Michigan State vs Purdue: 5 bold predictions
Sep 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio stands on the field between plays during the 1st quarter of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
5. First trick play will happen
Mark Dantonio will run a trick play through his special teams on a critical fourth down. To get his team going early in the game, Coach D will look catch the Boilermakers off guard and, instead of punting, use Jake Hartbarger in a fake situation.
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Pulling the ball down, Hartbarger will roll to his right and hitting his man downfield in stride to pick up the first down and keep the drive alive. This will effectively take the wind of the Boilermakers’ sails as well as pump up the Spartan sideline at the aggressive playcall and effectiveness of the punter to run it.
When the Spartan offense comes back on the field they start with a run and then really put the dagger in the Purdue heart by a play action the next play hitting a wide open Aaron Burbridge for a touchdown and the Spartans will never look back.
Remember when Mike Sadler used to make plays like this and the head coach would look like a genius for making the call? Well, expect another new nickname for a big-time play that will have the somewhat-sleepy crowd on its feet, cheering for an encore performance. Sadler, we miss you, but you have taught Hartbarger well.
Next: 4. Connor Cook finally breaks out