Dawgman.com's Kim Grinolds caught up this week with a very busy Stephen Brooks from SpartanTailgate, covering the Michigan State Spartans for the 247Sports Network. In this UW opponent preview podcast, they talk about the bombshell story about Michigan State Head Coach Mel Tucker that came out Sunday, the installation of top MSU assistant Harlon Barnett and former head coach Mark Dantonio to take over the coaching vacuum left by the Tucker's suspension, and who will really be running the show heading into the Washington game - Barnett or Dantonio?
The guys then talk about the expected atmosphere Saturday at Spartan Stadium. Brooks thinks it could be an 'all timer', and as much for the fact that they're going to be selling beer in the stadium for the first time ever as anything else going on.
Then they get down to the Michigan State team the Huskies will face this weekend. How are they different than the team that came to Seattle last year? How are they similar? How much of an impact will the coaching changes make on what we see on the field from the Spartans?
After a quick break the guys then delve into specific situations, starting with the quarterback. Gone is Payton Thorne to Auburn, in is Noah Kim. What do the fans think of Kim? What kind of QB will Washington face; a drop-back pocket passer or a dual-threat talent?
Does Michigan State have an offense that can hold on to the ball, keep drives alive and score touchdowns? Brooks offers some insight into what kind of offense Washington fans will see from Michigan State on Saturday and what their game plan should be to keep Washington's offense off the field.
And flipping over to the defensive side, do the Spartans have the ability to get to the quarterback and make things tough for Michael Penix Jr? Do they have a secondary that can disguise things and confuse Penix and UW's cadre of receivers?
Kim asks Stephen about Germie Bernard and what kind of reception he should expect from the MSU faithful on Saturday.
To finish things out, who is going to be the Michigan State head coach a year from now? Stephen only knows one thing right now; it's not going to be Mel Tucker. Outside of that, it's anybody's guess.
And ultimately what are the keys for UW fans heading to East Lansing? Any tips for those traveling from Seattle? Stephen gives his thoughts on what the visiting fans should do to maximize their Michigan State game experience.
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