Mel Tucker previews Peach Bowl matchup between Michigan State and Pitt
Michigan State will face ACC champion Pittsburgh and Heisman-contending quarterback Kenny Pickett in the Peach Bowl.
The 10th-ranked Spartans get a New Year’s Six bowl game, and they get to go to Atlanta for it. This will be the program’s first Peach Bowl appearance and the Big Ten’s second in 40 years. Quite the opportunity on hand for a group that opened the season with no expectations and now has the chance to knock off a Power 5 conference champ and secure the best season for the program since 2015.
Coach Mel Tucker met with members of the media during a teleconference call Sunday to talk about the game. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN on Dec. 30. Here’s what Tucker had to say:
Mel Tucker on facing Kenny Pickett: “We’re gonna have to do a much better job in our pass defense.”
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) December 5, 2021
The Spartans ranked 64th this season in yards per pass allowed and 111th in opponent completion percentage. Pickett threw for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns this season for the Panthers. He completed 67% of his throws and averaged nearly 9 yards per attempt.
Mel Tucker on the recruiting advantages of playing in Georgia:
“It’s gonna help us quite a bit. We recruit heavily in the state of Georgia. …We’re gonna be very visible.”
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) December 5, 2021
Tucker asked about if MSU expects everyone to play, says he hasn’t heard anyone plans to sit it out.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 5, 2021
Tucker says he hasn’t seen Pitt QB Pickett on coaches tape yet, just highlights. “I know he’s a great player” and says MSU must defend pass better and get healthy. Pickett said last night he plans to play in the bowl game.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 5, 2021
Tucker says MSU’s staff will still be on the road this week while players lift and run and get some scheme work/walkthroughs as well.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 5, 2021
Narduzzi says he’s “admired coach Tucker from afar” while they have not coached together before. Shared mentor in Dantonio. Tucker says he’s seen Narduzzi at camps and Pitt staff visited Georgia while he was coaching there.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 5, 2021
