Pasadena, California 1/1/2014
Clear skies, parades, and flowers everywhere may sound like a place of tranquility to most. However, all of the the formalities and pageantry will give way to arguably the most intriguing matchup in this years slate BCS games. Championships often come down to the classic “speed versus power” storyline. Today though, we see a matchup that pits power against power. Both of these teams are nasty, both of these teams place a premium on blocking, both of these teams would rather knock you on your ass and go through you versus going around. With that said, both of these teams demonstrate a level of class and focus that is second to none.
Stanford comes into the game at a respectable 7-2 record. (6-0 versus ranked teams). While the Cardinal did drop two games to Utah and a resurgent USC squad, they also beat teams like Oregon at home, Washington, and a very explosive Brett Hundley lead UCLA Bruins team. Most importantly this team has been to Rose Bowls before so the festivities of the week are much less apt to jade and distract the Cardinal players. Be it the legendary “Beef Bowl” or simply the bright lights of LA it is plain to see that the Cardinal players are focused on the task at hand. That task, is beating one of the most surprisingly dominant teams in recent memory, the Michigan State Spartans.
Sparty rolls into Pasadena riding a 9-game winning streak and boasting a nearly unblemished 12-1 record. The Spartans’ sole loss came at the hands of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish early in the season. Over the course of the media week all of the players and coaches for Michigan State cited that game as the turning point in the season. Early in the year the Spartans offense was laughable at best, however after a few personnel changes the team found their groove and Sparty began to roll. Dominating rivals like the University of Michigan (the alleged “Big Brother” to the Spartans) and an Ohio State Buckeye team that had not lost in almost two years prior to that game. The Spartans have a warrior-esque mentality and even though this trip is new to them, they have no intentions of smelling the roses until they win the battle.
When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object, something has to give. Here is my key player matchup and my key unit matchup for the 100th Rose Bowl.
1. Ty Montgomery versus Darqueze Dennard.
– All week long this talk has been about the line of scrimmage and who is going to hit the other team in the mouth the hardest. However with both teams putting such a premium on pounding the rock and stopping the run, there will be times during the game today were they will simply cancel each other out. #7 Ty Montgomery is arguably one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country and acts as the spark plug for the Stanford offense. #31 Darqueze Dennard is the Thorpe award winner (the nation’s best defensive back) and one of the spiritual leaders for the Spartans. Look for these two players to be matched up in every passing situation and on key 3rd downs. If Dennard can keep the speedy 6’2 215lb Junior under control and eliminate splash plays I believe that the Spartans will have no trouble bottling up the Cardinal offense. If Montgomery is able to get loose a few times, it may be difficult for State to keep up.
2. Stanford offensive line and Michigan State front seven.
– These two teams records are very misleading. While MSU has came up in big games and answered every call they have had to make, they boast about having the #1 defense in the nation while only playing a slate of teams who went 70-78. (Insert B1G comments here) The Cardinal, has dropped two games to teams that they could have very easily beaten, but on that same token they handled some of the PAC-12’s most dominant teams. Stanford’s combined opponents record this season is 87-67. So while MSU’s dominance has been undeniable, outside of an overrated Ohio State team they have not really beaten anyone worth mention with the B1G having such a down year. Add to the fact that the Spartans have lost “The Computer” (MLB #40 Max Bullough) to a very untimely suspension just a week before the game. Moreover, Stanford loves to bring in extra lineman to seal the edges on their power run plays. Without Max in the middle to make those adjustments it is going to be up to reserve linebacker #41 Kyler Elsworth and his counterpart #45 Darien Harris to make those calls at the line. If those young men can put their teammates in the right spots at the right time, Michigan State will prove that their #1 Defensive ranking is not a product of weak schedule. If Stanford is able to move the ball early on the ground look for the Cardinal to grind away the clock and the Spartan defense for the remainder of the contest.
My Prediction:
Stanford has been here before and they have reflected that with all of their responses over the past month. Michigan State, has not been here in a very long time and is at the cusp of moving their program to a level that they have not ever been at before. Provided MSU can maintain their defensive consistency without Bullough, I believe that Sparty’s hunger will overcome the Cardinal’s experience. In addition, Darqueze Dennard is not only the best defensive back in the country but he makes a strong case for the best defensive player in the nation. Today he will put all his skills on display and the nation will get a chance to just how dominant this young man is. Sparty’s defense will stumble in the first quarter, but will gain their footing with some adjustments and will shut down the Cardinal’s power attack for the remainder of the contest. Spartans win an exciting one 21-17.
CertifiedChance 