Although his 2008 numbers don’t show it, Clausen looks much more poised this season. One reason for that is an improved offensive line that’s given him more time to go through his progressions. After allowing 58 sacks a year ago, Notre Dame’s offensive line hasn’t allowed a sack this season. Last year, pressuring the quarterback was MSU’s bread and butter, but through three games, MSU has just three sacks.
EDGE: Push — Not allowing a sack is impressive, no matter what teams Notre Dame has played. MSU’s defensive tackles have been solid all year, while senior defensive end Brandon Long made significant strides last week. Junior defensive end Trevor Anderson will prove to be the X-factor.
The strength of Notre Dame’s secondary lies at safety, where free safety David Burton tied a career high with 15 tackles last week against Michigan and strong safety Kyle McCarthy leads the country with 17 solo tackles. Although they’ve proven they can tackle, reading Hoyer’s progressions will be the key. Hoyer enters the game as a question mark, as the Spartans have run the ball most of the season.
EDGE: Push — It will be interesting to see how Hoyer responds to lackluster expectations. The Irish safeties are talented, but in this “what have you done for me lately” sports world, it’s too often forgotten that Hoyer was in the upper half of the Big Ten in nearly every major passing category a year ago.
Tate has been Clausen’s go-to wide receiver, as the two have hooked up 10 times for 220 yards and two touchdowns. Coaches praised Rucker after the Florida Atlantic game for shutting down the Owls’ biggest receiving threat, Cortez Gent.
EDGE: Rucker — Clausen doesn’t throw up jump balls to the 5-foot-11 Tate; instead he trusts the wide receiver to blaze by bigger cornerbacks. Although Rucker is 6-foot-2, he doesn’t lack speed because of his height. Last week, MSU safeties tried helping Rucker cover Gent, but he proved it wasn’t necessary. As MSU defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi said, “Chris L. Rucker doesn’t need any help.”
Hughes has modest numbers, averaging 3.7 yards per carry with 133 rushing yards in two games. Still, the bruising back is a goal line threat who can bounce off would-be tackles. Although he plays middle linebacker, Decker defers the verbal leadership role to senior strong safety Otis Wiley. Instead, he lets his play on the field do the talking.
EDGE: Decker — Believe it or not, Decker is tied for second on the team with 17 tackles. He has the speed, size and smarts to be a key member of MSU’s defense not only for this game, but for the rest of the season.
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