Here's what Mel Tucker said in his first 'Monday With Mel' press conference
It’s just another “Monday With Mel.”
That’s what Michigan State coach Mel Tucker’s apparently calling his weekly press conferences, which have been moved to Mondays starting this week. Michigan State is coming off a big win over Rutgers 31-13 at SHI Stadium in Week 6.
The story for the Spartans continues to be Kenneth Walker III, the Wake Forest transfer running back who’s taken the B1G by storm. He’s even gotten some people on Twitter calling for him to be considered for Heisman votes. Against Rutgers, Walker had 29 carries for 232 yards and a touchdown as he continues to add to his lead as the B1G’s top rusher. He’s now up to 152.2 rush yards per game — 42 more yards per game than the league’s No. 2 rusher.
Tucker talked about Walker’s performance and more in his first installment of “Mondays With Mel.” Here’s what he had to say:
Mel Tucker: "We found a way to win Saturday without necessarily playing our best football" at Rutgers. "We're still looking to play a complete football game."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 11, 2021
Tucker: "We know that Indiana is coming off a bye and has had a tough schedule. They'll be rested and ready."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 11, 2021
Tucker calls this, "Mondays with Mel." He has lots of nicknames.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 11, 2021
Tucker: "We know the Big Ten is a strong conference, and there's a lot of good teams on the East."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 11, 2021
Tucker asked why he's so flatlined during this press conference while being 6-0: "If I need to teach, motivate and develop you, I'd probably be more animated." Adds there is a time and place for it, the press conference isn't one for him.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 11, 2021
Tucker: "If we don't gain ground, we'll lose ground. We can't afford to do that."
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) October 11, 2021
Tucker asked about getting Kenneth Walker in the passing game. He smiles and says, “You wanna see K9 catch some balls?”
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) October 11, 2021
Tucker on the NCAA rule on replacing transfers: "We're gonna sign as many good players as we can. It's a roster management issue. … We're gonna maximize every opportunity we have in recruiting to get the best players in here."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 11, 2021
Tucker says he showed his players the stats from last year's 24-0 loss to Indiana but balks at calling it a revenge game (as asked in the question). "They're all a big game, especially a rivalry game for a trophy. We're playing for the (Old) Brass Spittoon."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 11, 2021
Tucker: "To get what you want, it's better to help others get what they want. That's the type of mentality we have on our team." Says players need to keep that unselfish nature and "not worry about the individual stats. We just add that stuff up at the end."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 11, 2021
Tucker asked how much fun he is having with this team: "Oh, I'm having a blast." Same monotone and measured delivery as all his answers today. Noticed postgame Saturday he was more in the moment and enjoying it. Can see when his switch flips and that he lives the 24-hour rule.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 11, 2021
