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What Michigan State’s Mel Tucker said during weekly press conference
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After a long wait, Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker stepped onto the field last Saturday at the Spartans’ helm after being hired in February following Mark Dantonio’s retirement.
The debut didn’t go well, as Rutgers jumped out to a quick two-touchdown lead, and just five hours later he would leave the field following a 38-27 defeat to the Scarlet Knights.
Tucker stressed discipline and ball security in his team, but he watched as the Spartans committed seven turnovers to go along with seven penalties.
They’ll need to dramatically improve in that area, as the road doesn’t get any easier with the storied rivalry with Michigan on the calendar for week two.
The Wolverines have topped the Spartans twice in a row in the series, and have won three of the last four meetings. All-time, the Wolverines have dominated MSU, 71-36-5. This marks the first back-to-back games in Ann Arbor since 1967-68.
Tucker understands the importance of the big game, and the history behind it.
Tucker: “it’s not just another game” against “the school down the road.” Calls it “a special game, and we treat it as such.” Believes it’ll be one of the most physical games of the season.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 27, 2020
Tucker: “We’re building the foundation. It’s a process. We’ve got some things we need to get right.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 27, 2020
Tucker said MSU is “well in our game plan for the school up the road” and calls it a “laser focus” for Saturday.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 27, 2020
Tucker no letdown and fan reaction. “That’s to be expected. When you don’t have success, there’s disappointment” from fans, coaches, players. “We go to the truth and understand why were we not able to have the success on the field that we expected?” Answer is turnovers he adds.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 27, 2020
Tucker asked if the "honeymoon phase" at MSU over following loss to Rutgers
"That’s to be expected. I believe this is my 24th year coaching and when you don’t have success, there’s disappointment. …The expectation is to have success and do that on a consistent basis."
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) October 27, 2020
Tucker dropping "school up the road" a few times in the press conference
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) October 27, 2020
Mel Tucker: "This game against the school down the road is not just another game…It’s a special game and we treat it as such."
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) October 27, 2020
Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.