Goodbye

As noted by the ES earlier this year, and as it came true, coach Dantonio thankfully gave the Spartan Nation relief and retired from coaching MSU football.  Thanks for the memories, but the last four years were particularly painful.  While expected eventually (sooner than later), the timing was odd with national recruiting signing day today (Feb 5).  Although coach D never had a "stellar" recruiting class, in his best years at MSU it seemed he always coached players up.... yet, 

...the last several years saw no improvement from beginning to end of the year, injuries mounting  consistently, and his recruiting has him into significant legal trouble with his role in recruiting "bad" folk (one of whom is still in prison)...  and recent allegations of NCAA violations - which may have been the final straw for him to call it quits.  But, from a football fan's perspective, Coach D served longer than necessary, and was incapable of making the tough decisions to improve the football team above average: coach D's inability to fire his staff who put Spartan footballers in bad positions, terrible play calls time and again, strange personnel substitutions of inexperienced players at critical times in games, and publicly supporting his staff's poor decisions.  He looked tired and lost his edge.

But, hanging the Spartan nation out to dry for a $4.3 million bonus  is really not the best way to leave.  Most of us in life would love a multi-million dollar bonus for our 10+ years of work, but to take it and then walk away two weeks later really is thankless.

Loved your goodbye message at the Spartan men's basketball game:  15 seconds was as much as the ES could bear to hear.  Kind of interesting, your appearance was vicissitudinous: MSU lost the game.

Thanks for the first 10 years and goodbye.

Coach Dantonio's mood since 2016

WANTED: NCAA DIVISION 1-FBS COACHING STAFF

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL
Michigan State University is accepting applications for a new coaching staff for its NCAA Division I-FBS football team.  Specific opportunities include:  Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, position coaches (Offensive Line Coach, Wide Receivers Coach, Quarterbacks Coach).  It is requested applicants review video from the previous four (4) years of Michigan State football and its coaching decisions prior to application for the position.

Required qualifications include:

• Ability to take responsibility for substituting best talent with sub-par talent in key positions (e.g. RB, QB) on key plays (particularly 3rd & 4th Down)
• Understanding time management, particularly at the end of halves
• Not imitating the head basketball coach by using timeouts in football as they are in basketball
• Accepting responsibility for offensive production, despite injuries and officiating mistakes
• Need to not defend incompetent staff members' decisions and instead terminate incompetent staff, particularly on offense
• In a northern climate, ability to comprehend weather conditions (such as sub-zero temperatures and 50+ mph winds) and its impact on the passing game
• Understanding the needs for the football program over individual significant player desires, despite players' loyalty and desires
• Direct an offense which can score a minimum of 17 points per game on offense in each game

Desired qualifications include:

• Using at least 10+ years of experience to make split-second decisions without delay
• If demanding loyalty as a "foxhole individual," surrounding oneself with individuals who can shoot to kill (aka "score") beyond the want of loyalty  
• Recruiting talented athletes with a positive charisma and response to academic expectations

Benefits:

• Coaching young minds as Division I-FBS athletes at an internationally respected academic institution.
• Prioritizing athletes' education once admitted
• Minimum salary of $500,000 per year, with dozens of free tickets, free car and transportation, membership at country club of your choice, $5,000 worth of khakis, unlimited free athletics gear, competitive medical benefits, and compensation bonuses for B1G Championship and CFP qualifications. 

Starting date:  Immediately, in time for the beginning of the Big Ten season opener - September 21, 2019.

For more information, please contact the MSU Athletics Department at 517-355-1630.

Coach Dantonio pre-Oregon show

So, here's a shot from the Coach Dantonio show tonight.  He brought on Shalique Calhoun, who was entertaining as always.  Didn't learn much, but certainly a big crowd in anticipation of the Oregon Ducks.   Which, by the way, the ES saw a car at the Lake Lansing Meijer with Oregon-covered gear (is it possible to have more than 12 flags on a car?) and those inside bathed in green and yellow.  GO GREEN!

Note:  ES is working on his own pre-game (from the Peanut Barrel) with co-host April, to be published later tonite or tomorrow morning.

President Obama talks brackets and football excellence at Michigan State

Well, the ES has just basked in the glory of the Rose Bowl for the past month.  It's been tough to get back into Spartan hoops after witnessing victory in the Promised Land.

That said, the ES will start chiming in on Spartan hoops here in the coming days and weeks.  But, that brings to mind today.  I was presented a wonderful opportunity to go see POTUS sign the Farm Bill at Michigan State University today... and of course, he started out acknowledging how fantastic the Spartan athletic teams have played so far this academic year.  Obama singled out his need to "do some scouting..." for his hoops bracket; and, our hoops excellence combined with winning the Rose Bowl made us "greedy."  :)  Wow, watch below, very cool.  GO GREEN!

Max Bullough out for Rose Bowl

Well, with Max Bullough suspended for the Rose Bowl, his career at Michigan State is over.  Is this a blow to Michigan State?  Absolutely - Bullough has been among the most consistently GREAT defensive players this season for the nation's best defense.  He has been the quarterback of this defense, making key reads at key times to shut down opponents.  Bullough is arguably the Spartans' best player.  And, he comes from a long lineage of Bullough's who have played for the Spartans dating back to the 1950s.

It's a big loss.  One that MSU can overcome, and it is a loss of which the Big Green will prepare for with a very deep and talented linebacking bunch... but Bullough was the best of that bunch.  The loss is significant - Graham Couch's article does a nice job laying out the impact of the loss of Bullough with respect to his incredible effort for the Spartans in big games this season.

Will it make a difference? Yes - if you've seen Bullough, the guy makes split second reads and adjusts this talented defense on the fly, better than any other LB in the nation.  Noone - NOONE - can lead a defense as well as Mad Max, and as such, his will be a tough replacement - Stanford's offense likely will take advantage in a few key moments in the game if MSU's new defensive leader does not adjust as fast.  This is a big hole to fill.  But, MSU has lots of talent at linebacker, and whomever takes the place of Bullough will have a lot of homework, and will miss a trip or three to Disneyland and the beach.

Whatever Bullough did, it is disappointing that it cost him the biggest game for the Spartans in a generation.  I have every confidence that Coach Dantonio made the right decision, and it must have been an agonizing one considering the stakes.  Bullough, however, doesn't owe us or anyone an explanation other than his teammates.  Here is where the ES disagrees with Graham Couch's article - the punishment is severe and unless you are on the team, what he did really is none of your business (unless Bullough broke the law, in which case we will learn eventually).

Coach Dantonio has overcome huge obstacles... and here is yet another.  He never said it would be easy.  And, it just got harder. 

Regardless of the loss, the Spartan Nation will prepare for battle!  Go STATE! 

Dantonio MUST own up to terrible decisions in loss to ND

MSU loses 17-13 at Notre Dame, but outplays the Irish for the final three quarters. SOS? - Same Old Spartans. A few random thoughts: IF YOU CAN BELIEVE IT, MSU OFFENSE OUTGAINED ND!!!! 254 yards to 220... and we still lost!!!!! How embarrassing.

1. The double reverse pass early in the 3rd quarter as MSU was POUNDING ND into the ground via rush after rush was stupid. Finally, the Spartan offense is working, and you approve some out-smart-yourself-John.L.Smith play call? My God, RUN THEM INTO THE GROUND if it's working!!!!

For a coach that praises "a game of inches" and his team is peeling off yards on the ground, especially when it is struggling to get down the field consistently, it defies logic to take the risk and do something different.   DON'T TAKE THE RISK - IT IS NOT WORTH IT!!!!  Worst part of this, is Dantonio knows better. 

2. The wildcat call deep in ND territory demonstrates that the play is old school. Everyone can see what it is, we know where you are going...it is just a waste of a down. And it cost a Spartan offense that needs to be efficient in every play call it has. We just can't afford to waste a down.

3. PUTTING IN MAXWELL LATE IN THE GAME??? ARE YOU HIGH? As expected, Maxwell crashed and burned, and had no wheels to get away from a pass rush. He was cold as ice coming into the game, and his ability to connect with receivers is average at best. At the end of the game you need a PLAYMAKER, which means someone who can get away from the expected rush.  That is the time to get a QB on the run (like MD did in the bowl game vs TCU).  Dantonio got cute changing QBs when instead the guy he needed was already playing!  This backfired, just a terrible and stupid decision by Dantonio.

These are but a few, but the most egregious. More later.... Very very disappointing performance by Mark Dantonio, his worst coaching performance of his career. The ES is extremely disappointed in MD. Extremely.

Kirk Herbsreit and his #13 Michigan State Spartans

Cupcake schedule in 2013 & 14... but not this year.  If you didn't see Herbstreit &  Co. with their 2012 College Football Preview of Michigan State - well, it is a worthwhile looksie.  Kirk picks the Spartans as his #13 preseason football team.  He concludes with... "All eyes will be on Andrew Maxwell and what he can prove.  Because with the defense that Michigan State brings back, if the offense can excel, they'll have another great season."  The nice this of the video is the discussion of the change in tone, the change in culture under Mark Dantonio to make Herbie a believer in Michigan STATE.


Kickoff just 3 months minus 1 day away!  Go GREEN!

All about DEFENSE!!!! Michigan State Green and White Game 2012

It was 14-2 White, but should have really been 7-2... or maybe 7-5.  Defense.  That is what you can expect a lot of from the Spartans in the fall.  If you are taking the Spring Game for what it's worth -- Spartans playing against Spartans -then you'll realize you can't expect too much out of the game. Notably, the Spartans top QB (Andrew Maxwell) and two of its top receivers (including Bennie Fowler) were out for injuries.  So, what can you really expect?

What we did realize was Will Gholston (#2) and Anthony White (#98) played like men amongst boys in the annual Green and White game.  Max Bullough (#40) was sensational at linebacker, as was Denicos Allen (#28).  The best play by the offense was actually made by a defensive player -- as #5 Johnny Adams hauled in a 40-yard pass by Connor Cook (#18) to get the White Team out of their own territory.  Most of the game, the defensive line completely stuffed the run and was in Cook's face.  Poor Nick Hill (#20) and LeVeon Bell (#28)... these guys had NOWHERE to run all day.  Hill had about 90 yards on 20 carries, and did manage a 35-yard TD run in scrum in which Gholston bruised his knee... but that was about it. Marcus Rush (#44) played well along the line... and it was nice to see VHT Taiwan Jones (#34) played excellent at LB, particularly in jamming the run. This defense is unbelievable and will be the Big Ten's best.  Deep and talented across the board.

About the offense?  Yes, it is true.  That is Dion Sims (left), back for this 10th year for the Spartans at TE.  Couldn't believe his unlimited eligibility when I saw it.  Cook played on both the Green and the White for most of the game. He must've hurled that ball 50 times or more, and maybe only completed 10 passes.  It wasn't all his fault on either side, as the Spartan defense was in his face most of the day.  The final score, 14-2, included a TD on a drive which should have stalled from a Gholston sack, but the Doctor (Coach MD) let them play on (Gholston threw his hands up in the air saying "What's up?").   Gholston just was going through the motions by the end of the day, until he bruised his knee.

The ES thinks Cook looked rattled, and played worse as the game went on.  Didn't help he had giants in his face all day.  Actually, who looked better at QB was Tommy Vento (#16), who was only in for one series and threw an INT on a long throw... but he looked fearless and comfortable in the pocket.

But, there were about 20,000 out there on a cold and dreary day. No rain, so it paid off...

A concern would be PK Dan Conroy, who missed a pair of 40-yarders.  On the flip side, our punter, Mike Sadler (#3) might be the MVP  of the game - he consistently hung up 45 yard punts for 4-seconds, and dropped in a couple of chip shots inside the 5.  Beautiful day for Sadler. 

The most impressive stats?  The White defense holding the Green to minus-10 yards rushing. Marcus Rush had 2.5 sacks, Denicos Allen had 7 tackles, and Micajah Reynolds had 1.5 tackles for loss.
This is what it looked like from the Big Ten Network - catch the highlights:

“After further review, it was determined that the receiver broke the plane…”

Sweeter words have never been said.  And, the ES now is officially a supporter of Instant Replay in college football.                            

OMG.  Where does one begin?  Let’s start with ESPN Game Day.  Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Chris Fowler – the ES hopes last night’s Spartan victory finally turns you into a believer about Michigan State football.  I’d love to stick last night’s game ball up Herbstreit’s "the-only-way-Spartans-can-win-is-with-a-miracle" butt, stick it right where the sun don’t shine.  As MSU safety Trenton Robinson said "it is just the ultimate in disrespect."  Screw your 326-lb Wisconsin offensive line… we got Smash Mouth Spartan defense!!!!  DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.

The Spartans are for real.  This is a new era.  Spartan history says we don’t win these close games, Spartan history says we blow it… Nope, not any longer.  We are now seeing a Dantonio-led Spartan team that consistently comes up with big (shall I say HUGE) plays when they need it most, a team that plays all 60 minutes to the last second.  We, the Spartan Nation, have earned this victory and earned this new era after decades of heartbreak. Screw ESPN and everyone consistently writing off the Spartans.

Last night’s sweet 37-31 victory over frigging Bucky Badger was maybe the most important victory in Spartan recent history – at least dating back to the 1999 Saban-era win over Michigan.  But, this is big big.  Bigger than big.  MSU is now in the driver’s seat for the Legends Division title with a 6-1 overall mark and a 3-0 record in the Big Ten.  Noone – NO ONE -- gave MSU a shot with a Murderer’s Row of Ohio State-Michigan-Wisconsin-Nebraska.  Talk was “if MSU can go 2-2, they can have a good year.”  Well, let the ES share with the national pundits that Michigan State is 3-0. Murder’s row?  Who is murdering who anyway?  It’s turned out that, the Spartans are the murderers.  Why?    Because DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.  The Spartan defense is absolutely smash-mouth vicious, relentless, as it was again last night.  BRING ON NEBRASKA.

Wow, what an amazing, thrilling, fun game – one of the greatest Spartan games ever, and certainly one of the best in the ES’ 43 years on this GREEN earth.  Michigan State, after spotting Wisky with an early 14-points, came back to hit Wisky right in the mouth, beginning with defense (a safety nonetheless), and outscoring the “vaunted” Badger offense 31-3 before holding on for a last-second Hail Mary victory.  Indeed, other than the first eight minutes and last eight minutes, MSU dominated the game.  That’s right.  Michigan State pushed Wisconsin all around the field, and that “great” Wisky quarterback, Russell Wilson, was terrorized throughout the evening by a bruising Spartan defense.   Wilson had just 30 yards rushing, and completed 14-of-21 for 223 yards, and 2 bad INTs (as a result of Spartan pressure).  Spartans sacked Wilson three times, but beyond that had heat on him all game long, forcing errant throws due to unrelenting pressure. DL Jerel Worthy?  Pure muscle, pound for pound a total stud.  He wrecked Wisconsin’s O-line play after play after play (he finished with 3 tackles, one for loss, and a QB hurry).  LBs Max Bullough, Chris Norman, and Denicos Allen?  Just in the right place at the right time all evening long, especially on third downs.

The Doctor, Mark Dantonio, yet again, showed Wisky coach Brett Bielema how to coach.  Brilliant use of time outs before the end of the first half, giving the Spartans an opportunity to block a punt… which worked, and which resulted in a TD.  MD’s call for a double reverse in the second quarter could not have been more timely, and helped to jump start the Spartan offense.  Yet, Kirk Cousins almost gave the game away, playing scared late in the fourth quarter, not risking errant throws and instead taking several sacks.  Cousins, who finished 22-of-31 for 290 yards, was sharp most of the game and threw 3 TDs and converted on a critical 2-pt conversion with a beautiful catch by BJ Cunningham.  This was Cunningham’s best game of the year, coming up with timely catches all game long to keep drives alive – he finished with 6 catches for 102 yards and a beautiful 35-yard TD catch from Cousins in the 2nd quarter.

The Spartans had arguably their best offense of the year, and it was timely.

How good was the Spartans’ offense?  They led in time of possession, with 31:31, and converted on 8-of-16 tries (50%).  Spartan FB LeVeon Bell got the bulk of the work after the Doctor realized early that Ed Baker wasn’t big enough to move the ball.  It was a good move going to Bell, who ended up with 87 yards on 16 carries (5.4 average), and several nice runs up the middle to keep the chains moving.

Special teams?  Not special all season, but my-oh-my did it come through last night.  MSU blocked a FG, blocked a punt for a TD, and allowed only a long of 25 yards for UW kick returns.  Even Spartans punter, Mike Sadler, had a good game – other than one shank, he had several critical punts that pinned Wisconsin deep or hung up long enough to allow only short UW returns.

A “dirty team?” After the 13-penalty performance week, the Spartans had ZERO penalties vs Wisconsin.  That’s right, none.  How about “chippy” or “tough” or “nasty”… but not dirty.  Michigan State put that argument to rest last night.

THE DRAMATIC CONCLUSION

Funny, the ES was in the upper deck but came down to the lower bowl on the final Wisconsin drive to watch the thrilling ending.  A beautifully called and executed shovel pass from Captain Kirk to LeVeon Bell was timely and set the stage for the final play.  The use of time outs by MD and by Bielema was truly a fascinating chess match – only to see Bielema botch it again by calling time out and giving the Spartans a final chance with :10 left.  Bielema is such a ding-dong. A beautiful throw by Cousins to Lithincum that could have put MSU into FG range went awry with great Wisconsin defense knocking the ball away.  And, the dramatic conclusion…

The ES had to look at the video monitor because Cousins was flushed right and too many fans were in the way.  I couldn’t believe Nichol caught it on the deflection… it just fell into his hands.  Even from the odd angle, it looked as if Nichol made it and crossed the goalline into paydirt.  The ES will never forget, as the official took just 1 minute and ran back on the field to announce the official call. The ES's brother was sitting underneath the press box/suite area, and he said that he turned around and everyone in the suites was going crazy with their arms pointed up, knowing the replay was going to give MSU the win. The referee headed out onto the field, he said, “After further review, it was determined the receiver broke the plane…”

I never heard anything else.  The atom bomb that is the Spartan Nation was detonated.  The place went completely ape-shit.  The Spartan bench cleared onto the field, trampling the referee.  OMG it was beautiful.  Watch the video below.



Replay officials did a great job, an easy call as video demonstrated without a doubt that Nichol crossed the plane.

One helluva game, what a great day to be a Spartan.  I HATE WISCONSIN.  Hate them with a passion.  I’m glad we kicked their arse.  Hope to see them again in Indianapolis, and we can kick their tail again.  ESPN Game Day:  I hope you never come back – give the Spartans some credit for once… when will you believe?  MSU deserved to win that game.  Michigan State played better defensively and offensively, MSU played better on special teams, and the Spartans outcoached the Badgers.  Sweet, sweet victory!

The Spartan Nation rejoices.  Top Ten: welcome the Michigan State Spartans. 

Team Statistics (Final)

                          2011 Michigan State Football

    #4 Wisconsin vs #15 Michigan State (Oct 22, 2011 at East Lansing, Mich.)

                                    WIS      MSU

FIRST DOWNS...................       23       18

  Rushing.....................       11        5

  Passing.....................       12       13

  Penalty.....................        0        0

NET YARDS RUSHING.............      220      109

  Rushing Attempts............       41       32

  Average Per Rush............      5.4      3.4

  Rushing Touchdowns..........        2        1

  Yards Gained Rushing........      242      150

  Yards Lost Rushing..........       22       41

NET YARDS PASSING.............      223      290

  Completions-Attempts-Int....  14-21-2  22-31-0

  Average Per Attempt.........     10.6      9.4

  Average Per Completion......     15.9     13.2

  Passing Touchdowns..........        2        3

TOTAL OFFENSE YARDS...........      443      399

  Total offense plays.........       62       63

  Average Gain Per Play.......      7.1      6.3

Fumbles: Number-Lost..........      1-0      2-1

Penalties: Number-Yards.......     6-40      0-0

PUNTS-YARDS...................     3-83    7-266

  Average Yards Per Punt......     27.7     38.0

  Net Yards Per Punt..........      9.0     32.1

  Inside 20...................        0        2

  50+ Yards...................        0        0

  Touchbacks..................        1        0

  Fair catch..................        1        1

KICKOFFS-YARDS................    7-455    5-326

  Average Yards Per Kickoff...     65.0     65.2

  Net Yards Per Kickoff.......     45.9     44.6

  Touchbacks..................        0        1

Punt returns: Number-Yards-TD.   2-41-0   1-36-1

  Average Per Return..........     20.5     36.0

Kickoff returns: Number-Yds-TD   4-83-0  7-134-0

  Average Per Return..........     20.8     19.1

Interceptions: Number-Yds-TD..    0-0-0    2-6-0

Fumble Returns: Number-Yds-TD.    0-0-0    0-0-0

Miscellaneous Yards...........        0        0

Possession Time...............    28:29    31:31

  1st Quarter.................    10:16     4:44

  2nd Quarter.................     7:41     7:19

  3rd Quarter.................     5:48     9:12

  4th Quarter.................     4:44    10:16

Third-Down Conversions........   4 of 9  8 of 16

Fourth-Down Conversions.......   0 of 0   1 of 1

Red-Zone Scores-Chances.......      4-5      1-1

  Touchdowns..................      3-5      1-1

  Field goals.................      1-5      0-1

Sacks By: Number-Yards........     4-27     3-13

PAT Kicks.....................      4-4      3-3

Field Goals...................      1-2      0-0

Spartan D Dominates; MSU on BTN tonight at 8 pm

So, getting back to the important things in life, a.k.a. Spartan Football, it was refreshing to read the account of the Spartan defensive domination in the latest scrimmage.  The juicy quote from MD was "I really feel like again, we still have great chemistry on this football team, guys are playing extremely hard and playing with toughness."

And, the ES has always had a love affair with defensive-minded football, far more than an offensive shootout.  Thus, it was reassuring to know that in the recent scrimmage, the first-team defense didn't allow a touchdown and overall, the defense caused four turnovers, including two interceptions returned for touchdowns. Right on, knock their blocks off. The Doctor had all sorts of praise for LB Max Bullough, who seems to be fitting right along in replace of Greg Jones and Eric Gordon (ahem, as we expected with them bloodlines, no?). 

The team is healthy, with the exception of blue-chipper LB Lawrence Thomas, who has missed a majority of preseason camp with a shoulder injury -- he is being held out of practice and might not see his first playing time of his career until after a few games in the season.

MSU on BTN - August 23
Tonight (Tuesday, Aug. 23) at 8 pm, BTN will have a 30-minute preview of the Big Green. The show gives an inside look at a Spartan practice and also includes interviews with head coach Mark Dantonio, offensive coordinator Dan Roushar, defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive tackle Jerel Worthy.

Dantonio is back; shedding tears in Madison

Mark Dantonio will be back for this weekends stint at that hellhole in Ann Arbor. Said the Doctor: "Can't keep me down Michigan week." MD plans to be in the coaching box for Saturday's game. At today's presser, Dantonio said Saturday's win over Wisconsin was "the best moment of my head football coaching career."

Yes, MD. We kicked their ass. It certainly was sweet. They're still crying in Madison.

Dantonio suffers heart attack - in hospital

The Doctor, head football coach Mark Dantonio, suffered a heart attack last night after the game. He is doing well but is in Sparrow Hospital. Dame game was so stressful and exciting he suffered a heart attack! God speed and prayers are to Dantonio and his family. Don Treadwell is taking over the duties as head coach, but MD is expected to fully recover. Press release at 12:55 Sunday afternoon is accessible here.

Here it is on ESPN website: "Dantonio, who was "resting comfortably" Sunday and expected to make a full recovery, was admitted to the emergency room at Sparrow Hospital and had a stent put in a blocked artery near his heart"

Michigan State - Notre Dame Predictions... edge to MSU

Who sez MSU will win:

Sparty On - MSU 24, ND 17. "Notre Dame's defense lacks speed."
College Football News/Scout - MSU 31, ND 27. "MSU will get physical and control the clock."
ESPN/Rittenberg - MSU 33, ND 31. "Conroy kicks a 42-yard FG as time expires."
Lock Smith Sports Picks - MSU -3: "Take Sparty to the bank."
CBSSports.com - MSU. "Conroy has been on fire from big distance."
BetOnline - MSU. "Notre Dame does not enjoy a considerable talent advantage over MSU."
Hammer and Rails - MSU 24, ND 23. "That leaves it to the ground game, where I think MSU has an edge."
SportsBook Lists - MSU 27, ND 24. "MSU doesn't back down from ND."
Stars and Slights - MSU gets the edge. "Tensions will be high amongst a hostile crowd."
Sports Network - MSU. "Look for [Cousins] to explode as he did in last year's game... look for things to get even worse for ND in the first trip outside South Bend this season."

Who sez ND will win:

Midwest Sports Fans - ND 24, MSU 21: "Crist is expected to play and be 100 percent."
College Football Lines - ND 33, MSU 27: "Notre Dame offense more potent than what Spartans have to offer."
NBC Sports - ND 27, MSU 23. "We're comfortable here with the role of Irish as underdog."
Chicago Now - ND 31, MSU 27. "You can flip a coin on this one."
Irish Central - ND 32, MSU 18. "Look for the Spartan defense to struggle mightily."
One Foot Down - ND 35, MSU 24.

Don't know their picks, but We Are ND loves Spartan Stadium: "Spartan fans and players are always dialed up for the Irish, which makes road trips to East Lansing a pretty entertaining experience. The nearby lots are definitely tailgate friendly as opposed to their in-state rivals, and MSU fans/students know how to get their drink on."

DANTONIO ON BTN Thursday night

At 8:30 PM ET tonight on Behind the Schemes, Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio joins BTN to talk X’s and O’s heading into this Saturday's matchup against Notre Dame. Dave Revsine hosts alongside coaches, Glen Mason and Gerry DiNardo.

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."

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.

Dantonio lays down the law: Zero Tolerance policy at dissapointed Michigan State football program

Earlier today, Mark Dantonio set forth his zero tolerance policy, and compared the last week's events as "devastating" and a "hurricane" to the program. He stated that all those at the incident at Rather Hall on Nov. 22 will remain suspended and will NOT play in the bowl game.

MD was adamant, direct, and laid down the law. The ES is impressed at how MD is handling the situation, swiftly, directly, and strongly... However, it makes one wonder with all of the personal foul calls on the field this year if there is a correlation with the behavior of the players off the field. The fact that MD had "no inkling" of what was going in is a bit concerning that he doesn't have a pulse on such a large component of his program. That is a concern, and one that hopefully will be righted.

[PS - MD said to let the truth get out before rushing to judgment, and we've only heard one side of this story. Certainly there are many times athletes are singled out and picked on as "dumb jocks" by non-athletes and other students... and are injured (including current players on this football team being sucker-punched by students), but you hear nothing of it unless the cause and effect is from the athletes.]

The ES joins the Spartan Nation as being appalled at this stupidity by the suspended players and is glad they are going home for the holidays.

Key quotes from MD:

"Obviously with the situation that happened last week, we're extremely disappointed. We talk all the time about our choices as people and about making the right choice. I think it's a very traumatic experience for this program, and we have got to be able to get past this situation.

Also, I think it's extremely devastating for the families that are involved in this. I've talked to every family that has been involved with this, and you know, a lot of people are reeling, so my heart goes out to those people for what they are going through, as well.

We also must recognize that there's a lot of speculation out there from the public and a lot of different stories floating around and I think it's important that we get to the truth. I have always tried to speak the truth whenever I have spoken to you as a group or spoken in general and I think that's important.

The opportunity to play on this football team and in a bowl game is a privilege, and not a given right. With that said, all those present at the incident in question will remain on indefinite suspension and will not make the trip nor play in the bowl game.

Here are other key Q and A from the Doctor's comments:

Q. Can the suspended players watch bowl practice?

MD: No. The players are suspended indefinitely and that means this entire building is off limits and anything that has to do with this football program, including their academic area. They are not to be in there at points in time when the rest of our football players are in there, including our training room.

Q. To be clear, the reason for the suspensions, was it where they were there or how they reacted afterward?

MD: It was both. It was both, because they put themselves at risk by going there, and given the opportunity that they had to immediately come to me and tell me that there was a problem; it didn't happen.

Q. When you make the decision to suspend the player versus dismiss, does that mean that after a second chance, there are no more strikes?

MD: Zero tolerance played into that decision. After being given a second opportunity, there is a zero tolerance policy; meaning that if there are any issues whatsoever, it's a done deal. And so those two will remain dismissed. There is no way to back in the door. They are done.

Q. Did you have any inkling before that there might have been any kind of an altercation and maybe guys looking for trouble?

MD: No, there was no inkling. There was nothing. There was nothing there. And again, that's part of the disappointment because obviously, there was more than one person that knew about this, and this could have been easily prevented with just a little bit of a tug on the shoulder. It didn't have to be me, but they could have gone to anybody in our program. That's why when you go to the level of suspension for the others; this could easily have been prevented. It wasn't like we weren't meeting that day. We had a 3:30 p.m. team meeting. We also had a feel good banquet, to celebrate our football team and celebrate our seniors, so it's a disappointment (no one came forward).

Q. At any point, did you or the administration debate not playing in the bowl game?

MD: No, absolutely not. We have 95 players that did not do anything wrong.

Michigan State Suspends 8 Including Cunningham, Dell, Rucker, for Being IDIOTS Involved at Post-Banquet Assault

Wow - this post-football potluck affair has turned into a fiasco for Michigan State football. According to the Lansing State Journal, police report that eight additional football players (or more) were at the scene of the altercation at Rather Hall that resulted in several MSU students being injured, just 90 minutes after the football banquet concluded last week. The eight have been suspended from the team, and potentially may not play in the bowl game. The suspended players are wide receivers BJ Cunningham, Mark Dell and Fred Smith, cornerback Chris L. Rucker, running back Ashton Leggett, linebacker Brynden Trawick, defensive tackle Ishmyl Johnson and defensive end Jamiihr Williams. All saw significant playing time this year.

And, it looks like it ain't over yet as police continue to investigate -- there are many witnesses and video evidence. The attorney of the injured MSU student states that others were also at the scene of the altercation: ""We stick by the statement that there were 15-20 members of the football team involved," the attorney told the LSJ. "Of that number, there were three that we could not identify because they were wearing ski masks."

MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis, who was in Chapel Hill, N.C., for the men's basketball game told the LSJ: "Obviously the whole situation is a disappointment to me as an alumnus and as an athletic director. I think today we made a swift decision based upon the information we had available to us."

ES commentary: First, while I've said before not to rush to judgment in many cases for failure of having all the facts, this is a different situation because of the public nature of the incident, "indisputable video evidence" (we've heard that one before on the field), and the swift consequences. ES gives kudos to Mark Dantonio and athletic director Mark Hollis for taking quick action in suspending these players - the players need to be respectful of the institution, Michigan State University, and their football team.

What a bunch of disrespectful idiots -- they must be held accountable for their actions. If any member punched or hurt any student, they should be dismissed from the team immediately. Period. Also, we should also make sure that the non-athlete students involved are also held accountable... and we have not heard that side of the story.

Each member at the scene that didn't participate in the violence should be required to: stay home instead of going to the bowl game, apologize publicly, provide community service above and beyond what they already have done as Spartan athletes, and point out those who were wearing ski masks. Maybe actually force them to take additional credits in the spring and fall -- they obviously have too much time on their hands and could be put to better use studying. If their mere presence helped to precipitate the violence, maybe they should be kicked off the team as well. They should make better judgment decisions.

Those who were wearing ski masks should be most ashamed of themselves and should be immediately kicked off the team and have their scholarships revoked. I don't care who they are. We don't need them.

Look how lovely the publicity is over at ESPN. The ES is disappointed and embarrassed to be a Spartan this morning. Those athletes involved aren't students on scholarships, they are bullies.

Dantonio Takes Swift Axe to Winston and Jenrette

OK, so maybe in this case we should rush to judgment. Seems pretty clear to me.

Mark Dantonio has dismissed both DB Roderick Jenrette and RB/KR Glenn Winston from the football team for a violation of team rules. Both players are connected to the assault that took place on Sunday night at Rather Hall, just 90 minutes after the football banquet ended.

Good for MD for not putting up with any shenanigans and giving them the boot -- both were promising players for the Spartans, but obviously they couldn't get their act together outside as students or community members. The football team doesn't need these guys around, nor that type of demeanor. Actually, both have missed the last half of the season - Jenrette played a great game vs. Michigan before he broke his foot... and, Winston tore his ACL in the Illinois game.

Dantonio's response was swift and easy, as it didn't take him long to give them the boot. Winston owes the Spartan nation an apology, but particularly coach Dantonio. Dantonio stuck his neck out and gave him a second chance after Winston's 180-day stint in jail for assaulting Spartan hockey player AJ Sturges. Maybe Sturges was right: Winston should have spent a year in jail. My guess is he just might with this stupid act.

Sez the ES? What a couple of dummies, not to mention thugs. Good for coach Dantonio to get this embarassing trash off the Spartan team.

And, let us be clear. It's a free country - coaches can't stand guard over their players 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, or lock them in a closet, and coaches shouldn't be expected to. Athletes are people and need to take personal responsibility for their actions as well as respect the university for the opportunity to be a team member. If they don't have the value set to behave like adults and respect others, they should not be on the team. Dantonio guessed wrong on these two, but he also believes in giving people a chance. Winston and Jenrette had that chance and blew it -- Dantonio's swift response was the right move and he didn't hesitate. It will also help the team move on toward concentrating on the bowl game by quickly putting this mess behind them.

Spartan Defense Blossoms, Learning Lessons Are Over. Dantonio Press Conference

ES had dinner with former MSU President John DiBiaggio the other night - he was at the Iowa game and he and I agreed on one thing: that was an excellent football game on Saturday, but "we should've won, dammit!"

First let the ES lay the criticism: Why DC Pat Narduzzi has to feel like he needs to scrap what is working for him all game long and go to a prevent defense on the last drive of the game is puzzling. Why Narduzzi couldn't keep after Iowa earlier in the drive is questionable (it didn't work) and unfortunate -- because the Spartans had bottled him up all game long. MSU jettisoned its game plan with the lead. Tisk, tisk. On the last series with 15 second left and from the 12 yard line and in, the Spartans sent eight defenders at Stanzi for four straight plays, and it worked for three of them, but unfortunately not the last play. The change in strategy was maddening, and yet another lesson learned.

But, enough negatives. Michigan State has a DAMN FINE football team. They're better than last year's team, although it is tough to tell at 4-4. It is a better team. Michigan State is three plays away from being 7-1 and in the Top 10 itself. It played even, or better, than Iowa, Notre Dame, and CMU. All three losses on the last play of the game.

I loved how Mark Dantonio handled the media after the game. He seems focused and determined. Best presser he has had since being a coach. Today's is scheduled for 11:30 am (watch live)

The defense is VASTLY improving, game by game. The Michigan State defense we saw on Saturday was dominant, and it was the best defensive performance in a decade by the Spartans. It was a slugfest, a bear-knuckles-brawl. We laid two Hawkeys out on a stretcher. They left with a W, but battered and bloodied. The defensive secondary played its best game since the glory days of George Perles -- you'd have thought Harlan Barnett dropped his earphones and climbed back onto the field. Excellent secondary play all game long. The pressure was in Stanzi's face all game long.

Jerel Worthy (photo above -- 4 tackles, 2 for loss) played his finest game as a Spartan. He dominated Iowa's interior and the Hawkeye's did not have an answer. Greg Jones was DOMINANT (12 tackles), once again all over the field. He should be a First Team All America. He is easily the best linebacker wearing Green and White since No Mercy Percy Snow.

Michigan State's offense left too many points on the field, again. But, this against an undefeated, #5/#6 team in the nation. Down to one final play. Yes it hurt, but now Michigan State MUST WIN OUT the remainder of its games. A victory at home over JoePa would seal the deal and get the Spartans closer to a "signature win" under Dantonio than its had to date. It would be nice to get a warm bowl game, play a hardy opponent, and get that W to put the Spartans firmly on the map.

These Spartans are focused and playing hard. They just need to finish. My guess is they will for the remainder of the season, and be rewarded with warm weather. It's time to take the next step. Learning lessons are over. We've learned them all. Now it is time to win.

Spartan Nation, what is your profession? WHOOOP, WHOOOP, WHOOOP!

Iowa + referees 15, Michigan State 13

Wow, that hurt. What a heartbreaker. An amazing environment, as loud as Spartan Stadium has been in years. Best game, bar none, played at Spartan Stadium in the last decade. An epic battle. It's a shame we had to lose. Iowa will go home with the 15-13 W, but Michigan State made them pay with bone-crunching hits all game long. The Spartans should be proud of their effort; it is too bad they couldn't make the last play.

The Big Ten referees should be shot. Embarassing, embarassing performance, particularly the 15-yard personal foul call on Jeremy Ware called 2 MINUTES after laying out the Iowa receiver on a CLEAN HIT. That Field Judge, Terry Anderson, is an idiot and is an embarassment to the Big Ten. Terry Anderson should be removed from calling Big Ten games for the remainder of the year. The head referee, Bill LeMonnier, should be ashamed for leading the worst crew in the nation.

More later, but here are comments from Mark Dantonio. His comments say it all: