stop “The Big Red One” this weekend.
Enjoy the game!
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Entering his sixth season as analyst for the Spartan Sports Network, Jim Miller was a three-year starter for Coach George Perles at Michigan State.Read More
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