Michigan State's offense requires new teeth

I have all 32 teeth. Let's see how many remain after this Spartan fall.

I am not going to Spartan Stadium on Saturday's this fall for tooth extractions.  I won't do it. 

It was disappointing.  Too many mistakes everywhere by Michigan State, especially playing against a sub-par opponent in Florida Atlantic.  We’re 1-0, but here are some of my thoughts.

About last night’s game.  It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out MSU is in trouble on the offensive line.  Three yards and a cloud of dust?"  We fed the ball to Carter 19 times for 2.5 yards a carry.  That sucks.  And, many of the plays were telegraphed.  I'm sitting up in Section 121 with Sloth, the God Deieter, and the rest of the section, yelling "My God, stop running it up the middle!!!!  It doesn't work!"  Unfortunately, the coaches didn't listen and kept at it, with little result to show.  Funny how I got cheers from the crowd: the thought being if we struggle to beat FAU, what the hell is gonna happen when Ohio State comes to town?  Michigan State has lots of problems on the offensive interior.  The offensive line could use my dead grandma to open up some holes.  Everything between the tackles was inconsistent and for the most part unproductive.  Let’s look.  

MSU had 179 yards on the ground: that’s pretty good, but what is the problem is looking at efficiency:

https://msuspartans.com/sports/football/stats\

Though MSU averaged 4.8 yards per carry, the issue is that 63 was on one TD run by Lynch-Adams (who should clearly be the starter).  Those are real yards and they count; if this is a consistent trend, I would pleasure it and sell the barn. But the problem is the rest of the game, and when you take out the run, MSU was 36 rushes for just 116 yards or a 3.2 average.  That’s not good.  

If you were at the game, as was I, the game was not fun to watch. Fairly boring, mistakes, poor tackling, and bad blocking.  But what became apparent as the game wore on, was the ineffectiveness of the interior offensive line of MSU.  It seemed like much of the time, QB Aidan Chiles was running for his life.  That’s not a good sign.  

Speaking of Chiles, he missed many wide-open throws, a wide-open TD opportunity that went three rows into the seats, and threw a very bad INT in what should have been a pix-6 as State was driving deep in FAU territory: we were gonna score, and my g-friend and I expected as much, to go up 23-3 and head for the exits.  But, then the stupid throw by Chiles.  It wasn’t good.  Watch it on replay. He only completed 10 passes on 25 attempts, with 2 interceptions.  According to MSU, that's a terrible 62.9 QB rating for Chiles (FAU's QB had an 84.2 rating, and that's accurate as he was the better QB in this game). 

Look at this photo:

This is what you teach QBs NOT TO DO.  Throw off your back foot falling back and making your shoulder do all the work.  Hey, Chiles, your 18 years old, dude.  Step into your throws and stop thinking your talent is going to bail you out.  This is a big problem.  He needs much more coaching on his decision-making.  He did not throw well. 

However, it wasn't all his fault.  WR Montorie Foster dropped two passes, ran poor routes, and fumbled.  He did not play well. He should not be the top option for Chiles, because he is unreliable.  It's unfortunate, but the proof is in the play and not the potential. We need him to play better. 

We also learned that RB Nate Carter was busy eating too many Cheetos and Pizza Hut this summer.  19 carries for 52 yards, mostly up the middle into madness, that's a whopping 2.5 yards per carry.  Carter was completely useless in this game; and, while some of it was poor interior blocking and poor play calling, he had several opportunities to bounce outside.  Instead, Carter just plowed into the middle like Jehuu Caulcrik or Earl Campbell, but with less mass and brains, making Carter just fall down. You can't just plow into the middle when everyone expects it and have Carter get the yards; it's like running into a brick wall; many times, poor ingenuity and poor execution. It reminded me of the John L Smith years, constantly underperforming and making mistakes.  Luckily, we have an effective back in Lynch-Adams, and both his dashiness and his speed were clearly on display. He was the player of the game. 

On defense, they were asked to do more than they should have.  They held up pretty well, giving up just 248 total yards despite all the gifts from the MSU offense. And, they managed SEVEN sacks on a very mobile FAU quarterback.  The talent difference really showed on the defensive front.  MSU should be very tough here this season.  I was pretty surprised about the play of #7 Jordan Turner and #8 Anthony Jones.  They were all over the place and tackled well - it's a big positive for this team.  They played well, and bailed out the offense on several occasions.  

Bottom line, I really really REALLY do not want a season AGAIN where the defense is bailing out the offense.  It makes for ugly wins, gutwrenching games, making things harder than they should be, and just making you want to crap your pants every week.  It’s a lot more fun to watch the Detroit Lions than the MSU Spartans.  Maybe Jonathan should call Dan Campbell?  Hmmmm…..

MSU must beat Maryland next week.  It will not be easy. There are a lot problems that must get fixed. And, it all starts with that interior offensive line.  Tell Foster to catch the damn ball.  And tell Aidan to chill and make better decisions.  All of them have gotta play better.  

GO GREEN. 

Enlightened Spartan 2024 Preview

Is this the official song for Michigan State this year?  "Gouge Away"?...we can use a biblical performance by the Spartans this fall. 

Well, Spartan fans.  Here we are.  2024, bring it on.  The one thing we can all agree on:  we can only go UP.   This is the 24th year the ES has published a Michigan State preview.  I'm getting old. 

It's interesting bringing in a new coach for the umpteenth time in my life (Daugherty, Stoltz, Muddy Waters, Perles, $aban, Williams, John L Smith, Dantonio, Tucker, now John A. Smith).  I'm hopeful, and as the ES first predicted on October 6 of last year, Smith would leave his alma mater for greener pastures here in East Lansing.  He's the right guy with recruiting/embracing NIL, tough running game, dynamic QB play, and a rugged defense.  It fits the "tough guy" image of Michigan State that we can only hope pays off.  At $7 million a year, we hope it pays off.

What does the depth chart tell us?  

I'm very keen on watching the line play - on offense, we've plugged the holes with two transfer seniors (including Tanner Miller from Oregon State) joining returnee Brandon Baldwin, and two red-shirt sophomores.  What's the improvement?  From the weight room? Or is it better scheming?  Or just talent?  Our pass defense has been atrocious the past five years, in part because of poor ability to get to the quarterback putting sub-standard DBs on islands and getting burned time and again.

On defense, we have four transfers (Middle Tennessee, Old Dominion, Wisconsin, Georgia Tech).  Reminds me a bit back in the day when John "Loser" Smith would plug the losses with transfers on the way to 7-5 seasons.  We can do better, and watch #7 Jordan Turner, a senior out of Wisconsin playing linebacker.  He should be damn good. 

The bonus seems we have a good kicking game (the way it used to be pre-Mel), with Eckley at punter and Jonathan Kim at FGs.  That should help the defense out.  But the offense needs to move the ball to do its part.  To that end, Aidan Chiles is an X-factor who has speed to burn and is a spot-on high level recruit who also transferred from Oregon State.  He's lucky he gets to hand the ball off to Nate Carter, who was easily Michigan State's best RB last year.  Fast, swifty, and with a punch: he reminds me of LJ Scott.  We just need the boys up front to keep the enemy at bay and open them holes.  

The first game against Florida Atlantic should be an interesting test.  Below, we have some prognostications for the season; there will be another brief post with a preview of FAU shortly.  But, this is what the pundits say about MSU this year:

1. What will be the MSU final record in 2024?

2. Will MSU go to a bowl game, and which one?

3. On a scale of 1-5 (1= bad, 5 = good), how do you think new QB Aidian Chiles will perform while making $1 Million in NIL money for the Spartans?

4. What will be the biggest win for MSU?

5. What will be the worst loss for MSU?

6. Are you going to an MSU away game? Which one and why?

7. Which musical act or song will best represent MSU football this year?

Aussie Paul:

1. 15-0

2. National Chamionship

3. 5

4. National Championship

5. N/A

6. No, too far

7. Slayer- "raining blood"

Pittsburgh Lee:

1. 6-6, maybe 7-5.  

2. Whatever the Pizza Bowl is called these days.  

3. Better than Noah Kim, worse than Connor Cook, but exciting to watch.  

4. Win: UM.  

5. Loss: OSU.  

6. Every MSU home game is an away game for me, lol.  

7. "My Erection is Over", a true punk classic.

Pontiac Keith:

I expect that we will be similar to what we were in sabans first year with us.

Mediocre or slightly above...

Lansing Cat:

We'll go 6-6, with our best win over Iowa. and our biggest loss against Michigan.  Song for the year?  "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?" by Culture Club. 

Big Bob:

1) MSU goes 6-6 this season 

2) but no bowl game. The big jump in performance comes next year 

3) Aiden Chiles will be a 3.1417 on a 1-5 scale 

4) The biggest win in terms of points will be Prayery View but in terms of importance will be Iowa 

5) The biggest loss will once again be to Ohio State 

6) No away game this year but USC would be a great trip next season!

7) Without question, “I want my balls back” by The Exciting Sounds of Savo will best represent MSU this year

The ES:

1.  7-5.

2.  Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop

3.  4 out of 5.  Not his fault if he is running for his life. 

4.  Biggest win?  Iowa

5.  Biggest loss? Ohio State

6.  Oregon, to go see my mom in Port Angeles, WA.  

7.  "Waiting Room" by Fugazi

Aug. 30: Florida Atlantic.  W.  37-17.
Sep. 7. at Maryland.  L.  20-24.
Sep 14. Prairie View A&M.  W.  48-10.
Sep. 21. at Boston College.  W. 31-20.
Sep. 28.  Ohio State.  L.  10-42.
Oct. 4.  at Oregon.  L. 17-45.

Oct. 11. BYE
Oct. 19.  Iowa.  W.  8-4.
Oct. 26.  at Michigan.  L. 16-35.
Nov. 2.  Indiana. W.  32-27.

Nov. 9. BYE
Nov. 16. at Illinois. L.  20-26.
Nov. 22.  Purdue.  W.  35-14.
Nov. 30.  Rutgers.  W.  27-21. 

ENJOY THE SEASON!  GO BIG GREEN TOUCHDOWN MACHINE!!!

Spartoonies take on #17 Illinoisie

The old days with Dick Butkus are back at Illinoisie. Go figure.

Michigan State Spartans at #17 Illinois Illini
MSU (3-5/1-4) at Illinois (7-1/4-1)
November 5, 2022, 3:30 pm ET 

TV: BTN

Weather:  Sunny, 64, winds 11 mph SW

Sagarin Ratings: MSU #49, UI #22

Line outta Vegas:  Illinois by 17

Wait, Illinoisie is ranked?  What year is this, Butkus-esque 1964?  

This is the toughest game of the season for Michigan State.  After the scUM “tunnel fiasco” leaving 4 Michigan Staters suspended (and two defensive starters - Grose and our best player this year, Windmon), it will be a challenge for the Spartans to defend one of the nation’s best runners at the Illini in Chase Brown.  Ugh.  Top that off by the haphazard and underwhelming performance by the offense this year against the nation’s top-ranked defense, and that can spell trouble.  

Mind you, pudding-boy-coached Illinois has not played a heavyweight in its competition to date (beating Iowa 9-6 in a game that took football back 100 years; beating Wisconsin and Minnesota).  Is MSU a heavyweight?  Traditionally, yes, but this test will be foreboding.  The offense for MSU must get on track to have a chance in this game.

ES sez:  Pudding Boy 27, Tunnel Vision 14.

ES Preview: Michigan State at Ugly Uniforms

MSU (2-2, 0-1) vs Maryland (3-1, 0-1)

Saturday, October 1, 2022. 3:30 pm
Capitol One Field, College Park, Maryland
TV: FS1
Weather: 62, showers.  Wind:11 NE

Sagarin Ratings: Maryland #35, Michigan State #47

Line Outta Vegas:  Maryland by 8.

A tiny Taulia Terrapin

The ES got to thinking…. Has Maryland EVER been favored over MSU?  Methinks not, especially with MSU’s 10-2 dominance in the series.  

Oh well, this is not the most exciting post from the ES.  MSU has major problems dating back to last year in the defense, and they obviously have not been solved.  What’s to think one week makes a difference?  

Maryland brings a prolific offense to this game, like the last two opponents, Washington and Minnesota.  Uh-oh.  Somebody tell DC Scottie Hazelton.  The defense has no pass rush and the DBs have been chasing receivers down from behind the last two weeks.  It’s been embarassing.

Spartan Fans:  Pray for a miracle of for the earth to split into two.   Pray for rain, lots of it, just to make things interesting.  I dunno.  Harumph. Whatever.  I have a faint sliver of hope.  It makes no sense for Maryland to be favored over MSU.  None.  Time to right the ship. Coach Tuck, measuring stick time.  

Prognostications:   

ES sez:  MSU 28, Maryland 26.

ES Preview: MSU vs the Rubber Men

#14 Michigan State Spartans (1-0) hosts Akron Zips (1-0)
Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
September 10, 2022.  4 pm.

Weather:  82, partly cloudy
TV: BTN

Zippy-di-do-da!

Sagarin Ratings: MSU #38, Akron #173
Line outta Vegas:  MSU by five touchdowns (MSU -35)

It will be interesting to see the fandom in Spartan Stadium on Saturday, as the Big Green takes on a ho-hum opponent in the Zips from the University of Akron.  Coach Tuck was able to pack the house last week with the matchup against Western Michigan, but that was also an in-state stint.  Can he sell 70,000 tickets to see a very very bad Akron team?  Anyone have an extra ticket? I'm guessing the scalpers will be hard-pressed to get over $25 for the game. 

Akron needed overtime to defeat a not-good FCS St. Francis (PA) team last week at home.  Sagarin ranks St. Francis #221 in Division I.  Akron also was ranked pre-season by Athlon to be last in the MAC East.  However, they've got a good coach, Joe Moorhead, who previously was at Mississippi State (head coach), Oregon, and Penn State. Outside of that, just watch their QB, DJ Irons, who is a huge 6'6" but a light 215 pounds.   

Oh, it's NEON UNIFORM day tomorrow.  Good, let's get it out of the way. 

Prognostications:

Freep: Monarrez, MSU 76-6; Sabin, MSU 48-10; Seidel & Solari, MSU 45-10
LSJ:  MSU 50-10
USA Today: MSU 41-14

ES sez.... MSU 52, Akron 10.

  

ES Preview: MSU vs Arizona State

Michigan State Spartans (#13, 1-0) at
Arizona State Sun Demons (1-0)
September 8, 2018.  10:45 pm ET.
ESPN.
Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe AZ.

Kickoff weather is 102 degrees!  Hades in Tempe!

Line: MSU by 5 1/2

Sagarin Ratings:
MSU #17, Arizona State #48

Rewind:  About those Spartans vs the Other Mormons

We can make this quick.  What was difficult to stomach in Spartan Stadium was two fold.  Or three fold.  Or four fold.  Or more 1.  Needing a last minute drive to beat a pedestrian Utah State.  2.  Allowing slant plays time and again without MSU dropping a lineman into zone to pick off a pass.  3.   The play of the offensive line, particularly the left side, which couldn't block my dead grandma out of the way.  4.  The play of RG LJ Scott - not only did he dance too much and was ineffective running, but he whiffed on several blocks that led to hurries for QB Brian Lewerke.  5.  J Rand finding the biggest cooler on earth, filling it with beer and ice, then realizing the need to move it without wheels.  That's what friends are for!

What was good to watch was:  1.  The tailgate by J Rand, hosting friends, food, and beer!  2.  The play of Connor Heyward, who ran like a beast without those dance moves.  3.  A full stadium on a beautiful fall day.  4.  The play of Felton Davis, who can flat out run and catch - he is a stud at wideout.

Bottom line:  After watching the Buckeyes take Oregon State to the woodshed and giving them 70 lashings, MSU had better plug those holes and move them lines - and fast - if they have any chance of making a move in the B1G East.

Methinks the Sun Demons aren't as scary as they think they are.... Nice atomic age art here!

Back to the Present:  About the Spartans TODAY in the desert heat

C Hock had a pretty damn succinct writeup:  "No way we blow them out.  3 year starter at QB (Manny Wilkins) will air it to the 6'4" receiver over Josh Butler for at least 3 TDs."  Defense better get a push or it can be a long day.  The Sun Demons will roll out the hard red earth for the Spartans, changing the field from grass to hard clay baked under the desert sun.  After the first drive, Lewerke notes: "These cleats don't work so good on dirt."  And the Spartans get the advantage playing in their bare feet on that clay.  It's so damn hot, the Gatorade will evaporate and Spartans will turn to drinking each other's sweat.  Meanwhile, the Sun Demons, overconfident as they are, roll out their black uniforms and realize that dark colors don't mix well with 100+ heat.   All advantages for the Spartans.

C is in Tempe, AZ, with G to root on the Big Green in the scorching heat.   This may be a first - Spartans playing a football game in a lava flow of a heat wave; first time playing football in over 100 degrees heat. Meanwhile, the ES is going to Defiance College to watch his Yellow Jackets play the Hope Flying Dutchmen in 65 degrees and rain.  Steamy.

Predictions: 

Freep says: 27-17 MSU
ESPN staff give it a toss up
Sloth: 31-17 MSU
Keith: 27-24 MSU
C Hock: 31-28 MSU
Carter: 31-21 Sun Demons
RGM3: 38-34 MSU, defense makes stop at the end
Big Joe and Phantom 309: 27-14 MSU, defense steps up big but Lewerke has two turnovers
Tom, the Heart Doctor:  24-14 MSU
Kat: 31-14 MSU...

ES sez:  Defiance 24, Hope 23.   I mean, MSU 32, Sun Demons 28

ES Preview: MSU vs. Utah State

Michigan State Spartans (0-0, #11 AP) vs
Utah State Other Mormons (0-0)

August 31, 2018.  7 pm.  BTN.
Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI.
Weather:  79 and sunny

Sagarin Ratings:  MSU #9, USU #79
Line:  MSU -23 1/2

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL??!!  Bring on that other team in Utah, Utah State University, which are the Aggies officially... but we really know they are the Other Mormons. 

I saw their plane arrive early this morning, flying in what looked like a B-52 very low over Grand Ledge.  (Since Mormons don't condone violence, it was probably just a low flying cropduster... at 5 am).  When they landed, the Other Mormons realized they intended to make their return to conquer Beaver Island, but instead arrived about 250 miles south at the Grand Ledge airport. The Other Mormons are directionally challenged (Jerusalem is across the Atlantic Ocean, not in Utah), but shall arrive in an Amish caravan in East Lansing sometime this afternoon.

Other Mormon plane arriving early Friday morning in Grand Ledge

So, are we scared of the invasion?  Nope.  But, they bring with them a beautiful day and an excuse for a tailgate!  Should be sunny at kickoff, upper seventies, and with grill, friends, and beer in hand - BRING ON FOOTBALL 2018!

ES sez:  Michigan State 38, Utah State 13
Smig: MSU 36-10
Sloth:  MSU 27-10
Keith: MSU 20-17
Big Joe and Phantom 309:  MSU 42-6
RGM3:  MSU 41-21

Enlightened Spartan Predictions for 2018 Season

IT'S FOOTBALL SEASON!  

Time to welcome Utah State to town for the 2018 season's opening shit-kicker!!!! As such, let's forecast the season from some of the most loyal of the ES' Spartan Nation.  They've chimed in with a response to several questions about the Spartans this year...

GO BIG GREEN!

ES sez:

Final Record, Ranking:  11-2, #6

Chance to win B1G Championship: 33%

Team liked the least: Michigan

Beer to be served at opening tailgate:  Maybe some PBR on ice?

Kat.

Final Record, Ranking: 10-2, #7

Chance to win B1G Championship:  50%

Team liked the least:  Michigan

Beer to be served at opening tailgate:  Two Hearted

Sloth.

Final Record: 9-3
Final B1G Record: 7-2
Chance to win B1G Championship:  33%

Team liked the least:  This is the most stupidest question ever asked.

Beer to be served at opening tailgate: If Hirko is bringing the beer, it will be lukewarm and served with a heaping side of VH II.

J Rand.

Final Record,  Ranking: 15-0, #1 - National Champions

Chance to win B1G Championship:  100%

Team liked the least:  Illinois

Beer to be served at opening tailgate:  Cheap

Keith.

Final Record, Ranking: 11-2, #7

Chance to win B1G Championship:  20%

Team liked the least:  Ohio State

Beer to be served at opening tailgate: Oberon

Big Bob. 

Final Record,  Ranking: 11-2, #10

Final B1G Record: 7-2

Chance to win B1G Championship:  50%

Team liked the least:  Michigan

Beer to be served at opening tailgate: Two Hearted

Kzoo Michelle.

Final Record,  Ranking: 10-3, #14

Final B1G Record: 8-1

Chance to win B1G Championship:  50%

Team liked the least:  Michigan

Beer to be served at opening tailgate: Oberon

RGM3.

Final Record,  Ranking: 10-2, Outback Bowl
Final B1G Record: 7-2

Chance to win B1G Championship:  42.69%

Team liked the least:  mother fucking Michigan

Beer to be served at opening tailgate: Two Hearted

Big Joe and Phantom 309.
Final Record, Ranking:  11-1, #6
Team liked the least: Ohio State
Beer to be served at opening tailgate: cheap and cold

PEANUT BARREL

And, over the summer, the ES popped into the Peanut Barrel to ask both Joe and Skuz about their predictions and thoughts... it seemed unanimous among the experts at the PB that the over/under for Spartan wins was 9... with a likelihood of 10-2.

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. 

MSU vs BYU: Spartans v Mormons

Welcome Mormon Nation!  We hope you enjoy your stay in EL. 

(FYI - click on the link - one of the funniest videos EVER made.  Me and Chock laughed for hours.)

#27 MSU 2-2/0-2. Brigham Young 2-3
Sagarin Ratings: MSU #51, BYU #45

Saturday, October 8, 2016. 3:30 pm ET.
Spartan Stadium, East Lansing
Weather: 57 degrees, sunny

TV: ABC 

Line: MSU by 6 (vegasinsider.com)

OK - so here is the skinny on BYU: Jesus is Love.

What does Jeff Sagarin know that we don't?  Damn, sending us down the line to #46 was accurate last week as we looked lethargic - and were penalized for our play - against the Hoosiers.  Indy is good... but come on, they will lose by 28 to Ohio State. Thanks for the measuring stick.  We deserve to be #51 at this point.  Two weeks ago, in the AP Poll we were #8!!!!

MSU has lots of injuries on defense - we have replaced our entire LB corps, which was the best in the nation prior to the season.  That's hurt, and it shows with opposing QBs (prolific ones like BYU's who led a 700+ yard effort last week) taking advantage.   But, it's hard to conceive MSU lose three straight, IMHO.

ES sez - MSU 38, BYU 31.

Freep: MSU 30-24
DetNews: Charboneau, BYU 31-27; Changelis, MSU 21-10; Niyo, MSU 31-24; Wojo, MSU 34-32
LSJ: BYU 31-30
CollegeFootballNews: MSU 30-27
Vanquish The Foe:  good stuff, but not taking a stand?  Woosies.

Post Indiana vomit

MSU vs Indiana.  You watch it.

I am about to jump off a building.  We were screwed.  We played terrible.  Crap.  So much for the playoff.

To answer the questions posted by the ES last week:

• Which team will show up? The 2012 Spartans showed up.  Can't finish. 
• Will Tyler O'Connor show up? His real self did.  Tyler O'Connor just is not a playmaker.  It ain't gonna happen with him at the controls.  It does not help being handcuffed by the referees.
• Will Dave Warner show up? Not in overtime he didn't - the questioning leading to a time-out (and visible frustration from Coach D), followed by a pair of sacks and a missed FG left a big turd.  O'Connor has GOT to throw the ball on third down - get rid of it, don't take the sack; and, well, Geiger - he Geigered it.  Warner had GREAT play calling on the final drive to put MSU in position to go to OT.  But, overall, fairly unimaginative. 
• Will the defensive line show up? Not in the second half when it mattered
• Who will show up? WHAT IS WITH ALL THE PENALTIES!!!!! I give up.  Look below.  

                                    MSU      IND
FIRST DOWNS...................       21       19
RUSHES-YARDS (NET)............   41-175   39-156
PASSING YDS (NET).............      263      281
Passes Att-Comp-Int...........  35-21-0  28-17-1
TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS.....   76-438   67-437
Fumble Returns-Yards..........      0-0      0-0
Punt Returns-Yards............      1-1     2-31
Kickoff Returns-Yards.........     1-23     3-90
Interception Returns-Yards....      1-0      0-0
Punts (Number-Avg)............   5-39.4   3-38.7
Fumbles-Lost..................      2-1      1-0
Penalties-Yards...............    11-98     7-60
Possession Time...............    33:34    26:26
Third-Down Conversions........  4 of 15  9 of 16
Fourth-Down Conversions.......   2 of 2   0 of 1
Red-Zone Scores-Chances.......      1-1      3-4
Sacks By: Number-Yards........      0-0      2-9

#17 Michigan State at Indiana: A Whirling Dervish

Sagarin Ratings: MSU #46, Indiana #66

#17 MSU 2-1/0-1. Indiana 2-1/0-0
Saturday, October 1, 2016.
8:00 pm ET.
Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN

Line: MSU by 6 (vegasinsider.com)
TV: BTN
Weather: 63 degrees, 50% chance of showers

Depth Chart - MSU - Indiana

Which team will show up? Will Tyler O'Connor show up?  Will Dave Warner show up?  Will the defensive line show up?  Will the RBs block?  Who will show up?  Reschke is OUT, Bullough didn't even dress last week... wha????

After Wisky lit up MSU because of our MISTAKES, I don't know where to go or what to expect.  Indiana has, as typical, struggled against the sisters-of-the poor all year.  This time, let's wing this prediction like a Whirling Dervish

Da ES will be up in Mt Pleasant to tailgate and witness the End of the World, CMU vs WMU... but tuning in via B1G2Go, the ES will see the Spartan O-Line getting back to basics to dictate the game, and opening up holes for LJ Scott and Gerald Holmes.  Expect 175+ yards out of the two backs combined.  Also, expect the maligned d-line to push up front and stop the run.  Indiana has a prolific offense, as usual, but it is also prolifically mistake-prone.  Who is MSU?  Too tough to tell at this point.

Is the Big Green the brute that ran a 25-play drive over Iowa like a 26-wheeler over a Mac Truck?  Or, is this the Big Green playing like a scared kitten in a box with a rabies-infested Rottweiler?  This is more on Dave Warner and the offense.  Stat to remember: MSU is 13-2 since 2010 after a loss; ain't too shabby.

ES sez:  MSU 27-21 over Indy.

Peanut Barrel: Tom, MSU 36-24; Feather, MSU 35-17; Brad, Indiana, 31-17; Brock, MSU 21-17; Rick, MSU 35-21
LSJ: MSU 37-31
Freep: Solari,  MSU 27-21
The Spun:  MSU 31-23
Det News: Charboneau, MSU 30-21; Chengelis, MSU 24-17; Wojo, MSU 38-31; Niyo, MSU 34-21
SpartyMSU:  MSU 35-17
MLive: MSU 41-28
Athlon:  MSU 27-23
CFN:  MSU 34-23
Campus Insiders:  MSU 31-20
Winners And Whiners:  MSU by 7.5+
CBSSports.com:  5 of 7 pick MSU

Danger Will Robinson! S.O.S.???

If you saw the Spartans on Saturday, God Bless You. They sucked.  Made so many mistakes everywhere, extremely disappointing.  The ES' bud, Brock, threw out a 50-0 Wisky prediction about the game - and he was actually CLOSE.


It is only one game.  Is it an aberration?  Only time will tell.  But, there are lots of questions raised - particularly, in order...

1.  Tyler O'Conner.  He played AWFUL.  Andrew Maxwell-awful.  What took the cake was when he rolled right from pressure and did not see Donnie Corley FREE to the end zone on a post route (the other 75,000 people saw it), and instead checked down and threw a terrible INT in the short flat.  The ES threw up watching that.

2.  Tyler O'Conner.  OK, he deserves multiple mentions.  ES thought improvement - but his play vs. a redshirt freshman was embarrassing.  Can't find your tight ends? Jesus

3.  Dave Warner.  Worst game he called since... the Cotton Bowl.  Poor opportunities to throw the ball downfield.  Poor running plays - not enough trap blocking to open holes; Wisky made it tough, don't get me wrong... but lack of inspiration on the offensive line.  They looked lethargic.

4.  Defensive line.  Where were they?  Hardly any pass rush on their frosh QB?  Give me a break.

5.  MISTAKES!!!!  Spotting Wisky 20 points off turnovers (60-yard fumble return, fumbled punt at the 5 y/l, O'Conner INT at MSU 30 y/l... ugh).  You just can't do that.

6. Wisky 7-16 on 3rd downs, a diaper-dandy  (Horney-brook)16-for-26 passing????

Stripe out was tres cool.  The Spartans were ice cold.  Sucked. 

I stopped here because I couldn't take it any more.  We have lots of work to do to right this ship.

                                    WIS      MSU
FIRST DOWNS...................       15       21
RUSHES-YARDS (NET)............   41-122    27-75
PASSING YDS (NET).............      195      250
Passes Att-Comp-Int...........  26-16-1  43-20-3
TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS.....   67-317   70-325
Fumble Returns-Yards..........     1-66      0-0
Punt Returns-Yards............      0-0     1-13
Kickoff Returns-Yards.........     2-37     4-70
Interception Returns-Yards....      3-8      1-4
Punts (Number-Avg)............   5-40.8   3-51.0
Fumbles-Lost..................      1-1      1-1
Penalties-Yards...............     7-67     5-35
Possession Time...............    32:48    27:12
Third-Down Conversions........  7 of 16  4 of 13
Fourth-Down Conversions.......   2 of 2   0 of 2
Red-Zone Scores-Chances.......      3-3      0-2
Sacks By: Number-Yards........     4-20     2-11

#8 Michigan State hosts #11 Wisconsin: Cooking Up Badger Meat

Sagarin Ratings: MSU #28, Wisky #29

#8 MSU 2-0/0-0. #11 Wisky: 3-0
Saturday, September 24, 2016.
12:00 pm ET.
Mecca: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI

Line: MSU by 5 (vegasinsider.com)
TV: BTN
Weather: 64 degrees, partly cloudy, wind 8 mph ENE

Depth Chart - MSU - Wisky

Injuries - Wisky.  Out - PK  Rafael Gaglianone; LG Jon Dietzen; RB Bradrick Shaw; LB Chris Orr; CB Natrell Jamerson. Questionable - LG Micah Kapoi; RB Corey Clement; RB Taiwan Deal.

Injuries - MSU.  None.  

STRIPE THE STADIUM!!!  EVEN SECTIONS WEAR GREEN.  ODD SECTIONS WEAR WHITE.

Wow, check out that injury list for Wisconsin, particularly on offense.  This is rough for a unit that had to come back from a 17-13 deficit to squeak by that upstart team, 0-3 Georgia State, last week at home.  Bucky Badger is hurting at the right time to meet the Spartoonies... but, Wisky seems to always bring their lunchpail when playing the Big Green.

Why in the good lord did ABC or ESPN not pick up a #8 vs #11 matchup?  Very odd, because it screwed up SpartanNation's plans for 'gating.  Instead, with a Noon kick, the ES is just gonna skate over to the PB for some common sense and meet up with the gang prior to the game.  So long as it pairs up with a scUM loss to Penn State, it actually might work out just fine...

Let's cut to the chase.  The ES wuz with Ronnie and Rick at the Peanut Barrel on Thursday when CNN's Ultimate Tailgate showed up.  It was pretty cool hanging with former NFLer Coy Wire (Stanford Cardinal, Buffalo Bills) We were put on the tube rebel-rousing about the food, the beer, and left the producers with a rowdy "Go Green Go White!"  You can tune into CNN Headline News' Weekend Express between 7 am - Noon, prior to kickoff on Saturday to see the ES and the PB in action.  Thanks, Joe Bell!

There's Joe Bell (far left), proprietor of Peanut Barrel yucking it up
with Mr. Clean, a.k.a. Coy Wire and the Ultimate Tailgate Crew...
A great visit, thank you CNNHL! 

ES Thoughts?  MSU is healthy, and was incredibly impressive at times taking ND to the woodshed on the ground.  However, if there is a strength of the beer-drinkers and hell raisers, it is their interior defense which is giving up 82.3 ypg on the ground, and just 3.3 yards per carry.  Meanwhile, LJ Scott and Madre London ripped through the Irish last week for 198 yards on 35 carries. Through the air, Tyler O'Connor played the best game of his career, going 19-26 for 241 yards and a pair of TDs.  He looked sharp, and added another 46 yards on the ground.  RJ Shelton came alive as his go-to receiver with eight grabs, but Donnie Corley (4-88) looked insane as the youngster with great hands.  Looks like a stellar receiving corps that will test the Badger defense. Overall, the Badgers are allowing just 261 yards per game.

Da Badgers benched their shitty experienced QB to start a redshirt freshman, Alex Horney-brook, who led the Big Ten West stalwart back from the jaws of defeat to UGA State.  That spells trouble for UW, in addition to all their injuries against a strong Spartan defense.  If we can keep the foot on the jugular, MSU should be able to press Bucky into some turnovers and keep them at bay much of the game.

Don't expect a lot of points in this game. Nearly everyone in human history is picking the Spartans to win this one... except for Brock (see below), who is busy drinking IPAs across the Upper Peninsula.

ES sez:  MSU 20, Wisky 17

Skooz (from PB), MSU 33-17; RGMIII, MSU 24-21;  Brock, WIS 50-0; Tom (PB regular), MSU 38-21

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MSU 21-16
Madtown Badgers:  Nick, MSU 24-17; Rayan, MSU 24-14;
FoxSports.com: Feldman, MSU 17-9; Mandel, MSU 27-20
Freep: MSU 27-13
LSJ:  MSU 27-19
DetNews: Charboneau, MSU 27-13; Chengelis, MSU 35-13; Wojo, MSU 24-10; Niyo, MSU 23-17
BTN: Dienhart, MSU 17-13; Merriman, MSU 27-15; Yarina, MSU 23-19
ESPN: Bennett, MSU 21-17; Moyer, MSU 28-20; Murphy, MSU 24-21; Temple, MSU 17-14; Ward, MSU 20-16
CampusInsiders:  MSU 20-14
Athlon:  MSU 26-20
MLive.com: MSU 24-10
CBSSports.com: MSU 20-16
Sports XChange:  MSU 31-13
College Football News:  MSU 23-20
The Oklahoman: MSU 30-19
Chicago Tribune:  MSU 23-20