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They did it, they finally did it. The Michigan State Spartans exacted their much wanted revenge over the Oregon Ducks Saturday night in East Lansing downing the Oregon Ducks 31-28. Here's what we have learned heading into Week 3.
1. Spartans D is solid on fourth down: Four times the Ducks were stopped short by the Spartans defense in huge situations including stopping Oregon at the goalline and making the eventual game winning stop in the closing minutes.
2. Connor Cook continues to win big games: He's done it his whole career and the trend continues. When the pressure is it's highest, Connor Cook thrives having a nice Saturday night in the spotlight and kept his composure throughout the game, notching another huge win to add to another win to an impressive resume.
3. Vernon Adam's Finger was a factor: Admittedly, Vernon Adams Jr's index finger was one of the biggest stories heading into Saturday nights game. While many fans, myself included, wanted to push it off as not a big deal, it was. Adams was obviously bothered by the finger all night long constantly playing with it and it had an impact on his play.
4 Special Teams needs correction: After a bad game against Western Michigan the MSU Special Teams unit continued it's struggles Saturday night. Allowing some big returns including a punt return touchdown, the Spartan Special Teams have been far from in top form so far this season. Luckily for Dantonio and his staff, there's plenty of time left to right the ship as we have only played two games.
5. There is no such things as a "guarantee game": This is more of a general College Football thing but it ties in with the Spartans. While the expectation might be there for MSU to run the table up until the Ohio State game, nothing is given and you have focus on September and October before you even breathe a word about the game in Columbus. While the schedule is favorable, plenty of huge upsets or potential upsets could happen. It's college football, and you have to bring it every week regardless of opponent.