Michigan State Football: Looking back at 3 keys that won 2021 Peach Bowl

1. Mel Tucker and Co. out-coached Pitt’s staff

The effort, preparation, and game plan of MSU’s coaches cannot be overlooked. Coach Mel Tucker continued to encourage and motivate his players even after the Spartans trailed by 11 points heading into the fourth quarter.

Defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton brought more pressure than he had in previous weeks and dialed up intricate blitzes while also giving Pitt a lot of different looks and disguising his attacks.

Stellar safeties Xavier Henderson and Darius Snow will never have an easier day of organized football. Between the two of them, only three tackles had to be made. That indicates MSU’s front six took care of business. Simeon Barrow, Brandon Wright, Simeon Barrow, and Jacub Panasiuk were turned loose by Hazelton all game long and this collection of defensive linemen made life miserable for Pitt’s offense.

Offensive coordinator Jay Johnson unleashed his most dangerous weapons downfield throughout the second half on a night where the ground game was horrendous — 36 carries for 56 yards isn’t going to cut it. Look for Wisconsin transfer Jalen Berger to be given an opportunity to emerge as the lead back in 2022.

Rumors are swirling that MSU is making a strong push (with national signing day a month away) for recent LSU running back de-commit TreVonte’ Citizen in the wake of Kenneth Walker’s backups (Jordon Simmons, Harold Joiner, and Elijah Collins) not being impactful during their bowl game. Johnson went to Connor Heyward and Tre Mosely early which took some attention off of Jayden Reed and Jalen Nailor to free up his two most dangerous perimeter playmakers.

One of the more exciting characteristics about this coaching staff is they are ambitious recruiters so while winter conditioning, spring ball, and summer camp are set to take place in the coming months, the leaders of MSU’s football program will be all over the country aggressively hitting the recruiting trail.

This Peach Bowl victory will provide them with a ton of terrific momentum heading into the offseason. Although with Tucker at the helm, there never really will be an offseason. After all, his coaches were seen at their tables after the team meal the day following their win against Pitt, grading tape. They don’t just preach relentlessness, they live it.