Friday, December 29, 2017

Business trip to San Diego. Gorgeous.

This was a business trip.  Let the pleasure begin.

Let me get some dispersions out first: Weather has been awful the last four days.  80 degrees and sunny the whole time.  Sweating.  Wearing shorts, drinking on patios.  Horrific. 

Go GREEN!  Indeed
Now for the fun: Wow.  What a performance.  What a day!  Started with ES in the Holiday Bowl Parade (uber cool).  High-fiving Spartans up and down PCH and downtown San Diego. 

Gotta get on the parade!  SPARTANS HAVE IT GOING ON!!!!

The game?  Complete, absolute perfection.  What can you say about the Holiday Bowl performance out of Michigan State?  You would have thought we were playing Davenport University - not Washington State.  ES is up and down all day in SD: "We got this."  Yup. 

Wore shorts and flip-flops to the game to watch a thorough dissection of a decent team.  Surgery.  We destroyed our opponent.  The Cougs had no answer for the Spartan offense.  None.  Brian Lewerke put on an absolute clinic.  Top shelf performance - throwing darts all over the field and running wild.  MVP performance? Absolutely.  73 yards on the ground.  213 in the air.  3 TDs.  Whaaaa???  You just had to witness it.  That first TD, Lewerke scrambling... and all of us in the crowd could see Cody White work from right to left in the end zone and yell "HE'S OPEN!!!!!"  And Lewerke just threw a strike.  It was beautiful.  Tears.

Game over, man. 
The ES has been hard on Dave Warner.  But, this time he worked.  Made that team from western Washington look like little school girls.  Beautiful. We pounded the ball early (and late).  That 16 play, 9:24 drive was gorgeous, ending with the aformentioned TD to Cody White.  Totally smoking hot. 

And... the game was over. Because we cut Lewerke loose and he started throwing the ball all over the place.  We established run, and then did pass.  It was a complete checkmate.  Genius. Not rocket science. Just smart.

The defense was well prepared for crossing routes.  Very well prepared.  Stuffed the run.  Wazzu couldn't run shit - WSU lost their QB and 2 WRs before the game... but it didn't matter if they were playing.  100 times if we played them, we beat them 100 times.  MSU is just in a different league and prominence that WSU - and it showed.

Lewerke just went nuts.  Throwing beautiful passes all over the field.  Felton Davis dropped one ball on the day, but he was WIDE OPEN on several others.  The second TD, the Spartan Nation yelling "HE'S WIDE OPEN!!!" Lewerke didn't miss.  Hit Davis is a stride 49 yards right into the end zone.  The ES was crying in joy.  Just throwing darts. 

Just part of the domination.... 
FYI - ES just ran into a dude here (Louie) at the Waterfront Bar in San Diego - he went to scUM - congratulated us on our stomping. 

And then, Warner went back to LJ Scott.  Beautiful.  And LJ is running like Barry Sanders all over the place.  Beautiful. 

Victory!  An absolute ass-whipping. 
Went to the after party at the #barleymash here in downtown SD - bar just keep playing all MSU videos from the past year, place was jammed with Spartan crowd.  All night long. Very very cool.  The owner is a Spartan. 

Keep on a Rockin'-me baby... 

All in all.  What a day.  What the hell is next?  SD Alumni watch party for MSU-Cleveland State???  Woop woop.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Enlightened Preview from San Diego: MSU vs Wazzu

We gotta gut the pirate, Mike Leach

#16 Michigan State vs #18 Washington State

SDCCU Stadium (it's a credit union)
Holiday Bowl

6 pm PT.  ES is in San Diego. 

Weather:  right now it's perfect: 72 and sunny.  
Kick tomorrow: 60.
TV: FS1

Sagarin Ratings:  MSU #25, Washington State #27

Line:  Spartans favored by 1-1/2

Are you jealous?  You should be.  The ES is in San Diego for the game - with a shoutout to my buddy Smig who wuz gonna join me (who needs a ticket?) but got laid up in the hospital on Xmas eve. He's in rough shape - root for him!  

As expected, ES is distracted on his Cali vacation. Who wouldn't be? This is why we surf and turf, get a nice tan, watch girls in bikinis, and just in general fall asleep on the beach after a good night out at a tiki bar.   

But, read this about strength coach Ken Mannie and why MSU is such a tight-knit group - it's very cool.  Then, ES needs to hit the MSU San Diego alumni social at 3 pm today... it's at the barleymash.

Analysis?  Meh.  Well Washington State has a shootout offense, and Michigan State has a nice defense, particularly against the run with a poor WSU rush game.  Wazzu dismissed their top two wideouts, but who cares - they will be tossing that pigskin all over in good weather; their QB (Luke Falk) is all-time leading passer in Pac 12 history; and MSU is not good on crossing routes.  Yet, MSU has a pretty good defense in key situations and DBs - forcing 13 INTs - are on point when necessary.  Big surprise from was QB Brian Lewerke coming into form - with a solid wideout corps - a year early. He's a significant running threat (best in MSU history???) with a good parlay of backs in LJ Scott, Madre London, and Gerald Holmes.

The biggest concern, in all honesty, is Dave Warner - the MSU Offensive Coordinator.  He can be extremely sketchy - with John L Smith-like play calling stupidity at the worst times.  If he can keep the foot on the throat of Wazzu when driving... maintain attack mode... then MSU should win going away.

In the meantime, ES is gonna sip on some beer & tequila, get a sun tan, and figure out what the hell to do other than look at ships and such. But, it will be outside!  
Gotta meet Mike.  Or, rather his friends.  I need more of these people!

Predictions:
Debbie Does Texas:  MSU 32-31
Oakland Ronnie:  MSU 34-28
Big Joe and Phantom 309:  MSU 35-31
Aussie Paul:  MSU 45-0
RGM3:  28-17 MSU. 10 win season, bitches!

ES sez:  LJ Scott 38, Luke Falk 30

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Enlightened Preview: Michigan State at Rutgers

#16 Michigan State at #Nothing Rutgers
High Point Solutions Stadium
Piscataway, NJ

4 pm ET.  ES is in San Antonio:  3 pm CT.

TV: FOX

Sagarin Ratings:  MSU #29,  Rutgers #89

Line:  Spartans favored by 2 TDs (14)

IT'S RIVALRY WEEK!  Nothing like playing your biggest rival on the last football Saturday of the year.  Gotta give it up to Jim Delaney for this scheduling - brilliant move to put the Spartans against the oldest football program in the history of the game. Idiot.

Big Bob joined the ES for the Rutgers game last year.  We drove all the way to New Jersey.  Tickets were $100 each, if you can believe it.  We ran into Doug (Spartan lover from DC) who sat next to us and cheered on the Big Green in our only Big Ten win of the year.

That's the tree that ES punted the football into. 
Landed on the top.  Shit you not. 
Travis Park, San Antonio.
Now to this year.  Yesterday was epic.  Started out the day going to a park and kicking my best punt of the year.  Seriously.  Beautiful spiral.  Ended up on the top of a tree.  Lost my ball.  Sucked.  But, then shot guns at shooting gallery, beer & tequila, went to a Hofbrau house, and actually took a nap.

By the way - LOVING the Big Green men's hoop machine.  The Spartans looked like a pro team last night vs UConn.  Wow.

Predictions:

Debbie Does Texas:  34- 10 MSU.
GVSU Gregger:  27-24 Rugrats.
Aussie Paul:  34-0 MSU.
Jack V:  24-10 good guys.
RGM3:  24-7 Michigan Agricultural College.
Oakland Ronnie:  35-14 MSU with Rutgers going up 14-0 in first quarter
Big Joe and Phantom 309: 38-6 MSU. Rutgers never should have joined the big ten
Glen Arbor Tom:  I just hope the weather sucks.

ES sez:  I miss my football 31, Jimmy Hoffa 10.

FYI - Mike:  Best PAINT JOB EVER!!!!!!!!  Please don't rain on that paint job!




Sunday, November 19, 2017

Graham Couch LSJ: "Spartan Stadium crowd was disappointing" - GET WITH THE CROWD

Worst weather ever.  EVER .  Snowglobe. 
This is what I sent to Graham Couch of the LSJ today, someone who I respect... but I think he needs a few more years in his gut first after reading this crap. My response - DON'T YOU DARE MESS WITH THE MSU FAN BASE. GET YOUR ASS IN THE STANDS FOR 4 HOURS LIKE ME.

------------------

I did my best. I stayed until 4:30 in the 4th quarter and was frigid and shaking with freezing bones and arms.

I don't appreciate your comment about the Spartan fan-base. You should have been with me the whole game instead of in your cozy box. Your writing is disappointing. I tried. I was there.

Why don't you come stand with me for 3 hours the next time and get soaked in rain FIRST and then watch the temps dive below freezing and the winds pick up? I had Spartan friends fly in with their kids from FLORIDA to watch this game and they left early. You are disappointing with your comments. I throw the blame back on you for even stating as such. How DARE YOU bring up the fan base. Get your ass out of the press box for 4 hours and in the stadium. That's BS. I'm very very upset with what you say.

If we were #1 in the country playing Alabama, that stadium would not be half full. No way, the weather was AWFUL. Get out of your comfort seat for 4 hours and join me next time. That is my invitation to you. See you in Florida where it is warmer.

Yes, I am going to put this on my website and criticize you - it's just not fair. Your statement is biased and privileged. 

If you were to first, be like us, then criticize us. That's fine. But with your report - You have no right to say that. I will blast you on social media. Take me on - it's fine. I have no problem.

-----------------

Freezing our asses off.  Why bother in 124?  Deeter.
I'll be damned if I was gonna leave.  
Colder than a ticket-taker's smile at the Ivar Theater on a Sat night

Friday, November 17, 2017

Enlightened Preview: #17 Michigan State vs. Maryland

#17 Michigan State vs Maryland Trailer Park
East Lansing, Michigan

November 18, 2017.  4:00 pm ET.
TV: Fox

Sagarin Ratings: MSU #28, Maryland #74
Line:  MSU by 16

Comments:  Maryland is on their 4th quarterback.  Sorry, but game over.  After burning the tape last game, it's time to hit the reset against an offense that couldn't down a whiskey-shine in a shit box.

Predictions:
  • Sloth: MSU 6-0
  • Big Joe and Phantom 309: MSU 44-17
  • RGM3: MSU 35-10
  • Debbie Does Texas: MSU 37-21
  • Chris Zeck: MSU 2-0.  Walk off safety!
  • Brock: Bad weather tomorrow. I’ll go with 14-10 MSU.
  • PB crowd:
    • RAIDERS Ronnie - MSU 34-14. MSU will score on every offensive possession (include FGs)
    • Raiders' better half Mackenna - MSU 28-21
    • Skuz:  MSU 34-17
  • Gregger:  32-17 Big Green TD Machine
  • Antioch C: Home game...mad about last week....running game will get going...sans fumbles... - MSU 24 & UMD 10
  • ASHE Jeremy: Bad weather? We got this. 19-18
  • Aussie Paul: MSU 56-0
ES sez:  Turtles: Go back to your trailer park.


Final score: Senior Day 31, Trailer Park 13. 

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Enlightened Preview: Spartans at Buckeyes

Welcome to reality Oscar Meyer
#12 Michigan State at #13 Ohio State
Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH

November 11, 2017 - VETERANS DAY
11 CT - 12 ET

TV:  Fox
Sagarin Ratings: MSU #22, Ohio State #6
Line: Ohio State by 15-1/2

Comments:  Thank you Vegas for poster board material!  Even the Buckeye-faithful think the bookies are smoking crack.  Best bet in America.  Dantonio has his team on a roll... watch out. The end.

Predictions: 

Debbie Does Texas: MSU 34-21
Sloth:  MSU 12-10
Grand Valley Greg:  OSU 34 - MSU 17
Gobble Gobble Turkey: 17-9 MSU
Oakland Ronnie: 31-17 MSU
Big Joe and Phantom 309: MSU 35-OSU 31
RGM3: MSU 24 Osu 21. Michael Geiger 2.0. Book your hotel stay. We going to Indy
Aussie Paul:  MSU 36-0

ES sez:  Doubting is done.  Buckeyes be done.  Follow the lead of RGM3: we going to Indy.  Another last second TD - and PAT - wins.

Buckeye Masters 27,  Ohio State 26.  

Monday, November 06, 2017

Photologue: MSU v Penn State

Photologue from Saturday, starting with the game winner...

The winner.  Clock says :02.  Brilliant

Isn't she freezing?  Fox tailgate

Before the storm

Real fans - diehards return

Blurry is accurate

Just a great football game to watch.  Brutal

Yup, we were right on top of the action.  Very loud.  

Incredible effort by the Big Green.  On the way to victory.

Score and kickoff... Cold, wet, fun!!!!  LOUD!!!

Bring it.

BRING IT.  GO GREEN.


Stats don't lie: Lewerke is rocking

Let me share with thy mine age.

The last two weeks, Brian Lewerke has been on fire.  On fire.

He is 72-of-113.

No, that is not a typo.  He threw 113 passes in the past two weeks.  He has 1,014 yards in total offense.

Huh?

In the 1987-88 season, MSU won the Rose Bowl, defeating the University of Spoiled Children twice that year.  That year - THE ENTIRE YEAR - Spartans through the air were 71-of-144 behind the leadership of Bobby McCallister - Andre Rison.

Lewerke has thrown for 845 yards... in two games.

Consider 1997.  And 2007.  Check this out - per game averages below. 



Sunday, November 05, 2017

Thank You Penn State

The Penn State offense at Michigan State
This is why you play the games.  Big Green up to #13

The ES has been to 1,000+ football games, but this was up there - top 10.  Screw the weather, enjoy the moment. That :49 drive was perfect.  Perfect.  The good Lord could not have scripted it better. Speaking of Him:

Thank you for lightning.

Thank you 400+ yards back-to-back, Mr. Lewerke.

Thank you for the cold, wet Novembers of mid-Michigan.

Thank you for ouzo.

Thank you for allowing our coach to dominate you.

Thank you for the Spartan Fight Song.

Thank you for witnessing complete control over a game.  Control.  This was a gift for you to learn how to coach a football game.  You are welcome.

Thank you coaching up 2-star recruits.

Thank you Michigan, Penn State, and Iowa.

Thank you for you and your dialed-in Vegas connections on a spank-down: NOT. 

The Pennsylvania State University: You are always invited.

Saturday, November 04, 2017

Enlightened Preview: Spartans to upset Penn State

 #24 Michigan State (6-2, 4-1) hosts #7 Penn State (7-1, 4-1)
November 4, 2017, Noon
Spartan Stadium
Weather:  37 and rain. Ccccccc-cold

Sagarin Ratings: MSU #26, Penn State #3
Line: Nittany JoePas favored by 10

TV: Fox

Predictions: Debbie Does Texas: I believe in miracles, MSU 21-20
RGM3:  MSU 31-28, upset time
Chef Tom: I'll be there to witness MSU win in a surprise blowout.
Aussie Paul:  42-0 MSU.
Keith:  35-31 green
Turkish Gobbler Brock:  3-0 MSU
Big Joe and Phantom 309: 35-14 Penn State with little or no rain 24-14 MSU if torrential downpour
Grand Valley Greg: 35-28 MSU
Carly (I have no clue): 21-7 msu, I have no clue

ES sez:  Happy Valley is happy for a reason - there is nothing else within 300 miles of that place. Thank God we are home.  Defense wins this game - break out the long johns.

Upset City 15, Penn 14


Saturday, October 28, 2017

Enlightened Preview: Spartans at Northwestern

#16 Michigan State (6-1, 4-0) at Northwestern (4-3, 2-2)
Oct 28, 2017 - 3:30 pm
Ryan Field

Sagarin Ratings: MSU #26, Northwestern #34

Line:  Spartans favored by 1-1/2
TV:  ESPN

The ES is in DC for some meetings, going to a Gallaudet University (school for the deaf) Division III football game today.  Then, woop it up with the Spartan faithful at Capitol Lounge. 

Predictions:

Debbie Does Texas: 21-17 MSU
Minny Jeremy:  18-5 MSU
Aussie Paul: 52-0
Doc: In 78 I was at the game in Dyche Stadium. I think MSU won 52-3. Eddie Smith to Kirk Gibson all day long. They give us trouble. Though it is the site of John Ls comeback. 26-22 Sparty. Wierd game. Hopefully Terry Handratty, I mean our QB won't slip & fall on the train platform.
Chef Tom: Was at Dyke in 83 when the Spartans provived the Cats with their 29th, record breaking, consecutive loss.
Big Joe and Phantom 309: 37-24 MSU
Reno Ron: Sparties 24 - Mini Ditkas 10
Keith the Shrimp: 28-13 green. More solid d.
Sluggo:  17-13 MSU

ES sez:  Rough, and tough, and ugly... but another win:  Sparty wins, 17-16



Monday, October 23, 2017

Tom Izzo in court; MSU FB fave at N'western


All is right, or strange with the world.  This is for those not on Twitter...

scUM loses again, hammered at Penn State and is knocked out of the AP Top 25 under the tutelage of Jesus Harbaugh.  Now Freep is picking up on the Mike Valenti Show, in which for two years he has ripped that Harbaugh is no deity.  Freep is a little late to the show.

But, now this:  coach Izzo on the Judge Mathis show.  OK, strange it is.  Welcome to the working week!  Pssst... #16 Big Green TD Machine an early 1-1/2 2 point fave at N'western this week.

No keys to the Pope here... Must've been a summer's day off for Tom.

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Enlightened Preview: MSU hosts Indy

#18 Michigan State (6-1, 3-0) vs Indiana (3-3, 0-3)
Spartan Stadium
East Lansing, MI
3:30 pm, ABC-TV
75 (wow!), partly sunny

Sagarin Ratings:  MSU #24, Indy #46

Yes.  LJ Scott will play.  He is an idiot, but he paid his fine.  ES bets he sits the first quarter.

Predictions:

Big Joe and Phantom 309: 35-24 MSU. It's going to be a beautiful day for football!
Debbie Does Texas: 34-21 MSU
Aussie Paul: 28-0 MSU
Carter: 31-24 MSU
Keith: 34-10 MSU
RGM3: 31-14 MSU

ES was out too late last night whooping it up at the Spartan hockey game (6-4 victory vs Western!). So, let's make it a clean sweep for the Spartans: Fumbleitis LJ Scott 30, Fumbleitis Indy 20.

FYI - Yes, Huddersfield Town defeated Manchester United, 2-1, for first win over Man U in 50+ years.

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Big Green moves up. All is proper in the world.



It is all proper.  The world is now spinning squarely on its axis.

AP 25


RKTEAMRECPTSTREND
1Alabama(61)7-01525
2Penn State6-01432 1
3Georgia7-01417 1
4TCU6-01322 2
5Wisconsin6-01241 2
6Ohio State6-11184 3
7Clemson6-11117 5
8Miami5-01109 3
9Oklahoma5-11066 3
10Oklahoma State5-1900 4
11USC6-1886 2
12Washington6-1811 7
13Notre Dame5-1798 3
14Virginia Tech5-1727 1
15Washington State6-1578 7
16NC State6-1573 4
South Florida6-0573 2
18Michigan State5-1563 3
19Michigan5-1558 2
20UCF5-0387 2
21Auburn5-2303 11
22Stanford5-2274 1
23West Virginia4-2157NR
24LSU5-2108NR
25Memphis5-162NR