Could have done without that: Chris L. Rucker suspended

by KJ@theonlycolors on Oct 10, 2010 7:09 PM CDT in Michigan State Spartans Football

Per Rexrode and various Twitter sources, Mark Dantonio has suspended cornerback Chris L. Rucker for at least one game for an unspecified violation of team rules that must have occurred in the aftermath of yesterday's win. This is, needless to say, exactly the sort of thing that Spartan fans who have suffered through a multitude of big wins over the last couple decades that were followed closely by spectacular collapses would prefer not to see.

The positive spin, I suppose, is that Dantonio is sending a message that he's not going to put up with any off-the-field nonsense down the stretch. Rucker was one of the players suspended for participating in the Rather Hall incident last fall, so he presumably had a finer margin for error in terms of off-the-field behavior.

Rucker will be replaced in the lineup with true freshman Darqueze Dennard. After missing the first couple games with an injury, Dennard has appeared in four games this season, recording two tackles in the process. Sophomore Mitchell White is the other guy potentially in line based on the depth chart. White has appeared in all six games, recording seven tackles. Because Pat Narduzzi sticks with the base defense in almost all situations, neither guy has seen much, if any, meaningful action to date with the defense. (I'm guessing at least some of those tackles were recorded on special teams.)

This is a blow for a secondary really hitting its peak after spending all of last season as the scapegoat for the team's defensive struggles. MSU now, believe it or not, ranks in the top ten nationally in interceptions with 9 (HT: Pete); the team also ranks in the top 25 in both defensive completion percentage and passer rating. Rucker recorded one of those interceptions yesterday and is tied for second on the team in tackles. The good news, I guess, is that Illinois features a run-heavy offense, averaging only 20.8 pass attempts per game (112th in the nation).

It'll take more than this to knock us off our post-victory high, but it's a dose of reality in terms of the discipline that's going to be needed over the next month and a half. If this team is going to grab the very large opportunity currently knocking on its door, it's going to need to learn to deal with success constructively.

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Rucker and Adams

Are the best corner tandem we have had in a while. Kid needs to get his head straightened out. I’m tired of this nonsense. Illinois does not suck.

by That Guy Green on Oct 10, 2010 7:15 PM CDT reply actions

Annoyed

But not angry unless it comes out he did something horrible.

Es gibt keine Freude wie Schadenfreude

by Seer on Oct 10, 2010 7:29 PM CDT reply actions

Definitely not good timing

I hope Dennard can tackle well, we could really miss Rucker in run support against Illinois. I also hope it’s only a one game suspension.

In better news, ESPN just posted their Mock BCS standings by using the polls and computers the actual BCS will use. They formulated that MSU would be ranked 9th. The official BCS comes out next week.

by Stones1981 on Oct 10, 2010 8:04 PM CDT reply actions

Reading into this

“We’re gonna suspend Chris L. Rucker for violating team rules, so he’ll be out next week,” MSU coach Mark Dantonio said at tonight’s media briefing. “So, lesson learned.”

I hope this means that whatever he did was something that is small enough that a one game suspension means its taken care of.

Es gibt keine Freude wie Schadenfreude

by Seer on Oct 10, 2010 8:15 PM CDT reply actions

I think Dantonio has not hesitated to come down pretty hard with discipline, especially with repeat offenders, so I’m guessing whatever Rucker did was pretty minor.

by Spartan D on Oct 11, 2010 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions

Congrats!

Good win for MSU. I have to say I was impressed with your RBs and Cousins played a hell of a game. Denard kinda came back to earth, wich is probably a good thing for his development (I hope) . I definitely hate MSU during the rivalry week, as I am sure you hate us ;) but I hope you guys can pull at least a share with OSU, or even the outright title. Good luck until next year!!!

by Pinchy The Lobster on Oct 10, 2010 9:14 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks Pinchy

Mighty big of you to come over and take your lumps.

[I just wish you had done it in the Afterglow thread rather than in the Rucker Suspended thread.]

Good luck the rest of the season, and please help us out — beat OSU.

by CPT Hoolie on Oct 10, 2010 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions

I certainly hope he learns his lesson better than Chris Allen! Maybe one of the captains needs to smack him upside the head. I wonder if he’s heard the expression “3 strikes and you’re out.”,

by GreenMitt on Oct 10, 2010 9:45 PM CDT reply actions

Silver lining

Hopefully there is a silver lining in that Darqueze gets some experience under his belt, and plays well. I would definately rather have it be Rucker out and not Adams. I think Adams is a great corner. Plus, Rucker is a senior, so get the freshman some playing time.

by MSUBeefman1 on Oct 11, 2010 7:36 AM CDT reply actions

Off Topic

Did Will Gholston play a single snap on Saturday? I did not see him at all. In my opinion he and Bullough should be playing a ton more. Bullough played and made 2 good stops and then he was gone. Guess it speaks to our depth these days. I’m obviously not complaining, just curious. They both look like monsters when they are in the game.

by That Guy Green on Oct 11, 2010 7:46 AM CDT reply actions