Spartans Get Back to Work
12/27/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 27, 1999
ORLANDO, Fla. - After a two-day break for the holidays, ninth-ranked Michigan State (9-2) resumed its Florida Citrus Bowl preparation for No. 10 Florida (9-3) Sunday with a 90-minute workout in shells.
?We weren?t as sharp today in practice but that?s what happens when you take a couple of days off,? Spartan head coach Bobby Williams said. ?It?s important for us to get our rhythm back and refocus on the game plan for Florida.
?We started our normal game week routine today and Monday our guys will be back in full pads.?
Michigan State?s defensive unit expects to have its hands full containing Florida?s explosive offense. The Gators finished second in the Southeastern Conference in scoring offense (30.8 points per game), passing offense (263.8 yards) and total offense (407.9 yards).
?We?ll be prepared for a two-quarterback system,? Williams said. ?Both quarterbacks, Doug Johnson and Jesse Palmer, benefit from a strong supporting cast. Florida has speedy receivers and talented backs. Coach (Steve) Spurrier is a very creative offensive coach and he knows how to attack defenses. We expect to see a lot of different looks.
?I?ve watched a lot of game film, and I?ve been most impressed by Florida. This team won nine football games. Florida lost to an outstanding Alabama team twice and the other loss came to Florida State, which is playing Virginia Tech for the national championship. I?m convinced that we?re playing one of the five best teams in the country.?
Sunday night, the Spartans visited SeaWorld Adventure Park.
Michigan State has a two-hour workout scheduled for Monday, from 9-11 a.m., at Thunder Field.