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What Michigan State’s Mel Tucker said during his weekly press conference
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The beginning of the Mel Tucker era at Michigan State has been a rocky one.
With three losses in four games, the Spartans are 1-3 for the first time since 2009. That season was different, as in the three games MSU’s losses came by a combined 13 points. This year, all three losses were by double digits, and the Spartans have been outscored 73-7 over the last two games. Both losses to Indiana and Iowa.
The road is no easier for Tucker and the Spartans, as they are slated to head to College Park this Saturday to take on a red-hot Maryland team.
While the game is still scheduled, it but may be in jeopardy as the Terrapins had paused all team activities last week and canceled their game against Ohio State due to positive COVID-19 tests.
Tucker addressed some of what’s ahead for the Spartans at his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
Mel Tucker presser underway, familiar theme of how they need to cut down on turnovers, limit penalties, etc. "Team continues to push … attitudes are good."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) November 17, 2020
Tucker says Maryland is trying to play so they're preparing to play
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) November 17, 2020
Tucker says "it was a mixed bag with both quarterbacks." Says it's early in the week but they'll go with who they think gives them the best chance between Lombardi and Thorne
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) November 17, 2020
Here's a number:
Mel Tucker says today that dating back to his days as a HS player, he's been part of a program/team's "year one" nine different times. Nine.
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) November 17, 2020
Tucker on offensive woes: "It's not a scheme issue, it's an execution issue. … I feel good about our game-planning."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) November 17, 2020
MSU football coach Mel Tucker making it clear on Zoom there will be movement on the roster, transfers and such, given that what they're looking for is "non-negotiable." Tucker says at this point they pretty much know what they have.
— Graham Couch (@Graham_Couch) November 17, 2020
Asked about Theo Day and Noah Kim, Tucker says there's a "possibility" they could get a look. Cites other younger players who have earned playing time.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) November 17, 2020
Asked again about Maryland, Tucker said it isn't even crossing his mind there's a chance they may not play and it's no different than any other week.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) November 17, 2020
Tucker says DT Jalen Hunt, who was hurt on Saturday, was able to practice on Monday. Didn't offer any other injury specifics other than to say there are some guys taking longer to get back
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) November 17, 2020
Tucker said OL Mustafa Khaleefah has opted out because of COVID. Also said a couple of freshman have done the same thing but did not say who
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) November 17, 2020
Tucker says if players don’t give effort and try to be the best, it could be time to “cut bait.” Perhaps his most clear and stern conversation today about his vision of MSU’s future.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 17, 2020
Tucker says MSU watched the continuous copy of the first half of Indiana game as a team with the travel roster together. “It gives everyone a better perspective” and let’s both sides of the ball see what is happening right and wrong and “how close we are to making a play.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 17, 2020
Tucker not committing to a starting QB. Says both Lombardi and Thorne are up to speed with this. “There’s no gray.” All decisions on starters “important and we don’t take them lightly, especially at that position.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 17, 2020
Tucker says halfway through MSU’s season, “we have a pretty good idea of who can do what.” Anticipates roster movement “portal or otherwise.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 17, 2020
Tucker says MSU offers “well over 300” players per recruiting class. “We’re fighting for the hearts and minds of our high school coaches and in-state prospects” to show them the difference in his program vs. the past program.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 17, 2020
Tucker says players’ roster spots are not guaranteed in his program. “This is not a recreational type situation. It’s complete to play, compete to stay.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 17, 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.