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The Spartans are bringing in a Ringer
By Jonathan Okanes
Friday, August 29th, 2008 at 4:48 pm in upcoming game.
Cal’s biggest concern defensively is stopping Michigan State tailback Javon Ringer, one of the most underrated running backs in the country who rushed for 1,447 yards last season. Ringer is the third-leading returning rusher in the country. He’s been nominated for the Walter Camp Award, Doak Walker Award and Maxwell Award.
Cal’s players and coaches compared Ringer to former Bear Justin Forsett — compact, quick and strong.
Ringer and the Spartans’ running game will provide an immediate test for the 3-4 defense. Michigan State is big and physical and makes no apologies that they want to run it down your throat as much as possible.
“We’re excited about it,” Cal defensive coordinator Bob Gregory said. “It’s downill, Big Ten, smashmouth football. They do as good a job as anybody doing it. It will be a great test for us.”
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August 29th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Doesn’t this challenge scream out for a 4-3 formation? I hope that it’s just pregame jitters. Go Bears!
J.O. what is the status of Beimol?
August 29th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Hi Robert, can’t speak for J.O on Beimol, but in regards to the 4-3, definitely look for Cal to implement a defensive package closer to the 4-3 for a lot of their goal line, and short yardage sets.
But Bob Gregory has stated before that it doesn’t really matter what scheme a team is using, if their players control their gaps, they’ll be able to stop the run.
August 29th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Robert Says:
August 29th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Doesn’t this challenge scream out for a 4-3 formation?
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It comes down to this – athleticism, team work, playmakers and going all out every play. Defensive formation is not important int he grand scale of things. At USC we may change up personnel but defensive formation is seldom changed. Win with what got you there.
August 30th, 2008 at 10:06 am
MSU = patsy
August 30th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
USC – 14
Virginia – 0
Two possessions – two TDs
One name you should remember – Rey Rey
One player who should win the Heisman but won’t – Taylor Mays
Two words – Fight On!
August 30th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
usc – 21
VIRGINIA – 0
Three possessions – three TDs
Look out Pac 10…look out everybody!
August 30th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
VIRGINA = patsy