No Offense vs. Good Coaching

Coach D and the Spartans

MSU Spartans (2-1/0-0) vs Northwestern Wildcats (1-1/0-0)
Ryan Field, Evanston, IL
September 21, 2019,  Noon ET.
TV: ABC

Line:  MSU by 8-1/2?  They're smoking dope in Vegas

Sagarin Ratings:  MSU #15, Northwestern #57

In East Lansing, John L. Smith has returned to overthink the offense.  Why play your best running back (Collins) at the most important times?  Naaahhh, let's substitute him with someone (Hayward) who can't juke past a dying rhino.  Better yet, when we have time, let's run a Chinese fire-drill with time ticking down to kick a field goal... instead of spiking the ball to give the team more time!

This coach we have is being paid very well.  $4.39 million dollars this year, to be exact.  Yet, the Dr. of Excuses says "everything is happening real time, very fast" can't use his experience to save our skins.  Throwing the ball in 50 mph winds in a bowl game (RedBox), or ditching an effective run game to pass in sub-zero temperatures in BFE Nebraska, or switching to your backup QB on 4th down to run into a pile (Tulsa), or mismanaging the entire season by playing a hurt QB...  This is getting old.

As said countless times: MSU is is going to WASTE another dominating defense because of stupid coaching on the offense.  This is an average team at best. Coach Dantonio has lost his way.
 https://www.mlive.com/sports/2019/09/michigan-state-in-danger-of-wasting-another-dominant-defense-as-2018-season-seems-to-roll-on.html

Coach Fitzpatrick is EXACTLY what you want in a coach.  Putting his best players on the field at the best time and giving his players the best opportunities to win.  Our coach, takes our best players out and overthinks himself.  What happened to Coach D?  His trick plays?  Coaching up 3-star recruits?  He seems lost.

This hurts to write this, but it is true.  He didn't fire anyone.  Dr. Excuses, the "foxhole" guy will be loyal to the point of losing.  And, he has lost this faithful Spartan.

8-1/2 point favorites?   Shit, we can't even score more than 7.

Predictions:

• Big Joe & Phantom 309 (metro D): 12-10 MSU the offense scores 3 points and the defense gets a TD and a safety to secure the game
• GVSU Gregger (Gr Rapids):  MSU 24-17
• RGM3 (Farm Hills): MSU 21-10
• The Queen of Scotland (NY, NY):  AWOL
• J Dog (Clarkston): MSU 17-13 in OT
• CHock (San Francisco, CA):  NW 28-24
• Keith (Pontiac):  MSU 20-17
• Sloth (Pittsburgh, PA):  Frustration
• Smig (Santa Rosa, CA): NW 14-3
• Big Bob (Kzoo): NW 20-14. MSU’s offense will be twice as gooderer at moving the ball between the 20 yard lines as last week, so they will generate 808 yards of offense and lose the game 20-14. CHOCK response: "How the fuck will they ever score 14 points Big Bob? 6 Point Mark's offense is fine tuned for 2 made field goals (except last week, substitute 1 made TF... about the same)." BIG BOB response: "Easy. The D will have to score the 2nd TD."

ES (en route to be with J in Clarkston):  NW 10-6

Enlightened Preview: Spartans at Northwestern

#16 Michigan State (6-1, 4-0) at Northwestern (4-3, 2-2)

Oct 28, 2017 - 3:30 pm

Ryan Field

Sagarin Ratings: MSU #26, Northwestern #34

Line:  Spartans favored by 1-1/2

TV:  ESPN

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

Predictions:

Debbie Does Texas: 21-17 MSU

Minny Jeremy:  18-5 MSU

Aussie Paul: 52-0

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

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

ES Game Day: Michigan State Spartans to DESTROY undermanned Northwestern

#13/13 Michigan State Spartans (9-1, 6-0) at Northwestern Wildcats (4-6, 0-6)

Time:  12 pm ET
Location:  Evanston, Illinois
Weather:  25 and cloudy,  BRUTALLY COLD
TV: ESPN
Line: MSU by7

Predictions:

• BTB.com: Merriman, MSU 38-10; Bardo, MSU 35-10; Dienhart, MSU 37-20; Yarina, MSU 38-13
• CFN/Scout.com:  MSU 20-13
• LakeThePosts.com (Chicago):  LTP - MSU 23-10; PRR - NW 21-20; KV - MSU 21-16
• WNUR Sports (Chicago): of 15 pundits, 12 pick MSU to 3 for NW.
• Chicago Tribune:  Greenstein, MSU
• Freep:  Rexrode, MSU 20-13; Sharp, MSU 34-10; Seidel, MSU 28-21
• DetNews: Wojo: MSU 20-10
• CBSSports.com:  Feldman:  MSU 17-3; five of six pick MSU
• ESPN.com: Bennett, MSU, 20-10; Rittenberg, MSU 23-16
• Prediction Tracker:  MSU by 10.27
• Athlon:   Gall, MSU 31-13; Light, MSU 20-7; Lassan, MSU 27-10; Fox, MSU 28-7
• Mlive.com: MSU 20-10.
• RantSports:  MSU 31-14
• SportsCapping.com:  MSU 34-20

ES sez:

It will be a cold, windy, miserable day in Chicago.  This will be one time the Spartans will absolutely roll.  A struggling Northwestern offense against such a stellar defense the likes that the Wildcats have yet to face this year.  Against this defense, that spread shit ain't worth a lick: ask Devin Gardner.   The Cats won't know what hit them in the face.  Watch for HUGE games from Calhoun, Bullough, and Dennard.  Also, don't be surprised at a Denicos Allen backside hit for a fumble-TD recovery.  At the worst of the Spartan offense, when in doubt, punt it with the nation's best in Mike Sadler and give NW the long field against this crazy-good Spartan defense.   Time, and time, and time again... as MSU did to Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska... etc.  

The NW defense has played fine... when given the chance.  In this game, they'll have no chance, and will be forced to stop a surging Spartan OL, giving Spartan QB Cook protection and a better run game in support.  Sorry, this one is just a BAD matchup for Northwestern.  It'll be a whooping, much like the Michigan game.

Michigan State 31, Northwestern 3. 

Spartans move up to #13, favored by TD at Northwestern

The 9-1/6-0 Michigan State Spartans move up to #13 in the AP Poll, after pounding Nebraska yesterday, 41-28.  The ES WILL be going to the B1G Ten Championship game in Indianapolis. 

The early line out of Vegas is the Spartans as a 7-1/2 pt favorite at Northwestern; kickoff is set for noon ET, and the game is on ESPN.  Other odds for this weekend's lineup:  Illinois by 7 at Purdue, Ohio State by 33 home vs Indiana, Wisconsin by 14-1/2 at Minnesota, Iowa by 5-1/2 at home over lowly Michigan,

Here is this week's AP poll... creeping up, up, UP!!!

AP Top 25
RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS
1	Alabama (55)	10-0	1495
2	Florida State (5)	10-0	1445
3	Baylor	9-0	1351
4	Ohio State	10-0	1343
5	Oregon	9-1	1210
6	Auburn	10-1	1205
7	Clemson	9-1	1115
8	Missouri	9-1	1067
9	Texas A&M	8-2	956
10	Stanford	8-2	899
11	Oklahoma State	9-1	889
12	South Carolina	8-2	870
13	MICHIGAN STATE	9-1	749
14	UCLA	8-2	710
15	Fresno State	9-0	572
16	Wisconsin	8-2	559
17	UCF	8-1	535
18	LSU	7-3	439
19	Arizona State	8-2	430
20	Northern Illinois	10-0	426
21	Louisville	9-1	412
22	Oklahoma	8-2	318
23	USC	8-3	187
24	Ole Miss	7-3	119
25	Duke	8-2	94

• Dropped from rankings: Texas 23, Miami (FL) 24, Georgia 25

• Others receiving votes: Minnesota 77, Notre Dame 11, Texas 10, Georgia 5, Cincinnati 1, Nebraska 1

Fire Dan Roushar

Today's loss against Northwestern was unacceptable and inexcusable.  This one is on the coaches. Roushar's incompetence and Dantonio's belief in Maxwell's abilities that he doesn't have cost MSU yet another game.  Not sure when these guys will get it through their thick heads and wake up.

Roushar has GOT to be fired.  He was nothing short of AWFUL, and demonstrated he is in over his head.  What a waste of a great defense this year.    I don't have enough fingers or toes to count the numerous coaching mistakes today.  That's sad, and I feel bad for the players, especially the defense, for the incompetence of the Spartan coaching staff.

Below, I have copied my second half Facebook posts to the Sloth today as we fumed during the game.  It says enough.

--------


4 hours ago via mobile ·

    I hate this football team on offense. Just absolutely loathe them.
    Like · · Unfollow Post
        50 of 56
        View previous comments
         You should see them live-Eesh!
        3 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1
         I'm turning it off now. that last drive with Roushar calling nothing but passes is it for me. time to catch up on a couple episodes of Mad Men...
        3 hours ago · Like
         13-13 now! Go Burbridge!
        2 hours ago via mobile · Like
         If it wasn't so embarrassing it would be funny. I am so goddam upset with this coaching staff for handcuffing the players. It is flat-assed unacceptable. Period. A bunch of incompetent morons, lead by the head dolt himself for hiring these jokers.
        2 hours ago · Like
         Walk in TD. Ugh
        2 hours ago via mobile · Like
         What is Roushar doing with this all-pass crap? Putting Maxwell back with no blindside protection on a first down is suicide, RUN THE GODDAM BALL.
        2 hours ago · Like
         What an embarrassment.
        2 hours ago · Like
         Dantonio needs to own up to this. He is failing his team.
        2 hours ago · Like
         Narduzzi needs to get his ass OUT OF THE PRESS BOX AND DOWN ON THE FIELD
        2 hours ago · Like · 1
         These referees are terrible.
        2 hours ago · Like
         Unbelievable. Thank God for hoops
        2 hours ago via mobile · Like · 2
         If the defense doesn't score, we don't have a chance.
        2 hours ago · Like
         Hopefully Dantonio will do the right thing and get rid of Roushar after the season is over
        2 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1
         Can't blame Maxwell for the dropped balls
        2 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 2
         What I hate is the percentages on throwing on first down for MSU are just poor. So, if they don't get it, it is a guarantee we will thrown on 2nd down. Roushar just doesn't have a good feel for how to mix things up.
        2 hours ago · Like
         If this were a chess match, it would already be checkmate. If it were war, our conceptual playbook is the Maginot line. Completely static and predictable, and reactionary. It sucks. I'd give the coaching a F.
        2 hours ago · Like
        Can't blame Maxwell for the bad offensive line and piss poor play calling. I feel bad for him. I think he gets a bad rap.
        2 hours ago via mobile · Like
         But when Maxwell does have a shot, he can't make the play. He is not dependable. That's the problem.
        2 hours ago · Like
         Thank God we ran it on first down, even if we only gained a yard.
        2 hours ago · Like
        ...who is the back up Connor Cook, right? Don't know much about him...is he good?
        2 hours ago via mobile · Like
         Put in Cook. Right on queue, Maxwell telegraphs his floater to the NW safety.
        2 hours ago · Like
        , this season was over 5 weeks ago. it's an indication of our resilience as Spartan faithful that we still bother, especially with basketball season here.
        2 hours ago · Like
         Maxwell has no moxie. He CANT GET IT DONE. You know that Gatorade ad, "is it IN you?" Not for Maxwell. He does not have the grit and lacks the smarts of Cousins - it isn't fair to make the comparison, but Maxwell IMHO isn't half of Cousins. To add to it, this coaching staff is so incompetent, they are handcuffing him.
        2 hours ago · Like · 1
         Hey Haskin, don't you have any eligibility left?
        2 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1
         Sloth - I loathe loving my allegiance as a Spartan football fan, and there isn't anything I can do about it for the rest of my life.
        2 hours ago · Like · 1
         The score right now should be 27-20 Michigan State. The fact that the turnovers are 4-0 in favor of NW demonstrates the strength of our defense.
        2 hours ago · Like
         Who is dependable? BELL. Funny, they give him the ball and he just piles up yardage. A total no-brainer.
        2 hours ago · Like · 1
         Keep feeding it to the horse.
        2 hours ago · Like
         bet you a beer this is a pass
        2 hours ago · Like
         Of course, now Narduzzi gets his butt down to the field. The coaches are finally waking up. Too bad they took off the first three quarters.
        2 hours ago · Like
         Keep feeding it to Bell. Give him THE GODDAM BALL
        2 hours ago · Like
         Roushar just killed this drive
        2 hours ago · Unlike · 1
         Fire Roushar.
        2 hours ago · Like
         That pass call was so incompetent.
        2 hours ago · Like
         Sims bailed out Roushar. He should still be fired.
        2 hours ago · Like · 1
         it's an absolute miracle. I should have watched a 2nd episode of Mad Men.
        2 hours ago · Like
         Roushar should be fired - even if we score 100 points in the next five minutes, he needs to be given the pink slip. Let him coach at Mankato State.
        2 hours ago · Like
         seemingly right on cue, our Top 5 defense rips a fart.
        about an hour ago · Like
         Go figure. But they stiffened at the end. Let's see if Maxwell has moxie.
        about an hour ago · Like
         Dantonio has no pulse on this team. He should know by now that the defense checks out late in the game; is this the 3rd or 4th game where we punted late and couldn't get the ball back? Shoulda gone for it on 4th down.
        about an hour ago · Like · 1
         Fitz passing the ball was a dumb move. Stopped the clock. Helped us out.
        about an hour ago · Like
         Dantonio needs to block this kick. It's our only chance. Offense can't do shit.
        about an hour ago · Like
         dropped pass. shocking.
        about an hour ago · Like
         Let's see if Maxwell can make a believer out of me. I doubt it.
        about an hour ago · Like · 1
         another dropped pass. not shocking.
        about an hour ago · Like
         What an AWFUL play call on third down. Why in gods name are you running a 5 YARD SLANT??????? We need 80 yards
        about an hour ago · Like
         GAME OVER. MSU SEASON OVER.
        about an hour ago · Like
         NEED TO GO TO MY PRESENTATION. I hate this season.
        about an hour ago · Like
    

ES Game Day: MSU vs Northwestern

OK, so the ES is in Vegas, baby!  Will watch that football game vs. Northwestern from the Flamingo at 9 am sharp.As you can see, the ES put $20 smackers on the Spartans to beat the spread and whip the Wildcats tomorrow.  MSU is favored by a TD (7 pts).  ALSO note that MSU is 18-1 favorite to win the national men's basketball championship... ES put $5 on the Big Green to get to the Promised Land.

That said, an abbreviated game day for tomorrow's game. 

Time:  12 noon
TV:  BTN
Spread:  MSU favored by 7
Weather: 52 and partly sunny

ES sez:  MSU 28, Northwestern 17.

Spartans a TD fave over Northwestern

Where's the ES been?  Those of you who know me know this is the busiest time of the year, middle of the term and I am swamped.  That said, I am heading out to... Las Vegas, baby!  So, while I present odds from VegasInsider each week... I guess I can be the official insider this next week.

But, from what I read... our MSU Spartans are favored by 6-1/2 against Northwestern; Purdue is favored by 7 at Illinois; Penn State is favored by 17 over Indiana; no line on Michigan vs Iowa due to injury; Wisky is favored by 3 at home over Ohio State.

Sparty needs a win... BAD. 

Michigan State kicks Northwestern butt; BRING ON WISKY

The Spartan defense took a while to get its mojo, but it harassed Northwestern QB Dan Persa for much of the day on a DAMP afternoon in a 31-17 Spartan victory. ES will break this down more, but BRING ON WISCONSIN AGAIN. The Big Ten's BEST DEFENSE in Michigan State will get a load of Wisconsin next week... and the ES just got his tickets. See you in INDY!

Michigan State (10-2,7-1) vs. Northwestern (6-6,3-5)
Date: Nov 26, 2011 Site: Evanston, Ill. Stadium: Ryan Field
Attendance: 32172

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
----------------- -- -- -- -- -----
Michigan State...... 3 14 7 7 - 31
Northwestern........ 0 3 7 7 - 17

Scoring Summary:
1st 04:00 MSU - Conroy, Dan 25 yd field goal
13 plays, 72 yards, TOP 5:17, MSU 3 - NU 0
2nd 14:03 NU - Budzien, Jeff 34 yd field goal
12 plays, 44 yards, TOP 4:57, MSU 3 - NU 3
01:40 MSU - Bell, Le'Veon 7 yd run (Conroy, Dan kick)
8 plays, 97 yards, TOP 3:45, MSU 10 - NU 3
00:34 MSU - Martin, Keshawn 57 yd punt return (Conroy, Dan kick)
MSU 17 - NU 3
3rd 13:02 NU - Ebert, Jeremy 2 yd pass from Persa, Dan (Budzien, Jeff kick)
5 plays, 69 yards, TOP 1:58, MSU 17 - NU 10
07:35 MSU - Cunningham, B.J. 33 yd pass from Cousins, Kirk (Conroy, Dan kick)
10 plays, 67 yards, TOP 5:27, MSU 24 - NU 10
4th 13:57 NU - Fields, D. 12 yd pass from Persa, Dan (Budzien, Jeff kick)
8 plays, 65 yards, TOP 3:13, MSU 24 - NU 17
05:17 MSU - Cunningham, B.J. 29 yd pass from Cousins, Kirk (Conroy, Dan kick)
9 plays, 93 yards, TOP 5:05, MSU 31 - NU 17

Team Statistics (Final)
2011 Michigan State Football
#11 Michigan State vs Northwestern (Nov 26, 2011 at Evanston, Ill.)

MSU NU

FIRST DOWNS................... 20 21
Rushing..................... 9 10
Passing..................... 9 8
Penalty..................... 2 3
NET YARDS RUSHING............. 166 117
Rushing Attempts............ 36 41
Average Per Rush............ 4.6 2.9
Rushing Touchdowns.......... 1 0
Yards Gained Rushing........ 170 151
Yards Lost Rushing.......... 4 34
NET YARDS PASSING............. 214 253
Completions-Attempts-Int.... 14-20-1 24-34-0
Average Per Attempt......... 10.7 7.4
Average Per Completion...... 15.3 10.5
Passing Touchdowns.......... 2 2
TOTAL OFFENSE YARDS........... 380 370
Total offense plays......... 56 75
Average Gain Per Play....... 6.8 4.9
Fumbles: Number-Lost.......... 1-0 2-1
Penalties: Number-Yards....... 8-66 6-70
PUNTS-YARDS................... 4-156 4-177
Average Yards Per Punt...... 39.0 44.2
Net Yards Per Punt.......... 39.0 25.0
Inside 20................... 2 2
50+ Yards................... 0 2
Touchbacks.................. 0 1
Fair catch.................. 0 0
KICKOFFS-YARDS................ 6-376 4-244
Average Yards Per Kickoff... 62.7 61.0
Net Yards Per Kickoff....... 44.7 41.2
Touchbacks.................. 1 0
Punt returns: Number-Yards-TD. 1-57-1 0-0-0
Average Per Return.......... 57.0 0.0
Kickoff returns: Number-Yds-TD 4-79-0 5-88-0
Average Per Return.......... 19.8 17.6
Interceptions: Number-Yds-TD.. 0-0-0 1-0-0
Fumble Returns: Number-Yds-TD. 0-0-0 0-0-0
Miscellaneous Yards........... 0 0
Possession Time............... 29:10 30:18
1st Quarter................. 7:33 7:27
2nd Quarter................. 4:56 10:04
3rd Quarter................. 7:35 7:25
4th Quarter................. 9:06 5:22
Third-Down Conversions........ 8 of 13 7 of 17
Fourth-Down Conversions....... 0 of 0 4 of 5
Red-Zone Scores-Chances....... 2-2 3-5
Touchdowns.................. 1-2 2-5
Field goals................. 1-2 1-5
Sacks By: Number-Yards........ 6-31 0-0
PAT Kicks..................... 4-4 2-2
Field Goals................... 1-1 1-1

LIVE CHAT - Michigan State at Northwestern

Game Day: ES predicts Michigan State at Northwestern

GAME DAY PREDICTION
#10 Michigan State (9-2/6-1) at Northwestern Wildcats (6-5/3-4)
Evanston, IL.  12 noon ET.
Rankings:  MSU #10 (USA Today), #11 (AP), #14 (BCS), #20 (Sagarin).  Northwestern #60 (Sagarin).

TV:  BTN

Weather: 54 degrees and rain.

Line:  Michigan State favored by 6

Picks:  CBSSports.com/Feldman: MSU 27-23,  ESPN/Rittenberg: MSU 27-21, ESPN/Bennett: MSU 34-27, Scout/CFN: NW, 28-23, Rivals: MSU 28-23, Freep/Rosenberg: MSU 37-17, Freep/Sharp: MSU 27-21, Freep/Sipple: MSU 38-24, LSJ: MSU 31-21, Lake The Posts (NW blog): MSU 28-24/MSU 34-24/NW 21-17, Chicago Tribune: NW 24-17, DetNews/Wojo: MSU 38-26, DetNews/Charboneau: MSU 34-24, DetNews/Niyo: MSU 34-17.

ES pick:  MSU 27, Northwestern 17.

Key Stat:  NW total offense will exceed 400 yards behind Dan Persa, but their red zone offense will stall when facing the playmaking Spartan defense.  Watch the Spartans exceed 150 yards rushing, and another targeted performance by Cousins (70% + completions).  The vicious Spartan defense will force 3 or more turnovers out of the Cats.

Michigan State moves to #10 in corrupt polls; favored by TD over Northwestern.

More on the Spartoonies later this week.    Michigan State is favored by a TD at Northwestern.  Bummer for the ES - he has tickets to the NW stint, but will have to take a backseat this year and watch from the beautiful confines of his Man Cave.  MSU improved to #10 in the USA Today poll, which is about as big of a crock of shit as you can imagine.  MSU below HOUSTON and BOISE STATE (bullcrap).  In the AP Poll, Oregon is ranked ahead of USC... who defeated the ducks in Eugene on Saturday night.  That is about as dumb as anything the ES has seen in years.  Stanford struggles at home to beat Cal, Oklahoma State loses to IOWA STATE for Godsakes; Baylor BEATS Oklahoma, which remains at #9... And, you wanna talk about CORRUPTION?  LSU, Alabama, Arkansas are 1-2-3... and all are from the SAME DIVISION (West) of the SAME CONFERENCE (Southeastern).  Noone with any authority in college football knows what the hell is happening. MICHIGAN STATE is no lower than #8, maybe #7.

In a word?  BULLSHIT. 

USA Today Poll
RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS
1	LSU (59)	11-0	1475
2	Alabama	10-1	1413
3	Arkansas	10-1	1349
4	Virginia Tech	10-1	1242
5	Stanford	10-1	1222
6	Oklahoma State	10-1	1156
7	Houston	11-0	1075
8	Boise State	9-1	982
9	Oregon	9-2	933
10	Michigan State	9-2	928
11	Oklahoma	8-2	826
12	Wisconsin	9-2	808
13	South Carolina	9-2	806
14	Georgia	9-2	803
15	Kansas State	9-2	671
16	Michigan	9-2	618
17	Clemson	9-2	587
18	TCU	9-2	494
19	Penn State	9-2	455
20	Baylor	7-3	302
21	Georgia Tech	8-3	203
22	Nebraska	8-3	165
23	West Virginia	7-3	158
24	Notre Dame	8-3	156
25	Virginia	8-3	154

• Dropped from rankings: Southern Miss 20, Florida State 22

• Others receiving votes: Rutgers 54, Auburn 33, Southern Miss 25, Tulsa 23, Brigham Young 21, Arkansas State 10, NORIL 10, Missouri 8, Texas A&M 4, Utah 3, Texas 1, Florida State 1, Iowa State 1

ES prediction: Michigan State over Northwestern, 37-17

Go Michigan State! Pits to Fitz.

WNUR picks MSU 27-24
Rittenberg/ESPN picks MSU 28-20
USA Today picks MSU 28-27
Betonline picks MSU by a TD

ES is more confident than any of these pundits. Michigan State has held five of seven oppts under 20 pts. Only Wisky and ND scored more than 20. The Big Green has scored more than 30 in six of its seven games. NW defense is not as good as Illinois and Wisky, and the Spartans gouged them for 26 and 34. At Ryan Field, there will be 20,000 Spartans - mitigating home field to some extent (yes, the ES has been to Ryan Field five times).

ES is thinking something closer to 37-17, a nice clean demolition by Cousins, Baker, Jones, and Dantonio. It shall be surgical.

Around the Horn: Spartans - Wildcat previews; Pick a BCS Bowl: Orange, Sugar, or Rose? MSU Schedules Convicts

Previews are trickling out for the Spartans' road game to Chicago to take on Northwestern...

• TheSpread.com preview
• ESPN official game preview
• Accuscore predicts a close game (MSU)
• Belmont sides with the home team (NU)
• CFN predicts a Spartan 34-26 victory, with the Spartans steamrolling the Cats on the ground (MSU)

Meanwhile, though it is early, ESPN is projecting a MSU Spartan New Year's Day trip to BCS land, to either the Orange Bowl vs Virginia Tech or a Rose Bowl vs TCU... meanwhile CBS Sports is projecting a [gulp] Sugar Bowl stint vs Alabama!

CBS Sports mid-season All-America teams includes three Spartans on the first team: LB Greg Jones, OL Joel Foreman, and PK Dan Conroy. And, Dennis Dodd calls the Spartans' this year's college football "cinderella" - can't argue with that.

SPARTANS VS CATHOLICS AND CONVICTS
Finally... bring on the Hurricanes. Nice job to AD Mark Hollis scheduling a home-and-home with the University of Miami in 2020 and 2021. The Spartans will kick off the two-game series with Miami on Sept. 26, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich., and make their first-ever appearance in the 74,916-seat Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Sept. 18, 2021. We've got the Convicts filling the two-year void in the schedule left by the Catholics (Notre Dame).

Michigan State #7 in BCS - highest ever

At #7, Michigan State is now the highest it has ever been ranked in the BCS. They are favored by a TD at Northwestern... The Cats are holding out hope thanks to a bye week last week, trying to rectify their mistakes in a 20-17 Big Ten opening loss to... gulp... Purdon't.

MSU in the BCS:

		BCS		Harris Poll			USA Today			Computer Rankings
RK	TEAM	AVG	PVS	RK	PTS	%	RK	PTS	%	AVG	A&H	RB	CM	KM	JS	PW	%
1	Oklahoma	.9215	NR	4	2486	.8800	3	1334	.9044	1	3	3	1	1	1	1	.980
2	Oregon	.8921	NR	1	2774	.9819	1	1452	.9844	8	9	7	9	8	2	11	.710
3	Boise State	.8898	NR	2	2685	.9504	2	1385	.9390	7	6	2	7	7	6	7	.780
4	Auburn	.8641	NR	5	2410	.8531	5	1238	.8393	3	2	8	3	5	4	2	.900
5	TCU	.8573	NR	3	2516	.8906	4	1300	.8814	5	7	5	6	6	7	5	.800
6	LSU	.8245	NR	6	2164	.7660	6	1132	.7675	2	1	1	2	4	8	3	.940
7	Michigan State	.7628	NR	8	1964	.6952	8	1037	.7031	4	4	12	4	3	3	4	.890
8	Alabama	.6654	NR	7	2092	.7405	7	1085	.7356	12	10	4	11	16	20	15	.520
9	Utah	.6540	NR	9	1925	.6814	9	1004	.6807	11	11	6	12	11	12	10	.600
10	Ohio State	.5726	NR	10	1761	.6234	10	936	.6346	14	16	14	13	21	14	14	.460
11	Missouri	.5491	NR	16	1196	.4234	16	640	.4339	6	5	0	5	2	9	6	.790
12	Stanford	.5374	NR	13	1455	.5150	14	689	.4671	10	12	17	10	10	5	9	.630
13	Wisconsin	.5335	NR	11	1646	.5827	11	867	.5878	16	18	13	17	19	10	13	.430
14	Oklahoma State	.5261	NR	15	1247	.4414	15	659	.4468	9	8	10	8	9	19	8	.690
15	Iowa	.4824	NR	12	1511	.5349	12	785	.5322	17	19	9	18	17	15	16	.380
16	Nebraska	.4295	NR	14	1322	.4680	13	768	.5207	20	23	16	23	14	16	19	.300
17	Florida State	.4267	NR	17	1124	.3979	17	608	.4122	13	15	15	15	18	11	12	.470
18	Arizona	.3807	NR	18	1037	.3671	18	494	.3349	15	13	18	16	12	13	18	.440
19	Texas	.2214	NR	22	397	.1405	22	256	.1736	18	17	11	25	15	17	20	.350
20	West Virginia	.1812	NR	19	663	.2347	19	323	.2190	23	25	22	21	0	0	22	.090
21	South Carolina	.1555	NR	21	576	.2039	20	284	.1925	24	22	23	0	24	0	24	.070
22	Kansas State	.1422	NR	25	143	.0506	NR	53	.0359	19	14	0	14	13	21	21	.340
23	Arkansas	.1302	NR	20	579	.2050	21	274	.1858	28	0	24	0	0	0	0	.000
24	Mississippi State	.1253	NR	NR	129	.0457	24	133	.0902	21	20	19	19	22	22	17	.240
25	Virginia Tech	.0658	NR	23	242	.0857	23	165	.1119	28	0	25	0	0	0	0	.000

#7 Michigan State vs Northwestern

BCS #7 Michigan State is a TD (7-point) favorite at #26 Northwestern this weekend. The ES' brother will be at the game, rooting on the Spartoonies. NW has had two weeks to prepare...

FYI - Fuck Evanston. We will kick their sorry purple ass by at least 20 points.

Michigan State 79, Northwestern 70

OK, MSU defeats Northwestern tonight, 79-70. At one point, MSU up 16, but Northwestern hit so many big shots to try and inch closer... but too much Durrell Summers and too much Kalin Lucas. MSU now 9-0 in the conference. Next up? Tuesday night at Wisky. Can you say, "wow"!"

The best part about tonight? Looking at all the costumes in the crowd. Crazy. Which one did you like best? See below...

MSU beats Michigan, again. Leads scUM 9-6-1 across all sports. NW hoops prediction

OK, we defeated our arch rival, again, last night -- this time in ice hockey. Michigan State racked up a 3-2 victory over Michigan at Munn Ice Arena amidst scrums and brawls throughout the third period. My six year old daughter, seeing the penalty box jammed with Wolverines, said "the jail is full, Dad. Where are they going to put the others." That was our third victory over the Yellow Bellies in hockey this year.

So, how has MSU fared in hoops, football, and hockey over Michigan in the 2009-10 academic year? So, far MSU leads 9-6-1, with a clean sweep in the four major sports: football, basketball (men's & women's), and hockey.

SPORT (record): winner score (date)
-------------------------------------
Football (1-0): MSU 26-20 (10/3)
Men's Basketball (1-0): MSU 57-56 (1/26)
Women's Basketball (1-0): MSU 86-71 (12/31)
Hockey (3-0): MSU 3-2 (11/13), MSU 2-0 (11/14), MSU 3-2 (1/29)
Field Hockey (1-0): MSU 2-1 (10/25)
Men's Soccer (1-0) MSU 2-1 (10/25)
Wrestling (1-0): MSU 17-15 (1/29)
Women's Soccer (0-0-1): tied 0-0 (10/11)
Men's XC (0-1): UM 4th, MSU 8th (11/1)
Women's XC (0-1): UM 4th, MSU 5th (11/1)
Gymnastics (0-1): UM 194.20-193.75 (1/20)
Women's Swimming (0-1): UM 127-82 (1/29)
Volleyball (0-2): UM 3-0 (10/31), UM 3-2 (11/18)

MSU VS NORTHWESTERN HOOPS
Again, Michigan State takes on Northwestern in hoops tonight in a bid to advance to 9-0 in the conference. Tipoff 7 pm EST on the Big Ten Network. Sparty is favored by 15 (not 7 as originally stated). The best matchup this weekend is Minnesota at Ohio State (Sunday, 1 pm). Other big games in the conference this weekend include: Indiana at Illinois (Saturday, 2 pm); Iowa at scUM (Saturday, 4:30 pm); JoePa at Purdue (Sunday, 3 pm).

Predictions? Even our buddies over at Lake The Posts note the inevitable: "Sparty owns us." ES sez MSU runs away in a rout. Michigan State 69, Northwestern 55.

Michigan State TD (-7) favorite over Northwestern, Recruiting

Early line shows that the Big Green is favored by 7 points over the Skinny Cats from Northwestern in men's hoops tomorrow night at the Brez (tip off 7 pm EST). By virtue of Purdue's win over Wisconsin last night, MSU has opened a 3 game lead while on top of the Big Ten Standings.

Football Recruiting: Punxsutawney Phil + 1

The first day for potential recruits to sign a football national letter of intent, binding them to a college of their choice, is on February 3 - the day after Groundhog Day. That's next Wednesday, Punxsutawney Phil fans.

At this time, Michigan State has notched 20 verbal commitments, including in recent weeks Darqueze Dennard of Jeffersonville, Georgia. Dennard is a 5-11, 170-lb defensive back who also considered national powers Oklahoma State, Utah State, Wake Forest, and Middle Tennessee State. MSU also received a verbal from Justin Wilson, a 6-0, 217-lb linebacker from Davie, Florida. Wilson picked MSU after turning down offers from Missouri, Purdue, TCU, West Virginia, FIU, Fla Atlantic, and Toledo.

Looking at the big board, right now, if all those who verbally committed sign on the dotted line, the incoming class includes players who were predominantly at these positions in high school:

DB: 4
LB: 2
DL: 4
OL: 3
RB: 3
QB: 1
K: 1
WR/TE: 2

The bonus here is that 7 of the 20 verbals are on the interior. The ES would like to see more. We need more quality beef inside if Michigan State is ever going to move up the standings on the gridiron.

Michigan State thumps Northwestern, 24-14

It took at stalwart second half from MSU, but the Michigan State Spartans' finally woke up on offense and took advantage of Northwestern mistakes to win, 24-14. MSU is now on a three-game winning streak in the Big Ten, and sits tied for second in the conference at 3-1/4-3.

The Spartans played well defensively all day, and only allowed 80 yards rushing by the 'Cats -- 44 by their QB, Franz Kafka (ha ha). The Spartan D hurried the Wildcat spread offense all day and forced Kafka to throw on the run repeatedly; MSU ended up with three sacks but handfuls of hurries. Junior LB Greg Jones had one of his best games as a Spartan and was all over the field, constantly pressuring Kafka, stuffing the run, and making plays in the secondary. Jones finished with 14 tackles, 2 QB sacks, a pair of hurries, and a pass breakup. Statisically, he was outdone by fellow LB Eric Gordon with 15 tackes and 2 tackles for loss.

On offense, Michigan State had its most sluggish first half of the year and trailed at the half, 7-0. But the Spartans woke up in the second half and had several long drives to lead the way. Kirk Cousins returned at QB this week for MSU (after taking last week vs Illinois off to rest his ankle) and allowed Keith Nichol's bruised elbow to heal. He was rusty in the first half, but woke up and connected with Blair White on 12 passes for 189 yards and 2 TDs -- and White showed off his gluey hands by catching everything in sight. Cousins finished 21-31 for 281 yards. Also on offense, Larry Caper led the way on the ground with 63 yards on 16 carries; but, more impressively on came Edwin Baker. Baker dropped his redshirt and fumbled early, only to look like a bruising back as the game wore on. Yes, Spartan fans, Baker is the real deal, as his running was inspirational, powerful, and awesome at times. He finished with 44 on 12 carries -- but you will see his carries increase as his performance and bruising style was inspiring.

Michigan State looked good defensively, again. On offense, it started slow but came on as the game wore on. An awful fumble by NW on a kick return led to another MSU score, but MSU also left 14 other points on the field with Baker's fumble and a NW goal line stand on the first drive. The Spartans played well and dominated for the most part. Now, at 3-1 and 4-3, the Big Green has a chance to ruin Iowa's storied, undefeated season. Welcome Mr. Hawkeye.

More later.... but, great job Big GREEN!

(Below: WR Blair White catches a pass from Cousin on a right out route for a first down in the 3rd quarter).

Team Totals	NU	MSU
FIRST DOWNS	22	19
Rushing	5	6
Passing	14	13
Penalty	3	0
NET YARDS RUSHING	79	94
Rushing Attempts	29	34
Average Per Rush	2.7	2.8
Rushing Touchdowns	0	1
Yards Gained Rushing	104	128
Yards Lost Rushing	25	34
NET YARDS PASSING	291	281
Completions-Attempts-Int	34-47-0	21-31-0
Average Per Attempt	6.2	9.1
Average Per Completion	8.6	13.4
Passing Touchdowns	2	2
TOTAL OFFENSE YARDS	370	375
Total offense plays	76	65
Average Gain Per Play	4.9	5.8
Fumbles: Number-Lost	3-2	1-1
Penalties: Number-Yards	4-25	4-46
PUNTS-YARDS	6-195	6-243
Average Yards Per Punt	32.5	40.5
Net Yards Per Punt	27.8	35.5
Inside 20	1	1
50+ Yards	0	1
Touchbacks	1	1
Fair catch	1	1
KICKOFFS-YARDS	3-202	5-305
Average Yards Per Kickoff	67.3	61.0
Net Yards Per Kickoff	38.7	44.0
Touchbacks	1	0
Punt returns: Number-Yards-TD	2-10-0	1-8-0
Average Per Return	5.0	8.0
Kickoff returns: Number-Yds-TD	5-85-0	2-66-0
Average Per Return	17.0	33.0
Interceptions: Number-Yds-TD	0-0-0	0-0-0
Fumble Returns: Number-Yds-TD	0-0-0	0-0-0
Miscellaneous Yards	0	0
Possession Time	29:03	30:57
1st Quarter	8:51	6:09
2nd Quarter	7:09	7:51
3rd Quarter	5:12	9:48
4th Quarter	7:51	7:09
Third-Down Conversions	8 of 16	5 of 14
Fourth-Down Conversions	0 of 2	0 of 1
Red-Zone Scores-Chances	2-2	1-3
Sacks By: Number-Yards	0-0	3-15
PAT Kicks	2-2	3-3
Field Goals	0-0	1-1

ES Game Day Preview: MSU 38, Northwestern 17

Northwestern (4-2/1-1, #95 Sagarin, sked strength #139) at Michigan State (3-3/2-1, #44 Sagarin, sked strength #26)
Saturday, October 17, 2009. 12 Noon.
TV: ESPN 2
Weather: 48 degrees, mostly sunny.
Latest Line: Michigan State favored by 13.

Tickets available.

Injuries: Michigan State - S Roderick Jenrette (foot), out; RB Glenn Winston (knee), out; CB Kendall Davis-Clark (leg), questionable; WR Mark Dell (shoulder), probable; QB Kirk Cousins (ankle), probable; QB Keith Nichol (elbow), probable. Northwestern - RB Alex Daniel (ankle) out; S Brendan Smith (hand), out; OT Mike Boyle (back) out; LB Ben Johnson (leg) out; LB Bryce McNaul (leg) out; CB Justan Vaughn (leg) out; DT Jack DiNardo (shoulder) questionable; DE Corey Wootton (ankle), probable.

Previews: Lake The Posts (MSU 30, NW 24); College Football News (MSU 30, NW 23); StatSheet (MSU 30, NW 20); Examiner.com; Bleacher Report (MSU 21, NW 13); ESPN/Adam Rittenberg (MSU 29, NW 23)

Prediction: The ES isn't that impressed with NU. This game ain't like Northwestern upsets of old over Michigan State, because of the improved coaching of MSU and the terrible, terrible play by Northwestern against one of the weakest schedules in all D1-FBS. Sagarin ranks Nwesterns opponents played as #139 strongest in the country. Yes, my dead grandma could QB Northwestern and beaten Eastern Michigan, Miami-Ohio, AND SYRACUSE. What is the strength of schedule of other D1-FBS 2-loss teams in America? The ES took the time, scrolled through Sagarin's website, and compiled a list (below) of all the two-loss teams that competed in the FBS division.... and found that Northwestern was DEAD LAST of all 2-loss teams; matter of fact, their strength of schedule of #139 was lower than the number of teams competing in 1-FBS (120 teams).

2-loss Division 1-FBS teams and Schedule Strength: Arizona SS#5, Arizona State SS#101, Arkansas SS#17, Baylor SS#87, BC SS#57, California SS#12, Central Florida SS#127, Louisiana-Lafayette SS#79, Louisiana Monroe SS#117, Marshall SS#72, Middle Tennessee State SS#71, scUM SS#47, Minnesota SS#46, Mississippi SS#6, UNC SS #81, Northern Illinois SS#84, Ohio SS# 70, Oklahoma SS#55, Oregon State SS#44, SMU SS#64, Stanford SS#27, Temple SS#114, Texas A&M SS#105, Texas Tech SS#110, Troy SS#34, UCLA SS#16, Wake Forest SS#50.

So, what does that mean, with NW and a strength of schedule #139, losing to Sagarin's #97-ranked Syracuse, struggling against #155-ranked Miami-Ohio, squeaking by #164-ranked Eastern Michigan and #91-ranked Purdue, and losing on the road to #55-ranked Minnesota?

A FLAT-ASSED BUTT KICKING. The ES is not impressed, especially if you can't figure out the name of our starting quarterback, let alone the dynamics of our QB situation. Besides, Northwestern's colors in Division 1 are the closest of any school to PINK.

Halftime: MSU 21, Northwestern 10. Final score: MSU 38, NW: 17.