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What Mel Tucker said during his weekly press conference
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It has not been an easy first season for Mel Tucker, the Michigan State head coach hoping to end the season on a high-note.
Despite beating Michigan on the road earlier this season and upsetting Northwestern three weeks ago, Michigan State has struggled, including blow-out losses over the last five weeks to Iowa, Indiana and Ohio State. Now on Saturday against Maryland, Tucker is focused on a potential final game for his seniors and ending the season with momentum.
The Spartans enter Saturday’s game at 2-5.
Here is what Mel Tucker had to say on Tuesday during his press availability:
Mel Tucker opening press conference saying he has been talking with Maryland coach Mike Locksley the past few weeks since their Nov. 21 game was canceled. “He wanted to play, we wanted to play.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 15, 2020
Mel Tucker in his Zoom presser: "Tomorrow is a big day for us and for the program and for this '21 class. We've all got a heckuva lot of work to do these last hours."
— Graham Couch (@Graham_Couch) December 15, 2020
Tucker on game prep and signing day says he’s “standing at practice with a cell phone in the pocket.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 15, 2020
Tucker said he learned early Sunday that MSU would play Maryland. “I didn’t feel like I was hanging for a long period of time.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 15, 2020
Tucker on Shakur Brown: “I love the kid. He’s improved and made a lot of plays this year.” Supports his decision to go to the NFL a year early. Says he will talk to the CB about if he will or won’t play at Maryland.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 15, 2020
Payton Thorne will start this week at QB for MSU, Tucker says.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 15, 2020
Chris Jackson no longer with MSU football team. Doesn’t anticipate him being back this season and plans to address his future in the offseason
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 15, 2020
Tucker said he wouldn't be surprised if other players opt not to play on Saturday. Says he doesn't have any "news" on guys not playing
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) December 15, 2020
Mel Tucker on the QBs: "Payton's gonna start this week and hopefully Rocky's going to be available. We just have to see how the week goes."
— Colton Pouncy 🌴 (@colton_pouncy) December 15, 2020
Tucker on MSU possibly going to a bowl game: "If we were asked to play, I would love to play." Spartans are not opting out like other programs, it appears. "I want to play as much as possible. I'm used to coaching a lot more football."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 15, 2020
Tucker says "I think we'll know more" on Thursday if MSU will wear the script State helmets at Maryland.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 15, 2020
Mel Tucker talking about certain uniforms invoking memories and passion from fans. He gets it it. This is where the neon fails. Neon should never be an option. Not unless you have shit colors or uniforms and no tradition.
MSU has classic colors and uniforms. You bury the neon.
— Graham Couch (@Graham_Couch) December 15, 2020