Football seaon excitement may NEVER hit me

Last night's MSU/Indiana game was simply terrible. So bad, in fact, that I don't even know where to start.

Stupid penalties kill this team in a way I haven't seen since the John L. Smith era, although we may have seen it in 2009 as well. Perhaps the most glaring was a "leaping" penalty on Indiana's first field goal attempt in overtime. Some on message boards felt it was an obscure penalty that may have been mis-applied in this case, but it was the icing on the cake of what was a mistake-filled, uninspired MSU performance.

The only time MSU had any fire under its collective butt was when they were down 21-14. They  finally ran the ball with some aggression and sense of purpose, with Gerald Holmes looking much better than a somewhat listless L.J. Scott.

Then there's Tyler O'Connor. He looks like Andrew Maxwell with mobility. There is little touch on his throws, and I don't sense much in the way of leadership on the field. Although he wasn't necessarily bad last night, he just seems to lack something. Perhaps I/we were spoiled by by Connor Cook more than we even imagined.

I don't know if it has to do with youth, injuries, complacency, lack of leadership, but this entire Spartan football team has taken several steps down this season. I expected a dip this season, but certainly didn't anticipate such a precipitous downturn.

Added to the unease is the great start for that school down the road. Michigan State fans will need to buck up and listen to a lot of boasting and chest-thumping from the blue-and-yellow clad hordes.

My conclusion: It looks like a long year for Spartan football.

Knee-jerk post game reactions (Michigan State 52, Indiana 26)

I'm relaxing on the couch, drinking a glass of wine, sort of watching USC/Utah (having changed channels after it became clear--or at least highly likely--Rutgers will not put up much fight against Ohio State).

My wife and I went to the MSU/Indiana game today. It was my 50th all-time MSU football game (I'm dorky enough to keep track of such statistics). It's probably more games than many, but completely dwarfed by anyone who has had season tickets for several years.

We sat in Section 4, Row 43, Seats 24 and 25; directly behind the small but boisterous Indiana section. The Hoosier faithful made noise throughout the game, but made a mad dash to the exits when the Spartans went up 45-26 late in the 4th quarter.

We saw and experienced about every kind of weather the Great Lakes State has in its arsenal, with the exception of snow. It was warm and partly sunny when the game started, then dark rain clouds moved into East Lansing and it poured for about 20 minutes or so. The storm brought a cold front and we shivered for the remainder of the game (though MSU's 4th quarter scoring barrage got me up, moving around, and slightly warmer).

Overall, it was a fun, albeit long, late afternoon and early evening at Spartan Stadium. Nate Sudfeld and IU's offense were as tricky as I expected, but the Spartan defense played much better in the second half and held the Hoosiers to only six second-half points. MSU was finally able to apply some pressure to Sudfeld and make him less effective.

I don't know what else can be said about Connor Cook. He just might be the very best Spartan quarterback I've ever seen. It's amazing to think how far he's come since replacing an ineffective Andrew Maxwell in the 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, and then taking over the starting job for good after the 2013 Notre Dame game.

Cook carried the team on his shoulders today, though he was ably assisted by Aaron Burbridge, R.J. Shelton, Macgarrett Kings, L.J. Scott, and Gerald Holmes. Cook came only two yards short of tying Bill Burke's single-game passing record of 400 yards (against Michigan in 1999).

What's most important is that the Spartans survive this game, get the win, and enter a much-needed bye week at 8-0.

Meanwhile, I remain convinced that my "Gruff Sparty" hoodie and my old school "block 'S'" MSU are somehow lucky, and thankful that I made a last-minute decision to buy rain ponchos at Meijer.

Nervous about Indiana

In the immediate aftermath of the Michigan game, while elatedly and euphorically discussing the game with my father, I actually uttered, "everything after this is gravy." In the past, this is the way MSU fans approached the football season AFTER the Michigan game, and this off-the-cuff remark does not really reflect my feelings.

Indiana has me nervous. The Hoosiers' strengths on offense are exactly the Spartans' weaknesses. MSU may have a hard time dealing with Nate Sudfeld's ability to throw the ball. That's why the gloomy weather forcast (45 mph winds and rain) could work in MSU's favor. Then again, if the forecast also has the "thunder and lightning" part right, who knows when the game will even start or end?

Oh yeah, there's a game tomorrow

It's safe to say that all MSU football fans are just coming down on an almost week-long high and are just now realising that the Spartans have a game tomorrow.

The Indiana Hoosiers have perhaps the best aerial attack in the Big Ten, and I'm concerned with what a healthy Nate Sudfeld might be able to do against the Spartans' patched-together secondary. Sudfeld presents a challenge that Jake Rudock definitely did not.

Somewhat lost in the elation of the Michigan win is that the Spartans are still a team with plenty of faults and lots of improvements that need to be made.

Despite (arguably) the greatest special teams play in MSU history, the Spartans other special teams plays were dreadful in the Michigan game. In fact, in a season in which MSU's special teams play has been generally sub-par, it was terrible against Michigan--it's ironic that the greatest special teams play in Spartan history won the it in the final 10 seconds of the game.

The Spartans should beat Indiana tomorrow, though it may not be easy. It'll be interesting to see Indiana's mindset after last week's heartbreaking loss to Rutgers, in which the Hoosiers blew a 52-27 lead at home and went down 55-52. Will that loss demoralize them? I suspect Indiana still has some fight left in them, and it's up to the Spartans to not be hungover from the Michigan game and take care of Indiana. Mark Dantonio always has the Spartans ready after the Michigan game, and this year should be no exception.

Let's call this one: MSU 38, Indiana 28.

Spartans (and yours truly) survive another heart attack special

Yesterday, I was bound and determined to casually watch Michigan State's final regular season basketball game. Nothing would bother me. I wouldn't get irritable or angry or emotional. Whatever happened would be perfectly fine. It wouldn't matter to me in the least. MSU already had 20 regular seasons in the bag and at least 11 conference wins. Anything else: gravy.

What's that expression about "The best laid plans of mice and men?"

With two minutes remaining, MSU had an 8-point lead over Indiana. But as has been the case all season, the Spartans have a maddening ability to make the final few minutes of almost any game way too interesting. The Spartans missed seven of 14 free throws down the stretch. If one doesn't count Travis Trice (who was five of six from the charity stripe in the final two minutes--and thank heavens for that), the Spartans only made two of eight. In the most ironic moment of an already crazy finish, the one time MSU did NOT want a made free throw (up by one with less than one second left), Marvin Clark hit nothing but net. Instead of the clock continuing to run after a missed free throw and allowing Indiana no chance to set up a last shot, the clock stopped on the make. Tom Izzo looked like he was about to keel over from a heart attack. Indiana had one last gasp, but the Hoosiers' desperation heave came about two feet short.

The Spartans survived and I probably saw another six months shaved off my life span.

Despite the excruciating circumstances, it was still a hard-fought victory over a desperate team on its home floor; and MSU did it without Branden Dawson. Despite all the travails this team has been through, they finish 12-6 in the Big Ten and 3rd place.

...and now I and every other MSU fan can take a breather until the conference tournament begins on Wednesday.

Indiana overview and the Michigan game (my, how the script has flipped)

I was one of those people who was at least mildly upset in the first half of MSU's 56-17 blowout of Indiana. One would think that, by now, I'd just learn to relax, take it easy and let the game play out to its conclusion, remembering that a football game is 60 minutes and not 25 minutes long.

 

So after looking somewhat disinterested and sloppy in the first half, allowing the soap opera star, his wife, and their quarterback kid to enjoy the Hoosiers brief 17-14 lead, the Spartans decided they'd had enough and realed off 42 straight points to blow Indiana out of Memorial Stadium and ruin the Hoosiers' homecoming. Granted, Indiana is not, outside of Tevin Coleman, a good team, but it was MSU's best second half of the season.

 

So now it's Michigan week and I feel like I'm in uncharted territory. For the first time I can remember, MSU is a double-digit favorite over the Wolverines.

 

I've tried to envision a scenario in which Michigan pulls a stunning upset this Saturday, but I just can't do it. I'm so confident in a Spartan victory, that I find it a little unnerving. Why? Because if you've read enough of this blog, you know that I NEVER feel excessively confident in MSU victories over Michigan in football. This is due, by and large, by approximately three decades of hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Eight years of Mark Dantonio is slowly but steadily eroding that meek, defeatist outlook.

 

I am finally (almost) completely believing in this new world (football) order under Dantonio. With a 70-30 over all record, two conference titles, a division title, and three bowl wins (including last year's Rose Bowl), how can any Spartan fan not have faith in this man?

 

I've also seen enough Michigan football this season to determine that they just are quite simply...a pretty bad team. Sorry, Michigan fans, I'm not saying anything you don't already know. Your 2014 team is probably the worst Michigan football team I've ever seen.

 

Now, I will stop short of cockiness. I will not allow myself to enter the realm of overconfidence or arrogance, because I firmly believe that particular attitude adds up to bad luck and bad karma. This is still a rivalry game, even if Michigan players insist on still pretending it isn't, and anything is possible. It's not beyond the realm of possibility that Michigan could, out of sheer desperation, play the game of the season and win...but I just don't see that happening. To repeat the mantra, Michigan quite simply is not a good football team.

 

All one has to do is look at the statistics, along with what has happened on the field so far this season to grant a big advantage to Michigan State. After losing Derrick Green for the season, Michigan's running game has been reduce to almost nothing. If the Spartans' front seven plays to their capabilities--which I fully expect--I simply don't see the Wolverines being able to run the ball. Michigan's offense comes down to Devin Gardner's ability to throw the ball to Devin Funchess, Amara Darboh, Jehu Chesson, Dennis Norfleet, and tight end Jake Butt. Though MSU's defensive backs have had their struggles this season, so too has Michigan's passing game. In fact, Michigan's entire offense has been anemic this season. Though Michigan State's defense may not be what it was last year, it's still very good and I don't see Michigan being able to score much in this game. As other commentators have said, Michigan may need to try and spread the field more and at least try to emulate the Purdue offense that had success against MSU. The Wolverines may have a few big plays in them, but I don't see them being able to string enough of those plays together over the length of a 60 minute game to pull out a victory.

Then there's Michigan State's offense, averaging 47 points per game. Even if MSU scores only half of that average against Michigan, I don't see the Wolverines' offense being able to match that. For one thing, Michigan's defense--the undeniable strength of the Wolverines' team--will probably be on the field most of Saturday because their offense will most likely struggle. Eventually, all the offensive weapons MSU has at its disposal (Cook, Lippett, Hill, Langford, Mumphrey, Shelton, to name a few) will be too much for the Wolverines.

 

Basically, Michigan's only hope is that they catch some breaks, either through turnovers or other MSU mistakes. If Bobby Williams or John L. Smith were coach, I'd say this might be likely. With Coach D at the helm: highly improbable.

 

Some people have compared this to a reversal of the 2002 season when Bobby Williams was dead man walking. However, I don't know that this Michigan team is quite like that '02 Spartan team, a team that was not just bad but had completely quit caring. It feels more like the '06 MSU team, when John L. Smith was preparing to walk the gang plank. That particular year, Michigan beat a weak MSU team--but a team that still had a little fight left in it--by the score of 31-13. So let's call this year's score a reversal of 2006: MSU 31, UM 13.

The Indiana game and other miscellany

My modest streak will continue.
 

I have attended at least one MSU football game every year for the last 21 years, and I'm happy to report that streak will continue another season. I recently purchased a ticket for the final home game of the season, against Rutgers, via StubHub.
 

When it comes to attending sporting events in person, I'm a bit of tight wad. I simply can't rationalize spending more than about $60 going to a game--any game. If you want to call into question my true fandom, go ahead and do so. I enjoy seeing sports in person, but I'm fine spending less than face value for a ticket and even prefer to do so. I don't really care who the opponent is. When I'm at a game in person, I'm really there for the game day experience more than the opponent, anyway. If the Spartans are playing with a Big Ten East title on the line on Senior Day, the buzz and anticipation should be palpable, though probably not at the same level it would be for the Michigan or Ohio State game. Oh well, I don't care that much, Maybe I'm just a cheapskate, but I'm not willing to part with $150 or $200 to see the Wolverines and Buckeyes, even if the game day experience is more electric.
 

Speaking of the Michigan game, as I documented in this blog, I lucked out last season and obtained a free ticket to the 29-6 bludgeoning of the Wolverines. It was probably the greatest and most memorable live sporting event I've ever attended, and I don't know how this year's game against the Wolverines could top it. Frankly, for the first time in my life, I can honestly say it would be an embarrassment if the Spartans lose to Michigan this season. I don't know if this is the worst Michigan football team I've ever seen, but it may be close. The only way this year's game could top last year's is if the Spartans gave the Wolverines the beating of a century. I'm talking about a score in the neighborhood of the 49-3 beat down that Michigan administered against MSU back in 2002. (There have been plenty of low points in my time as a Michigan State football fan, but few were as miserable as that particular game).
 

***
 

Today's game is against Indiana, a team that is down to its third-string freshman quarterback, Zander Diamont, who is making his first ever start. All I know about Diamont is that he is the son of former The Young and the Restless star Don Diamont, and that Zander was a standout player in the Los Angeles area. Full disclosure time, when I was a junior at MSU, I was a loyal watcher of The Young and the Restless, the same time that Don Diamont starred as hunky heartthrob Brad Carlton. My favorite story arc involving Brad Carlton--and really the only one I remember--is when he was kidnapped by his spurned lover and kept captive in a remote cabin outside the fictional Genoa City. For months, I was riveted every day for months wondering when Brad Carlton would be freed. Eventually, he was. Rarely has television drama been as exciting for me.
 

Here's hoping history repeats itself and the Spartan defense can keep young Zander Diamont captive in the IU backfield, at least until the game ends.
 

On the surface, it looks like the Hoosiers' only offense in today's game will come from running back Tevin Coleman, who comes in with over 1000 yards on the ground this season. Against MSU's front seven, I don't know if this will be enough. Though I've given up predicting enormous Spartan blowouts, I will call this one as a moderate blowout: MSU 48, IU 20.

Georgetown 64, Michigan State 60

Georgetown wanted it more.

That was what I took away from MSU's 64-60 loss to the Hoyas at Madison Square Garden on Saturday afternoon...then I got mad at myself for spending two-plus hours watching one of the most lethargic, uninspired Spartan basketball performances of the entire season. That was one ugly game.

In my previous post, I picked the Spartans to beat Georgetown in a close game. I completely underestimated Georgetown's desperation, while overestimating Michigan State's interest in playing in the game.

The good news is the result of this game means relatively little for MSU. It was a non-conference game against an unranked opponent. Sure, it would have been nice to win, but I don't think it would have done anything for MSU's RPI or tournament resume. And, actually, getting out of New York without any further injuries is probably a bigger victory for the Spartans than if they'd defeated the Hoyas on the basketball court.

Better news occurred yesterday, when Indiana beat Michigan at Assembly Hall in Bloomington. The Spartans and Wolverines are now tied for first place in the Big Ten. I have to admit that if I had to choose between a Michigan State win over Georgetown or a Michigan loss to Indiana, I'd have gladly taken the Michigan loss: and not so much because I dislike Michigan, but because it helps Michigan State in the conference race.

So now, it's time to get Adreain Payne back in the MSU lineup and gear up for the final half of the conference season. I may be proven wrong in the end, but I firmly believe that if this team gets healthy and all the pieces back in place, they have a legitimate shot at a national championship run.

Spartans knock off the Hoosiers, and I was there in person!

No sooner had I lamented the possibility that I may not attend an MSU football game in person than I was the lucky beneficiary of a ticket to yesterday's Homecoming game between the Spartans and Indiana. I have my brother-in-law to thank, who found himself with an extra ticket early Saturday morning and rang me up.

So my relatively modest streak of consecutive years attending at least one MSU football game has been extended to 21 seasons. It was also a privilege to be physically present for the 500th game in Spartan Stadium history.

The weather in East Lansing was glorious yesterday, with temperatures in the 70s and only one small cloud in the sky that I could see. It was certainly the most beautiful Homecoming I've seen in several years, and definitely better that last year's rainy, cloudy, wet day that also featured a disappointing loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Against Indiana, the Spartans played a good, if not great, game. The Hoosiers did manage to break a long touchdown run on their first possession, taking a quick 7-0 lead. The Spartan defense, however, got things straightened out and did a good job containing Indiana's no-huddle offense. Of the the four touchdowns that the Hoosiers scored, two were the result of MSU miscues: With MSU up 14-7, MacGarrett Kings fumbled a punt return late in the second quarter and Indiana took over in great field position and scored to tie the game at 14-all. Then, late in the fourth quarter and up 42-21, the Spartans gave the Hoosiers the ball on a bizarre interception that deflected off an MSU receiver's hand and into the arms of an Indiana defensive back. The Hoosiers had possession inside the MSU 40-yard line and quickly punched it in to cut the score to 42-28. The final score is deceptive, as I don't think the game was quite as close as one would assume by looking at the box score.

In any case, it was a good win against a much improved Hoosiers team, and I'm encouraged by the strides the offense has taken in the last three weeks. I feel a little ridiculous freaking out as I did after the Notre Dame game: perhaps I should have had a little more confidence in the coaching staff's ability to get it straightened out and find the right players to fit in the correct spots.

Time to take a time out and watch a little Staudt on Sports to relive yesterday's game. I will try and get back to this later, with the operative word being "try" because you know how that goes.

Second place isn't all that bad, and schadenfreude tastes especially sweet today

I'm watching the Big Ten Network's replay of the Michigan State/Northwestern basketball game.

Remember early in the conference season when I said Michigan was the team to beat in the Big Ten? Well, I was wrong. I am happy now to be able to admit it.

Congratulations to the Indiana Hoosiers, who earned the outright Big Ten title with a come-from-behind victory over Michigan.

Even though a Michigan win would have given MSU an opportunity to earn a share of the Big Ten title, I couldn't bring myself to wish anything but ill will for the Wolverines. It was an interesting experiment to watch that UofM/IU game and see what my reaction would be. Could I pull of Michigan? The answer was a resounding NO. I am physically and emotionally revolted by the sight of the block "M", the sound of that irritating "Hail to the Victors", and those hideous yellow highlighter-hued uniforms. I don't want Michigan's help, and I don't want them to have any momentum or good feeling heading into the Big Ten tournament or NCAA tournament, and I sure as heck don't want to share a conference title with Michigan. In short, screw the Blue.

Rarely has schadenfreude tasted as sweet than the way Michigan seized defeat from the jaws of victory against Indiana. The best part of Michigan's loss was that, coupled with MSU's win over Northwestern, the Spartans finish above Michigan in the final conference standings and have a better Big Ten tournament seeding that they would have had if Michigan had beaten IU.

I thought that the race for Big Ten Player of the Year might come down to the UofM/IU game. In the battle between Burke and Oladipo, I suppose Oladipo was slightly better than Burke, based mainly on the fact that Indiana won the game, but really it was a draw. The real star in this game was Cody Zeller, who scored 25 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. (Oladipo had 14 points and 13 boards).

***

A few posts ago, I dissed Northwestern and all but guaranteed a 15-20 point win for MSU. I should have known better, given the way the last few meetings between MSU and Northwestern have gone. With Indiana already beating Michigan, and the MSU players surely knowing about the result, there was no longer a share of the conference title to play for. The game was a slog, with Northwestern playing like it was the NCAA championship game and the Spartans looking fairly uninspired and sloppy. As often happens at Breslin, though, MSU finally surged ahead in the last 4 minutes or so to pull out a win.

It's getting late, I'm tired, and I really need to go to bed. But I will be back to write about Big Ten basketball later.

Indiana game about to start...(plus a follow up)

Another big game at Breslin, can my heart take it? I meant to write in here earlier, but didn't get around to it. I will try to write more later, but you know how that goes. Go Green!

***

The Spartans lost, as you probably already know by now. Victor Oladipo further solidified his status as Indiana's best player--far and away the Hoosiers' best player in my opinion--and a definite national player of the year candidate. The guy is just the complete package: great defender, quick as blazes, and makes the little hustle plays that add up to victory. If one were voting right now, I'd say Oladipo should be Big Ten player of the year.

It's hard to get too upset over losing to a team like Indiana, and the Hoosiers deserve a tremendous amount of credit for being unfazed by the Breslin crowd and finding a way to win.

But I can't get over thinking that MSU didn't bring their best effort last night. Even so, they had a chance to win late in the game. Up by three, Keith Appling missed the front end of a one-and-one and that was truly a killer. I certainly won't lay all the blame on Appling, because there are any number of missed opportunities that cost MSU the game. When you get right down to it, the Spartans lost to the #1 team in the country by four points. There's no shame in that.

As frequently happens after a big game, particularly one in which MSU loses, I agonize afterwards. I replay parts of the game in my head, I waste too much time on the internet (either the Red Cedar Message Board or Facebook) and rehash the game with others, commiserating with comrades or sparring with the Walmart Wolverines who come out of their dark crevices like cockroaches to laugh at MSU's misfortune. They are hardly worth my time, but have a tendency to push my buttons. I have to learn to let that slide, or just avoid the internet altogether after an MSU loss. My emotions sometimes get the best of me.

The Old Brass Spittoon (barely) stays in East Lansing: Michigan State 31, Indiana 27

As I watched the nightmare of the first half unfurl in front of my eyes, I had numerous unhappy and verbally explicit thoughts about this year's football team and how utterly unprepared and uninspired they appeared. I felt better when the team performed more to their capabilities in the second half and escaped Bloomington with a win. Many fewer expletives were uttered in the general direction of my television.

I still don't know quite what to make of this team, but I can't help but assume the rest of the year will be a struggle.

The woes really seem to begin with the offensive line. It needs to either get healthier or somehow improve with the players currently starting. Le'Veon Bell seems to earn every rushing yard himself with little help from the O-line, and there were times I worried for Andrew Maxwell's health and well-being--and this is against INDIANA, with the worst defense in the Western world.

The defense looked ridiculously unprepared for IU's hurry-up, no huddle offense in the first half, but did improve considerably in the second half (or maybe the Hoosiers ran out of gas, who knows?).

The Spartans should be able to sneak by Iowa next week on Homecoming, but after that it looks dicey at best. I have to admit that I think this could be the year MSU's four-game winning streak over Michigan comes to a halt. (The Wolvies were impressive against Purdue, then again who knows how good the Boilermakers really are). Then there is the gauntlet of Wisconsin on the road and Nebraska at home. Perhaps if the offensive line improves, Aaron Burbridge continues to emerge as a legitimate receiving threat, while the rest of the receiving corps improves, the Spartans have a shot at winning two or maybe three of the next four games. But those are a lot of "ifs".

If Dion Sims is out for any length of time, that will add another giant "if" on the already large "if" pile.

This season looks like an inevitable step back from 2010 and 2011. Best case scenario looks like an 8-4 finish and a half-way decent bowl game.

Our hated rival the Indiana Hoosiers

Bragging rights are up for grabs today as storied rivals Indiana and Michigan State do battle for the Old Brass Spittoon. (Tongue firmly in cheek).

The only game I attended last year was the final home game, when the Spartans dismantled the Hoosiers 55-3. I worry that today's game could be closer, despite Indiana's wretched defense.

There are only a few MSU/Indiana football games that stand out in my memory. My freshman year at MSU in '86, the Hoosiers upset the Spartans in what was a litany of close and extremely disappointing losses for that year's team. The following season, the Spartans clinched the Big Ten title and a trip to the Rose Bowl by defeating Indiana 27-3.

One of the biggest regrets of my college career (if not my life) is that I didn't purchase 1987 season tickets. I went to only two games in '87 and they were the two worst home games of the season (a 31-3 loss to Florida State, where the only consolation is that I can say I saw Deion Sanders play football as a collegian--and a 14-14 tie with Illinois in a chilly Homecoming drizzle. Both of these tickets I purchased from fellow students who for whatever reason where unable to use them). That year's Indiana game saw both the Spartans and Hoosiers amazingly playing for the conference title, and Lorenzo White famously ran the ball 56 times for 292 yards in leading MSU to the win.  I watched the game in someone's room at Shaw Hall.  As soon as the game was over, I walked directly to Spartan Stadium, entered the stadium through the tunnel (which was amazingly open, perhaps as a safety valve for the flood of revelers who had poured onto the field). I walked onto the artificial turf and joined in with the delirious MSU fans. By then, the celebrants were beginning to disperse, and the ones remaining weren't quite sure what to do with themselves, and were probably pondering which local drinking establishment to relocate their revelry. The most vivid memory I have from that evening is how squishy the artificial turf felt under my feet. I wasn't expecting that.

This year's Indiana game has very little at stake. The Hoosiers are simply trying to win a Big Ten game, which is something they have not done in a few years, and the Spartans want to get their once promising season back on track. I fear that the combination of Indiana's Homecoming, their desperation to get a win, and MSU's probable depression after the OSU loss could equal a bad Saturday for the Spartans, but that may simply be my usual "glass-is-half-empty" outlook on MSU football.

Indiana 70, Michigan State 55

Ouch...

Okay, I didn't expect MSU to win, but I didn't think they'd lose by 15.  I also didn't think Draymond Green would be about the only Spartan player to show up to play (and Green was outstanding, scoring 29 of MSU's 55 points and playing with passion the entire game).  The rest of the team really looked fairly lifeless.  Appling seems to lack confidence in his shot, and Payne seems to have turned into the invisible man since the Ohio State road win.  The only other player who looked halfway decent, besides DayDay, was Thornton.

Now, Indiana does deserve credit.  Zeller had an excellent game, Olidipo looked faster than a speeding bullet throughout the entire game (how may times did he zip through defenders to the basket?). Watford and Jones also made some big shots and the Hoosiers fed off the crowd, and those fans were jacked to the moon for this game.

Anytime it seemed MSU would make a run in the second half, Indiana would either answer with a huge basket, or MSU would have a few empty possessions in a row. I see, looking at the box score, that MSU shot 39 percent from the field, but it sure seemed worse than that.  The free throw disparity was not that great considering it was a road game.  Though IU shot considerably more free throws than MSU in the first half, by the end of the game it was only 22-17 in the Hoosiers favor.  IU made 19 of 22 from the charity stripe, while MSU only made 10 of their 17. MSU also was out rebounded 30-28 and had 13 turnovers to IU's 9.  All of that adds up to an "L".

I have now spent the better part of an hour verbally sparring with Michigan fans on Facebook, since Michigan fans always seem to crawl out of the woodwork any time MSU loses a game.  Talk about a huge waste of time and energy on my part.

Time for the Spartans to regroup and get ready for a better effort on Senior Day at Breslin Center.  In the meantime, I'll be rooting for Northwestern and Illinois--and try to remind myself that it's not the end of the world.

Coming up next, the Indiana Hoosiers

In a half-hour, the MSU basketball team will take on Indiana for a chance at an outright Big Ten championship.  How motivated will the Spartans be after already clinching a share of the title?  After hearing Izzo talk about not being satisfied, and with a senior leader like Draymond Green on the floor, I suspect motivation will not be a factor.  The biggest question might be, how well will Indiana play?  The Hoosiers demolished Minnesota on the road (though I wonder how flat the Gophers may have been after what must have been a demoralizing loss to MSU last week). Still, the Assembly Hall crowd should be revved up, and I expect IU to come out with tremendous energy.  The Spartans biggest challenge might be weathering the initial onslaught of energy that the Hoosiers may bring in the beginning of the game.  I have to give a slight edge to the Hoosiers tonight, but the Spartans should be highly motivated, so it will be a dogfight.

Although the Spartans definitely don't want to back into an outright championship, it still might happen (if IU beats them tonight).  Ohio State has been stumbling, and they have a road game coming up tomorrow night against a desperate Northwestern team that is fighting to get into its first ever NCAA tournament.  It's also senior night in Evanston, so expect even more electricity from the crowd and the Wildcats.  Michigan, the other Big Ten team in line for a share of the conference crown, finishes the season with two road games against Illinois and Penn State.  Though Illinois has had a disappointing season, they may still have one or two wins left in them.  Penn State is a tough out at home (just ask Purdue).

It should be an interesting week of Big Ten basketball.  I'll be tuning in to tonight's game and will try to write a follow-up in here after it's over, win or lose.

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).

Michigan State 42, Indiana 29: post-game thoughts

Just finished watching the Spartans wear down the Hoosiers and get out of Bloomington with a win. Not pretty by any stretch, but I'll take it. Very nice to start off the Big Ten season at 1-0. MSU's next opponent is Iowa on Homecoming in East Lansing. The Hawkeyes lost at home to Northwestern, so next week's game for the Spartans is definitely winnable. (Having said that, Northwestern looks like they will be a tough team to contend with this year. They are still undefeated. With the parity in college football, which became particularly evident this weekend, that's saying something regardless of the competition the Wildcats have faced).
 

Back to MSU/Indiana: First of all, I could not believe the number of empty seats at Memorial Stadium. Is Indiana that indifferent towards football? (The answer must be a resounding "yes." I suppose the Hoosier faithful are too busy counting down the days until basketball season). If I didn't have responsibilities at home (or have to take my son to his soccer game this morning) I'd have hopped in the car bright and early, driven down to Bloomington, and bought a ticket at the stadium. (These are the kinds of things I wish I'd done when I was young and single with virtually no responsibilities and lots of time on my hands).
 

As far as the actual game goes, it was way more of a nail-biter than I'd have liked. Years of following Spartan football have made me uncomfortable with any lead that is less than two touchdowns. I thought Indiana hung in there pretty well, but dropped passes, too many penalties, and a little too much Javon Ringer was just enough to keep them from making this a closer ball game.
 

Some random thoughts:
 

Extremely rough game for Otis Wiley, but he redeemed himself somewhat by falling on that fumble.
 

Another good game for Ringer, but I sure wish the play calling was a bit more imaginative. I worry about what will happen when State plays better competition.
 

Our backup tailbacks have got to get more touches. Ringer is not going to be able to carry the load the entire season.

 

 

That's all I have for now. Gotta catch some of that Michigan/Wisconsin game now.