Over the weekend, Michigan State football received a big boost after a much-needed win on the road versus No. 16 Illinois.
The game was not without controversy though, as Mel Tucker’s decision-making towards the end of the game came into question after Illinois was given a chance to tie the game. Mel Tucker addressed this along with some thoughts on the win and looking ahead to Rutgers in his weekly press conference.
You can see the notable quotes from that presser below.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Andrew Brewster on Twitter @IAmBrewster.
MSU coach Mel Tucker at the podium. Reiterates he's "very proud of how our team played Saturday at Illinois. … We got the job done vs. a very good opponent."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 7, 2022
Tucker said MSU "hit the ground running" in preparation for Rutgers starting this morning. "I expect the stadium to be rocking."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 7, 2022
Tucker: "Obviously, we have quite a few young players that are playing for us now, and they have been playing because they give us the best chance" to win.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 7, 2022
Tucker: Final drive was "trying to score a TD. We had some very solid reasons for doing what we did." Points to miscommunication w/signaling forcing MSU to "stop the game & regroup." Missed an open player. Says there have been "operation issues" this season.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 7, 2022
Tucker: "We've managed to stay together as an organization throughout the season, and it's paying off right now."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 7, 2022
Tucker: "Our depth has certainly be tested this season, and we're starting to see progress from some of the guys."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 7, 2022
Tucker says no new information regarding suspensions. They're moving forward with the guys they have available.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) November 7, 2022
Tucker told his coaches today: "We don't need to talk about winning out and bowl eligibility and things like that. We need to focus on what it takes to prepare to be in a position to win games."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 7, 2022
Tucker says "we'll have to see" with long snapper Hank Pepper, who he adds "he'll be ready when he's ready." Says backup Michael Donovan did "a heck of a job" this week at Illinois.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 7, 2022
Tucker on suspended players: "If a guy hasn't been at practice, he can't jump in if he hasn't been in a meeting or even at practice."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 7, 2022
Tucker on FG struggles: "It factors into" end-game decision, as well as wind.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 7, 2022
Tucker said Saturday was the first time he saw an MSU offensive player in a defensive huddle during a timeout. "I noticed it, and it was significant." Says it's an example of a team getting closer.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 7, 2022
