ES Preview: scUM week and a Trivia Quiz

She's gonna play on the OLine today for the scUMbuckets

Michigan State Spartans (3-4, 1-3) vs #4 Michigan Wolverines (7-0, 4-0)

Michigan Stadium
Ann Arbor, MI
October 29, 2022.  7:30 pm
TV: ABC
Weather: 50 clear skies. 

Sagarin Ratings:  scUM #4, Michigan State #48

Line Outta Vegas: scUM by 22

TIME FOR SOME TRIVIA

1. Who has won 10 of the last 14 in the MSU-scUM series?
2. Who won 3 of the last 4 in the MSU-scUM series played in Ann Arbor?
3. Which MSU coach is the only coach to be 2-0 in his first two games vs scUM?
4. How much was scUM favored by the last time the MSU played them in Ann Arbor?  Who won?
5. What is Jesus Habaugh's all-time record vs MSU?
6. Who won the last time scUM was favored by 22 in Ann Arbor?
   
   Answers below.

Yes, after the defensive-led performance by Michigan State in its W over Wisky two weeks ago, there is LIFE in them lungs of the Green and White.  Today: two weeks to prepare (for both teams).  The Jesus in khakis vs Tuck, the best-dressed man in college football. What better than to repost the ES' thoughts from two years ago, when #13 Michigan were favored by 22 (sound familiar, WalMart Wolverines?) in Ann Arbor :

---------

Ha Ha Ha, Harbaugh: You are on your KNEES!

OK, at first the ES was outraged.  Then, sitting next to Big Bob with mimosas and Bell’s Beer at the steady, we began to finally realize the brilliance of Mel Tucker.

This is all part of the master plan.  Let’s calm down, no worries Spartan Nation.  Getting your asses kicked is fun! Clearly we have the next $aban.  The 38 points allowed by MSU with a new coach (Tucker) in his first game was the most since his mentor, $aban, lost 50-10 to Nebraska in 1995. 

“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”  

Wow, that exactly is what we saw today in Spartan Stadium.  No passion and execution to succeed was on display by the men in green.  Ahhhh, but then we turn to Sun Tzu and realize the genius of Mr. T as we lead into our annual throwdown against the Yellow Jackets from Ann Arbor. 

Sun Tzu – “All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.”

We certainly deceived the enemy in Ann Arbor today.  It was pure genius; unable to attack, appearing inactive, far away from the action – that was Michigan State football in its greatest deception of the modern era.  Michigan – you have no idea the volume of destruction that is headed your way next Saturday.

Some of the action today was borderline confusing – QB Rocky Lombardi ambling along like a mentally deranged alcoholic on the gridiron, firing passes left and right for no reason.  The offensive line lacking any ability to block or “perceived” lack of ability to strike Rutgers’ iron wall defense. 

Brilliant. 

It is our ruse. Ha Ha Ha.  We got you right where we want you.  Thought you had us figured out, didn’t ya?

Next week, coach Tucker will release Armageddon.  

To quote Sun Tzu again, as is clearly coach Tucker’s strategy: “know yourself and you will win all battles.”  Oh, we Spartans know who we are.  We are proud and mighty, and a 11 point loss at home to mighty Rutgers is exactly the strategy that will bring your savior Jesus Harbaugh to his knees. 

See you next week.  Rest well, little people in Ann Arbor.  The time is ‘nigh. Grab your spears and pitchforks. We’re coming!

------

TRIVIA ANSWERS. 

1. Michigan State
2. Michigan State
3. Mel Tucker
4. 22. Michigan State
5. 3-4 vs Michigan State
6. Michigan State

ES sez.... MSU 24, UM 23. 

ES Preview: MSU Spartans vs Arizona St Sun Devils

#17 MSU Spartans (2-0) vs Special People (2-0)

September 14, 2019.  4 pm ET.
Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI

Weather:  73 & sunny. Winds: 11 mph out of the West

Sagarin Ratings:  MSU #7 (yes #7!), ASU #58.  Following his logic, Sparty should win by 23.
Vegas Line: MSU by 14-1/2

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR FOOTBALL!  SUNNY, WARM SKIES THROUGHOUT THE GAME! 

Last year, former Philly Eagles player-turned ESPN broadcaster-turned ASU coach Herman Edwards got his signature win courtesy of the Michigan State Spartans in an epic fail offensive offense debacle by Big Green... it was a premonition of the 2018 season.

Enough of the history.  ES likes the special teams of MSU (Hartbarger, Coughlin) and the defense of MSU as big-time pluses.  It will be a defensive game, this time with the Big Green on top.  Coach D, who will have most wins in MSU history, leads his press conference with this gem of a quote by Duffy:

"When you are playing for a national championship, it's not a matter of life or death.  It's more important than that."

What are they saying about their team, and about Michigan State, over in sunny & hot Arizona:  read it from the (ASU) State Press, or the Arizona Republic

Prognostications:

• Arizona Republic (from six different writers, 1 picks Az State):  MSU 35-10, MSU 24-10, MSU 35-13, MSU 28-17, ASU 21-20, MSU 24-10
• CHock (in SFO): L, MSU 12 @ ASU 14
• Mary Cote (in Sacto - mom of ES' grade school friends): MSU 24 v AZ State 7. Made up the score but just want AX to lose so Cal can stay #1 in Pac 12. LOL.
• Cyn (in Pitt, at 'gate tomorrow): MSU wins!
• Poke (Grand Ledge): Michigan State 27 Arizona State 10. I am looking for revenge after traveling to the Valley of the Sun last year for the loss.
• Australia Paul (Queensland, Australia): MSU 21-20
• Chef Tom (Glen Arbor): MSU ugly
• RGM3 (Farm Hills):  MSU 33-11
• Gregger (GVSU): MSU 34-23
• Big Joe and Phantom 309 (metro Detroit):  MSU 35-30
• Big Bob (Kazoo): MSU will be twice as gooder as last week so they will win 102-34
• Keith (Pontiac): MSU 37-10
• Oakland Ronnie (E Lansing): MSU 20-6
• Brink (E Lansing): MSU 35-13
• Greg, the Pie Man (E Lansing): MSU 24-17
• Kat, the post-Brexit Queen of Scotland (now in Jackson):  MSU 24, ASU 10 ....
• ES sez: MSU 17, ASU 9

ES Preview: Redbox Bowl

REDBOX BOWL 2018
Michigan State Spartans vs Oregon Ducks
MSU: (7-5 all, 5-4 B1G).  Nike: (8-4 all, 5-4 P12)
Sagarin Ratings: MSU #31, Oregon #33

Santa Clara, CA - Home of the 49ers
Dec 31, 2018.  3 pm ET.
TV: Fox

Line:  Nike is favored by 1-1/2

Best win:  MSU 21-17 over Penn State.  Oregon 30-27 OT vs Washington.
Worst loss:  MSU incompetent 6-9 at Nebraska.  ORE whipped 15-44 at Arizona.

Oregon has scored at least 30 points in 9 of its 12 games.  When losing, they've scored 15, 20, 25, and 31 points.  Yes, they score a ton.

MSU has given up LESS than 30 points in each game except one all year (the first game of the season).  The Spartan defense is world-class, better than that Michigan crap we saw in the Peach Bowl, and has kept MSU in games all year regardless of the ineptitude of the offense and OC Dave Warner.  That defense is great to watch, #1 across the board.

Yes, DEFENSE wins championships, and MSU has had a harder schedule than Oregon.  But, MSU's offense has been entirely mismanaged, bungled, and is inept at best.  In its losses, they've scored 13, 19, 7, 6, and 6.  Yes, they don't score.  MSU's offense is not well thought of by the Spartan Nation, after struggling until the 4th quarter to beat Rutgers in its last game.  (FYI, Rutgers is ranked 121st by Sagarin behind such national FCS powers as Dartmouth, Samford (not a typo), Colgate, UC Davis, and Kennesaw State).

The 14-10 win over Rutgers was the single-worst experience the ES has ever experienced in Spartan Stadium. Ugly, cold, rainy, and pathetic against a shit team.

Bottom line:  teams are supposed to get better as a season progresses - MSU has done exactly the opposite and become far worse.   That blame goes straight to coaching and to coach Dantonio. 

ES was so bored by the Spartans' effort in an empty, rainy, cold Spartan Stadium
in late November, he turned red-faced in honor of the Scarlet Knights,
with the sheriff and Dieter watching in laughter

Picks:

• Kat:  Oregon, 27-7
• Poke: MSU, 24-20
• Zech:  Dux soup 27, Spartans 17. If LJ and Lewerke are 100% and play that way, maybe State pulls the upset 20-19.
• Aussie Paul:  MSU, 45-0.
• Chef Tom: I hope we do better than Purdue, Notre Dame and Michigan. Should be a piece of cake.
• Big Bob:  Oregon, 42-7
• Sloth: 1-0, both teams suck so badly on offense, that they will have to go to penalty kicks.
• Big Joe and Phantom 309:  Ducking fucks 38-the shittans -4
• RGM3:  Oregon, 24-14
• Gregger:  Ducks, 34-27

ES sez:  Just no offense all year.  Prove it otherwise, coach D.  Regardless, you can score 100 points, WAKE UP AND FIRE WARNER.  Oregon will win, 31-17

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

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

Valenti calls it like he sees it: Dantonio outcoached Harbaugh

Mike Valenti does it again.  Another beautiful, straight-talkin', high-fiving, wake-up-call, reality show about coach Dantonio owning Harbaugh and Jesus Harbaugh's inability to win the big game.  (revisit 2015).  A few good points:  Yes, coach D does more with less, and outcoached Harbaugh. MSU was ready, and is 8-2 of the last 10.  At this point in his career, Harbaugh has the same record as did Brady Hoke (24-7), who was fired.  The delusional narrative out of Ann Arbor.  Harbaugh is 1-4 against MSU & Ohio State.  And, he is being paid $9 million with a pair of $1 million assistants.

Just pointing out the obvious.

MSU favored by 24 vs Purdue; Mike Sadler's punt crushes Hoosier hopes

After the 42-28 pounding by Michigan State over Indiana yesterday, the bookies make the Spartans an early 24-point home fave over the lowly Boilermakers from Purdue.  Michigan's crushing 4-OT defeat yesterday to Penn State doesn't stop it from being a 10-pt fave over Indiana next week. Ohio State is favored by 17 over Iowa. And, Wisconsin is favored by 10 at Illinois.

Wow, MSU with nearly 500 yards of offense yesterday?  42 points?  I didn't think it was possible.  Incredible, particularly the 238 yards on the ground and a blistering 10-for-14 (71%) efficiency on third down.

The ES really likes Delton Williams, a big body at RB that we needed desperately.  12 carries, 92 yards, and a 7.7 average.  He ran fantastic.  4 TDs and 109 yards on the ground from RB Jeremy Langford. Tony Lippett at WR had his best day as a Spartan, with 6 catches for 64 yards.  The ES really loved that 34 yard TD sprint on the end-around run by RJ Shelton. Wow, what a burst of speed.  And, the defense?  After giving up a 64 yard run in the first minute, they gave up a whopping 28 yards on 26 carries for the rest of the game (total of 92 yards on the ground for Indiana). That's just domination. 

The most hilarious play of the day?  With MSU leading 42-21 early in the 4th quarter, Indiana got greedy. They received one of the few Spartan punts at their own 35, but MSU was called for an illegal motion.  Instead of taking the ball at the 35, they forced the Spartans to punt over.  Tisk, tisk. All-American Mike Sadler responded with a 69 yard punt, and Indiana instead started at its own 4.  That defined the afternoon, and that ended any chance the Hoosiers had.  The ES was roaring with laughter.  Indiana coach Kevin Wilson just flat-out blew it with that bone-headed decision.

Some photos are below.  Also,  enjoy the stats:

	IND	MSU
1st Downs	19	24
3rd down efficiency	8-18	10-14
4th down efficiency	0-1	0-0
Total Yards	351	473
Passing	259	235
Comp-Att	25-47	22-31
Yards per pass	5.5	7.6
Rushing	92	238
Rushing Attempts	27	47
Yards per rush	3.4	5.1
Penalties	7-65	10-100
Turnovers	1	2
Fumbles lost	0	1
Interceptions thrown	1	1
Possession	22:32	37:28

What a beautiful, 75 degree and sunny October day for football!

The Crushing Defense Continues in 2013

Pat Narduzzi has done one thing consistently since bringing his defensive philosophy to Michigan State:  make the meanest defensive team in the B1G Ten.

(link here to see the preview on the Spartan offense).

What is even more amazing is the 2013 team may be the best Spartan defense since the 60s.  We’ve had incredible defensive efforts the past four years… and if you attended any game in the painful season last year, the only reason you would keep coming back was to watch the crushing Spartan defense.

The linebacking corps is fast, disciplined, and rock-hard.  Max Bullough continues a family blood-line for MSU of vicious hitting, but smart LBs. It’s tough to think that Max may be better than Shane, Chuck, or Hank. But, he is certaily of that all-star caliber.   Thank God for the future: Riley Bullough and Byron Bullough continue the tradition.

A look at the three incredible LBs for MSU:  Bullough is at the middle (in 2012: 111 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 10 TFL, 1 INT), hard-hitting Denicos Allen at SAM (79 tackles, 3 sacks, 7 TFL, 1 INT), and Taiwan Jones (38 tackles, 1 sack, 4.5 TFL) at WLB.  That’s the best LB trio in the big ten.  Add in the opportunistic Kyler Elsworth (2.5 sacks)… and you have a LB corps filled with experience and very good play. 

Along the defensive front, the past two years we’ve lost Jerel Worthy and Will Gholston to the NFL, but we have depth to make up for the concerns.  Marcus Rush (38 tackles, 2 sacks, 5.5 TFL, 5 passes broken up/PBU) and Drenzel Drone (10 tackles, 1 PBU) have starting experience and have been a force on the DE and can use a bit more speed this year to hit QBs. Tyler Hoover (13 tackles, 0.5 TFL), Michajah Reynolds (19 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 PBU), and James Kittredge (14 tackles, 4.5 TFL) have plenty of experiene filling the holes along the interior.  What is insteresting is moving Lawarence Thomas back to defense (from TE last year) to his natural abilities on the defenive front. He has the pedigree and blue-chip status to be a breakout player on defense:  a playmaker.  Early reports are his improvement over the summer will pay major dividends for the Big Green in the season.

Along the defensive backfield, Darqueze Dennard (52 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 7 PBU, 3 INT) returns after such a strong year in 2012; add to it Isiaiah Lewis (80 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 6 PBU, 2 INT) and Kurtis Drummond (53 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 4 PBU, 2 INT) to make a very solid trio on defense.  The newcomer, redshirt frosh Demetrious Fox, looks to add a lot of talent to the safety position.

There just aren’t many holes on defense.  While MSU will likely make things very very stingy to run the ball, they will need to get some pressure on opposing QBs – particularly on third downs – to stop opponents and give our offense a short field.  Hopefully Lawrence Thomas and Marcus Rush can lead the way with an improved pass rush.  Our offense needs all the help they can get.

BOTTOM LINE:  Lots of returning experience from one of the Big Ten’s best defenses last year… but the defense did not have much help from the offense to give them a rest off the field.  What do yo do?  Michigan State will have the best defense again this year in the conference.  Even with a sputtering offense last year, the defense gave up less than 100 yards per game on the ground, with an average of 30 carries for 99 yards (3.3 ypc).  That’s stout. And, if you can believe it, MSU averaged 85 more yards per game than their opponent (averaged 60 yards per game more than their opponent).  What does this mean?  The problems aren’t on defense at all.  This is one unit that can be relied upon all year long.

Spartan fans will hate to see the defense leave the field if the offense sputters at all like in 2012.  Can we put the defense on offense, too?  

If you love defense, come on out to Spartan Stadium in 2013.  We may see lots more 13-10, 17-13, or 10-9 games all year long.  Hopefully it's the Spartans on the front end of the ledger.   

Next report:  ES will look at coaching, special teams, and some of the rules changes in NCAA football.  We'll also look at the initial USA Today coaching poll....

God forbid... #Hashtags on the football field??? What a disaster! Outlaw it!

Boy, is this stupid.  Eliminating hashtags on a football field?  Whatever for?   The NCAA Rules Committee rule states: "All other items, including social media designations such as URL’s and hashtags, are prohibited."


I guess the reason is that it can be viewed as advertising for Twitter.  This won't last, because you can't legislate behavior and people's willingness to use the most current technology.  Funny: the NCAA will allow institutions to post the NCAA logo, school logos, facility name, and corporate sponsorships... but not #NCAA or ncaa.org.  Someone from Twitter must have pissed off Mark Emmert.

It doesn't fit the edge of the Big Ten and social media... look here.

I think the Spartans should officially change their Name and Logo: "Michigan State #Spartans"

Man, the NCAA is logically unaware of the social norms. Love the post by Zac Ellis at SI.com:  "#dumb."

MSU in 2014, 2015, 2016+.... the good, the bad, and the ugly

OK, so the Big Ten announced its expanded schedules for 2014 and 2015, with the addition of Rutgers and Nebraska. Below is the Spartans’ schedule those two years, and a sneak-peak at non-conference games in upcoming years. 

2014

Aug. 30 JACKSONVILLE STATE

Sept. 13 at Oregon

Sept. 20 WYOMING

Sept. 27 EASTERN MICHIGAN

Oct. 4 NEBRASKA

Oct. 11 at Purdue

Oct. 18 at Indiana

Oct. 25 MICHIGAN

Nov. 8 OHIO STATE

Nov. 15 at Maryland

Nov. 22 RUTGERS

Nov. 29 at Penn State

2015

Sept. 12 OREGON

Sept. 19 at Western Michigan

Sept. 26 CENTRAL MICHIGAN

Oct. 3  at Nebraska

Oct. 10 PURDUE

Oct. 17 INDIANA

Oct. 24 at Michigan

Nov. 7 at Ohio State

Nov. 14 MARYLAND

Nov. 21 at Rutgers

Nov. 28 PENN STATE

What does this say for 2014 and 2015?  Love MSU hosting Michigan back-to-back in 2013 and 2014, especially  with Dantonio making the Spartans no longer a push over in the series... with the Doctor going 4-2 against scUM.

More interestingly…. 

The good

2014 makes for a great schedule for MSU.  In the Big Ten, MSU gets Nebraska, Ohio State, and Michigan at home.  Love the addition of Maryland and Rutgers in the Big Ten East division to the Spartans’ schedule which helps give the Big Green a breather.   If MSU is going to make a run for the title game, it’s gonna need to be in 2014 – potentially a Connor Cook senior year at QB.  But, in 2015…

The bad

The ’15 schedule is a flip of the ’14 schedule, playing at Nebraska, Ohio State, and Michigan is a murderer’s row.  Further, playing at Oregon will be nothing short of an arse whipping.  It will help the Spartans’ strength of schedule, but the ES was lucky enough to travel to Eugene the last two times MSU played at Oregon:  a 48-14 whipping in 1999, and a 35-7 shellacking in 1980.  Expect the same at Autzen Stadium in 2014.  Argh.  At least we get them at home in 2015… speaking of which…  

The ugly

Other than the opening game vs Oregon in 2015, why bother purchasing tickets?  CMU, Purdue, Indiana, Maryland, and Penn State round out an ugly schedule.  Only 11 games are on the schedule, so there is an open date the first week of September… expect MSU to fill that game somehow, someway.  Hopefully against a quality BCS opponent.

Jacksonville State and Wyoming in 2014…. in the Sagarin final 2012 rankings, Jacksonville State finished #133 out of  246 Division I football teams; Wyoming wasn’t much better at #121 (MSU finished #34).  On its website, MSU has adding Furman in 2016 (below) - which is also very ugly.  But, with the Big Ten going to nine conference games beginning in 2016, its' the ES bet that game will be dropped for a Big Ten opponent (Northwestern or Minnesota)… see a sneak peek of future opponents below.

2016

Sept. 3 at Alabama

Sept. 10 EASTERN MICHIGAN

Sept. 17 FURMAN

Sept. 24 NOTRE DAME

2017 ALABAMA, vs WMU
2018 vs. Notre Dame, vs CMU
2019 vs. Notre Dame, vs WMU

2020 vs. Miami-Florida, at EMU

2021 vs Miami-Florida

2022 vs. Boise State, vs. Notre Dame

2023  vs. Boise State, vs. Notre Dame

MSU at #11 in both polls

Just on the outside lookin' in - your Michigan State Spartans are now up to #11 in both polls, the AP and USA Today/coaches polls. MSU is a 24-pt fave at Central Michigan this week.

Here is the AP Poll:

AP Top 25
RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS
1	Alabama (45)	1-0	1481
2	USC (11)	1-0	1435
3	LSU (4)	1-0	1382
4	Oregon	1-0	1295
5	Oklahoma	1-0	1170
6	Florida State	1-0	1135
7	Georgia	1-0	1083
8	Arkansas	1-0	992
9	South Carolina	1-0	980
9	West Virginia	1-0	980
11	Michigan State	1-0	915
12	Clemson	1-0	788
13	Wisconsin	1-0	664
14	Ohio State	1-0	634
15	Virginia Tech	1-0	604
16	Nebraska	1-0	603
17	Texas	1-0	584
18	Oklahoma State	1-0	558
19	Michigan	0-1	446
20	TCU	0-0	355
21	Kansas State	1-0	339
22	Notre Dame	1-0	198
23	Louisville	1-0	190
24	Florida	1-0	145
25	Stanford	1-0	131

• Dropped from rankings: Boise State 24

• Others receiving votes: Boise State 79, Tennessee 73, Brigham Young 63, North Carolina 48, Baylor 38, Utah 34, Washington 15, Georgia Tech 14, Ohio 10, TEXSTATE 10, Missouri 7, Texas A&M 5, South Florida 5, UCF 4, Mississippi State 3, Auburn 3, Cincinnati 2

Spartan hockey - still fun after all these years

Went to the MSU Spartan hockey game last night.  Unfortunately, the #15 Spartans lost to Miami-Ohio, 2-1, in overtime.  Fun game, over 6,400 in attendance.  MSU could have played better on the offensive ends - hell Miami was seemingly in a perpetual penalty, and State even had a two-man advantage, but spent most of that time passing to the points instead of movement around the net and making good shots.  Tough. 

But, what the ES will say is that it is still a BLAST going to Munn Ice Arena after all these years.  MSUFCU had a promotion, free two tickets for every membership, so I brought the kids... Three tickets for $10... Now that wa a GREAT deal. 

MSU is 11-8-2 and #15, 6-6-1 in the CCHA.  It is the swan song year for the Big Ten teams in the CCHA.  Sayonara CCHA, hello Big Ten!  That said, MSU has its rematch with Miami tonight at 7 pm.  Go GREEN!

Defense wins Spring Game

Spring game notes, with an estimated attendance of 30,000. A very quick defensively played game, with Spartan linebackers stealing the show. Greg Jones and Eric Gordon were impressive -- as expected. Max Bullough looks ready as a true freshmen. Big plays -- and big hits -- all game long out of DB Denicos Allen, and numerous sacks by Greg Jones. Lots of pressure on QBs.

The Green team won, 17-10, and Kirk Cousins (10-15-254) looked just awesome. Andrew Maxwell (18-34-244) wasn't half bad, either. Both Mark Dell (4-133) and Keshawn Martin (6-109) really played great at wideout. It was nice to see the TEs get into the mix: Charlie Gantt (4-68) and Dion Sims (3-53) were able to move the chains. The running game couldn't get on track, outside of a 31 yard run by true frosh Nick Hill. Larry Caper was 10-21 and Ed Baker was just 4-17. Baker, though, caught a beautiful swing pass for a 17 yard TD from Andrew Maxwell where he just abused several defenders.

The craziest players were OL Antonio Jeremiah carrying the ball for a 6 yard gain up the middle; and a nice 58 yard bomb to Mark Dell off a Kirk Cousins play action.

No pass rush - for the second year in a row, it is MIA. But, the defense made the big plays - including a defensive-stopping stand by Eric Gordon on a trick play to end the game.

Green White
1st downs - 11 - 14
Rush yards - 56 - 21
Pass yards - 290 - 244
Total offense - 346 - 265
Penalties - 1-15 - 2-15
Turnovers - 1 - 0

Sparty of old wins! Redesign for MSU to focus on concept, not logos

Michigan State has decided not to redesign its Sparty logo. As said by the ES last night, there was an impending decision by the Spartan brass reflecting the concern by the Spartan nation over the leak of the image redesign.

In the end, the Spartan athletic program backtracked, took the advice of the ES ("why not use what you already have?" and "there is still time to rethink the decision") and others, and decided to use the current Sparty logo (not a redesign of the logo) in its rebranding efforts.

Hollis stated: "After careful consideration, we will use the current Spartan logo design, first used in the late 1970s, to build our visual brand identity. Using sound branding principles..."

YES, SPARTY OF OLD WINS!

A complete copy of the announcement is below and available here.

Good decision, great job Spartan athletics. Now, let us be 100% behind this redesign using the current logos! Go GREEN!

Here is the email sent out by Hollis yesterday evening:

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"We Gather and Engage Our Community to Teach, Support, and Celebrate our Student-Athletes in Their Quest for Excellence!

That’s the mission I had in mind since day one. But it can’t be done alone.

Our vision of a “consistent and national identity” was designed to bring everyone together. By that, I mean everyone -- from our administration to our student-athletes to you as a Spartan.

When I accepted this position, I stated that as your Athletic Director everything would be done with ONE FOCUS. Having been on this campus for more than 30 years as a student, alumnus, and employee, I have often observed that, as Spartans, we have not always been headed in the same direction. Nowhere has this fact more obvious than in the outward appearance of our team uniforms. We have been an athletic program of different greens, logos, word-marks, and uniform quality. There has been a lack of consistency with regard to our brand. This inconsistency was a result both of using multiple suppliers for our apparel and of uniform decisions being made without a department-wide focus.

After assuming the Athletic Director position, one of my initial objectives was to outfit each of our sports teams in a consistent manner and to do so as a component of a unique and cohesive national brand identity program. To accomplish this task, we expanded our partnership with Nike so that every one of our 25 teams and nearly 800 student-athletes will all wear Nike-designed uniforms and apparel. We feel fortunate to have Nike as a partner, not only to improve the way our teams look, but also for the unique performance advantages their products provide.

As part of the expanded partnership, we requested Nike conduct a department-wide assessment of our brand and identity. It’s important to note that this request came as part of our agreement with Nike, but was not a condition of it. There was no cost to MSU for this service. Members of my staff, university administration, and I guided Nike designers through this in-depth process that is still in the final stages of completion.

In this process, Nike has suggested various innovative concepts and design elements, yet it is always Michigan State University that determines the direction we will take. Input from student-athletes, coaches, alumni, donors, students, faculty, and university public relations advisors have been involved in this process.

The recent disclosure of an updated Spartan logo from a trademark registration process has resulted in a flurry of concern and discontentment among some of our students, alumni, and fans. I have given careful attention to thoughtful comments received and sought additional counsel regarding how ideas might be incorporated into the overall strategic brand and identity process. Our primary objective is to achieve a strong and consistent Spartan brand, but rest assured that, as our mission statement attests, bringing Spartans together is one of our fundamental values.

Our identity and branding process is nearing completion and is on schedule for a complete rollout in April. The elements and applications of the brand design will be unveiled collectively at that time. After careful consideration, we will use the current Spartan logo design, first used in the late 1970s, to build our visual brand identity. Using sound branding principles, the university will continue to register some variations of our Spartan logo in order to ensure that this symbol is well protected and firmly associated with Michigan State University. As an athletic department, we are excited about our branding and identity process. We understand, given the tremendous exposure we bring to the university, that our work is an important part of Michigan State’s overall university brand. As we go forward, we will ensure that elements of the athletics visual brand identity align with and support the university brand.

As an athletics department and as a university, we are dedicated to maintaining an appreciation for our past while also being committed to moving our university and athletic program boldly into the future. As Spartans, I believe we can all pull together and embrace the mission of standing together with one focus—a focus broad enough to encompass both the vital importance of community and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Thank you for your support, and Go Green – Go White!

Sincerely,
Mark J. Hollis
Director of Athletics"

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If there is anything this process shows, it is that Michigan State's loyal following is enthusiastic, and is dedicated to its tradition.

MSU jumps to #6 in hoops poll

Michigan State extends its dominance in the Big Ten, and it is evidenced now in the latest AP Poll, with the Big Green up to #6 nationally. According to Jeff Sagarin, MSU is #11 nationally, Wisky is #10 and Purdon't is #13. And, in Bracketology, the Spartans sit at a pretty #2 seed in the West, Purdue is #4 MW, Wisky is #3 E, Illinois is #12 E, Ohio State is #5 S. In CollegeRPI, MSU sits at #18, Purdue is #17, Wisky is #9.

Yes, college hoops is a war of attrition and as the war goes on, the cream rises. MSU keeps going up up up....

AP Top 25

1. Texas (57) 17-0 1,617

2. Kentucky (8) 18-0 1,568

3. Kansas 16-1 1,457

4. Villanova 16-1 1,442

5. Syracuse 17-1 1,376

6. Michigan State 15-3 1,259

7. Duke 15-2 1,249

8. Tennessee 14-2 1,163

9. Pittsburgh 15-2 1,015

10. Kansas State 15-2 989

11. West Virginia 13-3 922

12. Georgetown 13-3 873

13. Purdue 14-3 799

14. Brigham Young 18-1 763

15. Gonzaga 14-3 748

16. Temple 15-3 581

17. Clemson 15-3 568

18. Wisconsin 14-4 542

19. Georgia Tech 13-4 380

20. Northern Iowa 16-1 252

21. Ohio State 13-5 228

22. Mississippi 13-4 211

23. Mississippi State 15-3 189

24. North Carolina 12-6 161

25. Baylor 14-2 147

Others Receiving Votes Vanderbilt 122, Connecticut 98, New Mexico 96, UAB 59, Virginia 50, Florida State 41, Butler 35, Texas A&M 28, Cornell 15, William & Mary 15, Wake Forest 13, Rhode Island 11, Marquette 10, Missouri 8, Louisiana Tech 7, Northwestern 6, Old Dominion 3, Arizona State 3, Marshall 2, Xavier 2, Harvard 1, Siena 1. Dropped From Rankings Connecticut 15, Florida State 25.

FYI - Spartan icehockey is at #10 in the USCHO poll.

Michigan State football player suspension update

There was a report last night by ESPN and others in the media that eight suspended Michigan State football players were "reinstated" and allowed to return to the team and that four would depart; this as a result of their participation in the Rather Hall brawl in November.

However, these reports are not completely accurate. Instead, as noted by the LSJ, these players were "were welcomed back to a recent team meeting." This does not necessarily mean they have completely served the penalties imposed by the head coach to regain full status on the team. There is some distance to go from being invited to participate in a team meeting to "reinstatement" as a regular team member. How far is that distance? Only MD knows...

More importantly is that GREG JONES IS RETURNING!

The Rise of Michigan State... Again

The ES anxiously awaits USA Today and AP rankings this week for the men's hoops team.

There were certainly upsets in the Top 10, giving room for #10 Michigan State to move up. As expected, Wisky beat #4 Purdon't and ruining their feeling of invincibility. The cream always rises to the top, now, doesn't it. The Big Green is back atop the Big Ten leaderboard, where it rightfully should be. Other losses were #9 UNC to Charleston, #8 West Virginia to Notre Dame, #5 Duke to Georgia Tech, and of course #1 Kansas to Tennessee.

This, combined with Michigan State's thrashing at home of Wisconsin (54-47) and whipping of Iowa in the corn state (71-53), should move the Spartans up to #8 or #7. According to Sagarin, Purdon't dropped to #5, Wisky to #12, MSU is at #13, and Minny is at #36. According to RPIratings, Purdon't is #5, Wisky #15, MSU #25, Minny #43.

The hockey team ain't bad either, with a win and a tie/shootout loss to Lake Superior State this weekend. MSU was #13 in the nation heading into the weekend, and at 15-6-3/10-3-3 is just one point behind CCHA leaders Ferris State and Miami-Ohio.

Dan Enos to CMU?

Interesting post on the ES message board; one individual reports that Dan Enos has interviewed to be the head coach at Central Michigan University. Enos is the running back's coach at Michigan State and one of the team's best recruiters. He was a quarterback at Michigan State at the end of our last glory years under George Perles; he helped lead the Big Green to its last conference title about 400 years ago (ok, back in 1990, which is 20 years ago).

As you know, Brian Kelly left GVSU for CMU, and then left CMU for Cincinnati, and then left Cincy for ND. When he left CMU for Cincy, the Chips hired Butch Jones. Jones just left for Cincy to fill Kelly's vacancy. So, will Enos be the next head Chippewa?

Yes, it would be a good pick by the Chips and a tough loss for MSU.

Michigan State 2009 review; 2010 early prediction

Final thoughts on 2009 Spartan Football

It was an average year in 2009-2010, and that is a disappointment. Michigan State let four games slip away in which they led in the fourth quarter (CMU, ND, Iowa, Alamo Bowl). That needs to improve, and experienced leadership can hopefully seal the deal late in games.

Defense: The biggest disappointment was the Spartan secondary, which has plenty of experience and played terrible all year long. One continues to be baffled by the poor secondary play on deep balls: they can't learn to turn around and knock passes away and are consistently out of position. Michigan State needs a better pass rush to help out its secondary, but these guys need to just play better and make plays. The defensive line must play better in key situations (third down) against spread offenses: Tyler Hoover, Colin Neely, Oren Wilson, Jerel Worthy, and Kevin Pickleman all return -- Trevor Anderson is the lone loss on the defensive line. MSU gave up a too-high 43% on third downs this year. The secondary just can't play any worse, and even marginal improvement (with help putting more pressure on the QB) might seal a win or two. Its defensive passing efficiency ranked 101st in the country, and its 5 regular season interceptions were the worst in the Big Ten. The defense only created 12 turnovers all year. That's awful - and points to a lack of playmaking ability. That must change for Michigan State to improve in the conference standings. LB Greg Jones will make a decision by January 15 to enter the NFL draft, and while MSU is deep at linebacker, Jones' departure would impact the Spartans' defensive success next year.

Offense: The ES was impressed with the offensive execution in the Alamo Bowl game pending all the absentees from the Rather Hall Brawl. It was nice to see OC Don Treadwell open up the playbook and use gadget play after gadget play -- successfully. We now know that Nichol can't catch, but he's a great athlete and can run well at QB. But, to see Keshawn Martin flying around on offense and consistently making great plays - he was a surprise this year and was the fastest player on the field in the bowl game. The running game improved throughout the year, and both Ed Baker and Larry Caper looked like a solid 1-2 tandem that will improve next year. Questions on the offensive line remain, but there is some experience there in 2010. The emergence of Blair White at WR was amazing - he turned out to be the best weapon for MSU all year long, and may have a nice career in the NFL (if not as a dentist). MSU can do a better job at using its tight ends, and with a very deep TE corps, the Spartans should excel at that position. Hopefully, with a year under the belt of Cousins and Nichol, and if the players can stay out of trouble... well, Michigan State has depth at all the skill positions, and with average play on the offensive line it should again be explosive.

Early prediction for 2010:

Michigan State has a non-conference slate of WMU, @ Florida Atlantic, NOTRE DAME, NO. COLORADO. That should be 4-0, no worse than 3-1.

In conference, MSU faces WISCONSIN, @ Michigan, ILLINOIS, at Northwestern, at Iowa, MINNESOTA, PURDUE, at Penn State. That should be 6-2, no worse than 4-4.

The Spartans should be anywhere from 10-2 to 7-5. ES says split it down the middle: 9-3.

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.