Interesting post in the LSJ. Looks like as the Big Ten expands to 12, the big year-end games for Big Ten football will be Michigan State-Michigan, Ohio State-Penn State, and Nebraska-Iowa. Alas, Ohio State-Michigan will fall by the wayside. And, with Iowa and Wisconsin SPLIT in a new divisional structure, that is a hint at a possible North-South divisional alignment:
NORTH
Indiana
Michigan
Michigan State
Minnesota
Northwestern
Wisconsin
SOUTH
Illinois
Iowa
Nebraska
Ohio State
Penn State
Purdue
And, my God everyone is high on William Gholston as the next speed rusher for the Big Green. My oh my we need one desperately... put some heat on opposing QBs to help out our secondary and cause some turnovers.
And you all noticed now that the Big 10 has twelve teams, and the Big 12 has ten teams. Any chance on swapping names?
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
ES loves New Holland Brewery
Back to the hoppy guys. Here's another. While the service at New Holland Brewery in Holland SUCKED, the beer - well you can rave about it, incluing an amazing "Hopquila" shot... I tried the 10.5% Dragon's Milk Ale, which had more of a strong stoudt-like feel, and complex oaky flavors. Below, I picked up the 4-pack of the Imperial Pale Ale, a 9.5% doozy which blows the pants off its distributed Mad Hatter. Imperial IPA compares nicely to Bell's Hopslam or Short's Huma-Lupa-Licious. Nothing like a nice IPA before heading to the beach on a 85-degree day.OPENING KICKOFF
The ES plans to be in the stands this Thursday for CMU's opening tilt against Hampton Univ. Poor, Hampton, they'll probably lose by 50 points. Then, the ES heads home for Saturday's home opener, another dripping contest vs. Western Michigan. MSU is favored by 22 vs Western.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Where's the ES?
The Enlightened Spartan has entered a semi-retirement mode from the now maxi-saturated blogosphere. It was way back at the dot-com bust that the ES started the first Big Ten football fan website (pre-"blog"), soon followed by the first college football podcast in the nation. But now, in 2010, every brother's sister's blog in America is chiming in. So many opinions on the Spartans, mostly uninformed or dumb. Sigh.
So what's happened? The ES has moved on to teach in the Sport Management program at CMU while he finishes his PhD dissertation. That's a lot of work, Spartan fans. It has been a wild ride the past 10 years, and no doubt you should watch for the occasional ES fire after a loss here or win there. But, for the most part, we shall be in semi-retirement, which should please the biggest asshole blogger in the land: and you know who you AAre.
Enjoy the message board... we'll enhance that more prominently shortly.
So what's happened? The ES has moved on to teach in the Sport Management program at CMU while he finishes his PhD dissertation. That's a lot of work, Spartan fans. It has been a wild ride the past 10 years, and no doubt you should watch for the occasional ES fire after a loss here or win there. But, for the most part, we shall be in semi-retirement, which should please the biggest asshole blogger in the land: and you know who you AAre.
Enjoy the message board... we'll enhance that more prominently shortly.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Michigan State favored by 21 over Western Michigan
Our Big Green Touchdown Machine opens up as a 21 point favorite at home over Western Michigan on opening weekend.... 3 weeks away! Ohio State is a 29-pt fave over Marshall; Northwestern is favored by 3 at Vanderbilt in the "Brainy Bowl." Wisky is favored by 20 at UNLV. Michigan is favored by a field goal at home over UConn. And, Nebraska is favored by 37 at home over Western Kentucky.
Big Ten Underdogs? Notre Dame opens the season as a 10 1/2 point home fave over Purdue. Illinois is 13-pt 'dog at Missouri. As a nice preview to Minnesota's season, they open on the road as a 5 1/2 point underdog at Middle Tennessee State.
Big Ten Underdogs? Notre Dame opens the season as a 10 1/2 point home fave over Purdue. Illinois is 13-pt 'dog at Missouri. As a nice preview to Minnesota's season, they open on the road as a 5 1/2 point underdog at Middle Tennessee State.
Monday, August 09, 2010
On Tap... Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA
Wow, you want a good beer? Picked this hoppy fella up at Goodrich's Shop Rite. Yummy.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Big Ten football title game in 2011; 9-game schedule? MSU report
Yes, the Big Ten will have a football championship game in December 2011, with the addition of Nebraska to the conference schedule. Where will it be? ES sez either Lambeau Field (Milwaukee), Soldier Field (Chicago), Lucas Oil Field (Indianapolis), or Ford Field (Detroit)... Early nod goes to Ford Field because it is INDOORS and is by far the nicest football facility in the Midwest, if not the country. Though, seeing a Big Ten title game outdoors in December would be sensational - imagine MSU vs Nebraska, playing for the Big Ten title, in a blizzard in Chicago or Lambeau. Yes, I'd buy that ticket!
But, maybe bigger news is a consensus of a need to move to a 9-game conference schedule. That is EXCELLENT. The more Big Ten-scheduled games, the better, and that will help to drop pathetic scheduling of D1-AA teams such as Montana State, Northern Colorado, Youngstown State, and the like.
Other news? Expansion is STILL in play... and the ES wouldn't be surprised to still see Pittsburgh, Missouri, and/or Notre Dame added in the next year and move up to a 14-member conference.
As for Michigan State: Coaching staff very high on Mike Sadler as a future punter or kickoff guy for Michigan State - reports are that he has an amazing leg.
On defense: "We have four starters back. We also have young players like Max Bullough and William Gholston, who I think are going to play for us. You take those two guys and try to implement defenses that allowed us to have four linebackers on the field. Certainly 3-4 lends to that."
And on offense, the Doctor mentions that the passing game is the strength: "When you look at us as an offense, positions of strength would be quarterback, wide receiver and tight end"... and, at RB there were "outstanding spring practices and are really poised for a great year. So it should give us a great combination in terms of running and throwing the football, which I think you have to have great balance as an offense to be truly successful."
But, maybe bigger news is a consensus of a need to move to a 9-game conference schedule. That is EXCELLENT. The more Big Ten-scheduled games, the better, and that will help to drop pathetic scheduling of D1-AA teams such as Montana State, Northern Colorado, Youngstown State, and the like.
Other news? Expansion is STILL in play... and the ES wouldn't be surprised to still see Pittsburgh, Missouri, and/or Notre Dame added in the next year and move up to a 14-member conference.
As for Michigan State: Coaching staff very high on Mike Sadler as a future punter or kickoff guy for Michigan State - reports are that he has an amazing leg.
On defense: "We have four starters back. We also have young players like Max Bullough and William Gholston, who I think are going to play for us. You take those two guys and try to implement defenses that allowed us to have four linebackers on the field. Certainly 3-4 lends to that."
And on offense, the Doctor mentions that the passing game is the strength: "When you look at us as an offense, positions of strength would be quarterback, wide receiver and tight end"... and, at RB there were "outstanding spring practices and are really poised for a great year. So it should give us a great combination in terms of running and throwing the football, which I think you have to have great balance as an offense to be truly successful."
Sunday, August 01, 2010
ES predicts Michigan State #4 finish
How the ES predicts the Big Ten 2010 football race:
1. Ohio State (8-0)
2. Iowa (7-1)
3. Penn State (6-2)
4. Michigan State (5-3)
4. Wisconsin (5-3)
6. Northwestern (4-4)
7. Michigan (3-5)
7. Purdue (3-5)
9. Indiana (2-6)
10. Illinois (1-7)
11. Minnesota (0-8)
1. Ohio State (8-0)
2. Iowa (7-1)
3. Penn State (6-2)
4. Michigan State (5-3)
4. Wisconsin (5-3)
6. Northwestern (4-4)
7. Michigan (3-5)
7. Purdue (3-5)
9. Indiana (2-6)
10. Illinois (1-7)
11. Minnesota (0-8)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
NBCSports.com: MSU #6 in Big Ten
Another listing out today as we inch nearer to opening kickoff 2010. NBCSports.com has its top 25 and its Big Ten projections. This is tantamount to the SI cover jinx, and dooms Warren St. John's Crimson Tide, as no BCS champion has ever repeated; moreover, the last team to successfully defend its SEC title was Tennessee in 1997-98.
The ES cain't see MSU finishing below Purdue - good thing we meet this year, in Spartan Stadium on November 20.
* indicates bowl-eligibility
The ES cain't see MSU finishing below Purdue - good thing we meet this year, in Spartan Stadium on November 20.
25. LSU
Big Ten
BIG TEN CONFERENCE
1. Ohio State*
2. Wisconsin*
3. Iowa*
4. Penn State*
5. Purdue*
6. Michigan State*
7. Michigan*
8. Northwestern*
9. Illinois
10. Minnesota
11. Indiana
Big Ten
BIG TEN CONFERENCE
1. Ohio State*
2. Wisconsin*
3. Iowa*
4. Penn State*
5. Purdue*
6. Michigan State*
7. Michigan*
8. Northwestern*
9. Illinois
10. Minnesota
11. Indiana
* indicates bowl-eligibility
Sporting News ranks MSU #50
Sporting News has Michigan State at #50. It claims: "Here's the Big Ten sleeper, America. Ohio State is off the schedule, and nonconference play includes three home games and a date in Detroit with Florida Atlantic. Nine wins are in play for the Spartans."
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sagarin sez: MSU 73.4
The ES went through the final 2009 Sagarin Ratings for our 2010 opponents, and found our average Sagarin opponent has a 73.4 rating; our 2010 opponents tallied 78 wins against 70 losses a year ago.
| 2010 Opponent | '09 Sagarin | '09 W | '09 L |
| Western Michigan | 125 | 5 | 7 |
| Florida Atlantic | 114 | 5 | 7 |
| Notre Dame | 48 | 6 | 6 |
| Northern Colorado | 177 | 3 | 8 |
| Wisconsin | 23 | 10 | 3 |
| at Michigan | 81 | 5 | 7 |
| Illinois | 94 | 3 | 9 |
| at Northwestern | 61 | 8 | 5 |
| at Iowa | 9 | 11 | 2 |
| Minnesota | 64 | 6 | 7 |
| Purdue | 75 | 5 | 7 |
| at Penn State | 10 | 11 | 2 |
| 73.4 | 78 | 70 |
Monday, July 26, 2010
Michigan State Spartan Football 2010 Previews Galore
OK, there will be some significant changes coming to this website prior to opening kickoff of 2010. ES has had some major life changes, all of which are in the realm of higher education and college sports. More to come later...
But for now, here are some season previews below on our Michigan State Spartans, if you haven't seen them already. I have the Phil Steele issue (5th) and the Sporting News (7th) -- both are ho-hum yawners, as they don't provide any excitement on the potential for us to move up the ladder board. Everyone says the same thing with concerns: replacing Swenson at PK, our offensive line and most especially defensive backfield. Everyone thinks we'll throw for about 6,000 yards this year, and that our running game will be better but not great, and our defense up front will be stout, especially with Jones, Gordon, and Norman plugging the holes.
But for now, here are some season previews below on our Michigan State Spartans, if you haven't seen them already. I have the Phil Steele issue (5th) and the Sporting News (7th) -- both are ho-hum yawners, as they don't provide any excitement on the potential for us to move up the ladder board. Everyone says the same thing with concerns: replacing Swenson at PK, our offensive line and most especially defensive backfield. Everyone thinks we'll throw for about 6,000 yards this year, and that our running game will be better but not great, and our defense up front will be stout, especially with Jones, Gordon, and Norman plugging the holes.
- The Quad (NY Times) (#51)
- College Football Blog
- Orlando Sentinel (#69)
- Irish Sports Daily
- Sports Chat Place
- Bet Firms (6th)
- Sport Book Lists
- Capper's Picks (7-6)
- Online Sports Handicapping
- Bleacher Report (8-4) or here
- Ezine articles (6th)
- Go articles (6th)
Monday, June 28, 2010
Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon: August 3
39th ANNUAL BIG TEN FOOTBALL KICKOFF LUNCHEON
Tuesday, August 3, 2010. Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. Wanna go? Register HERE.
A nifty Big Ten schedule chart is available; the ES will adjust this later on by locking in Sagarin ratings so we can compare strength of schedule. This year, expect MSU and its pansy-scheduling to get lots of shame.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010. Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. Wanna go? Register HERE.
A nifty Big Ten schedule chart is available; the ES will adjust this later on by locking in Sagarin ratings so we can compare strength of schedule. This year, expect MSU and its pansy-scheduling to get lots of shame.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
"I am here for life at MSU." Izzo Press Confernece 8:30 EST.
Tom Izzo Stays at Michigan State.
Press conference to be on Big Ten Network, scheduled 8:30 pm EST.
Comments from Izzo. My God, he is a GEM.
"...this opportunity was uniquely intriguing. There was a lot of information to gather and consider and some of it wasn't easily obtainable. But when making a life decision, I owed it to myself and my family to do my due diligence. From that I never wavered. And I'm pleased to say I am here for life at Michigan State.
"We have a great team returning next year with incredibly high goals. I've repeatedly said I have greater goals for our program and that remains unchanged. Tops on that list is becoming one of just seven schools with three or more NCAA Championships. I'm also driven to continue to raise the perception of our program to an elite level.
"The entire Michigan State community has been terrific. I'm almost embarrassed by some of the acts of support, but I'm certainly touched. I tried to approach this decision in a rational manner, but my heart was always at MSU.
"My goals are not limited to Spartan basketball. I want to do whatever I can to make our entire athletic department and university better. Most important is helping Mark Dantonio and his football team attain its goal of winning a Big Ten Championship and playing in the Rose Bowl.""
Michigan State President Lou Anna K. Simon:
""I personally want to thank the many people who expressed their faith in and support of Tom through spontaneous grassroots appeals. I also want to acknowledge the great leadership of Mark Hollis throughout the process.
""Tom's integral role and respect at MSU earned him the right to take the necessary time to reach his decision. Like others, I wanted the good news earlier, but the wait was worth it. Tom did what Tom does best: he devised a rigorous and thorough game plan that put him, his family, and this university in the best position to win. His decision is a winner for all of Team MSU, the state of Michigan, college basketball, and intercollegiate athletics in general.""
Press conference to be on Big Ten Network, scheduled 8:30 pm EST.
Comments from Izzo. My God, he is a GEM.
"...this opportunity was uniquely intriguing. There was a lot of information to gather and consider and some of it wasn't easily obtainable. But when making a life decision, I owed it to myself and my family to do my due diligence. From that I never wavered. And I'm pleased to say I am here for life at Michigan State.
"We have a great team returning next year with incredibly high goals. I've repeatedly said I have greater goals for our program and that remains unchanged. Tops on that list is becoming one of just seven schools with three or more NCAA Championships. I'm also driven to continue to raise the perception of our program to an elite level.
"The entire Michigan State community has been terrific. I'm almost embarrassed by some of the acts of support, but I'm certainly touched. I tried to approach this decision in a rational manner, but my heart was always at MSU.
"My goals are not limited to Spartan basketball. I want to do whatever I can to make our entire athletic department and university better. Most important is helping Mark Dantonio and his football team attain its goal of winning a Big Ten Championship and playing in the Rose Bowl.""
Michigan State President Lou Anna K. Simon:
""I personally want to thank the many people who expressed their faith in and support of Tom through spontaneous grassroots appeals. I also want to acknowledge the great leadership of Mark Hollis throughout the process.
""Tom's integral role and respect at MSU earned him the right to take the necessary time to reach his decision. Like others, I wanted the good news earlier, but the wait was worth it. Tom did what Tom does best: he devised a rigorous and thorough game plan that put him, his family, and this university in the best position to win. His decision is a winner for all of Team MSU, the state of Michigan, college basketball, and intercollegiate athletics in general.""
TOM IZZO STAYS AT MICHIGAN STATE
TOM IZZO IS A SPARTAN! HE STAYS!
Just announced in East Lansing, 6:45 pm on Tuesday. WILX TV-10 with Tim Staudt (link here).
GO WIN A NATIONAL TITLE. WE LOVE YOU TOM! No money in the world can take you way from the East Lansing community that loves and cherishes you so much!
Confirmed reports of discussion with Board of Trustees earlier in the day.
THANK YOU!!!!
Where else are you gonna get this much love, signs and rallies just to keep you around, and go out on your career on TOP as one of the greatest ever.... the risk is too great, and it is something you can't buy. Coach, you belong at Michigan State, you have built this program into an empire, and this year may be the greatest team you've ever had. You are MSU, and we Spartans are proud to acknowledge it.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
WE LOVE IZZO spreads across Michigan
The "WE LOVE IZZO" campaign is in full bloom. AS noted in today's Lansing State Journal, thousands of signs, banners, and what-have-you-nots are decorating the greater Lansing area in a sway to KEEP IZZO AT MICHIGAN STATE. The ES saw signs up and down Okemos Road by the Meridian Mall, just this afternoon.Check out the website and support the cause, anything we can do to keep our beloved coach from making a decision that speaks to his and our hearts - Izzo BELONGS at Michigan State.
http://weloveizzo.com/
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Izzo to Cleveland: a "heartbreak"
Best commentary yet on Izzo and MSU vs Cleveland:
The Outcome
The objective sports fan has to wonder, is this really about money? Tom Izzo makes more than three million a season in Michigan and lives like a king. A move to the NBA could be a mistake. While his large bank account would get even bigger, what if it didn't work out?
Just as LeBron James belongs in a Cleveland Cavalier uniform, Tom Izzo should be seen pacing the sidelines of the Breslin Center. If Tom Izzo leaves this school, it will be a mistake for his career and heartbreak for the loyal fans of Michigan State.
Tom, if you're reading this, please do the sports world a favor: Stay in East Lansing where you belong and bring the MSU another national title.
As one MSU grad stated today, "The waiting is the hardest part." Good luck Mr. Izzo. In every sense of the word, the ball is in your court.
Click here to find out more!
The Outcome
The objective sports fan has to wonder, is this really about money? Tom Izzo makes more than three million a season in Michigan and lives like a king. A move to the NBA could be a mistake. While his large bank account would get even bigger, what if it didn't work out?
Just as LeBron James belongs in a Cleveland Cavalier uniform, Tom Izzo should be seen pacing the sidelines of the Breslin Center. If Tom Izzo leaves this school, it will be a mistake for his career and heartbreak for the loyal fans of Michigan State.
Tom, if you're reading this, please do the sports world a favor: Stay in East Lansing where you belong and bring the MSU another national title.
As one MSU grad stated today, "The waiting is the hardest part." Good luck Mr. Izzo. In every sense of the word, the ball is in your court.
Click here to find out more!
Texas, Oklahoma to Big Ten?
Sources to the ES are stating that Texas is mulling an olive branch from the Big Ten and that the UT-Oklahoma link is solid. Texas A&M Also may follow suit and join the Big Ten. This is also being reported over at KCTV-5, though that station has OU heading to the SEC. But Texas is the Big Enchilada, and its regents will decide on Tuesday to accept an invitation to the Pac 10, apply to the Big Ten, or remain in the Big 12.
According to the sources, Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney has been given the go-ahead to make contacts and gestures on behalf of Big Ten presidents, led by Big Ten Presidential Committee chair, MSU president Lou Anna Simon. These are no formal agreements... but rather setting the stage for adept, and quick formal negotiations.
My oh my how it gets interesting and more interesting. A Texas/Oklahoma/Nebraska addition to the Big Ten would be major shift and domination among one conference in NCAA athletics, particularly in football. it may be worthy of 2 automatic BCS bids.
If this is the case, don't be surprised to see Kansas/Kansas State/Missouri/Iowa State head to the Mountain West.
Stay tuned.
According to the sources, Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney has been given the go-ahead to make contacts and gestures on behalf of Big Ten presidents, led by Big Ten Presidential Committee chair, MSU president Lou Anna Simon. These are no formal agreements... but rather setting the stage for adept, and quick formal negotiations.
My oh my how it gets interesting and more interesting. A Texas/Oklahoma/Nebraska addition to the Big Ten would be major shift and domination among one conference in NCAA athletics, particularly in football. it may be worthy of 2 automatic BCS bids.
If this is the case, don't be surprised to see Kansas/Kansas State/Missouri/Iowa State head to the Mountain West.
Stay tuned.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Izzo to Announce on Saturday
Izzo will make announcement on Saturday. MSU or Cleveland Cavaliers?
As Tom Waits says,
... and so you ask me
what I'm doing here
holding up a lamp post
flippin this quarter,
trying to make up my mind
and if it's heads I'll go to
(Cleveland), and tails I'll (stay at State)...
if it lands on the edge
I'll keep talking to you
As Tom Waits says,
... and so you ask me
what I'm doing here
holding up a lamp post
flippin this quarter,
trying to make up my mind
and if it's heads I'll go to
(Cleveland), and tails I'll (stay at State)...
if it lands on the edge
I'll keep talking to you
LIVE on BTN - Nebraska announcement 6 pm EST
The Big Ten Network will have live coverage of Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Perlman and Athletic Director Tom Osborne's press conference beginning at 5 p.m. CT (6 pm ET).
Check back with BigTenNetwork.com for live video streaming of the press conference.
TEXAS REGENTS TO MEET ON TUESDAY; OKLAHOMA, OK ST TO FOLLOW
And, this upcoming Tuesday, regents at the University of Texas are meeting to likely jump ship. Bye, bye, Big 12, it was nice knowing you. And, both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State will quickly follow the lead of Texas.
BOISE STATE TO MOUNTAIN WEST
Boise State University has accepted an invitation to join the Mountain West Conference in 2011.
Boise State, currently a Western Athletic Conference member, would become the Mountain West Conference's 10th member. The move would be effective July 1, 2011.
Check back with BigTenNetwork.com for live video streaming of the press conference.
TEXAS REGENTS TO MEET ON TUESDAY; OKLAHOMA, OK ST TO FOLLOW
And, this upcoming Tuesday, regents at the University of Texas are meeting to likely jump ship. Bye, bye, Big 12, it was nice knowing you. And, both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State will quickly follow the lead of Texas.
BOISE STATE TO MOUNTAIN WEST
Boise State University has accepted an invitation to join the Mountain West Conference in 2011.
Boise State, currently a Western Athletic Conference member, would become the Mountain West Conference's 10th member. The move would be effective July 1, 2011.
Izzo and Conference Realignment
Here is an idea - is Izzo in a secret meeting, in negotiations to create his own superconference?
Maybe Tom Izzo is working to be the commissioner of the Izzoopolis Conference, with Michigan State, Missouri, Kansas, Kansas State, Baylor, ....
Maybe Tom Izzo is working to be the commissioner of the Izzoopolis Conference, with Michigan State, Missouri, Kansas, Kansas State, Baylor, ....
Izzo in closed door meeting: Friday afternoon
Izzo only got fitted for his championship rings with the players, but likely gave them a hint of what is going on...
WDIV TV-4 in Detroit
UPDATE: Izzo Back To Work At MSU
MSU Group Organizes Impromptu Rally
POSTED: Wednesday, June 9, 2010
UPDATED: 4:47 pm EDT June 11, 2010
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State Basketball Coach Tom Izzo is back to work in East Lansing and has meet with the basketball team.
Izzo was at his office at the Breslin Center and the team showed up at 3:20 p.m.
After the players left the closed-door meeting, the players would only tell Local 4's Katrina Hancock that they were there to get fitted for their Big Ten Championship rings.
None of the players would comment on Izzo.
Izzo returned home to Lansing Thursday around 11:30 p.m. not saying much, but plenty of apologies after meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers about a possible job as head coach.
"I'm sorry I can't tell you guys more," Izzo said.
Uh oh. Not good news.
UPDATE: Izzo Calls Team Meeting
MSU Group Organizes Impromptu Rally
POSTED: Wednesday, June 9, 2010
UPDATED: 3:39 pm EDT June 11, 2010
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State Basketball Coach Tom Izzo has called a closed-door team meeting Friday afternoon.
Izzo lead the team into the basketball operations building at 3:20 p.m.
There is no word on what he is talking about with his team, but Local 4's Katrina Hancock is outside of the building waiting for public comment.
Izzo returned home to Lansing Thursday around 11:30 p.m. not saying much, but plenty of apologies after meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers about a possible job as head coach.
"I'm sorry I can't tell you guys more," Izzo said.
Izzo, his wife, Lupe, and their two children returned on a private jet from touring the Cavaliers facility, got into their car and drove off.Izzo said he was not aware there was an impromptu rally.
MSU basketball fans held an impromptu rally outside the Breslin Center in East Lansing to persuade Izzo to stay at the school.
ESPN said it appears Izzo is very close to moving ahead and is mulling over a contract worth $6 million.Overall, he declined to discuss the trip, but when asked about a timetable, Izzo said. "It's not gonna be forever, that's for sure."Local 4's Katrina Hancock went to Cleveland.
WDIV TV-4 in Detroit
UPDATE: Izzo Back To Work At MSU
MSU Group Organizes Impromptu Rally
POSTED: Wednesday, June 9, 2010
UPDATED: 4:47 pm EDT June 11, 2010
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State Basketball Coach Tom Izzo is back to work in East Lansing and has meet with the basketball team.
Izzo was at his office at the Breslin Center and the team showed up at 3:20 p.m.
After the players left the closed-door meeting, the players would only tell Local 4's Katrina Hancock that they were there to get fitted for their Big Ten Championship rings.
None of the players would comment on Izzo.
Izzo returned home to Lansing Thursday around 11:30 p.m. not saying much, but plenty of apologies after meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers about a possible job as head coach.
"I'm sorry I can't tell you guys more," Izzo said.
Uh oh. Not good news.
UPDATE: Izzo Calls Team Meeting
MSU Group Organizes Impromptu Rally
POSTED: Wednesday, June 9, 2010
UPDATED: 3:39 pm EDT June 11, 2010
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State Basketball Coach Tom Izzo has called a closed-door team meeting Friday afternoon.
Izzo lead the team into the basketball operations building at 3:20 p.m.
There is no word on what he is talking about with his team, but Local 4's Katrina Hancock is outside of the building waiting for public comment.
Izzo returned home to Lansing Thursday around 11:30 p.m. not saying much, but plenty of apologies after meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers about a possible job as head coach.
"I'm sorry I can't tell you guys more," Izzo said.
Izzo, his wife, Lupe, and their two children returned on a private jet from touring the Cavaliers facility, got into their car and drove off.Izzo said he was not aware there was an impromptu rally.
MSU basketball fans held an impromptu rally outside the Breslin Center in East Lansing to persuade Izzo to stay at the school.
ESPN said it appears Izzo is very close to moving ahead and is mulling over a contract worth $6 million.Overall, he declined to discuss the trip, but when asked about a timetable, Izzo said. "It's not gonna be forever, that's for sure."Local 4's Katrina Hancock went to Cleveland.
Nebraska has joined the Big Ten/12
Nebraska has joined the Big Ten, accepting an invite as of this morning. Board of regents were in closed session beginning 1 pm this afternoon. A news conference is scheduled for 4:45 p.m., according to a source in the NU athletic department.
According to Huskers Extra, "a packed house has filled the meeting room in Varner Hall today to hear a regents’ resolution that will carry Nebraska forward to the Big Ten."
Nebraska is 728 miles from East Lansing. The have 21 total sports, and their current ranking in the Learfield/SearsDirector's Cup is #36). Former Conference: Big Twelve. Another long-time AAU member. One of the historically strongest athletic programs in the nation. Strong football, and Olympic sports. 21 total sports. At one time, the ES had Nebraska as #7 on his list of expansion possibilities.
So, now the Big Ten stretches 1,088 miles from State College, PA (Penn State) to Lincoln, NE (Nebraska). Geographically, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa State, Pittsburgh all make sense. These are all AAU members.
It's only 200 miles from Lincoln to Lawrence, KS. 324 miles from Lincoln, to Columbia, MO. Kansas is right in between the two. Its only 314 miles from Lincoln to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
According to Huskers Extra, "a packed house has filled the meeting room in Varner Hall today to hear a regents’ resolution that will carry Nebraska forward to the Big Ten."
Nebraska is 728 miles from East Lansing. The have 21 total sports, and their current ranking in the Learfield/SearsDirector's Cup is #36). Former Conference: Big Twelve. Another long-time AAU member. One of the historically strongest athletic programs in the nation. Strong football, and Olympic sports. 21 total sports. At one time, the ES had Nebraska as #7 on his list of expansion possibilities.
So, now the Big Ten stretches 1,088 miles from State College, PA (Penn State) to Lincoln, NE (Nebraska). Geographically, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa State, Pittsburgh all make sense. These are all AAU members.
It's only 200 miles from Lincoln to Lawrence, KS. 324 miles from Lincoln, to Columbia, MO. Kansas is right in between the two. Its only 314 miles from Lincoln to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Izzo: MSU vs Cavaliers. Still a jump ball.
No decision by Izzo yet: Larry Lage, AP report.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo writes in a text message to The Associated Press that he still hasn't made a decision about coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Izzo's text message was received late Friday morning.
The longtime Spartans' coach flew to Cleveland on Thursday and visited with members of the Cavs' front office and coaching staff. He returned to Lansing, Mich. late Thursday night.
Welcome, Nebraska!
And, Missouri, and likely Kansas, Syracuse, and Pittsburgh; maybe Texas A&M. The ES still has a tough time believing Rutgers or Iowa State.But, Nebraska gets the first nod as the Big Ten's twelfth addition. Someone got a new logo for the Big 10/12? If so, post it somewhere and comment on the link to it.
But, it won't last long. Oh, no it won't. Colorado is now at the Pac-11/16. They'll add lots of Texas schools. Don't be surprised to see Texas A&M go to the Big Ten.
Nebraska board of regents will vote today (Friday) at 1 pm.
It won't solve the problem of finances in college sports - it just means more money to be made and spent on college sports, and more of the smaller schools (MAC, WAC, C-USA) will be further behind. But, who cares, right? Hell, MSU and Texas A&M were made for each other.
Realistically, Notre Dame is OUT and the Big 12 has vanished. I see the Big 16 and Pac 16 beginning in 2012.
And, this is all about football - nothing more. Basketball, who cares? All the other 20+ sports? Doesn't matter. Because football is money.
Hey, I've traveled to Penn State; I've been to Nebraska twice. They're about equal when it comes to campus environment and geographic location: a long way to go see a cool football game.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Big Ten 14 or 16 team alignment
The Big 12 is dead.
Y0ur new Big Ten in 2012? I say count Notre Dame out; they won't join, they have a superiority complex and a stick so far up their Catholic butt that money don't matter. The key here is all teams in consideration: Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse -- all are members of the AAU. One other school to consider would be Iowa State, if the Big Ten decides to nix the Big East and just steal from the Big 12.
16 teams:
WEST
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Nebraska
Northwestern
Missouri
Minnesota
Wisconsin
EAST
Indiana
Michigan
Michigan State
Ohio State
Pittsburgh
Penn Sate
Purdue
Rutgers/Syracuse
14 teams:
WEST
Illinois
Iowa
Nebraska
Northwestern
Missouri
Minnesota
Wisconsin
EAST
Indiana
Michigan
Michigan State
Ohio State
Pittsburgh
Penn Sate
Purdue
Y0ur new Big Ten in 2012? I say count Notre Dame out; they won't join, they have a superiority complex and a stick so far up their Catholic butt that money don't matter. The key here is all teams in consideration: Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse -- all are members of the AAU. One other school to consider would be Iowa State, if the Big Ten decides to nix the Big East and just steal from the Big 12.
16 teams:
WEST
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Nebraska
Northwestern
Missouri
Minnesota
Wisconsin
EAST
Indiana
Michigan
Michigan State
Ohio State
Pittsburgh
Penn Sate
Purdue
Rutgers/Syracuse
14 teams:
WEST
Illinois
Iowa
Nebraska
Northwestern
Missouri
Minnesota
Wisconsin
EAST
Indiana
Michigan
Michigan State
Ohio State
Pittsburgh
Penn Sate
Purdue
Kickoff times updated
Michigan State's Sept. 11 game against Florida Atlantic at Detroit's Ford Field will be televised by ESPNU, with kickoff set for 12 p.m. EDT. ESPN2 previously announced that it will televise MSU's Sept. 4 season and home opener against Western Michigan at 12 p.m. EDT. ABC will broadcast MSU's Sept. 18 home game against Notre Dame in prime time, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. EDT. The Big Ten Conference also previously released 12 p.m. EDT start times for MSU's Oct. 16 Homecoming game against Illinois and its Oct. 23 game at Northwestern.
No heir apparent at MSU
Here it why Izzo must stay. Best article yet on the "coaching crater" that Izzo would leave behind if he splits town.
Bottom line: He has yet to establish an heir apparent, and the timing is very poor for Michigan State in trying to find a replacement for the upcoming season -- beyond Brian Gregory at Dayton.
Bottom line: He has yet to establish an heir apparent, and the timing is very poor for Michigan State in trying to find a replacement for the upcoming season -- beyond Brian Gregory at Dayton.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Hate Watch: Dan Gilbert
I hate Dan Gilbert. He is not a Spartan, he is a villain. He is attempting to steal from his alma mater. Does he really love Michigan State? If so, get Calipari or some other college coach... but you don't take a bulldozer to your own house.
Screw the Cleveland Cavaliers and all that NBA stuff. They are now my most hated team in professional sports.
Best article written yet is in the Akron Beacon Journal:
Screw the Cleveland Cavaliers and all that NBA stuff. They are now my most hated team in professional sports.
Best article written yet is in the Akron Beacon Journal:
The owner of the Cavaliers was in the midst of an intense playoff game Monday night in suburban Detroit when news of the team's interest in Tom Izzo spread throughout Cleveland and Michigan.
This wasn't the NBA Finals, it was the Little League playoffs, where Dan Gilbert is just another coach on just another dusty field. He said on Tuesday he has been too busy lately to check his e-mail or messages. That might be a good thing.
Gilbert is caught between his past and his present. In order to salvage one, he might have to destroy the other.
Should Gilbert and the Cavs sway Izzo to leave Michigan State, it will come at a steep price, not only in salary, but also in stature.
Gilbert will become to his alma mater what Art Modell is here. He will be the villain who stole the franchise.
Does that matter to him? Not if the end result is an NBA championship.
If Phil Jackson isn't coming, Izzo might be the next biggest name available. But at 55 and without any NBA experience, there is plenty of risk involved on both sides. Izzo is a proven champion in college, coaxing an injured team devoid of its best talent to the Final Four in April. He has reached the Final Four in consecutive seasons now and six of the past 12.
That doesn't make him ready for the NBA, where the only recent college coach to successfully make the leap was Larry Brown. The list of failures is much longer, but that doesn't seem to be scaring away the Cavs.
"It's finding the right guy," new General Manager Chris Grant said. "When we hired Mike Brown five years ago, a lot of you might have said, 'Who's Mike Brown? Can he really coach LeBron?' Right now we're open to anything: assistant coaches, college coaches . . . When you go into a coaching search, hiring the head coach is always the most important hire because it is the most important job."
Gilbert said seven coaches have won 28 of the past 31 NBA titles. That number won't increase this season, since Doc Rivers and Jackson are already champions. Is Izzo, college hero, really the guy to break that trend?
"He doesn't know the NBA game," said one source close to Izzo, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "I would hope he knows that after a timeout, you get the ball at halfcourt.
"What Tom is great at is getting a team to play hard and rebound. There's nobody better. In terms of two for ones at the end of the game or going at a guy in foul trouble, that's not his strength."
Izzo is the most iconic figure on a campus Gilbert once roamed. When Izzo speaks, people around East Lansing listen. When he shows up at a fundraiser, donations increase.
"The things he does best, of all the things he does, is off-the-court stuff," the source said. "That's really important at a university, where he's raising money. Every time a professor comes to campus, they want to meet him. Is that really going to matter that much in the pros? You're judged on wins and losses there. Nothing else."
In the NBA, Izzo is just another coach trying to coax James - should he stay - to buy into his ideas. Mike Brown had James' trust for a while, until James and the rest of the players seemed to ignore him as the conference semifinals circled the drain.
If Gilbert is convinced Izzo is his man, he won't stop until he gets him. It will get to the point where Izzo will be so overwhelmed financially, he'll either succumb to the money or run from Gilbert, insisting on staying put simply to win another national championship.
"If I were Dan and I cared about Michigan State at all, I'd try to find another coach," the source said. "If he thinks this is the guy to lead them to three world championships, then God bless him. He's gotta do what he's gotta do for his business."
The collision between Gilbert's past and present is nearing. Two cities, desperate to save their stars, eagerly await the result.
Will he stay or will he go?
Choice 1: East Lansing, $3 million/year, NCAA, ready for another title run in '11
Choice 2: Cleveland, $6 million/year, NBA, LeBron James
Tom Izzo – win another title! Please stay.
"I've taken the no-comment-on-all-of-it policy, which is a little bit unlike Tom Izzo," he said on WILS radio in Lansing, Mich. "But I've been very consistent with that. And maybe to close it up, I would just say there are so many things out there that are so far-fetched right now.
"I'm the Michigan State coach and that's what I'm going to do right now. Who knows what the future brings? But it sure isn't at all like it's maybe being speculated."
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Big Ten expansion update
Looks more and more like Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa State are moving up the leaderboard of possible contenders in Big Ten expansion scenarios.
The Big Ten meetings are this weekend, and a recent interview with commissioner Jim Delaney noted three important points:
1. Gaining a foothold in the South. "In the last 20 or 30 years, there's been a clear shift in movement to the Sun Belt. The rates of growth in the Sun Belt are four times the rates in the East or the Midwest.” This boosts consideration of stealing from the Big 12 -- teams close to or in the Sun Belt -- and away from the Big Least.
2. Extending the reach of the league's lucrative television network. The Kansas City (#26 metro area in US) and St. Louis (#18 metro area) areas are significant - with more than 4.5 million households in these two areas alone. ES explored this earlier.
3. Membership in the Association of American Universities would be “very important." A previous list by the ES lists AAU membership among potential candidates
Well, the ES still doesn't see Texas (AAU member), Colorado (AAU member) or Oklahoma (not in the AAU) in the mix so much. They are just too far away -- too far. So, reviewing the potential candidates, the ES sees expansion to 14 at this point -
1. Notre Dame (not AAU but the only exception to the rule).
2. Missouri (AAU).
3. Kansas (AAU).
Others on the outside looking in:
4. Pittsburgh (AAU).
5. Nebraska (AAU).
6. Iowa State (AAU).
7. Syracuse (AAU).
8. Rutgers (AAU).
9. Texas (AAU).
The Big Ten meetings are this weekend, and a recent interview with commissioner Jim Delaney noted three important points:
1. Gaining a foothold in the South. "In the last 20 or 30 years, there's been a clear shift in movement to the Sun Belt. The rates of growth in the Sun Belt are four times the rates in the East or the Midwest.” This boosts consideration of stealing from the Big 12 -- teams close to or in the Sun Belt -- and away from the Big Least.
2. Extending the reach of the league's lucrative television network. The Kansas City (#26 metro area in US) and St. Louis (#18 metro area) areas are significant - with more than 4.5 million households in these two areas alone. ES explored this earlier.
3. Membership in the Association of American Universities would be “very important." A previous list by the ES lists AAU membership among potential candidates
Well, the ES still doesn't see Texas (AAU member), Colorado (AAU member) or Oklahoma (not in the AAU) in the mix so much. They are just too far away -- too far. So, reviewing the potential candidates, the ES sees expansion to 14 at this point -
1. Notre Dame (not AAU but the only exception to the rule).
2. Missouri (AAU).
3. Kansas (AAU).
Others on the outside looking in:
4. Pittsburgh (AAU).
5. Nebraska (AAU).
6. Iowa State (AAU).
7. Syracuse (AAU).
8. Rutgers (AAU).
9. Texas (AAU).
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
New website; Top 10 greatest Spartan events EVER
First off, the MSU Spartans website underwent an overhaul to keep it inline with the rest of the university's look, and also incorporate the new MSU image/design concept. ES gives this a big thumbs up -- pretty cool looking, easy to navigate. Although if the look is supposed to be consistent, the color seems a bit off and not the same tone of dark green... ES just begs to keep the Spartan sports history readily available.Top 10 ES' Greatest Spartan Events Ever: #10
The ES is going to publish his top 10 greatest events as a Spartan going to MSU athletics... ever. Sometime over the next month, periodically we'll go over all 10 of them. Let's start with a strange entry at #10 -
10. MSU Men's Lacrosse vs Ohio Wesleyan circa 1992-1994.
I remember going out to this game, MSU was ranked and making a bid for the NCAA tourney. And, freaking Sparty showed up. And, so did the ES, with two of his buddies and another 24 buddies named Budweiser. Just sat there at Old College Field drinking beer and watching with a huge crowd of at least 1,000 as MSU wasted Ohio Wesleyan. It was a beautiful spring day, not a cloud in the sky. A surprisingly fun and unexpectedly raucous event, as the stands completed the wave.
Oh, and the ES wasn't the only one with beer at the event. It wuz a riot.
So while men's lax is now a club sport, back then it was varsity and the Big Green competed pretty awesome.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Taking a break
OK, so the Red Wings are toast, down 3-0 to San Josey.
MSU nabbed a verbal commit - Andre Sims - a 4.4-40 wideout from Georgia.
About the new look? 206 have voted (at right), and the average score is... well, average: a 2.995 on a scale of 1-5. Most respondents (56) voted 3: "3 - OK, a tad too-Nike. I'll warm up." ES gave it a 4 out of 5.
Other than that, the ES is just kicking back and taking a break.... back to posting next week. I have some pretty cool items, top ten lists, football preview updates, etc. It is all in the hopper.
MSU nabbed a verbal commit - Andre Sims - a 4.4-40 wideout from Georgia.
About the new look? 206 have voted (at right), and the average score is... well, average: a 2.995 on a scale of 1-5. Most respondents (56) voted 3: "3 - OK, a tad too-Nike. I'll warm up." ES gave it a 4 out of 5.
Other than that, the ES is just kicking back and taking a break.... back to posting next week. I have some pretty cool items, top ten lists, football preview updates, etc. It is all in the hopper.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Red Wings demolish Phoenix. Who's next - San Jose
If you missed the Detroit Red Wings game last night, you missed a classic. The Wings just kicked the living crap out of Phoenix, looking like a buzzing bee-hive that attacked the Coyotes relentlessly all night long. The Wings won 6-1 and advanced to the second round (vs San Jose)- but the game wasn't that close. About another half dozen shots hit the cross bar; the Wings had three break-aways; that puck rolled around behind Phoenix goalie several times... the Wings had 39 shots... by the end of the second period. They finished with 50 shots overall -- but it seemed like 100.Read the quote from the Phoenix coach, Dave Lippett: "Their top players came out and dictated the pace, and we had no answer for them, and they were relentless. When their top players play like that, the whole group just jumps right in, and hats off to them, they played an unbelievable game. We had no answer no matter what we were doing. They just turned it up another level that we couldn't get to."
Or, Phoenix goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, who played unbelievable and still gave up 6 goals (17 shots and 9 quality scoring chances in the first period with the game at 0-0 after the first period) : "The way they played tonight, don't know if anybody can beat them . . . I played with everything . . . tried to keep the team alive the best I can, but it was not enough. You can say maybe we didn't play good enough, tough to say, but they were unreal tonight."
It was beautiful to watch - like a shooting gallery, or a boxer pummeling their opponent into the ground, or like the Russian 5 during the Red Wings' reborn dominance of the 1995-96 Stanley Cup year. The Wings play like that night in and night out, they won't lose. Damn, that's good hockey. And a real shit-kicker.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Mark Emmert to lead NCAA - who is he?
Next NCAA President: Mark A. Emmert, University of Washington .
Who is he? I don't know anything about him - but he has a grad degree from Syracuse, worked at Montana State, Univ of Colorado, and at Univ of Washington.
Who is he? I don't know anything about him - but he has a grad degree from Syracuse, worked at Montana State, Univ of Colorado, and at Univ of Washington.
NCAA to name president this evening
The NCAA will name its new president tonight at 6 pm; its former president, Myles Brand, died of cancer last summer. As you may recall, Brand was the guy who sacked Bobby Knight when Brand was president at Indiana. So, the new person - will it be...
Handicapping (boy, the NCAA would hate this), I would have the horses as follows: Spanier 3-1, Harrison 4-1, Coleman 7-1, Franklin 10-1, Swarbrick 15-1, Slive 20-1, Adams 100-1.
- President Graham Spanier of Penn State?
- President Mike Adams at Georgia?
- Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick at Notre Dame?
- President Mary Sue Coleman at Michigan?
- Bernard Franklin, former Executive VP at NCAA?
- President Walter Harrison of Hartford?
- Mike Slive, Commissioner of the SEC?
Handicapping (boy, the NCAA would hate this), I would have the horses as follows: Spanier 3-1, Harrison 4-1, Coleman 7-1, Franklin 10-1, Swarbrick 15-1, Slive 20-1, Adams 100-1.
Mizzou wants IN the Big Ten
If you asked Missouri head football coach Gary Pinkel, a former Toledo head coach, the Tigers want IN to the Big Ten. It's all about money - and you can read about his drooling of the BTN money going to rival Illinois:
"With their TV package, they'll get $11 million more dollars this year than Missouri does in the Big 12, so the value is what it is," Pinkel said of the Illini, emphasizing that the money is vital not merely to football but the entire athletic department. "We've got four more years of this contract, so Illinois, as they're building their athletic department, that's $44 million more. So that's not very good for our league. For the life of me, it's hard to understand."
The ES sees this happening. The Big Ten is waiting to tap the Kansas City-to-St. Louis metro areas, and with it the BTN will make even more money. Mizzou - you want in - you're in.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Defense wins Spring Game
Spring game notes, with an estimated attendance of 30,000. A very quick defensively played game, with Spartan linebackers stealing the show. Greg Jones and Eric Gordon were impressive -- as expected. Max Bullough looks ready as a true freshmen. Big plays -- and big hits -- all game long out of DB Denicos Allen, and numerous sacks by Greg Jones. Lots of pressure on QBs.The Green team won, 17-10, and Kirk Cousins (10-15-254) looked just awesome. Andrew Maxwell (18-34-244) wasn't half bad, either. Both Mark Dell (4-133) and Keshawn Martin (6-109) really played great at wideout. It was nice to see the TEs get into the mix: Charlie Gantt (4-68) and Dion Sims (3-53) were able to move the chains. The running game couldn't get on track, outside of a 31 yard run by true frosh Nick Hill. Larry Caper was 10-21 and Ed Baker was just 4-17. Baker, though, caught a beautiful swing pass for a 17 yard TD from Andrew Maxwell where he just abused several defenders.
The craziest players were OL Antonio Jeremiah carrying the ball for a 6 yard gain up the middle; and a nice 58 yard bomb to Mark Dell off a Kirk Cousins play action.
No pass rush - for the second year in a row, it is MIA. But, the defense made the big plays - including a defensive-stopping stand by Eric Gordon on a trick play to end the game.
Green White
1st downs - 11 - 14
Rush yards - 56 - 21
Pass yards - 290 - 244
Total offense - 346 - 265
Penalties - 1-15 - 2-15
Turnovers - 1 - 0
No rain at G&W Game
Want to follow the Green & White game from home? Live stats here. Or, go to the game. It decided not to rain in East Lansing. We got lucky. Temperature 55 degrees and overcast.
New MSU Greek/Nike image: Goodbye "S"
So, what do you think of the new Spartan image? Vote at the poll on the right. If you are asking the ES... it's pretty good - again, this is a Nike "Rollerball" look, but not as strong as they've done at other institutions. This looks sharp, love the colors, the consistency; the type face is interesting. They developed a new "Spartan Font" which looks sharp, but a bit futuristic instead of Greek as they describe. As for the football uniform, my favorite is the one Eric Gordon (#43) is wearing, which says "Michigan State" in front and is solid green. There is your typical Nike flair to the FB uniforms, but it isn't too overdone. For all the other sports, it looks sharp. There are some photos below.
Still no word on the potential impact of the logo design on the playing surfaces. Expect it to be consistent with the "primary identity" however. Goodbye Block S on the football and basketball courts. Matter of fact, you don't see the Block S anywhere, kind of as expected.
Color
A refined color palette allows for instant team identification and heightens emotional ties to the Spartan nickname and Greek history.
Primary Colors
SPARTAN GREEN: Evokes hope and growth. Symbolizes land and farming roots. WHITE: Represents integrity, hope, confidence and faith.
Secondary Accent Colors
SPARTAN SILVER: Symbolically represents intelligence, dignity, quality, industrial sleekness and modernity.
SPARTAN BRONZE: Symbolically represents strength and integrity, and was used as a material in Spartan armor.
Primary Identity
A consistent primary mark - the Spartan helmet logo - to represent the school clarifies the university's identity. The Spartan helmet logo is timeless, unique, and strong. Reinforcement of the primary identity will build worldwide brand equity.
Typography/Wordmarks
A custom display face (Spartan Bold), which is used in the MICHIGAN STATE and SPARTANS logos, has been designed to enhance the overall identity system by using inspiration from Greek architecture and the Spartan ethos of simplicity and strength.
Tertiary Mark
The MSU Shield logo is inspired by Spartan battle weapons, and uses the university acronym as the base identifier. The mark's shape and color reflects Spartan shields, which were typically made of a wood core and then faced with bronze for strength.
Spring Game in the Rain or at home on BTN - a Preview
Today is the Spring Game for Michigan State. In year's past, the weather has -- for the most part -- been absolutely beautiful. 70 degrees and sunny is not uncommon. However, today, the forecast is dim: 60 degrees, thunderstormsrain. Oh well, you can't win them all and mother nature always wins.
But, luckily... we have the Big Ten Network. Michigan State's spring game will be streamed live on www.bigtennetwork.com (1:30 pm on Sunday) and will air on delay at 5 PM/ ET on Sunday, April 25.
Here is a review below from Mark Dantonio; thanks to the folks over at LSJ for capturing the video.
But, luckily... we have the Big Ten Network. Michigan State's spring game will be streamed live on www.bigtennetwork.com (1:30 pm on Sunday) and will air on delay at 5 PM/ ET on Sunday, April 25.
Here is a review below from Mark Dantonio; thanks to the folks over at LSJ for capturing the video.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Sparty or Block S at Breslin Center? MSU to unveil branding
The MSU Athletic Department will unveil its brand identification for ALL SPORTS this afternoon at 3:15 pm.The big question is: will Michigan State keep the "Block S" on the Breslin Center floor and the center of the Football Field, or will it move to the "Sparty" head?
Mark Hollis wants everything consistent, and it should be for MSU brand identity sake. All uniforms, playing surfaces, everything needs to be consistent -- and over time, brand identity will grow.
There is concern that there are enough "Block S" images out there (Syracuse, Stanford, NC State, Mich St) that to use it as a primary identifier... well Michigan State just does not stand out. But, there is the point of legacy and history to also consider. The ES digs the Block S -- I like it.
We already know this -- the color will be a dark green, the same shade of dark green that was displayed by the men's and women's basketball teams this year. The ES loves dark green - it's the opposite of blue.
As stated in the release: "student-athletes, representing football, men's basketball, women's basketball, hockey and volleyball, will be on hand to model new uniforms for the 2010-11 season. These uniforms will incorporate consistent use of colors, logos, lettering and numerals. A brand and identity standards manual also will be presented that provides guidelines for the appropriate use of logos."
This is a huge positive step forward for Spartan athletics. The ES is looking forward to it.
ES 2010 College Football Preseason Poll
OK, so the ES scoured the Internet and found preseason rankings from about a good dozen credible sources... and averaged them out to compile a list of ranked teams. Note that many of the major preview magazines (Athlon, Lindy, Phil Steele, Street & Smiths, etc.) have yet to publish, and will do so by early June. But, there is still good data out there, and the ES gave the appropriate ranking per team -- if a team wasn't included in a poll, they were given a score of 26 in the poll.
Predictions included: nationalchamps.net, about.com, Mark Schlabach/ESPN, scout.com, rivals.com, San Jose Mercury News, SI.com, College FB Saturday, Associated Content, College Foot Blog.
Big Ten teams in bold.
So, what stands out?
TCU at Oregon State (Sep 4)
Boise State at Virginia Tech (Sep 6)
Penn State at Alabama (Sep 11)
Miami-Fla at Ohio State (Sep 11)
Miami-Fla at Pitt (Sep 23)
Oregon State at Boise State (Sep 25)
West Virginia at LSU (Sep 25)
Interesting non-Notre Dame, Big Ten non-conference matchups:
Northwestern at Vanderbilt (Sep 4). All-brains bowl.
Illinois vs Mizzou (Sep 4). When-will-Illinois-compete-in-this-rivalry? bowl.
Penn State at Alabama (Sep 11). Wisdom vs. Lack-of-integrity bowl.
Miami-Fla at Ohio State (Sep 11). All-cheaters bowl.
Southern Cal at Minnesota (Sep 18). 180-degree weather bowl.
CMU at Northwestern (Sep 25). Spread-offense bowl.
Arizona State at Wisconsin (Sep 28).
Illinois at Fresno State (Dec 3).
Indiana's non-conference schedule is one of shame:
Towson (Sep 2)
at Western Kentucky (Sep 18)
Akron (Sep 25)
Arkansas State (Oct 16)
Predictions included: nationalchamps.net, about.com, Mark Schlabach/ESPN, scout.com, rivals.com, San Jose Mercury News, SI.com, College FB Saturday, Associated Content, College Foot Blog.
Big Ten teams in bold.
| Rank | School (first pl. votes) | Avg. |
| 1 | Alabama (9) | 1.18 |
| 2 | Ohio State (1) | 2.27 |
| 3 | Boise State (1) | 3.45 |
| 4 | Oregon | 5.36 |
| 5 | Texas | 6.73 |
| 6 | Iowa | 8.55 |
| 7 | Virginia Tech | 8.64 |
| 8 | TCU | 8.73 |
| 9 | Florida | 8.82 |
| 10 | Nebraska | 10.55 |
| 11 | Wisconsin | 10.91 |
| 12 | Oklahoma | 12.45 |
| 13 | Georgia Tech | 13.00 |
| 14 | Miami-Florida | 15.00 |
| 15 | Southern Cal | 15.64 |
| 16 | LSU | 17.55 |
| 17 | Penn State | 18.00 |
| 18 | Arkansas | 18.36 |
| 19 | Oregon State | 18.91 |
| 20 | Pittsburgh | 20.00 |
| 21 | North Carolina | 21.18 |
| 22 | Cincinnati | 21.45 |
| 23 | Georgia | 22.91 |
| 24 | Florida State | 23.64 |
| 25 | Houston | 24.18 |
| 26 | West Virginia | 24.27 |
| 27 | Connecticut | 24.45 |
| 28 | Stanford | 24.64 |
| 29 | Navy | 24.82 |
| 30 | South Carolina | 24.82 |
| 31 | Utah | 24.82 |
| 32 | Auburn | 25.09 |
| 33 | BYU | 25.09 |
| 34 | Missouri | 25.09 |
| 35 | Tennessee | 25.27 |
| 36 | California | 25.45 |
| 37 | Texas Tech | 25.45 |
| 38 | Arizona | 25.73 |
| 39 | Michigan | 25.82 |
| 40 | Temple | 25.91 |
| 41 | Nevada | 25.91 |
So, what stands out?
- Yes, Boise State at #3.
- The Big Ten looks to be the Big Four (Ohio St #2, Iowa #6, Wisconsin #11, Penn St #17) and Little Seven.
- The Big 12 is the Big Three (Texas #5, Nebraska #10, Oklahoma #12) and Little Nine.
- Only the top 14 teams were included in every single poll.
- Nebraska is back (#10).
- Notre Dame is not.
- With all the talk of giving non-BCS teams a better shot at the national title game, only three made it in the preseason Top 25: Boise State #3, TCU #8, and Houston #25.
- Conferences with most teams in Top 25? ACC and SEC each have five teams.
- The death of the Big Least? Pittsburgh led that sad conference at #20, Cinci at #22, and West Virginia just out at #26. Why would the Big Ten raid the Big Least? Certainly not for football.
- Oregon at #4 is ranked ahead of Southern Cal (#15).
TCU at Oregon State (Sep 4)
Boise State at Virginia Tech (Sep 6)
Penn State at Alabama (Sep 11)
Miami-Fla at Ohio State (Sep 11)
Miami-Fla at Pitt (Sep 23)
Oregon State at Boise State (Sep 25)
West Virginia at LSU (Sep 25)
Interesting non-Notre Dame, Big Ten non-conference matchups:
Northwestern at Vanderbilt (Sep 4). All-brains bowl.
Illinois vs Mizzou (Sep 4). When-will-Illinois-compete-in-this-rivalry? bowl.
Penn State at Alabama (Sep 11). Wisdom vs. Lack-of-integrity bowl.
Miami-Fla at Ohio State (Sep 11). All-cheaters bowl.
Southern Cal at Minnesota (Sep 18). 180-degree weather bowl.
CMU at Northwestern (Sep 25). Spread-offense bowl.
Arizona State at Wisconsin (Sep 28).
Illinois at Fresno State (Dec 3).
Indiana's non-conference schedule is one of shame:
Towson (Sep 2)
at Western Kentucky (Sep 18)
Akron (Sep 25)
Arkansas State (Oct 16)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
NCAA mens tournament to expand to 68 teams; new TV deal
Breaking news from NCAA (link here) - as it states below, the NCAA men's tournament will only expand to 68 teams and not 96; and the cost of the tourney, while it goes up, will be split between CBS and Turner Broadcasting. The people - college sports fans - have sounded loud and clear not to mess up the current structure.
NCAA signs new 14-year TV deal for DI men’s basketball
CBS and Turner join forces to pay $10.8 billion for tournament rights fee
The NCAA on Thursday announced a new 14-year television, Internet and wireless rights agreement with CBS Sports and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., to present the Division I Men’s Basketball Championship beginning in 2011 and continuing through 2024 for more than $10.8 billion.
As part of the agreement, all games will be shown live across four national networks beginning in 2011 – a first for the championship.
CBS Sports and Turner Broadcasting also have been licensed and will collaborate on the NCAA’s corporate marketing program.
Late Wednesday, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee unanimously passed a recommendation to the Division I Board of Directors to increase the tournament field size to 68 teams beginning with the 2011 championship. The Division I Board of Directors will review the recommendation at its April 29 meeting.
The new agreement sustains the long-term financial stability of the Association. About 96 percent of all NCAA revenue, including money generated from this new agreement, is used to benefit student-athletes through either programs, services or direct distribution to member conferences and schools. The agreement also ensures student-athletes across all three NCAA divisions will continue to be supported through a broad range of championship opportunities, access to funds for personal and educational needs, and athletically related financial aid in Divisions I and II.
Beginning with the 2011 Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, opening- , first- and second-round games will be shown nationally on CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. CBS and Turner will split coverage of the regional semifinal games. CBS will provide coverage of the regional finals, as well as the Final Four (including the national championship game) through 2015. Beginning in 2016, CBS and Turner will split coverage of the regional finals with the Final Four and the national championship game alternating every year between CBS and TBS.
CBS Sports has broadcast the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship since 1982.
Under the new rights agreement, NCAA March Madness on Demand − the Emmy Award-winning video player that provides live streaming video of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship − will continue to be launched from NCAA.com and CBSSports.com. Turner also has secured the rights for any Time Warner digital property. The player will be operated and developed by Turner and have enhanced digital rights, allowing the NCAA to deliver content for multiple Turner and Time Warner platforms.
“This is an important day for intercollegiate athletics and the 400,000 student-athletes who compete in NCAA sports,” said NCAA Interim President Jim Isch. “This agreement will provide on average more than $740 million annually to our conferences and member schools to help student-athletes in 23 sports learn and compete.
“We’re excited this agreement continues our long-standing relationship with CBS, a partner company that has captured the unique spirit of the collegiate model of athletics, and brings a new partner in Turner Broadcasting to the championship and NCAA basketball.”
Sean McManus, president of CBS News and Sports said: “This agreement with our colleagues at Turner and the NCAA secures CBS’s standing as a year-round leader in sports television well into the next decade. In this agreement, we have created a new strategic partnership that not only makes this prestigious property an ongoing core asset in our stable of major television events but a profitable one as well. We look forward to working with our friends at Turner as together we combine our industry-leading media assets to maximize the value of this great NCAA championship.”
David Levy, president of sales, distribution and sports at Turner Broadcasting, also praised the new agreement.
“This is a landmark deal for Turner Broadcasting and we’re extremely pleased to begin a long-term relationship with the NCAA and our partners at CBS and to have a commitment that extends well into the next decade,” he said. “The NCAA men’s basketball tournament has a rich tradition and is one of the most talked about sporting events every year, highlighted by the Final Four and the national championship game.
“We are well-positioned to monetize our investment in NCAA programming across three nationally distributed networks. With the combined linear and digital assets of these two large media companies we’ll be able to maximize the exposure of the tournament, as well as provide incomparable access for viewers.”
An NCAA Division I committee headed by Harvey Perlman, chancellor of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, will study and recommend prospective revenue-distribution formulas to the Division I Board of Directors.
Currently, 96 percent of all NCAA revenue is returned to membership either in direct payments or in programs and services; 60 percent is distributed to directly to Division I members through a series of funds.
The committee will follow principles of the current formula that ensure access to funds by student-athletes for educational, personal and emergency needs; that favor a broad-based approach to sports sponsorship; that continue to encourage more grants-in-aid rather than less; and that promote enhanced academic support of student-athletes.
Additionally, the committee will examine the need to strike a balance between Division I Men’s Basketball Championship performance and academic achievement through either the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate or Graduation Success Rate metrics or both.
ESPN, the longstanding home for NCAA championships such as the Division I Women’s Basketball Championship, the College World Series, the Men’s Frozen Four and others, will continue to broadcast a full complement of events over the coming years.
“The economic challenges of the day are being felt on campuses across the country,” Isch said. “The amount of revenue from this agreement isn’t the focus of this moment; rather it is the long-term security it provides, as well as what is done with the money. We put our money where our mission is…supporting student-athletes so they can be successful in the classroom and in life.”
NCAA signs new 14-year TV deal for DI men’s basketball
CBS and Turner join forces to pay $10.8 billion for tournament rights fee
The NCAA on Thursday announced a new 14-year television, Internet and wireless rights agreement with CBS Sports and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., to present the Division I Men’s Basketball Championship beginning in 2011 and continuing through 2024 for more than $10.8 billion.
As part of the agreement, all games will be shown live across four national networks beginning in 2011 – a first for the championship.
CBS Sports and Turner Broadcasting also have been licensed and will collaborate on the NCAA’s corporate marketing program.
Late Wednesday, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee unanimously passed a recommendation to the Division I Board of Directors to increase the tournament field size to 68 teams beginning with the 2011 championship. The Division I Board of Directors will review the recommendation at its April 29 meeting.
The new agreement sustains the long-term financial stability of the Association. About 96 percent of all NCAA revenue, including money generated from this new agreement, is used to benefit student-athletes through either programs, services or direct distribution to member conferences and schools. The agreement also ensures student-athletes across all three NCAA divisions will continue to be supported through a broad range of championship opportunities, access to funds for personal and educational needs, and athletically related financial aid in Divisions I and II.
Beginning with the 2011 Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, opening- , first- and second-round games will be shown nationally on CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. CBS and Turner will split coverage of the regional semifinal games. CBS will provide coverage of the regional finals, as well as the Final Four (including the national championship game) through 2015. Beginning in 2016, CBS and Turner will split coverage of the regional finals with the Final Four and the national championship game alternating every year between CBS and TBS.
CBS Sports has broadcast the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship since 1982.
Under the new rights agreement, NCAA March Madness on Demand − the Emmy Award-winning video player that provides live streaming video of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship − will continue to be launched from NCAA.com and CBSSports.com. Turner also has secured the rights for any Time Warner digital property. The player will be operated and developed by Turner and have enhanced digital rights, allowing the NCAA to deliver content for multiple Turner and Time Warner platforms.
“This is an important day for intercollegiate athletics and the 400,000 student-athletes who compete in NCAA sports,” said NCAA Interim President Jim Isch. “This agreement will provide on average more than $740 million annually to our conferences and member schools to help student-athletes in 23 sports learn and compete.
“We’re excited this agreement continues our long-standing relationship with CBS, a partner company that has captured the unique spirit of the collegiate model of athletics, and brings a new partner in Turner Broadcasting to the championship and NCAA basketball.”
Sean McManus, president of CBS News and Sports said: “This agreement with our colleagues at Turner and the NCAA secures CBS’s standing as a year-round leader in sports television well into the next decade. In this agreement, we have created a new strategic partnership that not only makes this prestigious property an ongoing core asset in our stable of major television events but a profitable one as well. We look forward to working with our friends at Turner as together we combine our industry-leading media assets to maximize the value of this great NCAA championship.”
David Levy, president of sales, distribution and sports at Turner Broadcasting, also praised the new agreement.
“This is a landmark deal for Turner Broadcasting and we’re extremely pleased to begin a long-term relationship with the NCAA and our partners at CBS and to have a commitment that extends well into the next decade,” he said. “The NCAA men’s basketball tournament has a rich tradition and is one of the most talked about sporting events every year, highlighted by the Final Four and the national championship game.
“We are well-positioned to monetize our investment in NCAA programming across three nationally distributed networks. With the combined linear and digital assets of these two large media companies we’ll be able to maximize the exposure of the tournament, as well as provide incomparable access for viewers.”
An NCAA Division I committee headed by Harvey Perlman, chancellor of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, will study and recommend prospective revenue-distribution formulas to the Division I Board of Directors.
Currently, 96 percent of all NCAA revenue is returned to membership either in direct payments or in programs and services; 60 percent is distributed to directly to Division I members through a series of funds.
The committee will follow principles of the current formula that ensure access to funds by student-athletes for educational, personal and emergency needs; that favor a broad-based approach to sports sponsorship; that continue to encourage more grants-in-aid rather than less; and that promote enhanced academic support of student-athletes.
Additionally, the committee will examine the need to strike a balance between Division I Men’s Basketball Championship performance and academic achievement through either the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate or Graduation Success Rate metrics or both.
ESPN, the longstanding home for NCAA championships such as the Division I Women’s Basketball Championship, the College World Series, the Men’s Frozen Four and others, will continue to broadcast a full complement of events over the coming years.
“The economic challenges of the day are being felt on campuses across the country,” Isch said. “The amount of revenue from this agreement isn’t the focus of this moment; rather it is the long-term security it provides, as well as what is done with the money. We put our money where our mission is…supporting student-athletes so they can be successful in the classroom and in life.”
NCAA media contract to be announced
Just received word that the NCAA will announce a new media rights contract at 12:30. Stay tuned
Confirmed: MSU - ND kickoff slated for 8 pm
As mentioned by the ES back on April 18, the Michigan State - Notre Dame tilt will be the Spartans lone night game for 2010.
Here is the release from MSU Media Relations: "Michigan State's Sept. 18 home football game against Notre Dame will be televised by ABC, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. EDT. In addition, ESPN2 will carry the reverse mirror of the prime-time telecast. It marks just the ninth night game in the 87-year history of Spartan Stadium."
Here is the release from MSU Media Relations: "Michigan State's Sept. 18 home football game against Notre Dame will be televised by ABC, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. EDT. In addition, ESPN2 will carry the reverse mirror of the prime-time telecast. It marks just the ninth night game in the 87-year history of Spartan Stadium."
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Delaney on BTN tonight at 9 EST
How much do you NOT want to learn about Big Ten expansion?
Will in case you are interested in hearing nothing new, Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany will talk with Dave Revsine on Big Ten Tonight at 9 PM ET. Topic: the latest news pertaining to the possibility of Big Ten expansion.
Will in case you are interested in hearing nothing new, Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany will talk with Dave Revsine on Big Ten Tonight at 9 PM ET. Topic: the latest news pertaining to the possibility of Big Ten expansion.
Adam Rittenberg: I told you so
In reference to Big Ten expansion talk and it taking it's own sweet time... I hate to tell Mr. Rittenberg, "I told you so, Adam"... but, as reported in USA Today, I TOLD YOU SO. "We have not accelerated anything," said Big Ten conference commish Jim Delany.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Adam Rittenberg's Rumor Mill
The funny thing here is that ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg doesn't pay attention to the same things he writes and reports on. OK, Big Ten officials and institution presidents may be attending an AAU meeting, but they won't make any decisions on Big Ten expansion this weekend... or in the next two months. Why? Because, as Rittenberg hisself reports, "The Big Ten said in December its expansion study was expected to take 12-18 months."
With schools of this size, you just can't get approval for anything that large in less time. And, every other conference is waiting for the Big Ten's move to see what it will do... so, wait we will, until the study is delivered no sooner than December 2010 and Big Ten school leaders review it a few months following. ES sez any expansion will take place no sooner than June 2011.
Adam needs to stop the rumor mill, innuendos, and conjectures and pay attention to his own reporting.
With schools of this size, you just can't get approval for anything that large in less time. And, every other conference is waiting for the Big Ten's move to see what it will do... so, wait we will, until the study is delivered no sooner than December 2010 and Big Ten school leaders review it a few months following. ES sez any expansion will take place no sooner than June 2011.
Adam needs to stop the rumor mill, innuendos, and conjectures and pay attention to his own reporting.
Keith Nichol impresses as WR... Can you say "pass rush"?
Looks like the biggest take-away from Spring Ball 2010 is that Keith Nichol is fast approaching a go-to role as the Spartans' top receiving threat, just a year away from being the team's potential top QB entering the fall.
Said QB Kirk Cousins, "At 6-2, 220 pounds and possessing a 38-inch vertical, he's absolutely a mismatch receiver. Guys like that don't grow on trees. Keith did a great job today in using his body to go up and catch the football in traffic. " Coach Dantonio just gushed superlatives about Nichol following the latest practice game, in which Nichol caught four passes for 39 yards, but with two spectacular TD grabs. Cousins was 14-of-24 passes for 156 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT; backup Andrew Maxwell was 17-of-30 throws for 220 yards 3 TDs and 1 INT.
At wideout, Bennie Fowler led the receivers with six catches, for 66 yards and a touchdown. Mark Dell had five catches for 94 yards, Keshawn Martin had five catches for 71 yards.
On the ground, Larry Caper was injured - status is unknown, but early signs are that it isn't a significant injury. As a result, tiny true freshman Nick Hill (5-6, 182, Fr.) led all rushers with 79 yards on 17 carries and two TDs. Edwin Baker (5-9, 199, So.) rushed 15 times for 73 yards, while Le'Veon Bell (6-2, 230, Fr.) gained 36 yards on nine attempts, including a 20-yard TD run around left end.
On defense, yes there was a pass rush - both Cousins and Maxwell acknowledged the heat all game long. Tyler Hoover had a pair of sacks, Greg Jones had eight tackles, four of which were sacks, and linebacker Chris Norman added two sacks.
Other Notes: The defensive backfield is becoming solidified with Johnny Adams at CB and Trenton Robinson at safety. Robinson was very wishy-washy last year and blew multiple coverages in the Alamo Bowl, but the coaches believe he has made significant strides... let us hope so. Freshman offensive tackle David Barrent, who had back surgery in December, has been cleared to participate fully for the rest of spring practice. ... Redshirt freshman defensive end Denzel Drone continues to impress ... If opening day kickoff were tomorrow, the first-string offensive line would be: D.J. Young at left tackle, Joel Foreman at left guard, John Stipek at center, Chris McDonald at right guard and Jared McGaha at right tackle.
Said QB Kirk Cousins, "At 6-2, 220 pounds and possessing a 38-inch vertical, he's absolutely a mismatch receiver. Guys like that don't grow on trees. Keith did a great job today in using his body to go up and catch the football in traffic. " Coach Dantonio just gushed superlatives about Nichol following the latest practice game, in which Nichol caught four passes for 39 yards, but with two spectacular TD grabs. Cousins was 14-of-24 passes for 156 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT; backup Andrew Maxwell was 17-of-30 throws for 220 yards 3 TDs and 1 INT.
At wideout, Bennie Fowler led the receivers with six catches, for 66 yards and a touchdown. Mark Dell had five catches for 94 yards, Keshawn Martin had five catches for 71 yards.
On the ground, Larry Caper was injured - status is unknown, but early signs are that it isn't a significant injury. As a result, tiny true freshman Nick Hill (5-6, 182, Fr.) led all rushers with 79 yards on 17 carries and two TDs. Edwin Baker (5-9, 199, So.) rushed 15 times for 73 yards, while Le'Veon Bell (6-2, 230, Fr.) gained 36 yards on nine attempts, including a 20-yard TD run around left end.
On defense, yes there was a pass rush - both Cousins and Maxwell acknowledged the heat all game long. Tyler Hoover had a pair of sacks, Greg Jones had eight tackles, four of which were sacks, and linebacker Chris Norman added two sacks.
Other Notes: The defensive backfield is becoming solidified with Johnny Adams at CB and Trenton Robinson at safety. Robinson was very wishy-washy last year and blew multiple coverages in the Alamo Bowl, but the coaches believe he has made significant strides... let us hope so. Freshman offensive tackle David Barrent, who had back surgery in December, has been cleared to participate fully for the rest of spring practice. ... Redshirt freshman defensive end Denzel Drone continues to impress ... If opening day kickoff were tomorrow, the first-string offensive line would be: D.J. Young at left tackle, Joel Foreman at left guard, John Stipek at center, Chris McDonald at right guard and Jared McGaha at right tackle.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Night Game vs Notre Dame
What is the one night game this year for Michigan State? Yes, it will be the ND game on Sept. 18.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Spring practice features SKILL
As noted in the most recent posting at MSUSpartans.com, the Big Green machine went through a three hour scrimmage last Saturday. What did we learn?
DEFENSE - Mitchell White seems like a playmaker in the defensive backfield, returning a Maxwell pass back for six points. We need playmakers at DB, badly. Marcus Hyde also returned a pick-six, and we know he can already lay the lumber at his safety spot. Defensive end Denzel Drone seems to be the real deal, making plays along the line. He's a projected starter at this point... let's see what happens when blue-chipper William Gholston gets to campus.
OFFENSE - Both Kirk Cousins (19-30-188-2-2) and Andrew Maxwell (15-27-199-2-1) seem to have the grips on the QB spot. We have lots of depth there. Keith Nichol is settling into his WR role, and Keshawn Martin is now the real deal as a huge playmaker on offense - 12 receptions for 109 yards for Martin. The Spartan running game churned out 135 yards, with 47 for Larry Caper on 10 carries. Coach Dantonio was very pleased with the offensive production. However, what is concerning is no mention of TEs... something that was not utilized enough last year and with significant depth we need to see TEs as a more significant part of the offensive production beyond blocking.
FIELD GOALS - Dan Conroy converted his first four field-goal attempts (from 23, 38, 44 and 44 yards) before missing the potential game-winner from 41 yards out in overtime. Meanwhile, newbie Kevin Muma made 1-of-2 field-goal attempts, coming up short on a 49-yarder and hitting from 33 yards.
DEFENSE - Mitchell White seems like a playmaker in the defensive backfield, returning a Maxwell pass back for six points. We need playmakers at DB, badly. Marcus Hyde also returned a pick-six, and we know he can already lay the lumber at his safety spot. Defensive end Denzel Drone seems to be the real deal, making plays along the line. He's a projected starter at this point... let's see what happens when blue-chipper William Gholston gets to campus.
OFFENSE - Both Kirk Cousins (19-30-188-2-2) and Andrew Maxwell (15-27-199-2-1) seem to have the grips on the QB spot. We have lots of depth there. Keith Nichol is settling into his WR role, and Keshawn Martin is now the real deal as a huge playmaker on offense - 12 receptions for 109 yards for Martin. The Spartan running game churned out 135 yards, with 47 for Larry Caper on 10 carries. Coach Dantonio was very pleased with the offensive production. However, what is concerning is no mention of TEs... something that was not utilized enough last year and with significant depth we need to see TEs as a more significant part of the offensive production beyond blocking.
FIELD GOALS - Dan Conroy converted his first four field-goal attempts (from 23, 38, 44 and 44 yards) before missing the potential game-winner from 41 yards out in overtime. Meanwhile, newbie Kevin Muma made 1-of-2 field-goal attempts, coming up short on a 49-yarder and hitting from 33 yards.
Monday, April 12, 2010
JLS finds his way to Fayetteville
Thought y'all might find this amusing. It's spring, so why not share the sillies... Maybe it is old news, but with all the hoops hoopla, the ES missed it.
"Smith joins Razorback coaching staff"
"Smith joins Razorback coaching staff"
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Spartan spring football update & ES fall lineup projection
Coach Mark Dantonio addressed the media on Thursday about the Spartan gridders, and hilighted strengths at the skill positions - particularly QB, RB. The Doctor said that Cousins has had an excellent spring, and that both Maxwell and Boisture look excellent so far and will have a jump start in the fall. Keith Nichol is getting 80% of his reps at WR and is improving rapidly... he looks like he may be the featured slot receiver this fall.
A few players also made comments. Charlie Gantt stated, "I want to make sure I finish off my blocks." Larry Caper said he was trying to improve on "running strong after contact." DJ Young said that the team is working on a priority of "run block first, pass block second."
Below, the ES has his projected starting lineup this fall; unless incoming blue-chipper William Gholston cracks the defensive depth chart early, expect not too many upsets here. But, Gholston does have a shot to play as a true freshman: Michigan State lacks depth on the offensive and defensive fronts, again this year.
INJURY NOTE
OL Henry Conway has a neck injury and is out for the Spring.
ES PROJECTED FALL DEPTH CHART
(bold indicates previously started sometime at MSU)
OFFENSE (10 returning starters)
---------------------------------
QB 8 KIRK COUSINS (6-3, 202, Jr.)
10 Andrew Maxwell (6-3, 200, Fr.)
FB 44 JOSH ROUSE (6-3, 235, Sr.-5)
47 Adam Setterbo (6-3, 228, Jr.)
RB 22 LARRY CAPER (5-11, 220, So.)
4 EDWIN BAKER (5-9, 199, So.)
Z 82 KESHAWN MARTIN (5-11, 185, Jr.)
3 B.J. Cunningham (6-2, 206, Jr.)
13 Bennie Fowler (6-1, 206, R-Fr.)
X 7 KEITH NICHOL (6-2, 220, Jr.)
2 Mark Dell (6-2, 197, Sr.)
LT 59 D.J. YOUNG (6-5, 315, Sr.-5)
71 John Deyo (6-6, 294, So.)
79 David Barrent (6-8, 312, R-Fr.)
LG 67 JOEL FOREMAN (6-4, 306, Jr.)
68 Ethan Ruhland (6-5, 290, So.)
C 66 JOHN STIPEK (6-5, 292, Sr.-5)
72 Nate Klatt (6-4, 290, R-Fr.)
RG 61 ANTONIO JEREMIAH (6-5, 360, R-Jr.)
77 J’Michael Deane (6-5, 312, Sr.-5)
RT 75 JARED MCGAHA (6-6, 295, Jr.)
73 Henry Conway (6-6, 306, R-Fr.)
TE 83 CHARLIE GANTT (6-5, 255, Sr.-5)
80 Dion Sims (6-5, 275, So.) or
88 Brian Linthicum (6-5, 240, Jr.)
DEFENSE (8 returning starters)
---------------------------------
DT 52 DENZEL DRONE (6-2, 252, R-Fr.)
87 Todd Anderson (6-2, 240, Jr.)
DT 96 KEVIN PICKELMAN (6-4, 278, Jr.)
60 Micajah Reynolds (6-5, 302, R-Fr.)
NT 93 BLAKE TREADWELL (6-3, 277, So.)
97 Dan France (6-6, 283, R-Fr.)
DE 91 TYLER HOOVER (6-7, 270, So.)
63 Corey Freeman (6-2, 235, So.)
LB 43 ERIC GORDON (6-0, 228, Sr.-5)
36 Jon Misch (6-3, 206, Sr.-5)
LB 53 GREG JONES (6-1, 235, Sr.)
40 Max Bullough (6-3, 235, Fr.)
LB 10 CHRIS NORMAN (6-1, 225, So.)
28 Denicos Allen (5-10, 215, R-Fr.)
CB 5 JOHNNY ADAMS (5-11, 170, R-So.)
12 Dana Dixon (6-2, 173, R-Fr.)
CB 29 CHRIS L RUCKER (6-2, 195, Sr.)
32 Mitchell White (6-1, 172, So.)
FS 39 TRENTON ROBINSON (5-10, 190, Jr.)
21 Patrick White (5-11, 194, R-Fr.)
SS 11 MARCUS HYDE (6-0, 202, Sr.-5)
26 Jesse Johnson (5-10, 188, Sr.-5)
GREEN & WHITE SPRING GAME & YOUTH FOOTBALL CLINIC
The Green-White intrasquad game will be held Saturday, April 24 at 1:30 p.m. in Spartan Stadium. Parking is free (in Lots T-79, A-62, S-56, P-39/40, H-63 and M-66), and the stadium gates (Gates B, C, J and K) open at 12 p.m. Admission is free. Prior to the spring game, MSU's coaching staff and players will conduct a free youth football clinic (no registration required). Children, ages 8-12, are invited to attend the youth clinic from 10-11:30 a.m. on the grass practice fields behind the Duffy Daugherty Football Building, located at the corner of Chestnut Road and Shaw Lane.
A few players also made comments. Charlie Gantt stated, "I want to make sure I finish off my blocks." Larry Caper said he was trying to improve on "running strong after contact." DJ Young said that the team is working on a priority of "run block first, pass block second."
Below, the ES has his projected starting lineup this fall; unless incoming blue-chipper William Gholston cracks the defensive depth chart early, expect not too many upsets here. But, Gholston does have a shot to play as a true freshman: Michigan State lacks depth on the offensive and defensive fronts, again this year.
INJURY NOTE
OL Henry Conway has a neck injury and is out for the Spring.
ES PROJECTED FALL DEPTH CHART
(bold indicates previously started sometime at MSU)
OFFENSE (10 returning starters)
---------------------------------
QB 8 KIRK COUSINS (6-3, 202, Jr.)
10 Andrew Maxwell (6-3, 200, Fr.)
FB 44 JOSH ROUSE (6-3, 235, Sr.-5)
47 Adam Setterbo (6-3, 228, Jr.)
RB 22 LARRY CAPER (5-11, 220, So.)
4 EDWIN BAKER (5-9, 199, So.)
Z 82 KESHAWN MARTIN (5-11, 185, Jr.)
3 B.J. Cunningham (6-2, 206, Jr.)
13 Bennie Fowler (6-1, 206, R-Fr.)
X 7 KEITH NICHOL (6-2, 220, Jr.)
2 Mark Dell (6-2, 197, Sr.)
LT 59 D.J. YOUNG (6-5, 315, Sr.-5)
71 John Deyo (6-6, 294, So.)
79 David Barrent (6-8, 312, R-Fr.)
LG 67 JOEL FOREMAN (6-4, 306, Jr.)
68 Ethan Ruhland (6-5, 290, So.)
C 66 JOHN STIPEK (6-5, 292, Sr.-5)
72 Nate Klatt (6-4, 290, R-Fr.)
RG 61 ANTONIO JEREMIAH (6-5, 360, R-Jr.)
77 J’Michael Deane (6-5, 312, Sr.-5)
RT 75 JARED MCGAHA (6-6, 295, Jr.)
73 Henry Conway (6-6, 306, R-Fr.)
TE 83 CHARLIE GANTT (6-5, 255, Sr.-5)
80 Dion Sims (6-5, 275, So.) or
88 Brian Linthicum (6-5, 240, Jr.)
DEFENSE (8 returning starters)
---------------------------------
DT 52 DENZEL DRONE (6-2, 252, R-Fr.)
87 Todd Anderson (6-2, 240, Jr.)
DT 96 KEVIN PICKELMAN (6-4, 278, Jr.)
60 Micajah Reynolds (6-5, 302, R-Fr.)
NT 93 BLAKE TREADWELL (6-3, 277, So.)
97 Dan France (6-6, 283, R-Fr.)
DE 91 TYLER HOOVER (6-7, 270, So.)
63 Corey Freeman (6-2, 235, So.)
LB 43 ERIC GORDON (6-0, 228, Sr.-5)
36 Jon Misch (6-3, 206, Sr.-5)
LB 53 GREG JONES (6-1, 235, Sr.)
40 Max Bullough (6-3, 235, Fr.)
LB 10 CHRIS NORMAN (6-1, 225, So.)
28 Denicos Allen (5-10, 215, R-Fr.)
CB 5 JOHNNY ADAMS (5-11, 170, R-So.)
12 Dana Dixon (6-2, 173, R-Fr.)
CB 29 CHRIS L RUCKER (6-2, 195, Sr.)
32 Mitchell White (6-1, 172, So.)
FS 39 TRENTON ROBINSON (5-10, 190, Jr.)
21 Patrick White (5-11, 194, R-Fr.)
SS 11 MARCUS HYDE (6-0, 202, Sr.-5)
26 Jesse Johnson (5-10, 188, Sr.-5)
GREEN & WHITE SPRING GAME & YOUTH FOOTBALL CLINIC
The Green-White intrasquad game will be held Saturday, April 24 at 1:30 p.m. in Spartan Stadium. Parking is free (in Lots T-79, A-62, S-56, P-39/40, H-63 and M-66), and the stadium gates (Gates B, C, J and K) open at 12 p.m. Admission is free. Prior to the spring game, MSU's coaching staff and players will conduct a free youth football clinic (no registration required). Children, ages 8-12, are invited to attend the youth clinic from 10-11:30 a.m. on the grass practice fields behind the Duffy Daugherty Football Building, located at the corner of Chestnut Road and Shaw Lane.
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