What Mel Tucker said following Michigan State's bounce-back win vs. Maryland
Michigan State made sure not to look ahead in Week 11, dialing up some explosive plays and key defensive stops against Maryland.
The formula against the Terrapins is what it has been much of the year for Mel Tucker’s Spartans. A big game from Kenneth Walker III, explosive moments from Payton Thorne and Jayden Reed, and some well-timed takeaways and stops by the defense.
Walker continues to be the star as he continued his Heisman candidacy against the Terrapins. He finished with 2 touchdowns and more than 140 yards, his third straight game reaching that mark on the ground. That stretch by Walker puts him in impressive Spartan company.
Now, the Spartans can officially turn their attention to a massive road trip to Columbus in Week 12. A matchup against Ohio State awaits with the winner taking over the top position in the B1G East late in the season.
Here’s a look at what Tucker had to say coming out of the win over Maryland:
Mel Tucker calls the win over Maryland "a relentless effort" of "complementary football." Says MSU "had some guys step up, because we had some guys banged up."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 14, 2021
Mel Tucker not allowing his team to veer from the process heading to OSU: “It’s November. We know what’s a stake.”
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) November 14, 2021
Tucker: "We got a process. We're gonna do what we do. We have a 24-hour rule & then we'll get ready for the next one." Keeps consistent w/everything he has said all season. "We'll just keep chopping, 2+2 is 4, it's not gonna change. We got a process, and we're gonna stick to it."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 14, 2021
Tucker on bouncing back: "It was Monday thru Friday preparation. The players really stepped up and did a lot of extra work in the evening, between classes, just preparing for the game and making sure we knew what to do, how to do it." Process, process, process drumbeat.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 14, 2021
Tucker says CFP rankings had no bearing on preparation
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) November 14, 2021
Tucker wouldn’t say if he needed a field goal of Coghlin was good. “He gave us what he could give us.”
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) November 14, 2021
Tucker on Harvey's back-to-back plays with a pass interference flag then an interception: "That's all about playing the next play, the cycle of a play." Calls him "a very important player on our team."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 14, 2021
Tucker: "Toughness has never been a question. I admire the way our guys play, and I respect the way they play … with mental and physical toughness."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 14, 2021
Mel Tucker says that getting third down stops was an emphasis in practice this week. Gave props to Scottie Hazelton for his work.
— Sam Sklar (@sklarsam_) November 14, 2021
Mel Tucker says they know Maryland would load up to try to stop Walker and needed to make plays in tight coverage.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) November 14, 2021
