Report: Football assistant coaches earn raises

We've known since MSU announced the retainment of Pat Narduzzi in January that MSU would increase his salary heavily. We'd known since last season that there were plans to give the assistant coaches raises.

Today, the LSJ got the details on those raises. Here are the numbers:

Pat Narduzzi (defensive coordinator): Raise from $233,000 to $500,000. The three-year deal has a retention bonus of one month's salary. Buyout of $250,000 Narduzzi must pay if he leaves for another coordinator job. Buyout does not go into effect if he leaves for a head-coaching job.

Dan Roushar (offensive coordinator): Raise from $230,000 to $305,000

Dave Warner (quarterbacks): Raise from $175,000 to $205,000

Brad Salem (running backs): Raise from $170,000 to $200,000

Terry Samuel (wide receivers): Raise from $163,500 to $182,000

Mark Staten (offensive line): Raise from $170,000 to $200,000

Ted Gill (defensive line): Raise from $163,500 to $182,000

Mike Tressel (linebackers/special teams): Raise from $170,000 to $203,000

Harlon Barnett (defensive backs): Raise from $170,000 to $203,000

Given the recent success of the football program, it's hard to argue against any of these raises, especially considering MSU was near the bottom of the Big Ten in assistant coach pay. Narduzzi obviously was the most deserving, given his recent track record and courtship from Texas A&M last winter.

MSU isn't going to keep Narduzzi forever, but this contract shows MSU is willing to pay what it takes for long-term success in football. This way, Narduzzi likely will only leave for a step up. If there's one thing every head coach agrees on, it's that their assistants are underpaid. Georgia head coach Mark Richt got in trouble with the NCAA for paying his coaches with money out of his own pocket. Brady Hoke's success at Michigan was helped by some of the highest salaries for assistants in the country.

Mark Dantonio is building his own coaching tree, with Don Treadwell and Dan Enos already having left for head-coaching jobs, and this money shows the program won't take a step back if more coaches leave. For what it's worth, I could see Warner, Tressel and Barnett earning head-coaching or coordinator jobs down the road.

For most of Dantonio's time at MSU, the program has gotten away with underpaying coaches to develop underrated recruits. The program is on the upswing with the play on the field and the renovations of that field. These salary increases will help MSU try to find consistent, long-term success — something the program has historically lacked.

Georgia's size presents problems for MSU (w/ video)

(This story originally appeared on TheOaklandPress.com)


EAST LANSING — During the Big Ten season, there was a lot of buzz about how Wisconsin’s offensive line was bigger than some lines in the National Football League.

The Spartans had five sacks of Wisconsin’s quarterback, but allowed 346 rushing yards in the two games. Now the Spartans are preparing for Georgia in the Outback Bowl and some of the top college talent from the Southeastern Conference. That includes an offensive line whose starters average more than 6-foot-3 in height and 329 pounds in weight.

“Someone said they’re considered the biggest offensive line in the country,” defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi said at MSU’s bowl media day Tuesday. “They’re bigger than Wisconsin? Are you kidding me? … They’re strong, they get their hands on you, they can put you on your back.”

Quick notes from Outback Bowl media day (w/ video)

Just wrapped up Outback Bowl media day at MSU. Will have more later, but here are some quick notes:

--Pat Narduzzi is a little worried about blitzes, because Georgia likes to do quick passes. Youngstown State ran a similar thing and it caused issues early for MSU. The Spartans will have to adjust.

--Narduzzi said MSU will run its three-linebacker base defense for the most part. Georgia likes to use three wide receivers with some no-huddle. This usually presents problems for MSU, so expect Georgia to attack Chris Norman quite a bit.

--Micajah Reynolds has looked really good at defensive tackle in practice. Narduzzi said if he keeps it up, he'll be sticking on defense.

Spartans head to Iowa looking to end losing streak, take control of division

There will be more games other than Penn State/Nebraska going on this weekend, and it's a big one for MSU.

Win in Iowa City and the Spartans are in the driver's seat for the Legends division. But winning at Kinnick is a tall order. MSU has lost seven straight there and hasn't won since 1989. (For perspective, I was a few months old when that happened)

Here is my story on Saturday's matchup, along with notes on Edwin Baker's fumbling and injury updates.

Regarding Baker, this was an interesting quote from Dan Roushar: 

"He was very remorseful, not only for putting the ball on the ground, but the way he responded to it. I think it’s put things in perspective for him. Sometimes when you have success, it’s very difficult not to wonder what I get, rather than what the team gets. I think it’s put us all in check. All of a sudden, is winning the most important thing you’re doing? I think you have to ask yourself that as a member of that football team.”

Offense struggling while defense carries the load

Coming into the year, people expected the offense to make up for a questionable defense.

Eight games into the year, the defense is No. 2 in the country while the offense is in the bottom half of the Big Ten. Offensive coordinator Dan Roushar has come under fire a bit after some Nebraska players said they knew what MSU was running.

Here is my story on the offensive struggles on the road, along with some injury updates and notes.

Notes and video from Dantonio presser

--First and foremost, Mark Dantonio expects everyone to be healthy come gametime after getting banged up last Saturday. Chris Norman had a sprained shoulder and Larry Caper and Travis Jackson left Saturday's game, but all should be good to go, although they might be slowed early in the week.

--Dantonio said he was not concerned with the offensive playcalling. Offensive coordinator Dan Roushar has come under fire a bit after some Nebraska players said MSU was predictable on offense. Roushar had a poorly-called game earlier in the year at Notre Dame and admitted as much, but with so much offensive firepower returning from a year ago, it seems MSU should be better than ninth in the Big Ten in total offense. But at the same time, they have played some good defenses, and Nebraska's played well Saturday.

--Minnesota's win over Iowa gives them, "instant credibility," according to Dantonio. The Gophers' ability to control the fourth quarter was a statement.

--Opponents have scored on their opening drive in three straight games. Dantonio said, "Maybe we should receive," with a grin. He said the no-huddle offenses of Michigan and Nebraska take game time to adjust to and he's been happy with how his defense has adjusted. As for the MSU offense, they have one touchdown and two turnovers in their last three opening drives.

MSU coaches, players face first adversity of season

No coachspeak from Dan Roushar. He took the blame for the offense's performance against Notre Dame. I've said it before, but I think he'll learn from that game, just as the players will.

With Big Ten play opening in two weeks and an offensive line losing members by the day, the Spartans will need to come together and face the season's first adversity (story).

Thoughts from Section 16, Row 28

From my seat at Notre Dame Stadium, I didn't have the best view to dissect Saturday's 31-13 loss to the Irish.

But from what I did see, here are my thoughts:

The loss falls on the offense and special teams coaching. Obviously the fake field goal looked bad because it didn't work, but doing coming out of a timeout, late in the half, against a team you faked a field goal against last year and down 11, the decision to go for it was very questionable.

As for the other trick plays, MSU's "wildcat" has never worked whenever it has been run. The second time they lined up in it, who didn't see it ending up in Cousins' hands. The Spartans ran the same play against Michigan last year.

The continuing to run the ball so frequently also was questionable. It was clear Notre Dame's run defense was strong and that MSU's offensive line was constantly being overpowered. I don't understand why the coaches put more faith in the offensive line and trick plays than in the hands of Kirk Cousins. The playcalling constantly put Cousins in bad positions in the first half.

By the time they put the ball in Cousins' hands, it was too late. Cousins had some questionable plays, but it was clear he was the most dangerous offense weapon MSU had. Instead of always using the run to set up the pass, MSU coaches need to adjust, sometimes using the pass to set up the run in games like yesterday.

(Add: The red zone offense is a big problem. Ten points in five trips at ND, along with struggles in the first two games. Dion Sims appears the only guy who can make a play down there. The coaches need to come up with some different gameplans when they get close).

The defense actually did make adjustments. If you were to tell me MSU was going to lose to Notre Dame, I would have figured it was because of the ND offense. Pat Narduzzi's gameplan of three linebackers against three- and four-wide receiver sets spelled disaster. But surprisingly, the defense made adjustments, changed plays, used different players (Kevin Pickelman) and had a solid performance overall. Realistically, they only gave up 21 points. I won't count the last field goal off the INT return or the kickoff return touchdown.

Moving forward, MSU fans should be confident in the defense. Saturday's game may end up being the toughest offense they will face this season, and although they weren't spectacular, the MSU defense was solid.

The offensive line remains a problem. Pretty obvious here. MSU averaged 1.3 yards per rush and Cousins was constantly under pressure. It appeared that Cousins was beginning to get nervous in the pocket, a result from being hit so much. The same thing happened last year. If Skylar Burkland is out for an extended period of time, it will be interesting to see if the coaches move Fou Fonoti back to right tackle.

No need to panic yet. Heading into the season, the game at Notre Dame was considered one of the toughest. Just because the Irish were 0-2 heading into the game doesn't mean they were a bad team. As for MSU, this is what the nonconference schedule is for. Just as players will learn, coaches will too. Dan Roushar couldn't use his entire playbook in the first two games, as MSU tried to hide some things. His first big game as MSU offensive coordinator also was the first game he was trailing. He'll learn.

So next up is Central Michigan. This isn't the Dan LeFevour Central Michigan. The Spartans should roll, but once again, we will have to see how the offensive line looks.

I recommend a visit to Notre Dame. The atmosphere is great, the fans are really friendly and the campus is great. Any college football fan should try to take a trip down there once in their lifetime.

Here are some photos I took down there.

This is beneath the Golden Dome.

O-Line improves and an awesome photo of Kirk Cousins

The offensive line looked much better Saturday, but it'll be a different test in South Bend. The first road game for a group that still had a few penalties should be interesting.

Good luck to any team trying to defend Dion Sims on a fade route. The former two-sport player made it look easy against Florida Atlantic and, according to Dan Roushar, the MSU defense in practice. Kirk Cousins said Sims could have been the first player taken in the Spring Game draft.

Tyler Hoover may be out next week, Pat Narduzzi was unsure.

Here is my notebook from Saturday.

Also, here is an amazing photo of Cousins from Matt Radick of The State News. I suspect some of you may make it your computer background. It's not photoshopped, it was taken when the players were in the smoke before coming onto the field.

Offensive line ready to prove its worth

Only one of the position battles along the offensive line was solved in fall camp, and that one has a backup whom coaches want to get some playing time.

Here is my story on the state of the offensive line and how the game on Friday could help the position battles get sorted out.

Also, here is a quote from Dan Roushar from Wednesday about the line. (Quote from msuspartans.com). Expect several guys to play early in the season, but the goal would be to have a starting five determined possibly by Big Ten play, as Kirk Cousins suggested in my story.

Roushar:
"In an ideal setting, you have five guys who have played an awful lot together; there is a lot of cohesion there, a lot of experience to draw on. We are not in that setting right now. So I think there will be some guys coming in and out, much like we did a year ago to start the season."