Once again, it will be the SEC versus the Big Ten when Georgia faces Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla. on Jan. 1. Both teams have records of 9-3, but the Big Ten has won the last four Capital One Bowls. Here we will break down the Spartans and how the Bulldogs match up with them.
Michigan State senior quarterback Brian Hoyer’s numbers are pedestrian, as he has compiled nine touchdowns and eight interceptions to go along with only a 50 percent completion percentage. He had better numbers as a junior but did have signature games this season in wins at Indiana and Michigan. Blair White’s 39 catches is tops on Michigan State, while Mark Dell is the vertical threat. Freshman wide receiver B.J. Cunningham is a nice target underneath and tight end Charlie Gantt, who is also a solid blocker, complements the unit with a team-leading four receiving touchdowns.
The Bulldogs’ pass defense has been solid at times and appears to match up well with the Spartans wide outs. Michigan State most consistent threat may come from Gantt. Hoyer is not good enough to carry Michigan State against Georgia, but he is capable of hurting the Bulldogs for big plays if they underestimate him.
Most of the Spartans’ offense will go through Javon Ringer, who has carried the ball an astonishing 370 times to the tune of 1,590 yards and 21 touchdowns. Michigan State will pound Ringer early and often. Georgia definitely has the ability to defend him, but they are also going to have to play up to that ability and tackle well for a full four quarters, something they have been inconsistent at.
The Spartans’ offensive line averages over 312 pounds and has only one starter shorter than 6-foot-5. The 5-9 Ringer can be hard to find behind the big line, which is led by seniors Jessie Miller and Roland Martin on the right side. The line has also ranks 34th in the nation in sacks allowed at 1.5 a game. Georgia has struggled with a pass rush all season and may not have success rushing the passer against the Spartans, but their biggest test will be standing up to Michigan State’s size and power for four the whole game.
ON DEFENSE
Defensive end Trevor Anderson leads the Spartans with eight sacks and fellow defensive end Brandon Long is second with 4.5, but Michigan State is only 72nd in the country against the run. Look for Knowshon Moreno and the Bulldogs’ rushing attack to exploit the defense running the ball. Nose tackle Oren Wilson (292) is the only Spartan starter who weighs more than 280 pounds.
Sophomores Greg Jones and Eric Gordon highlight the linebackers. Strong-side backer Jones leads the team and is third in the Big Ten with 115 total tackles (72 solo, 12.5 tackles for loss). Gordon lines up on the weakside and is second on the team in total tackles with 80. Middle backer Adam Decker is not as active as the other two starters. Jones and Gordon are both only a shade over 220 pounds, so if the Bulldogs’ offensive line is quick enough to get off the line and get their hands on them, that should equal good fortune for Georgia.
In the secondary, safeties Otis Wiley and Dan Fortener have both had to make their share of tackles, ranking third and fourth on the team, respectively. Also, Wiley’s four interceptions lead the team. Chris L. Rucker and Ross Weaver are big physical corners, helping Michigan State rank 29th in the country in pass efficiency defense. But the Spartans’ pass defense numbers may be misleading, as the Big Ten boasts only one team in the top 20 in passing, Illinois … who the Spartans did not play. The passing of Matthew Stafford and the receiving of Mohamed Massaquoi and A.J. Green may be too much for Michigan State.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Brett Swenson has been solid for the Spartans, making 20 of his 25 field goal attempts with a long of 50. He won the Wisconsin game by making a 44-yarder in the game’s final seconds. After a hot start, Georgia’s Blair Walsh has experienced some struggles lately, missing six out of his last 10 field goals. Still, he can be as helpful in the bowl game by keeping his kickoffs in bounds, something he has also had problems with down the stretch.
The contest may be interesting at the start, but if the Bulldogs can shut down Ringer, they have a great shot at ending the SEC Capital One Bowl drought, as they should have much success moving the ball against Michigan State.
Butler can be reached at jbutler@scoreatl.com.
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