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.

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.