Notes & Quotes: Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker talks importance of home crowd against Nebraska

Michigan State Spartans head football coach Mel Tucker took to the podium Tuesday afternoon for his weekly press conference, and took the opportunity to preview the Spartans’ upcoming game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Tucker began by reflecting on Michigan State’s road win over the Miami Hurricanes, mentioning the effort his team gave late in the game to seal the win.

“I was very proud of our team last week in Miami,” Tucker said. “Our entire organization did a great job. It was just a great team win.”

When asked about how his team is dealing with the success of a 3-0 start, and if the players are looking ahead, Tucker said he asked the squad, “How does 3-9 sound to you?”

“They said it didn’t sound too good,” Tucker added.

Tucker really emphasized the importance of the physical style of play and preparation the Spartans have been implementing this season, and specifically the idea of the “deep water” mentality that he mentioned after Saturday’s win over the Hurricanes.

Tucker said it was all about being “comfortable to be uncomfortable,” saying that in order to play a full 60-minute game, players need to train and play hard, which was evident in that big fourth-quarter surge last Saturday.

“It’s one thing to be ready to play, it’s another to be prepared to play,” Tucker said. “Everybody is ready to play on Saturday, but the great teams are prepared. I want a team that’s prepared to play.”

Tucker then went on to preview Nebraska, bringing up the importance of the crowd and the atmosphere in Spartan Stadium when it comes to playing in big games.

“With this game being a night game, I anticipate it being rowdy in there,” Tucker said. “It should be loud. On third downs, I don’t think (Nebraska) should be able to hear anything,” he added later.

Tucker really emphasized the importance of the fans and the environment later in the press conference as well, and said he thinks Spartan Stadium should be a tough environment for teams to play in.

“People should not want to come to Spartan Stadium to play in the woodshed,” Tucker remarked.

Kickoff for Michigan State’s matchup with Nebraska is set for 7 p.m. Eastern Time and the game will be televised on FS1.