Michigan
MSU’s lack of depth spotlights Tom Izzo’s transfer portal stubbornness
Former beginning ahead Malik Corridor is out with an ankle damage. Beginning capturing guard Tyson Walker was battling via a abdomen virus. And, start line guard A.J. Hoggard and beginning wing Jaden Akins each obtained into foul hassle within the first half.
That was a recipe for catastrophe at present when Michigan State traveled to Bloomington for his or her sixth Massive Ten sport in 16 days.
“We performed 10 minutes with out A.J. after he fouls on the three – and that’s not a great foul,” head coach Tom Izzo mentioned. “We performed eight minutes with out Akins, and with out Malik Corridor that’s simply not a great factor. Interval.”
Not surprisingly, the Spartans fell to Indiana, 82-69, to drop to 13-7 total and 5-4 in Massive Ten play.
Michigan State began each the primary and second half very properly, however Izzo’s membership didn’t have the stamina to stay with the Hoosiers within the sport’s last 16 minutes, and the top coach’s stubbornness regarding the switch portal was a giant motive why.
Faculty basketball seasons are lengthy and unpredictable, however most groups are going to battle via some adversity like accidents and sickness sooner or later through the season. Izzo has been doing this for too lengthy to not anticipate these kinds of challenges sooner or later through the 2022-23 marketing campaign, and but he appeared as his roster consisting of 10 scholarship gamers — three of that are freshman — and thought he had sufficient to work with.
Corridor’s damage, and the circumstances surrounding Sunday’s sport towards the Hoosiers, point out that Michigan State doesn’t have almost sufficient to compete for a title within the Massive Ten Convention.
“We nonetheless haven’t any substitution sample,” Izzo admitted following the loss.
Plenty of that is because of the truth that Michigan State has had totally different gamers out there all year long. Akins missed roughly eight weeks earlier than the season as he recovered from foot surgical procedure. He then missed 4 video games after tweaking the foot towards Villanova.
Corridor, in the meantime, got here into the season wholesome but additionally handled a stress-related damage to his foot following the Villanova sport, inflicting the senior to overlook the following eight video games. After Corridor returned, he turned an ankle in his second sport again towards Michigan, earlier than exiting his fourth sport again towards Illinois after both re-aggravating that ankle damage or his foot damage from earlier within the 12 months.
Even Izzo appears unsure as to what is going on on with Corridor.
“He’s slightly methods away but. When? I don’t know,” Izzo mentioned. “All I can do is help him, and I believe a few of these [things] are bodily, a few of them are psychological, a few of them are problems and a few of them are the world proper now’s totally different. For those who get injured, you’re totally different. So, I don’t know if he’s injured or harm. If he’s injured, he’s obtained to do what he’s obtained to do. If he’s harm, then you definitely don’t play.”
With Corridor out, Michigan State has needed to flip to sophomore wing Pierre Brooks, who has struggled in an elevated function to this point. After opening the season capturing fairly properly from three-point vary, he is made simply considered one of his final 13 makes an attempt from deep and appears to have misplaced a number of confidence. In opposition to Indiana, Brooks went 0-for-5 from the ground and 0-for-3 from three.
“Pierre had some beauty, he simply didn’t make them,” Izzo mentioned. “We perceive that Pierre goes to be restricted defensively slightly bit, however you hope he could make photographs and he’s not making photographs. When he’s not doing that – it’s robust. However, he performed tougher at present so there are some issues which can be encouraging.”
No matter “effort-level”, which Izzo has famous has been missing with Brooks typically this season, it is fairly clear that the sophomore wants to enhance earlier than he is requested to play the type of minutes the Spartans want with out Corridor.
This previous offseason, there have been a few wings within the switch portal that Michigan State may have pursued. Perhaps Izzo and the Spartans did put the full-court press on West Virginia small ahead Jalen Bridges, or possibly they introduced him in for a go to and Izzo determined Michigan State did not want him.
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No matter why, Bridges ended up at Baylor and is averaging 9.5 factors and 5.5 rebounds per sport as a starter for the Bears. MSU certain may use that type of manufacturing proper now.
The switch portal was lighter on heart expertise this previous offseason, however Izzo watched former Spartan massive Julius Marble depart this system to maneuver nearer to house within the wake of his father’s loss of life, and the top coach’s response was to increase a scholarship supply to Carson Cooper. The freshman heart has been higher than anticipated for the Spartans this season and appears to be forward of schedule, however MSU may use a extra skilled man to complement present beginning heart Mady Sissoko.
However, that is the roster that Izzo introduced into the 2022-23 marketing campaign, and it’s carrying down two-thirds of the way in which via the common season.
“I believe the six video games in 16 video games caught as much as us slightly bit too, particularly guys like Joey, [and] A.J. slightly bit,” Izzo mentioned on Sunday. “A.J. obtained slightly relaxation within the first half he nonetheless performed 27 minutes. However, he was out 10 minutes [in the first half]. That’s what I imply about [needing] rotations, so I don’t play him nearly the entire second half.”
For the second sport in a row, Izzo trotted out all three of his freshmen on to the courtroom directly for a stretch. At house towards Rutgers, it labored out okay. On the street towards Indiana, the trio obtained uncovered a bit.
“It was the top of the primary half once we had these three freshmen in there. It’s not a straightforward place to play three freshmen, and I believed they took benefit of us they usually obtained that lead,” Izzo mentioned.
Freshman level guard Tre Holloman has performed properly in a restricted function this season, notably on protection. However he struggled mightily at present when he was requested to orchestrate the Spartans’ offense with Hoggard on the bench.
“Tre did some uncharacteristic issues once we informed him what to do, so we didn’t really feel as snug with him within the second half,” Izzo mentioned.
That put much more strain on Michigan State’s backcourt, which was already lower than 100% with Walker battling via a abdomen virus.
“Tyson Walker obtained sick two nights in the past, and didn’t observe or eat,” Izzo mentioned. “This morning, we didn’t even suppose he was going to play at breakfast. And so, I give him a number of credit score, however he hadn’t shot a ball, he hadn’t touched a ball.
“They put [an IV] in his veins final night time and at present, however we simply aren’t deep sufficient to undergo these issues…He performed as arduous as he may play below the circumstances. However that’s what I meant about – we simply didn’t have sufficient guys to do it.”
Maybe that’s the true crime of Izzo’s inaction within the switch portal through the offseason. The Spartans who can be found are giving every thing they must their head coach, however they’re being compelled to play too many minutes with only a few choices on the bench.
“I do know this sounds silly, however I’m pleased with the way in which we competed below the circumstances,” Izzo mentioned. “[Indiana] is taking part in good, the gang was nice, we didn’t get a lot time [between games], not having Tyson – we knew we wouldn’t have Malik however we thought we’d have Tyson. And he performed, he in all probability performed a number of minutes, however I’m simply telling you he was…I apologized to him 3 times. We simply had no selection.
“We must always have put him on the level. Tre was struggling there proper earlier than the half, however [Walker] was operating on fumes.”
Walker is not the one one.
Beginning ahead Joey Hauser is taking part in greater than 35 minutes in each sport. He battled his method to 22 factors towards the Hoosiers, persevering with what has been a resurgent season for the graduate senior, however he wore down within the second half. Who would not after taking part in that minutes in six video games in simply 16 video games?
Izzo laments Corridor’s damage and talks about Michigan State being in a greater place when he comes again and the Spartans are again to full power. Positive, MSU shall be a greater basketball group when Corridor comes again, however this group had little probability to get via a full season and compete for a convention title utilizing simply 10 of their out there 13 scholarship slots.
Michigan
WATCH: Michigan State’s Coen Carr Speaks After Career Game
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State sophomore forward Coen Carr put on quite the show in the Spartans’ 86-69 victory over Florida Atlantic on Saturday.
Carr posted a career-high 17 points and also recorded eight rebounds. He had several dunks in the win and also made his first-career 3-pointer. He added a block and a steal as well.
Carr addressed the media after the game.
You can watch some of his media availability below:
Below is a partial transcript from Michigan State coach Tom Izzo’s opening statement of his postgame press conference:
Izzo: “Man, nothing’s easy. I really like that team. We said it on film. We actually did a pretty good job on a couple guys. [Baba] Miller, one. The big kid inside got in some foul trouble, did a decent job with him. I thought Jeremy [Fears Jr. ] did a hell of a job on [Leland] Walker. I really like Walker, too. But Miller is a good player. We did not do a good job on [Tre] Carroll. He was really good. And I think he is really good. I think that team has a chance to win a lot of games. This will probably be a good test for us. It wasn’t good when you’re going home for Christmas, because there was a couple sleepless nights on these guys. I told some of you I thought they were good. And yet, we started out the second half 4-of-17. Missed a gazillion layups — putbacks for Szymon [Zapala] and Jax [Jaxon Kohler], of all people. And they really — 4-of-17, I don’t know how we. I’m trying to figure out how we scored 86 points. But again, we shot pretty well from the free throw line. We offensive rebounded, we didn’t turn it over too much. I mean, it was a good win for us; I didn’t like the way it was played at all the time. I thought we got stagnant with the ball. But I was really impressed with Jeremy. And Coen [Carr] will probably never shoot another 3, so he can leave the history of Michigan State — it will be 100%. … I appreciate our fans appreciating him. And you saw our players. Last time I saw an eruption like that was when Steven [Izzo] hit a shot. That was pretty cool. I think that tells you a lot about how they feel about each other. And that was really important to me and, I think, to our coaching staff. So, Coen, no doubt, was the star of the game. Jaden came around the second half and did some good things.”
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Michigan
Michigan State Sophomore Turns in Career Game Against FAU
Sophomore guard Coen Carr delivered a breakout performance for Michigan State basketball in its 86-69 victory over Florida Atlantic, scoring a career-high 17 points while pulling down eight rebounds. It was a game that showcased Carr’s developing offensive game and his continued growth as a versatile and impactful player for the Spartans.
Carr’s 17-point effort was the result of a well-rounded offensive game that included a variety of scoring methods. While Carr has long been known for his athleticism and ability to contribute on the defensive end, this game highlighted his increasing ability to make an impact on offense. Perhaps the most notable moment came when he hit his first career 3-pointer, a smooth shot from beyond the arc that not only earned him a standing ovation but also signaled his expanding skill set.
Up until that point, Carr had been more known for his athletic ability and transition play, but this 3-pointer showed that he is working to develop a more complete game, which will be crucial for Michigan State’s offensive versatility going forward.
In addition to his scoring, Carr’s 8 rebounds were crucial in helping Michigan State dominate the glass. His length, athleticism, and motor allowed him to clean up missed shots and secure key offensive and defensive boards. His presence on the boards allowed the Spartans to control the pace of the game, pushing the tempo and limiting FAU’s second-chance opportunities. Carr’s ability to contribute in multiple areas — particularly on the boards — shows his increasing comfort with his role on the team and his willingness to contribute wherever needed.
Carr’s all-around performance demonstrated his potential to become a more significant part of Michigan State’s rotation as the season progresses. His confidence on offense, particularly with the three-point shot, gives the Spartans another weapon to rely on. Meanwhile, his ability to impact the game with his rebounding and defensive play remains one of his strongest assets.
For Michigan State, Carr’s career-high outing is a promising sign of what’s to come. With his athleticism and improving offensive game, Carr has the potential to grow into a key contributor for the Spartans, providing them with much-needed depth and versatility as they look to make a run in the NCAA tournament. This performance against FAU is just the beginning for Coen Carr, and it suggests that he could play a pivotal role in Michigan State’s success this season.
Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
Michigan
Ohio State football instant opinions: Why didn’t Buckeyes use this offense vs Michigan?
Well, well, well. Look what happens when Ohio State does what it does best – gets the ball to its pass catchers.
Saturday’s 42-17 win against Tennessee in a first-round playoff game in an energized Horseshoe – thanks to a home crowd that drowned out the exceptionally large turnout of Vols fans – was in reverse of what happened against Michigan last month. Instead of running it up the gut over and over and over, Ohio State coach Ryan Day and play caller Chip Kelly went with what works.
The No. 8-seeded Buckeyes went in with a pass-first game plan, and guess what? It worked.
Duh.
Now it’s on to the Rose Bowl for a rematch against No. 1 seed Oregon. If Ohio State plays like it did Saturday, the Ducks, who defeated OSU 32-31 Oct. 12, will be in for a fight.
Where was this Ohio State offense against Michigan (or anyone else)?
Here’s a novel idea: Get the ball to your playmakers and get out of the way. Who woulda thought it?
Repeat after me, “Wide receivers are the strength of OSU’s offense.”
But for some reason, the offensive play calling against Michigan went against that strength. The neighbor’s dog could have, and probably did, scream at the TV, “Stop running the ball up the middle.” But the Buckeyes kept trying to pound the rock, and UM made them pay.
And let’s be honest, it wasn’t just Michigan. Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly hesitated to go all-in on the “pass to set up the run” philosophy all season, and an offense that was supposed to be out of this world did not leave orbit as often as it should have.
Then lift-off happened Saturday against Tennessee, when Day and Kelly finally went airborne. Result: a 21-0 lead after one quarter that gave OSU enough cushion that ultimately became a comfy sofa.
The Buckeyes showed their hand out of the gate, throwing on four of their first five plays and scoring on their opening series for the first time since the Oregon game.
No team can abandon the run completely, but when your offensive line is a patchwork product, it behooves you to play to your strengths. And Day finally did.
It took being shamed and embarrassed by Michigan to become the Ohio State offense everyone thought it would be.
Ohio State defense is the real deal
OK, enough about the offensive face lift.
The defense never needed plastic surgery in the first place. Talk all you want about Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka and the sexier side of the ball, but for my money the defense deserves MVP for the season. It again was stellar against the Vols, recording four sacks and generally making life miserable for a UT offense that came in ranked eighth nationally in scoring offense (37.3-point average) and ninth in rushing offense (232 yards). The Buckeyes limited the Vols to 17 points and 152 yards on the ground.
Memo to Ohio State QB Will Howard: Don’t throw interceptions
I know, I know, easier said than done. But still it should not be that hard to avoid when you have wide receivers like OSU does. All Howard has to do is let Egbuka and Smith make plays. And preferably relatively easy plays. Howard did that on two perfect passes to Smith; a 37-yard strike in the first quarter and a 22-yarder in the third quarter that made it 28-10.
But he forced a pass to Smith in the first half that Tennessee defensive back Will Brooks picked off at the back of the end zone, ruining a scoring chance that could have made it 28-0, or 24-0 with a field goal. The risky pass simply was unnecessary, given the score.
The momentum shift led to Tennessee pulling to within 21-10 at halftime, with the Vols getting the ball to begin the second half. But Howard redeemed himself with the beautifully-thrown ball to Smith early in the third quarter.
Howard otherwise played a heck of a game, finishing 24 of 29 for 311 yards and two touchdowns. This was the QB who can take OSU all the way. That said, maybe it’s nitpicking to point out a potential game-changing interception, but when OSU’s receivers are this good, there is no reason to make easy plays more difficult.
Knoxville North as Tennessee fans invaded Ohio Stadium
Whether due to Ohio State season ticket holders reselling their seats to Tennessee fans or Vols Nation gaining access to a promo code that allowed UT fans to buy up more than their 3,500-seat allotment, there was a lot of orange in the Horseshoe. Estimates had the crowd breakdown as 65% OSU fans, 35% UT fans, but regardless of the exact numbers it almost certainly was the largest attendance for a visiting fan base in stadium history.
Many Ohio State fans watching at home were not happy with the large Tennessee turnout, but there was a bright side to Ticketgate. The smaller OSU crowd was louder than when the Shoe is clothed in 90% scarlet and gray.
What gives? My guess is those Ohio State fans who sold their tickets on the secondary market are the same ones who sit on their hands during games. Replacing them with loud and proud Buckeyes fans made a big difference.
My suggestion for OSU athletic director Ross Bjork is to configure future fan seating so that those who actually care about making noise get some type of preferential treatment. Challenging, I know, given that big-money donors want the prime real estate between the 50s. But if you really want to change the atmosphere, then do what it takes to change it.
Along those lines, the playoff opener felt more like a college football game than a minor-league baseball game, thanks in part to the College Football Playoff people taking over game-ops from Ohio State. There were fewer in-game announcements on the video boards and fewer on-field presentations. Refreshing.
roller@dispatch.com
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