2011: a great year for Michigan State sports

First of all, I intended on doing a "live blog" of sorts during the Spartans' basketball game against Indiana, but due to technical difficulties with our new laptop, that didn't happen.  I'll just sum up my feelings by saying that was one of the wildest roller coaster rides of a basketball game I've ever seen, but what a great win for MSU.  One can't help but be optimistic about the future of this team, particularly considering how well Keith Appling and Derrick Nix played.  There may still be an occasional bump in the road, but this team should only get better as the season progresses.

Now onto the year that was for MSU sports.  It was a good year and the athletic department seems to have the most solidly constructed foundation I've witnessed in my lifetime.  For once, the university has a president, Lou Anna Simon, who understands the importance (rightly or wrongly) of intercollegiate athletics at a Big Ten university, a visionary athletic director (Mark Hollis) who from all outward appearances has a great relationship with the university president, the board of trustees, and all the coaches who work under him.  This has to be the best collection of coaches I've ever seen at Michigan State, and I've been following MSU sports since the mid-1970s.  Obviously, Tom Izzo is the coaching face of MSU, but others such as Mark Dantonio, Suzy Merchant, Jake Boss Jr., and newcomer Tom Anastos have enjoyed great success in  the last few years.  (This, of course, is Anastos' first year, but the hockey program seems rejuvenated under his leadership).

2011 got off to a rough start for the Spartans, with the football team's embarrassing loss to Alabama in the Capital One Bowl.  Matters didn't improve much with the frustrating season the men's basketball team had, but the women's team won the Big Ten title, and in the spring Jake Boss, Jr. led the baseball team to its first conference title since 1979. (I took my two sons to see a weekend day game against Northwestern after the Spartans had clinched the Big Ten title, and though the Spartans lost, it was a great time--and McLane Stadium is a jewel).  The year was topped off in splendid fashion with the football team winning the inaugural Legends Division title--coming within a whisker of winning a second consecutive Big Ten title--and the great start by the men's basketball team.

As I finish writing this, the MSU basketball team won a tough one at Nebraska to close out the 2011 calendar year for Spartan sports.  It was one of those Big Ten road games against an undermanned but determined opponent that good teams just have to slug their way through, and that's just what the Spartans did.  MSU made just enough good plays down the stretch, and Keith Appling knocked down some clutch free throws.

It's a great time to be a Spartan fan, and plenty of reason for great optimism has we head into 2012,

Michigan State 89, UMKC 54

Just got back from the game.  Just a few quick observations of this blowout (89-54) win over the Kangaroos of the University of Missouri/Kansas City:

Branden Dawson had a great game.  He had one ESPN highlight monster jam and looked more explosive and athletic than I've seen from him at any time this season. Dawson finished the game with a career-high 16 points.

Alex Gauna has improved considerably, and showed some really nice post moves (admittedly against overmatched competition--but I was still impressed with his development).

Travis Trice: the more I see of him, the more I like him.  He has a nice stroke from 3-point range and is an excellent floor general.  For someone so young, he exudes confidence and a high basketball I.Q.  Four years from now, I have a feeling we'll look back at his career and consider him one of the best leaders the Spartan basketball team has ever had.  Maybe that is a bit of a bold statement, but I am incredibly impressed with this guy.

Draymond Green is someone who can already be considered one of the best leaders that MSU hoops has ever had, and he continues to do the little things that win ballgames, as in the extra pass and the putback after a miss.

Brandon Wood made some extremely pretty long range shots, while Russell Byrd still looks tentative.

The area of greatest concern for me is the free throw shooting, where the Spartans continue to struggle.  It hurt them in the Gonzaga game, though the Spartans still managed to win, but it may really end up biting them at some point in the Big Ten season or NCAA tournament.

Recovered from Wisconsin, looking forward to Georgia (and Big Ten basketball)

It's been over a week since I posted in here.  I hope that at least some people out there enjoyed my take on the Big Ten's best football players of 2011, but feel free to let me know why I'm out to lunch with any of my picks.  (Seeing as how Jerel Worthy was just named a first-team All-American, I'm having second thoughts about not giving him my coveted award as top defensive lineman).

I'm finally over the Spartans' loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten football championship game, however it has taken several MSU basketball wins (particularly the Gonzaga victory), and the Detroit Lions improved performances of late to finally ease the pain.

I haven't posted in here because there hasn't been much to write about.  We are in that lull between the end of the football regular season and the bowl game and the beginning of the Big Ten hoops season.

I've been able to make it out to Breslin for a few Spartan basketball games and I like what I've seen so far.  Tonight I'll be going to see the Spartans take on the mighty Kangaroos of the University of Missouri-Kansas City.  I expect a huge blowout win for State, but we shall see.

Fourth Annual Brainsplotch/Treasures from the Spartan Attic Big Ten Football Awards

It's time for the moment you've all been waiting for: the 4th Annual Brainsplotch Big Ten Football Awards: hereafter renamed the Brainsplotch/TFTSA Big Ten Football Awards (in honor of my new Michigan State Spartans sports-related blog, Treasures from the Spartan Attic). So, without any further preamble, the winners are...

Most Valuable Player: Russell Wilson, Wisconsin. A case could easily be made for Wilson's backfield teammate, Montee Ball, but Wilson added a dimension to the Badger's offense that made a huge difference for them. His dual threat capabilities gave Wisconsin the most dynamic offense in the conference, if not the nation--and it's hard to imagine the Badgers having the year they had without Wilson at quarterback.  Beyond his athletic abilities, Wilson has proven to be a great leader and teammate. Pretty darned good for a player who is essentially a one-year "free agent signee".

Best quarterback: Russell Wilson, Wisconsin. For all the reasons listed above, and his stat line is incredibly impressive, with an astonishing 28 touchdown passes and only 3 interceptions, to go along with 2692 yards through the air.

Honorable mentions: Kirk Cousins had an outstanding senior year for Michigan State, leading them to the Legends Division title. Denard Robinson improved throughout the season at Michigan and Brady Hoke eventually settled on an offensive scheme that utililized his abilities. Dan Persa of Northwestern once again demonstrated that he is one of the toughest and grittiest (not to mention elusive) quarterback in the conference.
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Best running back: Montee Ball, Wisconsin. A no-brainer if there ever was one, Montee "Bowling" Ball easily led the Big Ten in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, yards per game, and averaged an astonishing 6.5 yards per carry. His 29 rushing TDs were almost double the number (16) his closest competitor (Denard Robinson) had this season.

Honorable mentions: Marcus Coker (Iowa) had a great sophomore season, Rex Burkhead (Nebraska), Silas Redd (Penn State).

Best wide receiver: Marvin McNutt, Iowa. McNutt, in his senior year, led the Big Ten in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. As a Michigan State fan who has watched this guy victimize the Spartans for three years, I won't miss him--but I wish him well at the next level.

Honorable mentions: B.J. Cunningham (Michigan State), A.J. Jenkins (Illinois), Jeremy Ebert (Northwestern). I was so close to giving this to Cunningham, but don't want to be accused of being a homer. Jenkins had a good year for the Illini, and I've always been a fan of Ebert's.

Best kicker: Brett Maher, Nebraska. Maher had a great season for the Huskers. He was perfect in PATs (42-42) and led the Big Ten in field goal percentage, making 19 of the 22 he attempted. By the way, those 22 attempts and 19 conversions were tops in the conference.

Honorable mention: Mitch Ewald (Indiana). 13 of 16 of field goal attempts and perfect on PATs (30 for 30).

Best defensive lineman: Whitney Mercilus, Illinois. I didn't really see him play this year, but I sure wish I had because this guy sounds like a beast, and arguably has the most badass name in college football. Mercillus led the conference in three different defensive categories: sacks, tackles for loss, and forced turnovers. Mercillus anchored a solid Illini defense that finished third in total defense in the Big Ten. His 13 solo sacks were easily the best in the Big Ten, far outpacing the runner-up John Simon (Ohio State) who had 7 solo tackles. Mercillus also led the conference in total sacks (solo and assisted) with 13, five better than Denicos Allen (Michigan State) who had 8 (6 solo, 2 assisted). His 9 forced fumbles outdistanced his closest competitors, Chris Borland (Wisconsin) and Sean Prater (Iowa), each of whom had 4.

Honorable mentions: Jerel Worthy (Michigan State), John Simon (Ohio State), Devon Still (Penn State)

Best linebacker: Chris Borland, Wisconsin. Borland is a tough, gritty guy who is the lynchpin of the Badgers' defense. He finished fourth in the conference in tackles, and third in tackles for loss.

Honorable mention: Lavonte David (Nebraska)

Best defensive back: Trenton Robinson, Michigan State. Robinson, a senior, is a great leader on Michigan State's conference leading defense. He tied with four other players (including teammate Isaiah Lewis) for the conference lead in interceptions.

Honorable mentions: Isaiah Lewis (Michigan State), Johnny Adams (Michigan State), Ricardo Allen (Purdue)

Best punter: Brett Maher, Nebraska. Maher led the Big Ten in punting average at 45.0. His 61-yard punt late against Penn State helped the Huskers cling to a 17-14 lead and get out of Happy Valley with a victory.

Honorable mention: Cody Webster (Purdue).

Coach of the year: Brady Hoke, Michigan. Hoke built a defense at Michigan (something Rich Rodriguez was never able to do) and performed an impressive turnaround in leading the Wolverines to a 10-2 record.

Honorable mentions: Mark Dantonio (Michigan State), Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern). Dantonio proved that 2010 was no fluke by leading the Spartans to the Legends Division championship and a 10-2 regular season record. Fitzgerald continues to get the most out of the limited talent he has at Northwestern.

It's time to move on...and more random college football thoughts

It’s time to get over not going to the Rose Bowl, and it’s time to get over not going to a BCS bowl.  Let's all agree that the BCS is a greed-fueled travesty and move on.  Face it, Spartan fans, this program is still young and getting back on its feet after the Death Valley years of Bobby Williams and John L. Smith.  Until MSU develops a proven track record of winning seasons—and winning bowl games—the Spartans will continue to be passed over for BCS bowl games by lesser teams with a fancier pedigree.  The first step towards this ultimate goal is winning the Outback Bowl on January 2, 2012.

If the Spartans beat Georgia, they still have a shot to be the highest ranked Big Ten team when the dust settles on the 2011 college football season.  This HAS to be MSU’s current goal.  They need to take out all of their anger and frustration on the Georgia Bulldogs.


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The award for Worst Bowl Matchup goes to UCLA (6-7) vs. Illinois (6-6) in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, which coincidentally should win the award for worst bowl game name.  Both teams have fired their respective coaches and enter the game under dubious circumstances.  UCLA actually had to receive a special waiver from the NCAA to even play in the game, since the Bruins have a losing record.  Illinois won its first six games of the season before finishing the season with a six game losing streak.  What are they playing for?  The opportunity to finish the season without a losing record.  Anyone looking for proof that there are too many bowl games need look no further than this game.

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Count me as one who doesn't think Alabama deserves to be in the national championship game.  They had their chance at home against LSU and lost.  Why exactly do they deserve yet another chance?  And is this fair to LSU, who now have to beat Alabama for a second time?  I'd rather have seen Oklahoma State get a shot at LSU.  At least the Cowboys have a conference title.

Heartbreak in Indianapolis

I'm not taking last night's Big Ten championship loss well.  I slept perhaps all of one hour last night tossing and turning.   There are tough losses  (Iowa 2009 comes to mind) and there are gut-wrenching, tear-your-heart-out-of-your-chest, depressing killers like last night's 42-39 loss to the Wisconsin Badgers.

I suppose the higher the stakes, the more difficult it is to accept these defeats, and it's unfamiliar territory for me and probably plenty of other Spartan football fans.  But what make this loss particularly hard to handle is the collateral damage: No Big Ten title, no Rose Bowl, and probably no BCS bowl game.  And to add further insult to injury, the second Big Ten BCS slot will probably go to our hated rivals in Ann Arbor.  Talk about kicking a dog when it's down.

But for as bad as I feel, I can't imagine how rough it must be for the MSU players and coaching staff--the ones who actually make up the team and are fully emotionally and physically bound to the program.  I truly feel for them and hope that they are able to rebound and make a strong showing in whatever bowl game they end up in.

I have to take a step back and appreciate how far this program has come in five short years.  In three of Mark Dantonio's five years as head coach, the Spartans have played for the Big Ten title and Rose Bowl on the final day of the season.  Not too shabby.

Well, life goes on--as the old cliche goes.

Tonight I want to (S)party like it's 1987, and some other philosophical observations

It's amazing, and a bit frightening, to think that I was a 19 year-old sophomore at Michigan State University the last time the Spartans played in the Rose Bowl.  Looking back on it now, through the benefit of hindsight, I wish that I had somehow found a way to make it to Pasadena.  But at the time, there was no thought in my mind, or anyone else's mind, that MSU would never make it there again.  It was merely assumed by most MSU fans that the Spartans, under the guidance of coach George Perles, would be making at least one or more trips to Pasadena.  Twenty-four years later, Spartan Nation is still waiting for another Rose Bowl.

I want the current MSU students to feel the excitement that we as students felt in '87/'88 when Lorenzo White, Percy Snow, and company won the Big Ten title and beat USC in the Rose Bowl.  And, on a more personal level, as I have reached what may me be either "halftime" or the 'third quarter" of my life (at age 43), I want to experience that same joy.  I've reached that point where, not to sound overly maudlin, I don't know how many more years I will have to wait for "my team" to reach  another Rose Bowl.

I've been feeling some butterflies and nervousness regarding tonight's Big Ten championship game against Wisconsin, and I'm not even playing in the game.  This morning, I tried to remind myself that it is merely a game--and take a more philosophical approach--by watching one of my favorite football-related films, Harvard Beats Yale, 29-29.  It's an absolutely wonderful documentary about the 1968 clash between two of the most storied rivals in college football, who both went into the game undefeated.  Harvard, through a series of incredible breaks, stunning plays, and mind-boggling Yale miscues, scored 16 points in the final 42 seconds of the game to tie the heavily-favored Bulldogs.  (Yale, led by future NFL players Brian Dowling and Calvin Hill, were ranked 16th in the nation going into the game).  Though the game was a tie, the way in which it ended created two different interpretations depending on what side you were on:  the Crimson saw it as a win, and the Elis were devastated.  Anyway, the best part of this film is the contemporary interviews with the now middle-aged players.  Naturally, as these are Ivy League men, they are the most philosophical and erudite group of former gridiron gladiators as one will ever hear.  Their thoughts about that bygone game and turbulent era are by turns poignant, humorous, joyful, amazed, disappointed, but always thoughtful.

I don't really know where I was going with that mini-review of Harvard Beats Yale, 29-29, but the film is a good reminder that football is "just a game".  (And I try to remember that as I'm hurling four-letter expletives at my TV screen tonight).

Michigan State 31, Northwestern 17, and Spartans all alone as Legends Division champions

There will be no sharing of the Big Ten Legends Division title.  The Spartans won it outright by defeating a pesky Northwestern Wildcats team, 31-17. 

MSU will have a rematch next week with the Wisconsin Badgers for the Big Ten title.  The Badgers crushed Penn State, 45-7 (and in the process, inexplicably left their starting quarterback Russell Wilson in the game until the very end of a blowout win--yet another reason to dislike Bret Bielema and hope that MSU clobbers the Badgers next week).

As usual, Northwestern put up a valiant effort.  I certainly won't miss seeing Dan Persa.  That elusive, gunslinging little guy has been a constant thorn in MSU's side for four years, although the Spartans have managed to beat the Wildcats in each of those years.  It certainly hasn't been easy.

Although MSU had already clinched a spot in the Big Ten championship, make no mistake: this game against Northwestern WAS important.  It assured MSU of it's 10th win (the first time that MSU has ever recorded back-to-back double-digit victory seasons), and kept the Spartans' momentum going.  If State had lost, I can just imagine the headlines ("MSU limps into Big Ten title game", "Spartans again falter on the road", etc.) as well as the inevitable belief in some circles that the Michigan Wolverines ended the season on more of an upswing than the Spartans and would be a better representative in the title game.  Trust me, I've been around here long enough to know that this would be a common refrain.

Now, of course, all of the pundits seem to believe that MSU has no chance next week.  They are starstruck by Wisconsin's win over Penn State and seem to have forgotten that Wisconsin always plays better in Camp Randall.  Also missing in some of the analysis I've heard--namely from Mark May and Lou Holtz on ESPN--is that Will Gholston didn't play in the first MSU/Wisconsin game.  Despite not having one of MSU's best defensive players, the Spartans were still able to win.

Fine, let the so-called experts think what they want to think.  I feel confident that MSU is going to lay it all on the line next week.  They are still smarting over not making it to the Rose Bowl last year, and have dedicated their season to this goal.  I am not going to go so far as to guarantee a Spartan victory next week, but the Badgers better strap their helmets on tightly.

Next up, the Northwestern Wildcats

With the Thanksgiving holiday, I've been a stranger lately, but I've made it back in time for today's football game against Northwestern.

I've heard some people say that, since the Spartans have already clinched the Legends Division, this game is not important and MSU should rest some players.  I agree with Mark Dantonio that this talk is ridiculous, and I'm happy that Dantonio has stated this publicly with conviction.

As we know, college football is a popularity contest, so any blemish on MSU's record would hurt them when it comes to BCS rankings and national polls.  It doesn't matter to the BCS computer or the pollsters if the game "doesn't mean anything".

Additionally, what message is sent to the players if the coach downplays the importance of a game?  The Spartans need to treat this game just like any other on their schedule.

Northwestern is a dangerous team, with Persa, Ebert, and Colter on the offensive end.  The Wildcats beat Nebraska in Lincoln, so that should tell you everything you need to know about what Northwestern is capable of doing.  The Wildcats make me nervous.

The Spartans, though, are on a mission for not only an outright Big Ten crown, but a BCS bowl game.  I fully expect them to play at their best, and I look for the Spartans to win this one, 34-24.

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In other Big Ten action, Michigan should finally end a seven-year drought and beat Ohio State.  Purdue should roll over Indiana, and in a mild upset Minnesota will beat Illinois in Minneapolis.  Wisconsin will beat Penn State and the Badgers will be MSU's opponent next week in the Big Ten championship game.

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One final note, congratulations to the MSU hockey team for their stunning victory over the Minnesota Gophers.  Tom Anastos has the Spartan icers playing extremely well.

Reading enemy dispatches

I checked this book out of the library on Thursday, and it is a compelling and fascinating read.  I have been taking notes and will give a full report in this blog as soon as I finish.

Postscript (10/8/2012):  I promised a full report about this book, and in fact did keep notes, but unfortunately I threw the notes in the trash at some point and have no idea what I wanted to write about it. Basically what I took away from the book is that Rich Rodriguez never had a chance in Ann Arbor. He received no support from either Lloyd Carr, the University of Michigan administration, or the power broker "Michigan Men" (wealthy graduates who support the athletic department along with former Michigan players and coaches).

You may ask yourselves why in God's Green Earth a Michigan State fan would want to read this book. I admit that part of it is a case of schadenfreude on my part, but I was also curious to learn how a football program with such a seemingly solid foundation could sink to such depths in such a short period of time. Bacon's well-written and exhaustively researched book provides those answers.

My afternoon at Spartan Stadium (Michigan State 55, Indiana 3)

I went with my wife to MSU's season finale against Indiana and it was a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend a November Saturday afternoon.

I can only afford to attend one or two MSU football games per year, but am happy that I was able to extend my 19-year streak of making at least one game per season.  This relatively modest streak dates back to 1993. 

My pre-game preparation consisted of wearing my favorite "gruff Sparty" hoodie, and making the last second decision to sport my long underwear, which turned out to be a good decision, even though temperature was a warm-for-November 47 degrees.  (And I am sure you, the reader, are thrilled to know that I had my long johns on--perhaps a little too much information?).

After dropping off our two sons at a friend's house in Lansing, we parked our car at my sister-in-law's place in East Lansing and walked over to the stadium, finally reaching our seats just moments before the Senior Day ceremonies.  (Unfortunately, we missed the Spartan Marching Band take the field, which has become one of my favorite parts of the Michigan State football experience).

Let me say something about Spartan Stadium.  Despite the shiny addition that was added onto it a few years ago (completed in 2005, to be precise), the place literally is a "spartan stadium".  In fact, if anything, the west side addition only accentuates the sad appearance of the rest of the exterior and concourses.  Spartan Stadium was never that much to look at in the first place, but the reinforced concrete skeleton is deteriorating and rebar is visible in many areas.  I know it has been this way for quite awhile, but if MSU wants to have a football venue to match the excellence the program has produced on the field for the last few years, this problem should be addressed.  Don't get me wrong, I love Spartan Stadium, but in many ways the old girl is really showing her age.

I will say this in defense of Spartan Stadium: it's completely unpretentious and doesn't pretend to be anything but what it is--a football stadium.  Don't expect any ferris wheels or playgrounds or picnic areas.  When one is at Spartan Stadium, one is expected to watch a football game (unless one is one of the rich folk who can afford a luxury suite--one of Spartan Stadium's few concessions to the modern reality of multi-million dollar collegiate athletics).

Another compliment I'll extend to Spartan Stadium is that is that I am thrilled that Tim Horton's coffee is now served at the concessions (and at all MSU athletics concessions).

As for the game itself, blowout wins can be enjoyable--and this one certainly was for me.  About the only good thing about the Indiana Hoosiers is their sharp new road uniforms and helmets, which resemble those of the Texas Longhorns.  Unfortunately for Indiana, they played like the Longhorns on a three-day bender. 

I had a wonderful time simply kicking back on our south endzone aluminum bench and watching the Spartans run up and down the field at will.  The lopsided score allowed each senior player the opportunity to make his own curtain call in the fourth quarter, and those were touching scenes I won't soon forget.  And everyone in the stadium got a big kick watching guard Joel Foreman run the ball late in the game for a 3-yard gain.

At this time, I wish to extend a debt of gratitude to the Nebraska Cornhuskers for losing on Saturday, and thus guaranteeing the Legends Division crown for the Spartans.  As for that school down the road that beat the Huskers, I refuse to offer them any thanks.  (I believe I mentioned this particular school in a previous post).

When the game was over, I didn't want to leave.  But at least we were able to conclude our football Saturday with a relaxing stroll across a late November college campus, still clinging to its green color before the inevitable onset of winter in the not-too-distant future.

Hoosier daddy? Probably the Spartans.

I'm excited about finally heading to Spartan Stadium tomorrow for my first LIVE game of the season, in what is the home finale.  I hope to get to the stadium in time for the senior day ceremony at 11:45 AM.  This special Spartan senior class deserves a standing ovation for all they've accomplished.

As far as the game itself goes, on paper it looks to be a blowout--but I thought that way about last year's final home game against Purdue and the Minnesota game two weeks ago.  If the Spartans are lackadaisical, it could end up being closer than expected.  But I have to believe that the MSU players know what is at stake, and will give it a solid and spirited effort. 

From what I've read about Indiana, they seem overmatched in this game.  Their quarterback, freshman Tre Roberson, is considered an outstanding talent with speed and a good arm.  But the key is that he is a FRESHMAN, and he doesn't have enough talent surrounding him at this point.  Plus, IU's coach Kevin Wilson completely cleaned house when he took over, and the Hoosiers are an extremely thin and young team.  Perhaps, if they play hard and get some turnovers, they can hang with MSU for the first half.  But I don't see them being able to last much more than that.  IU's defense is their weakest link, and I can see the Spartans running up and down the field on them.  Final score: MSU 41, IU 14.  (But we've seen how terrible my predictions have been, so maybe I should just shut up).

The Duke post mortem

Just a quick note about last night's game:

The rat got his cheese last night, and took it away from our Spartans.  Coach K is now the all-time winningest coach in college basketball history.  (Okay, I don't really think Mike Krzyzewski is a rat--I have grudging respect for him-- but do think this photo is hilarious.  I am not a Duke fan and view them as the New York Yankees of college hoops--the team you love to hate).

The Spartans played quite well in the first half, and were only down by one at the intermission.  Unfortunately, the team's youth showed through in the second half and they struggled mightily until making a run late in the game.  I love what I saw from Travis Trice, and was encouraged with the way Keith Appling almost single-handedly got MSU back in the game in the last six minutes.  Was not thrilled by Derrick Nix's brutal game.

In any case, since I didn't expect MSU to win the game, I was able to (for the most part) calmly watch the game without getting too emotional.

This team is still raw, but they should continue to improve and may still surprise some people.

Coach K's Coronation night...but not if the Spartans have anything to do with it

I am fully prepared for a Coach K lovefest tonight from the Four Letter Network, with Michigan State treated merely as a minor obstacle in Coach K's coronation as the all-time winningest coach in college basketball history.  I'm just thankful that Dick Vitale isn't the color guy tonight, because the butt kissing would be completely unbearable.  Even with Bob Knight doing the color commentary, I am fully prepared to mute the television.

I expect ESPN to treat tonight's game as if it was a Harlem Globetrotters/Washington Generals game, with MSU receiving slightly more attention than the Generals get when they play the Trotters.

Call me crazy, or just a hopeless homer, but I have a good feeling the Spartans will bring it strong tonight.  It wouldn't shock me if MSU pulled the upset.

Now a little about football.  In my previous post, I wrote that MSU fans were in the awkward position of "rooting for Michigan" this weekend.  Who am I kidding?  I know that virtually no MSU fan in his or her right mind will be rooting for Michigan, even if it does help the Spartans.  The way I see it, regardless of whether Michigan beats Nebraska, it's a win for MSU (provided the Spartans hold their end of the bargain and polish off Indiana).  If Michigan loses, well, Spartan Nation always rejoices in Michigan's demise--so it's merely business as usual.  If Michigan wins (and MSU also wins, of course) then the Legends Division title is ours.  I certainly won't be actively pulling for Michigan, but will merely be indifferent regarding the outcome of their game.

Random college football musings

Michigan State football now has the highest two-year win total since the 1965-66 seasons.  Those Duffy Daugherty-led teams had a two season record of 19-1-1.  The 2010-11 Dantonio squads have needed more games to win their 19th, and currently stand at 19-4, with at least three games remaining in the season.  Not to get too ahead of ourselves, but if MSU wins the rest of their regular season games, wins the Big Ten Championship game, and then tops it all off with a bowl victory, they will have a two year record of 23-4.  Not too shabby.

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Yesterday in Big Ten action:

Michigan State 37, Iowa 21. This was a huge win for the Spartans in so many ways.  MSU finally gets that "can't win in Iowa" monkey off their collective backs.  (If I'd known back in '89 that the Spartans wouldn't win in Iowa again for another 22 years, I'd have made a point to actually remember the game).  Plus, the additional monkey of "can't win an important road game" is removed.  It was also a big win within the Legends Division, knocking Iowa out of contention and making State's road to the title game quite clear: beat Indiana and Northwestern and the Spartans are in.  Kirk Cousins has to be feeling great, vindicating himself after his poor play last year in Iowa City.

Great to see the Spartans get the running game going, and another great performance from Le'Veon Bell.  Also impressive the way the Spartans were able to contain Marcus Coker.

Nebraska 17, Penn State 14. From all appearances, it was an emotional day in State College.  I worried that it would be an ugly scene, but the highlights I've seen indicate it was the opposite.  Perhaps continuing on with football is part of the healing process for the Penn State community. 

Penn State deserves credit for fighting back and putting themselves in a position to win that game.

With road games against Ohio State and Wisconsin, the Nittany Lions may struggle to win another game the rest of the regular season. Spartan Nation will be in the uncomfortable position of rooting for Michigan against Nebraska next Saturday: a Wolverine win combined with a Spartan win over Indiana will clinch the Legends Division for MSU.

Michigan 31, Illinois 14.  Solid road win for Michigan, but could Illinois have possibly looked more inept?  Could the Zooker be on the way out?

Wisconsin 42, Minnesota 13.  I'm surprised the Gophers didn't put up more of a fight in this game, especially considering it was at home.  Do they not have anything left in the tank after playing well against Iowa and MSU?

Northwestern 28, Rice 6.  The Wildcats feast on perennial bottom feeder Rice in a non-conference matchup.  Did the 'Cats and Owls compare GPAs after the game and possibly challenge each other to a game of Trivial Pursuit or a chess tournament?  Kidding aside, the 'Cats are a dangerous team and could give the Spartans fits on November 26.

Purdue 26, Ohio State 23.  This one shouldn't have surprised me too much, as the Boilermakers have given the Buckeyes all they can handle and more in West Lafayette.  Luke Fickell probably killed any realistic chance he had at taking "interim" off his title.

Michigan State 37, Iowa 21...and how a Spartan football win always leaves me in a warm glow

I assumed my favorite MSU football viewing position, lying down on my side directly in front of our living room's Samsung flat screen television, and watched with great pleasure the first half of MSU's pummeling of the Iowa Hawkeyes.  I was thrilled to see the Spartans jump all over the Hawkeyes from the get-go, and play with a focus and determination certainly not seen in last year's game.

At halftime, I drove over to OfficeMax to pick up some school supplies for my son, and arrived home in time to, unfortunately, suffer though most of the third quarter.  I'm sorry folks, but when James Vandenberg made the long pass completion to Marvin McNutt, setting up Iowa's second touchdown of the quarter, I about lost it.  I said, F@$k this sh*t! and went out to rake leaves.  I know, I'm a bad fan.  Oh me of little faith.

I felt as if I'd seen this script before. MSU gets off to a big lead in Iowa City and blows it.  Once agin, me of little faith.  I was having flashbacks of all the times Hayden Fry's bunch delivered heartbreakers to the Spartans (1985, 1986, 1996 to name a few), and those heartbreakers and ass kickings of more recent vintage (2007, 2009, 2010).  I needed to work off some steam in a manor more constructive than sending my foot through my precious Samsung TV.

When I came back inside, about 2 minutes remained in the game.  Kirk Cousins and the offense were in "victory formation".  I could breathe easier.

A Spartan football win always puts me in a good mood for the rest of the day and sets the tone for the entire weekend.  Sad but true that the outcome of a relatively meaningless athletic contest between 18-22 year olds, the outcome of which I have no control, can either make me giddy or depressed for the remainder of the weekend.  I'm 43 years old, for God's sake--you'd think in my advanced age I'd have acquired the wisdom and perspective to be over this sort of silliness.

With the Spartans getting a huge win on the road--and in Iowa City, a place where they'd lost seven straight--I am now free to enjoy the next week.  I can watch other college football games and not care too much about the outcome.  I can read the "Blue Wall" Detroit sportswriters and laugh at their commentaries, I can peruse the Red Cedar Message Board and look forward to Sunday morning, when I will pour over the Lansing State Journal sports section and count down the minutes until the "dean of mid-Michigan sports" (ha!) Tim Staudt comes on with his local Sunday morning sports show.  And I know that I need not avoid sports talk radio in the upcoming week, but can embrace it.

Carrier Classic basketball game and the Iowa football game

What a scene last night on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson.  Kudos to Mark Hollis and Michigan State University for pulling off what looked to be a beautiful evening of basketball on an aircraft carrier.  Everyone was a winner last night: MSU, the University of North Carolina, the United States Navy, and everyone involved with last night's spectacle.

Despite the Spartans' loss in the game, there are reasons to be encouraged.  The team played tough defense, were great on the boards, and hung with the Tar Heels through the entire game. 

One minor quibble I have is that it was difficult to enjoy watching the game on television, though the overhead, panoramic shots of the harbor and the carrier were splendid.  However, the glare from the court, due to the sun, was not easy on my eyes.  That's the end of my complaining.  It was, overall, a great event.

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Now, on to today's Iowa football game.  If the Spartans can overcome the mistakes they made in last year's Iowa game, they should be fine.  Come out focused and mean, and MSU should beat Iowa.  Still, Kinnick Stadium is a daunting place, and for whatever reason the Spartans have struggled there.  Eventually, their luck has to change. Right?  We shall see.

Yet another opinion regarding Joe Paterno and Penn State

By this time, everyone in the world has weighed in with an opinion, take, or commentary on the incredibly ugly situation at Penn State.  Here's one more...

I always feared that the longer Joe Paterno remained head coach at Penn State, the greater the likelihood his tenure would end on a bad note.  I knew that it couldn't possibly be anything as awful or embarrassing as Woody Hayes punching an opposing player, but it seemed more likely and certainly possible that the Nittany Lions would have a string of losing seasons, and Penn State would be placed in the uncomfortable position of asking for the old man's resignation.

But never in a million years would I have guessed that Joe Paterno's 45-year head coaching career (61 years counting his time as an assistant) at Penn State would end in such sadness and disgrace.  Never would have I guessed that a football program that, from all outward appearances, represented all that was right and good about college athletics would be brought down by a scandal so sordid and reprehensible.

When Penn State went undefeated in 1994, in the school's second year in the Big Ten, I became interested in and fascinated by Joe Paterno.  I read his autobiography Paterno: By the Book and another book that was an insider's view of the PSU football program called For the Glory.  I came away impressed with Paterno's integrity, and to this day--despite all that has happened recently--still think that overall Paterno is a good man.  Am I wrong to think this?  Have I been duped all along?  It seems possible that as this story continues to unfold, my opinion of Paterno, his staff, and the entire Penn State program may change for the worse.

Of course, the real bad guy in all of this is Jerry Sandusky.  What he did to those boys, if he is proven to be guilty, is nothing short of despicable.

But what was Joe Paterno's role in all of this?  (I suppose all will be revealed in the coming months).  Did Paterno purposely cover up what his friend and assistant Sandusky did?  Did Paterno not fully grasp the seriousness of the sexual abuse accusations?  Was he in a state of denial?  Did he think it would just blow over?

Is it possible that Paterno, like so many others in positions of great power and influence, had achieved a level of arrogance--making him believe that his program was above all of this and it would just all go away?

So far, all I've done is ask questions that, as of right now, have no answers. 

The only thing I know for sure is that I always had the greatest respect and admiration for Joe Paterno and the Penn State football program.  Penn State football seemed to embody such great attibutes as humility, dedication, integrity, and commitment to excellence.  Now I'm not so sure what to think anymore.

Spartans eek past the Gophers

Yesterday, I was looking forward to a calm, relaxing MSU football game, with the Spartans ringing up the scoreboard like a pinball machine and cruising past the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Well, apparently Minnesota didn't get the memo that they were supposed to roll over and play dead on Saturday, and it seems that the Spartans themselves didn't arrive to the game until sometime in the fourth quarter.  Plus, MarQueis Gray decided that this week he'd play like the greatest quarterback in college football history (at least until the last five minutes or so of the fourth quarter).  This all added up to a lackluster 31-24 win for MSU.

I was actually able to watch this game on our living room flat screen TV, but retired to the bedroom television by the third quarter because by that time I didn't care if my six year-old took over the living room to watch Cars 2.

I'll take the win, of course, but I'm concerned about the running game and specifically Edwin Baker.  I don't know whether it's just due to the patchwork offensive line, but Baker doesn't seem himself this season--and the fumbles he's had seem quite out of character.  Thankfully, Le'Veon Bell has been around to pick up the slack.

Now it's on to Iowa to see if the Spartans can win a big road game.  Iowa City hasn't been kind to MSU, as the Spartans haven't won there since 1989.  That's seven straight losses at Kinnick Stadium if you're keeping score.

Minnesota is in town, and a few other odds and ends

Fresh off their stunning 22-21 victory over Iowa, the Minnesota Gophers are in town to face the Spartans.  That win over the Hawkeyes probably caught MSU's full attention, and I expect the Spartans to play a focused game today and bouce back from last week's disappointing loss at Nebraska.  I'm looking at a 38-10 MSU victory today--but based on how wrong I was with last week's prediction, perhaps I should stay away from prognostication.

I can't afford season tickets to Michigan State football, but I do have a modest streak of attending at least one game per year for the last 18 seasons.  This year, it was in danger of ending, but I'm happy to report that I just ordered tickets to the final home game against Indiana.  It probably won't be a great game, as the Hoosiers are a terrible team, but it is senior day and Kirk Cousins' last home game as a Spartan.  In addition, other outstanding seniors like Trenton Robinson, B.J. Cunningham, Joel Foreman, Keshawn Martin, and Keith Nichol will be playing their final games at Spartan Stadium.

Beyond that, one of my favorite activities of the autumn is attending Michigan State football games.  MSU's campus is gorgeous in the fall, and there is something simply sublime about bundling up, drinking some hot coffee or hot chocolate in the stands, and being a part of the whole pageantry of college football.  The older I get, the more I appreciate it.

In other Big Ten action today, Michigan and Iowa square off in Iowa City in what should prove to be a fascinating game.  Can the Hawkeyes rebound from last week or can the Wolverines win a big road game.  This game is a toss-up, but I'll give the game to Iowa based on home field advantage and a desire to atone for last week.  Nebraska takes on Northwestern in Lincoln, and though the Wildcats could give the Huskers a tough time, Nebraska should ultimately roll.  Ohio State should demolish Indiana, and Wisconsin is probably seething after their last two road heartbreakers and will take it out on poor Purdue.

The biggest game today is Alabama and LSU, which promises to be an outstanding game in the heart of insane SEC country.  Since the game is in Tuscaloosa, I'm going with the Tide to win a defensive tussle with the Tigers.

On the banner of this blog, there is a photograph of Bob Apisa, Clinton Jones, Bubba Smith, Gene Washington, and George Webster (overlayed with the name of the blog which I realize is difficult to decipher--I need to work on that).  The picture was taken in 1965, the first of two consecutive Big Ten championship years for the Spartans and two runs at the national title.  I have a deep appreciation for those great teams, and the role they played in the integration of collegiate athletics.  My intention for this blog is to not only write about the current Spartans, but to explore various aspects of Michigan State sports history.  So look for future posts that delve into the storied past of MSU athletics.

MSU basketball exhibition vs. Hillsdale

I managed to score two tickets to the exhibition game against Hillsdale and took my ten year-old son.  As soon as we stepped into Breslin, I immediately fueled him with Pepsi and popcorn and we were fairly good to go for the rest of the evening.

It's hard to take much from games like these.  Although Hillsdale played hard, they were clearly overmatched.  The Spartans led the entire game and really were not seriously challenged at any point in the game, as should be expected in an exhibition.  The final score was a fairly lackluster 80-58.

It was fun to see all the new faces on the MSU basketball team.  They are young, but have several athletic newcomers who should be enjoyable to watch this season.  I really have no idea what to expect from this year's team, but the sense of the unknown makes it more exciting, if that makes any sense.

Here are some observations, but keep in mind that I was sitting 28 rows up, behind the basket on the south side of Breslin, trying to keep my son entertained and dealing with several rugrats making lots of noise on my left: not exactly a position to be able to concentrate as fully as I'd like.

Travis Trice is one player who really stood out for me in this particular game.  The kid looks like a natural leader on the floor, has a nice smooth shot, and really works hard.

I had not seen Russell Byrd until tonight, and he's another player with a silky smooth shooting stroke from the perimeter.  Of course, I suppose it's easier to look smooth when one is playing against an overmatched team like Hillsdale, but I still like what I saw.  Trice and Byrd have big upsides, and both could develop into excellent contributors in the near future.

Of the other Spartan players, Draymond Green was solid, Derrick Nix looks to be in the best shape of his career, and Keith Appling did a great job guiding the team at point guard, though he struggled from three-point range and had a few ugly turnovers.  It will be interesting to see how much time Trice gets this season at point guard.  If he continues to play with the confidence and determination he displayed tonight, he will get significant playing time.

But I have absolutely no idea how these guys will play next week against North Carolina.  I suspect it could be a tough game for the Spartans, but they just might have the youthful energy and guilelessness to surprise some people.  And nobody likes an uphill challenge more than Tom Izzo.

One final note: I was genuinely impressed with how hard Hillsdale played, and the Chargers had one player who stood out for his moxie and grit.  He is a little guard named Tyler Gerber (#12).  The Hillsdale athletics website has him listed at 5' 10", but he didn't look any taller than 5' 7" from where I was sitting.  He finished with about 10 points and hustled the entire game.  He looks like a gym rat who isn't afraid of challenging anyone, even if his opponent is a foot taller than he is.  Good luck to Hillsdale the rest of the season.

Nebraska 24, Michigan State 3: Postgame thoughts

The only part of today's score I got right was Nebraska's point total: 24.  Thank you Bo Pelini for going into victory formation and not running up the score in the last five minutes of the game.

Not to make excuses, but it appeared that the Spartans were tired.  They had played Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin in succession--all three emotional wins.  Probably none more so than the Wisconsin game.  State just looked flat for most of the game, but credit must also go to Nebraska, who played some intense smothering defense.  They contained the running game, covered the receivers like a blanket, and basically made it a long day for MSU's offense

Nebraska knew how important this game was for their chances at a Big Ten title, and playing it surrounded by a sea of red certainly didn't hurt.  I'd like MSU's chances a lot more at home, but that's the way it goes.

The last hurdle MSU's football program must cross is playing well on the road in hostile environments.  They are getting closer in this regard, as this game wasn't nearly as bad as last year's Iowa game.

In any case, getting through this four game stretch (OSU, Mich, Wisc, Neb) at 3-1 is pretty darned good.  The schedule gets easier from here on out, with home games against Minnesota and Indiana, and road games against Iowa and Northwestern.  Of course, those games against Iowa and Northwestern could get tricky, particularly Iowa--where MSU has had lots of trouble in the past.  Still, not quite as daunting as the first half of the Big Ten season.

Now, it's time for the Spartans to regroup and get ready for a very winnable game next Saturday against Minnesota.

Nebraska Cornhuskers: pre-game thoughts

I finally am able, this morning, to get one of the kids off the computer to write my thoughts about the game against the Cornhuskers, which is just a little more than an hour away.

So let me cut to the chase.  I'm nervous.  It's in Lincoln, where the last time the Spartans played (in the first game of 1996), they were mauled 55-14.  Granted, those were different times.  It was Saban's second year as head coach and the Spartans were talent-depleted.  Tom Osborne had the Nebraska machine going strong, with a team that would go on to finish 11-2 and #6 in the nation.  MSU was simply the first of several teams the Huskers would demolish that season.

The 2011 Michigan State team has considerable more talent than that '96 squad, and Nebraska doesn't seem quite as daunting as Osborne's team.  Still, the nervous Nelly, glass-is-half-empty, expect-the-worst MSU fan that I have been conditioned to become after years of disappointment is concerned about this game.  I have flashbacks of the Iowa game last year, and am reminded that the Halloween weekend has not been kind the Spartans the last few years.  Last season's Iowa road debacle took place the day before Halloween, and the heartbreaking (and poorly officiated) '09 road loss to Minnesota was on Halloween.

Well, haven't the last few years under Dantonio been all about defying expectations?  Why can't MSU beat Nebraska in Lincoln?  Of course they can!  After all, last season the Spartans clinched their first Big Ten title in 20 years by defeating Penn State in Happy Valley for the first time since 1965.  This year, they knocked off Ohio State in Columbus for the first time since 1998. (Granted, it was a depleted OSU team, but I digress).  MSU has now beaten Michigan for the fourth consecutive year, a feat I never thought I'd see in my lifetime.  And as further icing on the cake (to borrow yet another well-worn cliche) the Spartans beat the #4 Wisconsin Badgers on a hail Mary pass.  Yes, the last few years have been about defying expectations and killing old demons.

I can't be expected to give an unbiased prediction regarding the outcome of this game.  With this in mind, I will say that the Spartans defeat the Cornhuskers, 27-24.

Michigan State Spartans sports from a fan's perspective

Hello, my name is Mark and I'm a 1991 graduate of Michigan State University.  I am also a devoted follower of Spartan sports.

For the last three years, I have written another blog called "Brainsplotch," which was intended to be a catch-all type of blog chronicling my everyday musings and interests.  However, at the time I started Brainsplotch, in August 2008, the MSU football team began its second season under head coach Mark Dantonio.  The Spartans had the first, of what hopefully will become, many exciting seasons with Dantonio at the helm.  Caught up in the euphoria of the Spartans' best football season since 1999, Brainsplotch quickly became a de facto Spartan sports blog.

Now, finally, I have decided to venture out with a second blog devoted entirely to my personal thoughts and feelings about Michigan State sports. As with Brainsplotch, I will not pretend to be an expert and will not spend too much time analyzing such subjects as recruiting or strategy--I'll leave most of that to people who actually know what they are talking about.  I hope some of you Spartan fans out there in cyberspace will follow me on this journey.