Basketball on grass SUCKS

Anyone watch that disaster of an Alamo Bowl last night?  Seemed like anytime either team (Baylor or Washington) touched the ball, they were going to score.  The 67-56 final score was NOT an overtime game, and the teams combined for over 1,400 total yards. It was absurd -- the defense was the WORST of any game the ES has ever seen.  Receivers wide open on both sides of the ball every single play, missed tackles (that #8 on Baylor defense is horrid) every play... the defensive line of Washington was embarrassing, not sure how many runs of 50+ yards Baylor had (440+ total yards rushing).   If it wasn't so terrible, it was hilarious.  Basketball on grass sucks.  That dude from Washington threw 5 TDs and ran for 2 more (that's 49 points)... and the Huskies still lost.   No defense = A terrible game to watch.

Michigan State fails to stop Texas Tech, 41-31. At least we have hoops.

That was an entertaining Alamo Bowl last night, particularly out of the Spartan offense, despite MSU's 41-31 loss to Texas Tech. The game pretty much went as the ES expected - and the Spartan secondary just couldn't keep up with TTU. Trenton Robinson played AWFUL and was totally out of position on a number of Red Raider touchdowns. On offense, the Spartan line played fairly well, and both Keshawn Martin and Blair White played extremely well, as did the offensive line. It was nice to see MSU leading in the 4th quarter, but the Spartan defense just couldn't stop the Red Raiders. The third down pass dropped by a wide open Keith Nichol was a bummer, and halted MSU's potential for a comeback. C'est la vie.

But, the ES loved the gadget plays -- more than we've seen in years combined in one game: a draw by WR/QB Keith Nichol, having Keshawn Martin throw a TD pass, a successful fake FG attempt, Martin throwing a pass back to Cousins. It was fun - give Don Treadwell a solid A, because the timing of the play calls was also excellent.

However, it wasn't enough because our pass defense sucked as expected.

Here's a great slideshow of photos from before, during, and after.

At least the hoops team won - MSU crushed Northwestern, 91-70, and looked like the best team in the Big Ten.

Alamo Bowl Preview: Michigan State vs Texas Tech

Michigan State (6-6/4-4) vs Texas Tech (8-4/5-3)
Sagarin: MSU #57 (SS #55), Texas Tech #31 (SS #58)
January 2, 2010. 9 pm EST.
ESPN
Line: TTU favored by 7 1/2

Tickets available

Vs ranked opponents:
TTU (1-3). W - @ Nebraska. L - @ Texas, @ Houston, @ Ok St.
MSU (1-2). W - Michigan. L - Iowa, Penn St.

Predictions: Freep/Rosenberg (TTU 37-27), Freep/Shelton (TTU 35-31), DetNews, LSJ Preview, NBC Sports (TTU 34-20), CBS Sports (TTU), ESPN/Accuscore (TTU 34-26), CFN/Scout (TTU 45-38), Bleacher Report/Trahan (TTU 45-23), Bleacher Report/Sportsmeisters (TTU 42-17), everyone else: TTU

Interesting stat matchups:

TTU rush off (81 ypg) vs MSU rush def (113 ypg)
TTU pass off (381 ypg) vs MSU pass def (252 ypg)
MSU sacks (2.83 pg) vs TTU sacks allowed (2.5 pg)

MSU rush off (136 ypg) vs TTU rush def (125 ypg)
MSU pass off (271 ypg) vs TTU pass def (225 ypg)
MSU sacks allowed (1.1 pg) vs TTU sacks (3.3 pg)

If you look at the stats, one may think Michigan State has a shot by churning out its running game and sustaining long drives to keep TTU's quick-strike offense off the field (did you see the Rose Bowl yesterday, with 41+ minutes of Ohio State offense in its win over Oregon? hint hint). Um, TTU is ranked #2 in the nation at passing; MSU's pass defense is ranked #103. In five of its six losses (not including the Iowa defensive battle), MSU gave up a whopping 328 yards per game through the air. In four of its six wins, MSU gave up 145 yards per game through the air -- with the other two victories against spread teams that also had difficulty stopping the MSU pass (NW 291, Purdue 373). In other words, for Michigan State, stopping the hemorrhaging through the air, stopping a prolific passing attack is a key to victory. But, the Spartans are up crap creek against quality opponents that know how to throw. That may be just too much of a challenge to overcome.

Yes, the Mike Leach situation may give MSU an advantage; it can only help. However, playing your backup QB and WR definitely shows an issue of concern, no matter how talented Keith Nichol may be. Even the ES sees the Spartans having a difficult time keeping up in this one.

ES Prediction: TTU 42, MSU 34

UP FOR A LITTLE SPARTAN HOOPS?

And, before the Alamo Bowl, the #12 MSU men's basketball team will top off the beginning to its 2010 Big Ten campaign, with a 6:30 pm EST tip off at #25 Northwestern (Big Ten Network).

Bettors more bullish on Spartans in Alamo Bowl on news of Leach firing

As Tom Waits said, "and he goes down down down, and the Devil calls him by name..." well, the Alamo Bowl point spread of Texas Tech and Michigan State in favor of TTU has now dropped by one point to 8 and 7 1/2 points in favor of TTU.

The spread is still solidly in favor of TTU, but the chipping away via the dismissal of head coach Mike Leach is beginning to rear its ugly head for Tech faithful.

MOVING TO MSU (9)
Cal Neva (from TTU -8 to TTU -7.5), Golden Nugget (from TTU -8.5 to TTU -8), Leroys (from TTU -8 to TTU -7.5), LVSC (from TTU -8 to TTU -7.5), M Resort (from TTU -9 to TTU -8), Mirage (from TTU -8.5 to TTU -8), Stations (TTU -8.5 to TTU -7.5), Stratosphere (from TTU -8 to TTU -7.5), Venetian (from TTU -8 to TTU -7.5)

MOVING TO TTU (1)
Caesars (from TTU -7 to TTU -8),

EVEN (3)
Atlantis (TTU -8), Hilton (TTU -7.5), Peppermill (TTU -8)

TTU's Leach FIRED in advance of Alamo Bowl

Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach was fired today three days before the Alamo Bowl vs Michigan State. As the ES stated earlier last night, "word to the wise: DON'T SUE YOUR EMPLOYER. You're just going to piss them off more."

As predicted, it happened. Leach was fired this morning just prior to the hearing before court to have him reinstated as coach for the Alamo Bowl. They are speechless over at the Double T Nation.

According to ESPN, "(Leach attorney) Ted Liggett said that Texas Tech general counsel Pat Campbell approached him outside the courtroom and told him that win, lose or draw in the hearing, Leach was out, effective immediately." After being notified in writing, Liggett told the judge there was no need for the hearing.

As the ES said, you can't treat a football player under your responsibility like meat after they have been diagnosed with a concussion. You can't play doctor and give out a treatment method. It is better that you listen to the player for his welfare - if you don't get along with the player, then get rid of the kid (terminate the scholarship), but don't throw them in a closet for 3 hours (twice).

Stupid action #1: don't listen to player or trainer, and put James in a shed
Stupid action #2: don't listen to player and put James in a shed again
Stupid action #3: act like a tough guy and don't apologize to a high-profile family for your selfish, incorrect actions
Stupid action #4: take your employer (the university) to court five days before you are due $800,000

What a dummy. As a university who previously employed Bobby Knight in basketball, why would you want this nonsense around? Don't take my word for it? Listen to what Kirk Herbstreit says...

Alamo Bowl: Michigan State Depth Chart vs Texas Tech

(significant lineup changes in bold)

-----OFFENSE-----
QB - 8 Kirk Cousins, 6-3, 202, So
- 9 Keith Nichol, 6-2, 215, So
RB - 22 Larry Caper, 5-11, 215, Fr
- 4 Edwin Baker, 5-9, 200, Fr
FB - 45 Andrew Hawken, 6-2, 248, Sr
- 42 Andrew Pendy, 6-2, 240, Sr
WR - 82 Keshawn Martin, 5-11, 185, So
- 87 Milton Colbert, 6-4, 210, R-Fr.
WR - 25 Blair White, 6-2, 200, Sr
- 81 Brad Sonntag , 5-8, 177, So.
TE - 83 Charlie Gantt, 6-5, 248, Jr
- 88 Brian Linthicum, 6-5, 245, So
OT - 57 Rocco Cironi, 6-6, 209, Sr
- 71 John Deyo, 6-6, 298, Fr
OG - 67 Joel Foreman, 6-4, 306, So
- 68 Ethan Ruhland, 6-5, 293, Fr
C - 65 Joel Nitchman, 6-4, 296, Sr
- 66 John Stipek, 6-5, 306, Sr
OG - 64 Brendon Moss, 6-7, 284, Sr
- 75 Jared McGaha, 6-6, 298, So
OT - 59 D.J. Young, 6-5, 310, Jr
- 64 Brendon Moss, 6-7, 284, Sr

-----DEFENSE-----
DE - 58 Trevor Anderson, 6-2, 260, Sr
- 91 Tyler Hoover, 6-7, 260, Fr
DT - 70 Oren Wilson, 6-3, 294, Jr
- 98 Blake Treadwell, 6-3, 272, Fr
DT - 99 Jerel Worthy, 6-3, 292, Fr
- 96 Kevin Pickelman, 6-4, 268, So
DE - 89 Colin Neely, 6-1, 248, Jr
- 54 David Rolf, 6-4, 228, So
LB - 34 Brandon Denson, 5-11, 230, Sr
- 10 Chris Norman, 6-1, 215, Fr
LB - 53 Greg Jones, 6-1, 228, Jr
- 55 Adam Decker, 6-3, 238, Sr
LB - 43 Eric Gordon, 6-0, 228, Jr
- 36 Jon Misch, 6-3, 207, Jr
DB - 38 Kendell Davis-Clark, 6-0, 216, Sr
- 31 Ashton Henderson, 5-11, 189, Sr
DB - 9 Jeremy Ware, 5-10, 191, Sr
- 37 Ross Weaver, 6-1, 203, Sr
S- 33 Dan Fortener, 6-2, 205, Sr
- 11 Marcus Hyde, 6-0, 206, Jr
S - 39 Trenton Robinson, 5-10, 190, So
- 26 Jesse Johnson, 5-10, 188, Jr.

-----SPECIAL TEAMS-----
P - 18 Aaron Bates, 6-0, 192, Jr
K - 14 Brett Swenson, 5-8, 185, Sr
LS - 56 Alex Shackelton, 6-2, 245, Jr
PR - 82 Keshawn Martin, 5-11, 185, So
- 25 Blair White, 6-2, 200, Sr
KR - 4 Edwin Baker, 5-9, 200, Fr
- 20 AJ Jimmerson, 5-10, 205, Sr

Leach to be fired - ESPN sources

UPDATE: 9 am on ESPN.com

According to ESPN tonight at halftime of tonight's EagleBank Bowl (Temple 21, UCLA 10 by the way), "sources closed to [ESPN reporter] Joe Schad state that the university will try to have Leach fired" before the Thursday deadline whereby Texas Tech coach Mike Leach will earn an extra $800,000. This is who Michigan State plays on Saturday in the Alamo Bowl, and in the meantime you can watch the betting line bend more and more in Michigan State's favor. Stay tuned on that.

In the meantime, yes, he done did it! Mike Leach filed a request for a temporary restraining order against Texas Tech to allow him to coach in the Suspension Bowl. A hearing will be held at the 99th Texas District court tomorrow morning. This may be moot, however, if Leach is terminated the following day.

"Attorney for Coach Mike Leach has filed a petition in Lubbock to temporarily stop Leach's suspension. According to the petition, Mike Leach seeks that the court enter an order restraining Texas Tech University from suspending Mike Leach from coaching the football team."

Let the entertainment begin! The game has started four days early, with the coach playing offense against his own school. The ES roars in laughter. Distraction, ha ha ha.

Word to the wise: don't sue your boss, nor your employer. It will likely just piss them off even more. Wow, Mike Leach is a COMPLETE IDIOT. Leach thinks he is all powerful and forgets who is in charge - the university!

Alamo Bowl near sellout

Spartan fans traveling to San Antonio for the Alamo Bowl expected to be outmanned in the stands when its team travels over 1,000 miles from its home to play a team in its home state. That's the case at the Alamo Bowl, where it looks like it is going to be a sellout of 65,000 seats... and the majority will be wearing red and black.

Tech sold 14,800 tickets through its athletic ticket office, according to assistant athletic director Dave Welsh. A Michigan State spokesman said through last weekend MSU had sold about half its allotment, which would be about 5,500 tickets.

Now, we just need to break out about 5,000 gallons of green and white body paint and the Spartan Nation will be all set.

So, if you still need tickets, link here.

Bookies are divided over Leach suspension

OK – so the lines are going both ways following the suspension of Texas Tech coach Mike Leach. There is no consistency yet from the bookies, some still have TTU as an 8-pt favorite, some down to a 7-pt favorite, some haven’t changed.

TOWARD MICHIGAN STATE (3)
Cal Neva, Hilton, moved toward MSU, from TTU – 8 to TTU -7.5; Leroy’s moved from TTU -8 to TTU -7 since the announcement.

TOWARD TEXAS TECH (2)
M Resort moved toward TTU, up from TTU -8 to -8.5; Caesars moved toward TTU, up from TTU -7 to -8.

NO MOVEMENT (7)
Stations is consistent at TTU -8, but last night moved briefly to TTU -8.5. The Stratosphere, Venetian, Peppermill, Mirage, LVSC, and Atlantis each have not moved and are at TTU -8.

Suspension Bowl line still at TTU -8

OK, after the ES' rant and rave on Mike Leach's reported stupidity, the ES settles down and goes back to read more on the game and previews. Mind you, the suspension because of player mistreatment is directed at serious medical and ethical issues that will be very difficult for Leach to get out from under. Bottom line, regardless of how players, coaches, and parents get along... as a coach you are in hot water if you don't listen to a trainer's recommendations. If communication is a problem, then deal with the communication issue... locking a high-profile kid in a room doesn't solve that; and Leach has learned that the hard way.

This is a bit different then Leach earlier this spring making a player study for an hour in a blizzard on the 50-yard line because he missed study hall; that was directed at encouraging the kid to learn, although you question that punishment as well... I'm sure the kid didn't get much done (ummm, maybe he is there to play football and doesn't want to learn? Not sure if standing in a blizzard solves that).

ES still shakes his head in astonishment at this one.

THE LATEST LINE
Still not a lot of movement yet on the betting lines, as all continue to hover around 8 or 8 1/2 in TTU's favor. However, Leroy's Casino dropped from 8 to 7 1/2 after the news of the Leach suspension hit.

SUSPENSION BOWL
ES had to laugh at comment from Louis... should we rename this from the Alamo Bowl to the "Suspension Bowl"

Tech coach Mike Leach suspended for uncaring, unethical treatment of player

Does Mike Leach have as lack of empathy and compassion for his football players as was reported by ESPN today? Leach has been SUSPENDED by Texas Tech University for the Alamo Bowl because he reportedly told a trainer to confine one of his players to a dark (equipment) room (to stand up for hours on end) after the player was diagonsed with a mild concussion and an elevated heart rate in a December 17 practice. Not once, but TWICE. And, the complaint from the family of the player is that it was coach Leach WHO TOLD THE TRAINER how to take care of the player (ok, so if a doctor told you that you had an illness or cancer or whatever, would you then ask your employer or teacher about how to care for it?). If this is true, THEN LEACH IS AN INCONSIDERATE, UNCARING BASTARD, A MEAN INDIVIDUAL, AND A COMPLETE IDIOT. He may have lost sight of his true mission, and thusly, it is the cost of winning in major college football. But, it is no excuse. If this is true, this is the same level of mistreatment that led to Kansas dismissing Mark Mangino. And, if so, does TTU have the same level of compassion for its players, or does it value winning more at the cost of players' health? Let us see how the investigation unfolds and how they handle this. Already, Leach is stating that he DID tell the trainers how to take care of the player (inappropriately, if true) - but if that is the case the ES finds it hard to believe Leach has a leg to stand on. Because it happened twice. Or, maybe Leach is a medical doctor or licensed trainer?

By the way, who was that player? None other than Adam James, the son of Craig James, ESPN all-world reporter and former star player with Eric Dickerson on that Southern Methodist team in the early 1980s. In Lubbock, RedRaiders.com reports that James was acting "like a slacker and his father like a Little League dad."

To be fair, Leach's attorney responds that James “was placed in an equipment room as it was much cooler and darker [than the practice field] after a doctor had examined him and returned him to the field.” And, “Mike tries to keep the players that are unable to practice as close as he can.” Sorry, this is backtracking that sounds eerily like fellow southerners George W Bush and Bill Clinton. And, the ES ain't buying it. If he had any balls, he would acknowledge what he did was wrong and man up. But, instead he will likely deny everything and lie to his firing squad...

EFFECT ON ALAMO BOWL
Originally, it was Michigan State and the 14 suspended players that had a significant distraction for the upcoming game. Maybe, now it is even with the Leach distraction and suspension? What is worse - players stupidity or coach stupidity? This has huge implications for the Alamo Bowl, as Leach is a master motivator and Xs and Os guy down in Red Raider land. You can argue he may do more with less than any other coach in the country - as far as getting more Ws with the least amount of talent, and with a crazy scheme. Give a huge advantage to Michigan State in this game at this point. Going into today, the spread from the bookies in Vegas was MSU an 8-point underdog. Let's see how this changes in the next few days.

DOES LEACH GIVE A SHIT?
But, it leads to the question - does he really give a shit about his players welfare, or is he just treating them like meat? On the surface, this is borderline unethical; certainly uncaring.

In the past month, the ES attended an NCAA meeting with representatives from several coaches associations and other student affairs associations, and one of the things that was discussed was the need for education of coaches because "they need to understand the holistic environment of college for athletes as students instead of just treating players like meat." There was plenty of backlash by the coaches association ("we've had enough education") - and rightly so, as the vast majority of coaches care about their players' health and welfare. But, there ARE those extenuating circumstances and cases in which coaches (ummmm.... TTU's Leach, Kansas' Mangino, maybe like RR down in Ann Arbor pushing players beyond their off-season required limits ?) push their players too far because of the pressures to win. And, if it happens, then education IS still necessary. Too often, it is the rotten apple that spoils the bunch, no?

MSU needs its OL to pave the way; TTU at... the University of the Incarnate Word?

The Michigan State football team left East Lansing and arrived in San Antonio on Sunday to begin its preparations for the January 2 stint against Texas Tech in the Alamo Bowl (ESPN, 9 pm). If you are in the Lone Star State, head on over to San Antonio and give a high-five to Mark Dantonio and the Big Green. As of noon, they are smack-dab in the middle of a 2 1/2- hour workout.

Great articles in today's Freep and M-Live stating the obvious: if MSU is to win, the Spartans need to control the line of scrimmage. In particular, the Spartan offensive line needs to create a sustained running game, with long drives to give its defense a rest and a chance.

• SPARTAN LINKS
• Spartan headquarters is the Marriott Riverwalk.
• Spartan football practice is at Alamo Heights High School.
• Need an immediate Spartan gridder fix? MSU Football twitter updates here.

• TTU LINKS
• Disrupt the Red Raiders' practice at University of the Incarnate Word (yes, you read that correctly).
• Texas Tech blog: www.doubletnation.com

• MATCHUPS of MSU-TTU via the Double T Nation:
• Special Teams: KR Eric Davis vs KR Keshawn Martin. "[Martin is] still averaging 30.35 yards per return. This is going to be an intriguing storyline as the Red Raiders rank 2nd in the Big 12 in return yardage allowed, only 19.34 per return. That's close to a ten yard difference from what MSU is averaging and what the Red Raiders are allowing."
• Defense: SS Cody Dvis vs. QB Kirk Cousins. "When we look back at the results of this game, it wouldn't surprise me in the least to think that how these two lines play [TTU OL and MSU DL] will decide the game.
• Offense: RB Baron Batch vs. LB Greg Jones. "I don't know if the Texas Tech coaching staff is in a bit of a quandary in that the Michigan St. pass defense is obviously vulnerable, but the Texas Tech offense has had much more success when they run the ball."

Here are Texas Tech's statistics:

Category	National Rank	Actual	National Leader	Actual	Conf Rank	Big 12 Conference Leader	Actual
Rushing Offense	115	81.08	Nevada	362.25	12	Oklahoma St.	191.75
Passing Offense	2	380.67	Houston	450.00	1	Texas Tech	380.67
Total Offense	7	461.75	Houston	581.23	2	Texas A&M	465.33
Scoring Offense	9	36.67	Boise St.	44.15	2	Texas	40.69
Rushing Defense	37	125.00	Texas	62.15	7	Texas	62.15
Pass Efficiency Defense	34	116.43	Alabama	88.81	5	Nebraska	90.54
Total Defense	46	348.75	TCU	233.25	6	Texas	251.08
Scoring Defense	T-35	21.75	Alabama	11.00	4	Nebraska	11.23
Net Punting	73	34.98	Georgia	42.84	7	Oklahoma	40.86
Punt Returns	T-49	9.79	LSU	18.64	7	Oklahoma	16.72
Kickoff Returns	17	24.48	TCU	30.62	3	Texas	27.38
Turnover Margin	T-94	-.50	Rutgers	1.54	11	Texas	.92
Pass Defense	73	223.75	Air Force	148.67	5	Oklahoma	184.92
Passing Efficiency	26	142.67	Cincinnati	166.19	2	Texas	143.70
Sacks	2	3.25	Pittsburgh	3.67	1	Texas Tech	3.25
Tackles For Loss	30	6.58	Middle Tenn.	8.83	4	Texas	8.08
Sacks Allowed	91	2.50	Boise St.	.38	9	Oklahoma St.	.83

10 days to MSU vs TTU shootout in Alamo Bowl. Preview time!

Really? Just 10 days to kickoff vs. Texas Tech in the Alamo Bowl? It seems anti-climactic to play in a lesser bowl the day AFTER the Rose Bowl. Strange, but 'tis our bidding. We earned strange.

Need some tickets? Try here.

Here are some early previews:

• "Texas Tech vs MSU in Alamo Bowl: Do past results tell us anything?" Rivalry, Esq.
• "MSU seeks win, redemption." San Antonio Express
• "Alamo Bowl preview." The Bleacher Report
  
• "Texas Tech Solid Favorite." USA Players
• "Tech to Play Michigan State." Daily Toreador
  
• "Caper is what is right about MSU." Battle Creek Enquirer
• "Michigan State coach turns attention to Texas Tech." AP/SI.com
• "Spartans faced with Texas (Tech) - sized task." Freep
• "Cousins says Spartans embrace challenge." Mlive.com
• "Red Raiders coach wary of talented Spartans." San Antonio Express
• "Dantonio faces his biggest challenge." Freep
• "Spartan suspensions lead to musical chairs." Detroit News
• "Alamo Bowl Odds" BetFirms.com,

A Lone Star Spartan Holiday Season

Time for the Big Green to put that push that toasted desert of a state into the Gulf of Mexico this holiday season. Michigan State faces Texas Tech in the Alamo Bowl on January 2, and tomorrow will travel down to Austin to face the Texas Longhorns on the hardwood. We all know Santa is a Spartan, and he will bring a can of whoop-ass to Texas this week.

So, the Spartans are 8 point underdogs in the Alamo Bowl to Texas Tech. Started out as 6 1/2 point 'dogs, now it is up to 8. Everyone is putting their money on the high-flying Red Raiders -- and who could blame 'em? With the suspensions to umpteen Spartan players, two wideouts and RB suspended who would have likely seen playing time... yes, Mr. MD certainly has his work cut out.

BIG HOLIDAY HOOPS SHOWDOWN: BRING ON TEXAS

The Michigan State Spartans - Texas Longhorns shootout is scheduled on Tuesday, at 7 pm. You can watch the game on ESPN 2. Of course, #2 and 10-0 Texas is coming off a big 103-90 victory over #11 North Carolina before 38,000 fans at the new stadium for the Cowboys. Noone hit that big jumbotron TV with a basketball. The ES can't find a line on the game yet, but last year the Horns were favored by 5 1/2 when we went down there and whipped their arse.

MSU has won the last three meetings between the teams; In fact, Michigan State has never lost to UT during the regular season. In each of the previous meetings, Texas was ranked higher yet Izzo and the Big Green prevailed the last three times. Time to make it a fourseome?

• Dec 20, 2008. #19 MSU 67, #5 Texas 63. at Houston, TX.
• Dec. 22, 2007. #9 MSU 78, #4 Texas 72. at Auburn Hills, MI.
• Nov. 16, 2006. #NR MSU 63, #19 Texas 61. at New York, NY.
• Mar. 30, 2003. #1 Texas 85, #7 MSU 76. NCAA Elite Eight.

YELLOW BELLIES ARE IRRELEVANT
Yes, the rankings are not out yet, but at least we can look at Jeff Sagarin to see where the Big Ten stands so far... and, Michigan, ranked at #162, is irrelevant as a basketball team this year, once again. The garbage they call basketball in Ann Arbor proves that the Big Least and WVU are no match for the Big Ten... but making it to the NCAA tournament once every 10 years ain't so bad now, is it?

Here's Sagarin, through Sunday. This week, Michigan State is the only Big Ten team facing competition ranked by the media poll (AP) or coaches poll (USA Today). And, when considering Sagarin ratings, MSU faces #1 Texas.. the next closest competition is Minnesota facing #48 San Diego State.

Purdue #5. Next up: Southern Illinois.
Wisconsin #17. Next up: Wisc-Milwaukee, Illinois-Chicago.
Ohio State #19. Next up: Cleveland St.
Big Green #26. Next up: #1 Texas
Minnesota #39. Next up: San Diego St.
Northwestern #42. Next up: Central Connecticut St.
Illinois #78. Next up: Missouri.
Joe Pa #142. Next up: American Univ.
Michigan #162. Next up: Coppin St.
Indiana #175. Next up: Loyola-MD, Bryant
Iowa #192. Next up: S. Carolina St.

MSU to earn $1.5 million for Alamo Bowl trip

Michigan State will reap $1. 5 million to head to the Alamo Bowl, which will most likely cover expenses -- and potentially any unsold ticket allotment not picked up by Spartan fans. That's pretty good for a 6-6 team; Ohio State, which heads to the Rose Bowl, gets just $2.2 million off a $18.3 million pay day -- the rest is shared equally by Big Ten teams. So, while MSU had a disappointing season, it is only $700,000 away from an equal pay day as Big Ten champion Ohio State.

BIG TEN

Bowl: School — Payout/Allotment

Rose: Ohio State — $18.3M/$2.2M
Orange: Iowa — $4.5M/$1.95M
Capital One: Penn State — $4.5M/$1.7M
Outback: Northwestern — $3.3M/$1.7M
Alamo: Michigan State — $2.25M/$1.5M
Champs: Sports Wisconsin — $2.25M/$1.5M
Insight: Minnesota — $1.35M/$1.35M

Totals: $36.275M/$11.9M

Spartans ditch Rather Hall for the Alamo vs. Texas Tech

Michigan State (6-6/4-4) will play Texas Tech (8-4/5-3) in the Alamo Bowl on January 2 at 9 pm EST. Michigan State ended up #57 by Jeff Sagarin. My guess is that Texas Tech will start out as an 8 or 9 point favorite.

How did Texas Tech do this year? They were 1-3 against ranked opponents, with their lone victory at #15 Nebraska, 31-10. Six times the Red Raiders scored more than 40 points. Only three times did they score less than 30. Yes, a Michigan State and its bleeding secondary without Chris L. Rucker and who knows who else has its hands full with the definition of the spread in TTU.

Texas Tech Red Raiders (#31 Sagarin):

DATE	OPPONENT	W-L (CONF)	RESULT
9/05	North Dakota	1-0 (0-0)	W 38-13
9/12	Rice	2-0 (0-0)	W 55-10
9/19	@ No. 2 Texas	2-1 (0-1)	L 34-24
9/26	@ No. 17 Houston	2-2 (0-1)	L 29-28
10/03	New Mexico	3-2 (0-1)	W 48-28
10/10	Kansas State	4-2 (1-1)	W 66-14
10/17	@ No. 15 Nebraska	5-2 (2-1)	W 31-10
10/24	Texas A&M	5-3 (2-2)	L 52-30
10/31	Kansas	6-3 (3-2)	W 42-21
11/14	@ No. 19 Oklahoma State	6-4 (3-3)	L 24-17
11/21	Oklahoma	7-4 (4-3)	W 41-13
11/28	vs. Baylor	8-4 (5-3)	W 20-13

As for the Big Ten? Iowa did get the BCS bid, and correctly so as they defeated JoePa. The ES digs a majority of the matchups for the Big Ten, but MSU's stint vs TTU is the worst of the bunch. He ranks the Big Ten's chances in each game below.

• Ohio State vs Oregon/Rose-BCS. Ohio State 2 of 5.
  
• Iowa vs Ga Tech/Orange-BCS. Iowa 4 of 5.
  
• Penn State vs. LSU/Capital One. Joe Pa 3 of 5.
  
• Wisconsin vs. Miami-FL/Champs Sports. Wisky 3 of 5.
  
• Northwestern vs Auburn/Outback. NW 2 of 5.
  
• MSU vs Texas Tech/Alamo. MSU 1 of 5.
  
• Minnesota vs Iowa State/Insight. Minnesota 3 of 5.
  

Here is the final AP regular season poll. Notable: Central Michigan cracked the poll at #25. And, TCU is bumming - if Texas doesn't make that last second kick or if Nebraska forces McCoy into running the ball for another second on the last play... then TCU goes to the BCS Title game. What pisses the ES off is how everyone is calling the BCS Championship as the "National Championship." Bullshit, call it what it is.

RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS	PVS
1	Alabama (58)	13-0	1498	2
2	Texas (2)	13-0	1425	3
3	TCU	12-0	1376	4
4	Cincinnati	12-0	1302	5
5	Florida	12-1	1253	1
6	Boise State	13-0	1237	6
7	Oregon	10-2	1128	7
8	Ohio State	10-2	1080	8
9	Georgia Tech	11-2	952	12
10	Iowa	10-2	925	9
11	Penn State	10-2	883	10
12	Virginia Tech	9-3	866	11
13	LSU	9-3	686	15
14	Miami (FL)	9-3	660	17
15	Brigham Young	10-2	658	16
16	Oregon State	8-4	524	13
17	Pittsburgh	9-3	514	14
18	West Virginia	9-3	447	24
19	Stanford	8-4	390	23
20	Nebraska	9-4	371	21
21	Oklahoma State	9-3	349	22
22	Arizona	8-4	323	NR
23	Utah	9-3	151	NR
24	Wisconsin	9-3	133	NR
25	Central Michigan	11-2	64	NR

• Dropped from rankings: Houston 18, California 19, USC 20, Clemson 25

• Others receiving votes: East Carolina 53, Houston 50, Texas Tech 44, Northwestern 35, Clemson 31, California 14, Mississippi 14, USC 8, Oklahoma 7, North Carolina 7, Tennessee 6, Missouri 4, Montana 1, Georgia 1

Enlightened Spartan college football championship weekend picks

Football Championship Weekend and the ES makes his picks (bold).

• Big Least: Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (-1). Take the Wannstashe.
• SEC: Florida (-5) at Alabama. There's just more Gators than Tide.
• Big 12: Texas (-14) at Nebraska. Too much Horns.
• Conf USA: Houston (-2) at East Carolina. Houston is ranked for Godsakes.
• ACC: Georgia Tech (pick) vs Clemson. Take that funky Yellow Jacket offense anytime in the ACC - its the closest thing to the wishbone in college football.
  

Bowl Selection on Sunday, December 6 at 8 pm EST, on Fox with the Spartans fate. Alamo Bowl is considering the recent MSU football suspensions in its evaluation of MSU or Minny to San Antonio. Well, the Alamo Bowl should reevaluate MSU - bunch of selfish dumb idiots who ruin it for the rest of their team... maybe if Alamo doesn't select MSU particularly because of the incident, then the players should vote to kick their colleagues off the team.

Final Big Ten standings, MSU disappointment

Your final Big Ten football standings, with ES projected bowls (projection based on Big Ten nabbing two BCS bids. If not, move everything down a notch, with the toss up between Minny and MSU for the Pizza Pizza Bowl bid in Detroit). ESPN projects Notre Dame in Detroit... and MSU deserves to be there, too, IMHO. This was a disappointing season out of Michigan State. It's too bad.

TEAM	CONF	ALL	ES PROJ.
Ohio State	7-1	10-2	Rose/BCS
Iowa	6-2	10-2	Fiesta/BCS
Penn State	6-2	10-2	Cap One
Northwestern	5-3	8-4	Champs
Wisconsin	5-3	8-3	Outback
Michigan State	4-4	6-6	Alamo
Purdue	4-4	5-7
Minnesota	3-5	6-6	Insight
Illinois	2-6	3-7
Michigan	1-7	5-7
Indiana	1-7	4-8

Your USA Today Poll (Nov. 22):

RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS
1	Florida (47)	11-0	1459
2	Texas (4)	11-0	1398
3	Alabama (8)	11-0	1388
4	TCU	11-0	1279
5	Cincinnati	10-0	1224
6	Boise State	11-0	1181
7	Georgia Tech	10-1	1125
8	Ohio State	10-2	1031
9	Pittsburgh	9-1	1021
10	Oregon	9-2	941
11	Penn State	10-2	843
12	Oklahoma State	9-2	815
13	Iowa	10-2	714
14	Virginia Tech	8-3	656
15	Brigham Young	9-2	510
16	Clemson	8-3	467
17	LSU	8-3	463
18	Oregon State	8-3	450
19	Utah	9-2	318
20	Houston	9-2	305
21	Miami (FL)	8-3	266
22	USC	7-3	261
23	Nebraska	8-3	191
24	North Carolina	8-3	167
25	Mississippi	8-3	165

Dropped from rankings: Wisconsin 14, Stanford 17

Others receiving votes: California 149, Wisconsin 123, Stanford 58, Navy 50, West Virginia 30, CENTRL MICHIGAN 27, Arkansas 17, Temple 17, Arizona 15, Northwestern 13, Texas Tech 12, Nevada 12, Auburn 9, TROY 2, South Florida 1, Kentucky 1, Missouri 1

Thank goodness it is basketball and hockey season. At least we have consistent winners in men's and women's hoops, and on the ice.

ES crawl on the Big Green and Big Ten

Around the horn....

ESPN Blogger Adam Rittenberg posts some welcome thoughts on how Dantonio has more quickly than expected, but according to plan, eliminated the SOS - Same Old Spartans - moniker...

Well, the Alamo Bowl will not renew its contract to host the Big Ten's #4 team in favor of hosting the Pac-10's #2 team beginning with next season. That may be a coup for the Pac 10 (up from the Holiday Bowl), but not that great of a loss for the Big Ten. Looks as if the Gator Bowl may be interested to replace the Alamo Bowl, pending discussions with the SEC.

How low can things go for Indiana football? Low enough that they're dissing a 2010 home football game vs Penn State in Bloomington for a $3 million pay day at Fed Ex Field in Washington DC. Home, shmome. It confirms that IU football is screwed for the foreseeable future.

The Bleacher Report chimes in with its Big Ten + ND preview, and predicts a 4th place finish and 10-2/6-2 record for the Big Green, as well as a 10-2 record for Notre Dame. But, with B/R predicting MSU to lose its 2 games in conference, in effect they're predicting the Big Green to upend the Irish in South Bend, as expected.