Thoughts On CFB – Michigan @ Michigan State

Each week, I will attempt to watch at least two college football games in full and post my thoughts here on Blogging Dirty after the game.

The first game this week was the rivalry matchup between Michigan and Michigan State, that finished 28 -14 in favour of MSU.  An energetic game was an intriguing one to watch with a few players catching my eye.

For Michigan State, a few players stood out staring with Quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins is not the most athletically gifted QB coming out in the draft but he makes good decisions and is an effective game manager. The highest I can see him being selected is in third round due to the high quality of  junior QB prospects this year.

Running Back Edwin Baker had a big day getting 167 yards and a TD. Aside from a silly fumble, he played better than I was expecting. His balance in particular was impressive and his ability to accelerate out of cuts. He doesn’t possess great speed or power and as a result will likely be drafted in the 4th or 5th round.

Follow the Jump check out some more reports on players that featured in this game.

Highly touted Defensive Tackle Jerel Worthy was largely disappointing today. Coming into the season he had been looked at as a top 10 pick, since then he has slipped down to a late first round pick. After this performance, where he was arguably MSU’s worse D-Lineman, he slips down even further in my opinion.

For Michigan, you have to start with QB Denard Robinson. Let me prefix by saying that I am a big fan of letting mobile QB’s attempt to play QB at the next level. However with Robinson, his future in the NFL is most likely at the WR position, and on a few plays getting the opportunity to throw the ball. Don’t expect Denard to come out this season, as he will likely return for his senior year and try to improve his draft stock.

Michigan C David Molk, for me is a very strong O-Line prospect. He is a very intelligent Center that picks up pass rushers very well. His intelligence combined with solid strength, makes him your prototypical center, that reminds me a lot of Matt Birk of the Baltimore Ravens. He will certainly be in play in round 2 and could rise by showing greater strength in the offseason workouts.

Finally DT Mike Martin, looked decent. I have seen some comparisons to 2011 1st round pick JJ Watt, I do not see that. He doesn’t have the pass rush ability for one or great strength. Right now 3rd round would seem a decent projection.