Michigan State Declines Bowl in Advance of Invite

Spartans' Players-Only Meeting to Say "No" to Bowl

(East Lansing, MI. November 29, 2018.)——Earlier today, the 7-5 Michigan State football team held a closed-doors, players-only meeting to discuss the season and the eventual bowl selection.  And, the outcome was surprising: the Spartans will decline an offer to participate in any bowl appearance.  The last team with a winning record to do so was 18th-ranked Notre Dame in 1996.

Joe Bachie spilled no words saying "NO BOWL"
to coach Dantonio

“We don’t deserve to go to a bowl,” junior co-captain LB Joe Bachie reportedly told head coach Mark Dantonio.  Bachie later told the ES: “As a team, we voted.  I told coach - Your leadership in calling out the fans for being pissed (sic), your defense of the poor play calling by coach (offensive coordinator Dave) Warner, and the complete ineptitude of the offense convinced us.  As a team, we want to spare the country, and especially the Spartan Nation, of us getting our butt kicked.”

Bachie was referring to the past three contests, in which Michigan State’s defense seemingly played well, while the offense continued to struggle against the poorest teams in the Big Ten, namely Nebraska and Rutgers.  

“I take full responsibility for the poor offensive execution this year,” said injured QB Brian Lewerke, whose performance in passing percentage (162-299, 54%) and TD-INT ratio (8 TD-10 INT) was the worst statistically for any Big Ten quarterback starting four (4) or more games this season.  Similarly, freshman QB Rocky Lombardi stated, “if I can’t move the ball and can’t make the completions - it’s on me.  It’s my fault.”   

Although specifics of the meeting were not made available, what is known is a vote to go to a bowl  among the 125 players on the roster, ended with a 123-2 vote:  the only two votes to accept any bowl bid were from Lewerke and Lombardi.  Asked to explain what this meant, the quarterbacks said, in tandem, “it’s our fault.”  Lewerke then added: “We know we were ostracized for our performance, but we still want to go to Florida, or Nashville, or even Detroit.”

Thank God!

The meeting occurred today off-campus at the People’s Interdenominational Church in East Lansing… where the team met the local pastor in hope of receiving some support.  Khari Willis, the senior co-captain and safety, said “we went to church today for some type of leadership from someone, the Lord above, since we have none in the Duffy (Daugherty Football Complex).”  

Willis, who was elegant in representing Michigan State with his speech at the 2018 Big Ten media day before the season, went further to articulate the team’s frustrations with the coaching staff: “We have Ohio State on the ropes in the 4th quarter, and we use freshman backups to run a motion or jet sweep or whatever in our own end zone and fumble… after giving up a safety?  And at Nebraska, with 22-mile-an-hour winds, 11-degree windchill in a blizzard, we give up on the running game for our backup to throw in the 4th quarter - it was cold and windy, man!  No wonder my boys dropped passes, I can’t blame ‘em!  And, against Rutgers - that offense was pathetic, man, couldn’t do anything right.  So, again, throwing the ball in a driving rain storm with the wind picking up? Why not  run? Surprised we won.  

“As a team, we just don’t understand the direction.  As long as coach Warner is going to coach a bowl and with Coach D defending all this stuff… we decided, why let the world bother to watch us get our butts kicked? Let’s enjoy the holidays instead.” 

Bachie noted, “We’re kind of fed up.  We have the best defense in the country, and, yeah it’s a team game.  But the lack of leadership from the coaching staff has not put us in the best position to make plays to win, time after time, and that deflates our confidence.  And, the poor execution hasn’t helped. Coaches should know that. After the big Penn State win, I don’t know what happened.  It’s confusing to all of us.”

Michigan State’s fate is left in the hands of individual bowl committees, and at this time, it is projected the Spartans will play in the Outback Bowl against an SEC foe (LSU or Texas A&M) (CBS, 247sports) 

“Quite honestly, we said the only bowls that we should play in are the Cure Bowl or the First Responder Bowl.  It’s fitting,” he joked.  “Seriously, our offense might be lucky to move the ball against Duke, San Diego State, or Louisiana-Lafayette,” said Bachie.  “Playing the SEC, even Vanderbilt would kill us on New Years Day.  We agreed as a team, we would rather be home in one piece for Christmas this year.”  

Both Dantonio and Warner declined comment for this article.

Enlightened Spartan Preview 2016

The ES has been outta commission for much of the year... but we're back!  Here is the season preview by our master prognosticators, dating back to 2001...

MSU is listed in Stassen's Top 25 of all the preview magazines, at #12 - anywhere from at #4 (College FB Poll) to #24 (Sports Cruncher).  The ES is looking for a great year out of the Big Green... let's see what the prognosticators chime:

ES

• What will MSU's overall record be for 2016: 10-2
• Playoffs or bowl game (which one) for the Spartans?  Rose Bowl
• How far will MSU advance in the Big Ten?  10-2, tied with scUM for 2nd in East
• Will MSU beat sUM, OSU, and Wisky at home? Yes, No, and Yes - 2-1 out of the three
• MVP for the Big Green this year?  Riley Bullough

Furman, W; @ ND, W; Wisconsin, W; @ Indy, W; BYU, W; NW, L; @ MD, W; scUM, W; @ Illinois, W; Rutgers, W; OSU, L; Penn St, W.

GO GREEN! A step down these years is a step up in our history!  Let's see what Coach D can pull off!

CHock

• What will MSU's overall record be for 2016: 9-4
• Playoffs or bowl game (which one) for the Spartans?  Citrus Bowl, lose to Ole Miss 31-28
• How far will MSU advance in the Big Ten?  9-3, tied for 2nd with UM in B1G East
• Will MSU beat sUM, OSU, and Wisky at home?  No, No, Yes
• MVP for the Big Green this year?  Riley Bullough

My take: we dominated the last couple of years because we had absolutely ROCK STAR lines. We basically lost 5 guys off the line (3 on O, 2 on D) to the NFL and while the O line does have some depth, the D line has been completely wiped out. Aside from McDowell, the last time most of the rest of our D line will have been on the field was when they were playing High School ball. Great LBs and an improved secondary will insure we’re not dropping to MAC level, but those very close ones where we need to win in the trenches won’t go our way like they have in the last couple of years.

Furman, W, 38-6; @ ND, 17-24; Wisconsin, W 24-23; @ Indy, W 38-31; BYU, W 28-24; NW, W 28-26; @ MD, W 24-13; scUM, L, 20-24; @ Illinois, W 28-21; Rutgers, W 27-23; OSU, L 28-35; Penn St, W 27-21.

BigBob

• What will MSU's overall record be for 2016? 10-3
• Playoffs or bowl game (which one) for the Spartans? MSU will win its bowl game against some SEC chump 
• How far will MSU advance in the Big Ten (record/final standing/B1G Title)? 7-2, second place in division, no title this year 
• Will MSU beat Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin at home? MSU will lose to Ohio State but beat both Wisconsin and UM at home. Jim Harbaugh will suffer a stroke and die in Spartan Stadium after shitting himself when his team is once again defeated by the Spartans on the last play of the game. Who will be the MVP for the Big Green this year? Malik McDowell

Sloth

• What will MSU's overall record be for 2016: 8-4 
• Playoffs or bowl game (which one) for the Spartans? Who cares, the Big Ten Champeenship is what matters 
• How far will MSU advance in the Big Ten? 2nd in conference 
• Will MSU beat sUM, OSU, and Wisky at home? Yes, No and No 
• MVP for the Big Green this year? My liver 

SpartyMSU

• What will MSU's overall record be for 2016: 12-1. I know originally.. I predicted 2 losses.. but the Green cool-aid is flowing..
• Playoffs or bowl game (which one) for the Spartans? Rematch against Stanford.. it’s the 2014 Rose Bowl all over again., and just like 2 years ago – The Spartans beat Stanford. I am making my plans now… Last trip to Pasadena was awesome
• How far will MSU advance in the Big Ten? Win the East and beat to Iowa OSU stumbles.. 1 more loss than the Spartans. scUM proves they are over rated, get beat early (Shades of App State)..
• Will MSU beat sUM, OSU, and Wisky at home? MSU 27 – scUM 21 (scUM loses early, prove they were over rated – but still advance to Outback Bowl); MSU 23 – TOSU 21 (Buckeyes advance to Cotton Bowl); MSU 31 – Badgers 27 (Badgers head to TaxSlayer Bowl)
• MVP for the Big Green this year? O - Tyler O’Connor; D- Malik McDowell, Riley Bulgur

The cupboard is not bare on the D-Line. True many are young, but, Demetrius Cooper and Malik are forces andill provide leadership. Grad transfer Kevin Williams will be stout, so will Bowers. Spartans will be using RS-Freshman, although they have been around a stellar program and have learned. In order for the MSU Defensive line to remain one of the best in the nation, they must step up and preform. I believe they will. Offensive will be fine.. No concerns. Bottom line, this is a very good team, underrated, and will hit the “Back2Back” goal for 2016. Sparty On !!

Furman, W; @ ND, L; Wisconsin, W; @ Indy, W; BYU, W; NW, W; @ MD, W; scUM, W; @ Illinois, W; Rutgers, W; OSU, L; Penn St, W

ChiSpartan:

• What will MSU's overall record be for 2016? 11-2 
• Playoffs or bowl game (which one) for the Spartans? Rose Bowl 
• How far will MSU advance in the Big Ten (record/final standing/B1G Title)? 8-1 
• Will MSU beat Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin at home? Lose to OSU 
• Who will be the MVP for the Big Green this year? Riley Bullough 

 9/2 FURMAN W; 9/17 at ND L; 9/24 WISKY W; 10/1 at Indy W; 10/8 BYU W; 10/15 NW W; 10/22 at Maryland W; 10/29 scUM W; 11/5 at Illini W; 11/12 RUTGERS W; 11/19 OHIO ST L; 11/26 at Penn St W

Smigdiggler:

The WestCoast Spartan Reporter is the pigskin prognosticating expert who is here to tell you how the season is going to unfold for Big Green.

• What will MSU's overall record be for 2016? 12-1 
•  Playoffs or bowl game (which one) for the Spartans? Playoffs - That is what they play for now! anything else is what Harbaugh would wish for!! 
• How far will MSU advance in the Big Ten (record/final standing/B1G Title)? 9-0 Big Ten Title is only a pitstop on the Green Kool-Aid train ride. 
•  Will MSU beat Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin at home? That shit Cra! I bet you a harbaugh titty twister that they sweep at home this year. 
•  Who will be the MVP for the Big Green this year? LJ Scott Loc of the century!

ES Game Day: MSU will rough up Baylor in Cotton Bowl

Goodyear Cotton Bowl
#8 Michigan State (10-2) at #5 Baylor (11-1)
January 1, 2015.  12:30 ET.
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
TV:  ESPN
Weather:  doesn't matter, indoors
Line:  Baylor -2.5
Sagarin Ratings:  MSU #9, Baylor #10

Check it out: Cotton Bowl Pinterest site

Interesting Fact: This year's matchup is the first top-10 battle in the Cotton Bowl since 1994 (#4 ND vs #7 Texas A&M).

Morgan Freeman loves the Cotton Bowl

Predictions:

SportsRatings (a very good, statistical analysis).  MSU 38-35
Dallas Morning News:  Baylor 48-38
Free Press (Rexrode):  Baylor 41-38
Athlon Sports:  MSU 31-28
CBS Sports: 3 pick MSU, 3 pick Baylor (vs spread)
SI.com: Baylor 41-38
Rant Sports:  MSU 27-24
International Business Times:  MSU (vs spread)
WSBT TV-22 (South Bend):  MSU 38-31
NJ.com: (Duggan) Baylor 41-30; (Sargeant) MSU 41-38
CFN/Scout:  MSU 48-40
Bet Firm: Baylor
FanSpeak:  Baylor 45-30
Joe (Peanut Barrel): MSU 48-42

Stat breakdown (advantage in bold):

MSU rush off (234 ypg, #22) vs Baylor rush def (108 ypg, #8)
MSU pass off (262 ypg, #39) vs Baylor pass def (260 ypg, #104)
MSU total off (497 ypg, #12) vs Baylor total def (367 ypg, #40)
Baylor rush off (235 ypg, #21) vs MSU rush def (97 ypg, #3)
Baylor pass off (346 ypg, #5) vs MSU pass def (196 ypg, #24)
Baylor total off (581 ypg, #1) vs MSU total def (293 ypg, #5)
Turnover margin: MSU (+20, #1) vs Baylor (+12, #7)
Third down conversion offense:  MSU (48.3%, #10) vs Baylor (47.5%, #15)
Third down conversion defense:  MSU (30.5%, #7) vs Baylor (35.9%, #28)
Time of possession:  MSU (35 mpg, #1) vs Baylor (29 mpg, #73)

ES sez:

Lots of offense out of both teams.  Expect enough rush defense - and enough of a pass rush - out of the Michigan State Spartans at a few critical times to mess up the timing of the high-flying, fast paced Baylor offense. MSU will give up big plays on defense, but should also make a few big plays on defense... enough to eek out a win.

Actually, the key of the game is more likely the ability of the MSU offense to control the ball enough to keep Baylor's offense off the field.  Michigan State has the tools to get it done - if it can execute, particularly on third downs. While the Spartans lead the nation in time of possession, the ES considers the adage: "it's not how long you have the ball, but what you do with the ball when you have it."  MSU just was not effective enough on offense to stall #2 Oregon or #4 Ohio State because the defense did not do its part - particularly late in the game...  But with a month to prepare, expect coach Mark Dantonio and defensive guru Pat Narduzzi to be ready.  Expect a trick play or three - we haven't seen as much of it this year out of the Spartans.

History is on the Spartans' side... and as the course of the season has progressed, the Spartans have been able to improve their margin of victory at a greater pace than Baylor - and, this is against better competition in the B1G Ten than in the Big 12.

It is very difficult to see each team scoring less than 35 points in this game.  MSU has a better overall defense.... and we know defense wins championships.

Final Score: Michigan State 49, Baylor 38. 

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/12/28/4433497_michigan-state-and-baylor-square.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

What to expect out of the Big Ten in this Bowl Season

ES on the Big Ten's bowl chances... let's cut to the chase: 4-3; the Big Ten is top heavy, and it will show.  

TEXAS: Minnesota (-3.5) 31, Syracuse 20.  W.
BWW: Kansas State (-5.5) 38, Michigan 21.  L.
GATOR: #22 Georgia (-9) 27, Nebraska 20.  L.
OUTBACK: #16 LSU (-7) 28, Iowa 26.  L.
CAP ONE: #19 Wisconsin (-1.5) 31, #9 South Carolina 17. W.
ROSE: #4 Michigan State will beat #5 Stanford (-5.5). (ES Game Day TBA). W.
ORANGE: #7 Ohio State (-2.5) 41, #12 Clemson 40. W.

Quick Guide & predictions for the New Year Day Bowls

God I love January 1 bowl games. It's just so much damn fun to watch, with or without Michigan State playing.  Today's lineups are:

• Gator (noon, ESPN2):  Mississippi State vs Northwestern.  ES picks the Purple.
• Heart of Dallas Bowl (noon, ESPNU):  Purdue vs Oklahoma State.  ES picks the Okies.
• Capital One Bowl (1 pm, ABC):  Georgia vs Nebraska. ES picks UGA.
• Outback (1 pm, ESPN):  South Carolina vs Michigan.  ES picks his place of birth in the heart of Dixie.
• Rose Bowl (5 pm, ESPN):  Wisconsin vs Stanford.  ES picks the Trees.
• Orange Bowl (8 pm, ESPN):  Northern Illinois vs Florida State.  ES picks the Bowdens. 

And, other predictions:

• Biggest blowout:  Oklahoma State vs Purdue.
• Best game: Northwestern vs Miss State. 
• Biggest potential upset:  Wisky over Stanford, with Alvarez as coach he might do what Bielema couldn't.
• What ES will be watching:  Dallas, Gator, Rose, Outback. 
• Best guarantee of ES rooting for:  South Carolina over Michigan.
• Prediction of Big Ten in bowls:  2-5; 2 wins (MSU, Northwestern), 5 losses (Minny, Wisky, Purdon't, Corn, Maize). 

Hope everyone had a great 2012 and a happy and safe new year's. 

Cook's the new Spartan leader in 17-16 MSU victory over TCU

OK - WE WON!!!!!!! WAHOOOOOOO!!!!

The big story - for those of you doubting the reality, Connor Cook will (hopefully) be the bright, new kickstart to the Spartan offense - following his leadership in the stunning, 17-16 victory by MSU over TCU in the B-Dubs bowl tonight. The point about all of this isn't what the coaches or players did wrong (plenty on offense), but who was the one guy who did anything right: Cook did plenty right, he made plays that Andrew Maxwell didn't make all season.

However, the real story today was the Spartan defense CRUSHING TCU in the second half, holding the Frogs to just 69 total yards for the final 30 minutes; MSU dominated defensively today when it really mattered, and turned up the heat with QB sacks and pressure late in the game. Michigan State allowed just 288 total yards, and Will Ghoston had constant pressure for the Spartans. ES also loved the play of Denicos Allen, Max Bullough, Darqueze Dennard, and Marcus Rush - these guys played just fantastic all game long, flying all around the field.

Cook was far from brilliant, but he was very.. well... Gator Tim Tebow-like (THE ES HATES TEBOW) in his ability to GET THNGS DONE. Period. End of story, the way the team reacted, responded, and executed to Cook was far and away more productive than from Maxwell.  OMG, a guy (Maxwell) all year long starting for your team, and finishing 6-of-16 for 28 yards in a bowl game?  The only bowl I know for that performance is the Toilet Bowl that I threw up in.

LeVeon Bell was fantastic, as usual, the only consistent bright spot all game long, running for 145 yards... and getting stronger as the game wore on.  The ES was on OC Dan Roushar's case for a good part of the game, but it was a brilliant call at the right time for Bell to throw a pass from the wildcat -- it was the key play in the game, the longest pass play (29 yards) for the Spartans at the end of the third quarter, that set up the TD from Cook to Burbridge.

There may be some dispute over whether or not to try for a score with the team at midfield near the end of the first half.  But, it was a good call, and no surprise, that coach D called a run to end the first half instead of passing to try to get a field goal... Maxwell nearly had two interceptions on brutal throws, and State just couldn't afford him to make another bonehead throw that may lead to a TCU score.   

The offensive line was terrible in the first half, but did seem to play better in the second half, particularly responding with better protection and run blocking with Cook under center.  Both QBs were inefficient, but Cook certainly looked the part of a leader, and Cook got things done in the end - leading the final drive with a couple of key throws to get into FG range for Conroy's 47-yard game winner.  He has GOT to be the starting QB heading into the spring.  The ES is giddy in our 17-16 victory over TCU. It is a TEAM effort.  But, the ES leaves you with some telling stats.  G'night!

Look at how dreadful the passing statistics were tonight:

Connor Cook	4/11	47	4.3	1	0
Andrew Maxwell	6/16	28	1.8	0	0
Le'Veon Bell	1/1	29	29.0	0	0
Team	11/28	104	3.7	1	0

Enlightened Spartan 2012 Preview for Michigan State Football

OK, so here is the ES season preview below. The ES and The Blue Turf (Boise State) are working on a salvo of banters about our teams and campuses. That should be posted by tomorrow morning (Aug 30). In the meantime, the ES chimes in, along with ChiSpartan, Chock, Big Bob, and Swiss Sloth. Enjoy the predictions; the ES Game Day preview will be up Friday morning.

2012 Enlightened Spartan Season Preview

MSU 12-2 overall, 10-2 regular season. Rose Bowl champions, defeating Oregon.

With all due respect, this is the greatest season ticket package in Michigan State season history: Boise St, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Iowa, Nebraska, Northwestern. Another word: WOW.

BOISE STATE. W. This ain’t Atlanta, this is Spartan Stadium, and a feroucious defense feasts on the Boise backfield. MSU offense scores one TD, the defense scores two en route to a sounding defeat of the Bronco potato-heads.

@ Central Michigan. W. Unlike the Ann Arbor stick-my-nose-in-the-air rodents down the road, the Spartans share the wealth and give CMU a home game to pad its departmental budget. The Chips need the padding, as they are mauled in a big loss at home.

NOTRE DAME. W. The Irish are overrated again, but a very tough s chedule inspires the Catholics to a tough fight for their lives, early on the road in a night game. Doesn’t matter as Sparty’s defense shuts down ND in a low-scoring contest, making it 11 of the last 16 for Michigan State. Another TD for the Spartan D.

EASTERN MICHIGAN. W. The question: against whom will the Spartans score the most points? CMU, EMU, Indiana, or Minnesota.

OHIO STATE. L. Spartans shocked at home, suffer first home defeat since 2009 and giving Urban Meyer the first feather in his cap.

@ Indiana. W. See the intro “@ Indiana”? Enough said.

IOWA. W. ‘Tis interesting the decline of the Hawkeyes and the rise of the Spartans, no? Spartan defense should manhandle the Hawkeye front – a reversal of roles from a decade ago. Rising = Dantonio; Falling = Ferentz.

@ Michigan. W. Denard who? The hype is squashed for the third straight year. Last two years, Spartans viciously ended any Heisman talk, knocking Robinson into another world, with unHeisman-like stats (rush: 39-128 yards-3.3 avg; pass: 26-53-338-4 INTs)…... Defense wins championships, watch Robinson’s cage get rattled again. Spartan defense scores a pair of TDs to shut down Michigan Heisman talk. Again.

@ Wisconsin. L. Michigan State suffers loss number two, on the road, in a tight, heated rivalry that is the 21^st century version of the B1G Ten glory that used to be Woody & Bo. The two squads will meet later…

NEBRASKA. W. Spartans defeat the Huskers for the first time. ES suffers a heart attack upon learning the win actually isn’t a replay of the 55 point shellacking the Spartans suffered to Nebraska in 1996.

NORTHWESTERN. W. Even though the Cats have had a great rivalry in recent years, they’ve been lucky not to schedule Michigan State on its current stretch. Read that: current stretch. This is a Wildcat offense and defense that, on its best day, just isn’t in the same league, even if in the same conference.

@ Minn. W. The days of old Metropolitan Stadium return in a -10 degree blizzard in Minneapolis. Bud Grant would love the weather, but not the result.

B1G CHAMPIONSHIP. W. Michigan State turns the table, avenges its loss to Wisconsin earlier in the season and in last year’s B1G title game with a Rose Bowl-clinching victory. Montee Ball runs for 210 yards for the game; but, on the last play, fumbles into the arms of Johnny Adams, who runs it back 98 yards for the winning score.

ROSE BOWL. W. Michigan State beats Oregon in the fourth meeting of the two teams witnessed by the ES. With a month to prepare, Andrew Maxwell gets his moxy and Spartan receivers have a field day… as do Duck receivers. But, this is the Spartans’ year.

NOT ON SCHEDULE: Purdue, Penn State, Illinois.

EXPERT PREDICTIONS

Swiss Sloth:

1. Total # wins: 8
2. Bowl: Outback bowl v auburn
3. Toughest game: Michigan cuz it’s on the road
4. How much would you bet on MSU to win the Big Ten if in Vegas? 0, but I never bet on anything
5. Score for MSU vs Boise? 24-14 for the good guys!!!
6. Season total TDs vs INTs for Maxwell? 18 td’s, 15 int’s

ChiSpartan:

1. Total # of MSU wins: 11
2. Bowl game for MSU (vs who?): Rose Bowl vs Oregon
3. Toughest game for MSU on schedule: Wisconsin
4. How much would you bet on MSU to win Big Ten in Vegas? 5,000,000 Vietamese Dong
5. Score of MSU vs Boise game 24-10
6. Total # of TDs vs INTs for Maxwell : 20 TDs and 7 Ints

Chock (with welcome commentary!):

1. total # of MSU wins: 8 wins for an 8-4 record not counting the bowl game. I think 9-3 is a good, educated guess and I even think that 10-2 is definitely achievable. But we will lose at least one because of inexperience by our rookie QB. Cousins was really, really good and we’ll miss that.
2. bowl game for MSU (vs who?): Capital One bowl vs. Arkansas and MSU fans relish the return of John L Smith with a second straight bowl victory after Smith’s team crumbles around him at the end of the season
3. toughest game for MSU on schedule: @ Wisconsin
4. How much would you bet on MSU to win Big Ten in Vegas? $100 … although I’m much rather spend my Vegas dollars betting on the opening weekend of the NCAA tournament
5. Score of MSU vs Boise game: MSU 27 – Boise State 24
6. Total # of TDs vs INTs for Maxwell: 24 - 11

BTW, you didn’t ask, but Nebraska wins the Legends and Wiscy wins the Leaders. Nebraska beats Wiscy in the B1G Championship game and goes the Rose Bowl and shits the bed vs. USC. Kill, William, Kill, and Pound, Green, Pound!!! Go State…

Big Bob:

1. total # of MSU wins - 11
2. bowl game for MSU (vs who?) - Rose v Oregon
3. toughest game for MSU on schedule - at Wisconsin
4. How much would you bet on MSU to win Big Ten in Vegas? - $123.45
5. Score of MSU vs Boise game - 20-17. MSU
6. Total # of TDs vs INTs for Maxwell - 24TDs, 13INTs

Smigdiggler (with more commentary!):

MSU WestCoast Correspondent - Smigdiggler Sees positive things from the Spartans this year. with the favorable home schedule with a tough spot right in the middle of the season with UM followed by Wisky on the road, back to back.
1. total # of MSU wins 10
2. bowl game for MSU (vs who?) I want rose bowl, but due to some kind of BCS logic they will be relegated to the Capital One bowl. What's in your wallet?
3. toughest game for MSU on schedule - At Wisky a week after beating the tar out of those scUM bastards in the big sh!t house
4. How much would you bet on MSU to win Big Ten in Vegas? $100.00
5. Score of MSU vs Boise game This will be higher than most people think. MSU-28 BS-21
6. Total # of TDs vs INTs for Maxwell - Going Big - 27/9

ES Game Day: OUTBACK BOWL, Michigan State vs Georgia

#12 Michigan State (10-3) vs. #18 Georgia (10-3)
1:00 pm ET. Monday, Jan 2.
Rankings:  MSU #12 (AP), #13 (USA Today), #17 (BCS), #19 (Sagarin). Georgia #18 (USA Today), #18 (AP), #16 (BCS), #18 (Sagarin).

TV:  ABC

Weather: 65 degrees and sunny.

Line:  Georgia favored by 3

Predictions: SportsRatings (lots of stats in this): MSU 19-17; SEC Football Blog - MSU 28-27; MLive - MSU 27-24; Sporting News - MSU; So Fried Sports Blog - UGA 23-17; Sports Rumble Blog - UGA 34-31; CFB Computer Predictions - MSU 26-23;   Athlon Sports - UGA 20-17; DocSports - UGA 24-20;  BetVega - UGA31-24;  ESPN/Bennett - MSU 17-14; ESPN/Rittenberg - MSU 21-20; ESPN/Aschoff - UGA 27-24; ESPN/Low - UGA 30-21; CBSSports.com - MSU;  NBCSports/Tamahana - UGA 26-20; Rivals/Yahoo - UGA 24-17; CFN/Scout - MSU 27-24; Front Office Blogs - UGA 24-21; Dubsism Blog - MSU

Key Stat: The Spartan defense will be sturdy and consistent, as it has all year long.  Michigan State's offensive success will be the story of the game. The Spartans will score TDs in the Red Zone, and demonstrate a balanced offense, with more than 200 yards passing from Kirk Cousins and over 120 yards rushing as a team. And, expect Dantonio to once again pull a rabbit out of his hat with a trick play or three...

ES pick:  MSU 24, Georgia 17.

3 for 3 and Big Sky IPA

ES feels good so far, going 3-for-3 on his bowl picks and racking up 92.5% efficiency. Only 32 more bowl games to go.

Izzo suspension? MSU beats Prairie View A&M 90-51.

What else is the ES up to? Watching the Detroit Lions pretend to be good vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (14-7 TB with 3:30 remaining in the first half)... Organizing his crap after this term and getting focused for dissertation work all week. Doing this while sporting a very nice, hoppy Big Sky IPA out of Missoula, Montana. Never heard of this one, until I swung by "The Store" at CMU and the proprietor said he couldn't keep it on the shelf. Indeed, nicely balanced, hoppy-hoppy (think of Shorts HumaLupaLicious). Plus, it has a picture of an elk on it. Niiiice....

BOWL MANIA - ES picks, bowls start today

BOWL SEASON STARTS TODAY!

Here is the ES' picks, using ESPN's Bowl Mania, and confidence points. You can join the same group the ES joined, "Michigan State Spartans" with your entry.

Which team will win the game? (ES selections are in bold.)
12/18 2:00 New Mexico	ESPN	Brigham Young (21 points)	UTEP
12/18 5:30 Humanitarian	ESPN	Northern Illinois (20 points)	Fresno State
12/18 9:00 New Orleans	ESPN	Ohio	Troy (30 points)
12/21 8:00 St. Petersburg	ESPN	Southern Miss (29 points)	Louisville
12/22 8:00 Las Vegas	ESPN	Utah	Boise State (28 points)
12/23 8:00 Poinsetta	ESPN	Navy (24 points)	San Diego State
12/24 8:00 Hawaii	ESPN	Hawai'i (31 points)	Tulsa
12/26 8:30 Little Caesars	ESPN	FIU	Toledo (3 points)
12/27 5:00 Independence	ESPN2	Air Force (15 points)	Georgia Tech
12/28 6:30 Champps Sports	ESPN	West Virginia	NC State (14 points)
12/28 10:00 Insight	ESPN	Missouri	Iowa (13 points)
12/29 2:30 Military	ESPN	East Carolina	Maryland (23 points)
12/29 6:00 Texas	ESPN	Illinois (16 points)	Baylor
12/29 9:15 Alamo	ESPN	Oklahoma State (25 points)	Arizona
12/30 12:00 Armed Forces	ESPN	Army	SMU (9 points)
12/30 3:20 New Era Pinstripe	ESPN	Kansas State (26 points)	Syracuse
12/30 6:40 Music City	ESPN	North Carolina	Tennessee (4 points)
12/30 10:00 Holiday	ESPN	Nebraska (34 points)	Washington
12/31 12:00 Meineke Car Care	ESPN	South Florida (19 points)	Clemson
12/31 2:00 Sun	CBS	Notre Dame	Miami (FL) (18 points)
12/31 3:30 Liberty	ESPN	Georgia (17 points)	UCF
12/31 7:30 Chick-fil-a	ESPN	South Carolina (22 points)	Florida State
1/1 12:00 TicketCity	ESPNU	Northwestern	Texas Tech (12 points)
1/1 1:00 Outback	ABC	Florida (32 points)	Penn State
1/1 1:00 Capital One	ESPN	Alabama	Michigan State (6 points)
1/1 1:30 Gator	ESPN2	Mississippi State (27 points)	Michigan
1/1 5:00 Rose	ESPN	Wisconsin (11 points)	TCU
1/1 8:30 Fiesta	ESPN	Connecticut	Oklahoma (35 points)
1/3 8:30 Orange	ESPN	Stanford (33 points)	Virginia Tech
1/4 8:30 Sugar	ESPN	Ohio State (10 points)	Arkansas
1/6 8:00 GoDaddy.com	ESPN	Middle Tennessee	Miami (OH) (8 points)
1/7 8:00 Cotton	FOX	LSU (7 points)	Texas A&M
1/8 12:00 BBVA Compass	ESPN	Pittsburgh	Kentucky (5 points)
1/9 9:00 Kraft Fight Hunger	ESPN	Nevada (2 points)	Boston College
1/10 8:30 BCS Title	ESPN	Oregon (1 points)	Auburn

Tiebreakers:

What will the final score be?
Oregon	42
Auburn	38

Michigan State Spartan Football 2010 Previews Galore

OK, there will be some significant changes coming to this website prior to opening kickoff of 2010. ES has had some major life changes, all of which are in the realm of higher education and college sports. More to come later...

But for now, here are some season previews below on our Michigan State Spartans, if you haven't seen them already. I have the Phil Steele issue (5th) and the Sporting News (7th) -- both are ho-hum yawners, as they don't provide any excitement on the potential for us to move up the ladder board. Everyone says the same thing with concerns: replacing Swenson at PK, our offensive line and most especially defensive backfield. Everyone thinks we'll throw for about 6,000 yards this year, and that our running game will be better but not great, and our defense up front will be stout, especially with Jones, Gordon, and Norman plugging the holes.

• The Quad (NY Times) (#51)
• College Football Blog
• Orlando Sentinel (#69)
• Irish Sports Daily
• Sports Chat Place
• Bet Firms (6th)
• Sport Book Lists
• Capper's Picks (7-6)
• Online Sports Handicapping
• Bleacher Report (8-4) or here
• Ezine articles (6th)
• Go articles (6th)

Scout.com ranks Kirk Cousins as third best QB in the Big Ten.

National Predictions: Michigan State vs Northern Iowa

#5 Michigan State (26-8) vs #9 Northern Iowa (31-4)
Friday, 9:37 pm EST
CBS Sports

Predictions: ESPN/Dick Vitale (MSU); Freep (MSU 66-59); Lansing St Journal (MSU 65-59); Mlive (MSU 66-62); Rivals/Yahoo (NIU 65-62) ; Bet-Firms (NIU 63-57); Bang the Book (NIU); ESPN/Earnon Brennan (MSU); Point-Spreads (MSU); Gather (NIU); Fox Sports; Bleacher Report (NIU 72-66); Fan IQ (MSU 72-68); College Hoops Net (MSU); Associated Content (NIU 65-59); Chicago Tribune (NIU); Detroit News

Enlightened Spartan: It is tough to think Northern Iowa can keep on their unbelievable run. They are a great basketball team and MSU will need to play its best to win. But, a healthier Allen & Roe, and with time to game plan for coach Izzo, and with Izzo's tourney success.... well, chalk this one up to Michigan State. Player of the Game? Raymar Morgan, again.

ES prediction: MSU 64, Northern Iowa 60.

Statistical Match Up:

MSU Category NIU

26-8 Record 30-4
72.9 Scoring 63.6
64.4 Opp. scoring 55.0
8.5 Margin 8.6
.473 FG% .430
.406 Opp. FG % .406
.343 3-pt% .356
.330 Opp. 3-pt% .332
5.0 3-pt/game 6.7
6.8 Opp. 3-pt/g 5.8
.684 FT% .761
+9.0 Reb margin +2.8
-1.4 TO diff. +1.6
6.6 Steals 5.6
3.2 Blocks 2.0

Burly's Money Makers wins ES Bowl Pick 'Em

Congrats to Wyatt of Burly's Money Makers who won the ES Bowl Pick 'em with a whopping 24 of 34 games picked correctly, and a dominating 459 points.

Wyatt - you need to respond to this posting with your email address or phone # in the comment form for me to contact you or set up arrangements for your winnings. I have a pair of tickets to tomorrow night's MSU vs Iowa men's basketball game.

The final standings are below (the ES came in 17th. Urgh). Thanks for everyone for playing -

# Team Name - Player name Correct Score

1	Burly's Money Makers Wyatt	24 of 34		- 459
2	schoppd1234 schoppdavid	21 of 34		- 417
3	Dew NCAA 2009 dwilson160	19 of 34	-	395
4	Bleedin Green Oscar	20 of 34	-	371
5	My opinion Eric	19 of 34	-	370
6	Disnox dniysx	18 of 34	-	368
7	Kwyjibo eric_lindbloom	19 of 34	-	363
8	AE1 Athletic	18 of 34	-	362
9	Pocan Pocan	21 of 34	-	352
10	Paul des Paul des Lauriers	18 of 34	-	350
11	GoState Go Green	20 of 34	-	344
12	Canadian Spartans mrose_gostate	18 of 34	-	337
13	msufan mike	19 of 34	-	336
14	Mitchell t fireballs mitchelltsfireballs	19 of 34	-	333
15	Winston's Gang David	17 of 34	-	331
16	TheES * Enlightened	21 of 34	-	330
17	ten penny frommer81	17 of 34	-	316
18	SpartyMSU John	16 of 34	-	304
19	Go Green! Go White! paintballmann06	15 of 34	-	302
20	Greenwithenvy bryanblough@...	18 of 34	-	293
21	Sparty's Pal Sharlene L	16 of 34	-	279
22	Crunch Crunchy	17 of 34	-267

Michigan State to whip Minnesota tonite

Not going to the game tonight. Harumph.

But, this is a big talent mismatch at nearly every position in Michigan State's favor. As for team results, again a huge mismatch when you look at the final scoreboard numbers. Minny lacks impressive wins (Ohio State?) and has losses to Portland, Miami, Texas A&M, and Purdue. In its four road losses, Minny has scored no more than 65 points and as averaging 59.7. Minny is 2-4 away from home this year. MSU has impressive wins against Wisconsin and Gonzaga, both at the Brez. In Michigan State's three losses (all on the road vs ranked opponents Florida, UNC, Texas) it scored no less than 68 and averaged 74.8.

When just comparing losses, MSU averaged 15 more points than Minnesota. And, MSU's losses were to quality, Minny's were to sisters-of-the-poor. And, this game is at home. And, ....

That's enuff for the ES. You can't bring that crap into the Brez and expect to win. It will be a whipper-snapper. Michigan State 79, Minnesota 63. Player of the game: Kalin Lucas. He'll score at least 25 against the Gophers.

Here's a preview from thy enemy blog, Minny's From the Barn.

Final Big Ten standings, MSU disappointment

Your final Big Ten football standings, with ES projected bowls (projection based on Big Ten nabbing two BCS bids. If not, move everything down a notch, with the toss up between Minny and MSU for the Pizza Pizza Bowl bid in Detroit). ESPN projects Notre Dame in Detroit... and MSU deserves to be there, too, IMHO. This was a disappointing season out of Michigan State. It's too bad.

TEAM	CONF	ALL	ES PROJ.
Ohio State	7-1	10-2	Rose/BCS
Iowa	6-2	10-2	Fiesta/BCS
Penn State	6-2	10-2	Cap One
Northwestern	5-3	8-4	Champs
Wisconsin	5-3	8-3	Outback
Michigan State	4-4	6-6	Alamo
Purdue	4-4	5-7
Minnesota	3-5	6-6	Insight
Illinois	2-6	3-7
Michigan	1-7	5-7
Indiana	1-7	4-8

Your USA Today Poll (Nov. 22):

RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS
1	Florida (47)	11-0	1459
2	Texas (4)	11-0	1398
3	Alabama (8)	11-0	1388
4	TCU	11-0	1279
5	Cincinnati	10-0	1224
6	Boise State	11-0	1181
7	Georgia Tech	10-1	1125
8	Ohio State	10-2	1031
9	Pittsburgh	9-1	1021
10	Oregon	9-2	941
11	Penn State	10-2	843
12	Oklahoma State	9-2	815
13	Iowa	10-2	714
14	Virginia Tech	8-3	656
15	Brigham Young	9-2	510
16	Clemson	8-3	467
17	LSU	8-3	463
18	Oregon State	8-3	450
19	Utah	9-2	318
20	Houston	9-2	305
21	Miami (FL)	8-3	266
22	USC	7-3	261
23	Nebraska	8-3	191
24	North Carolina	8-3	167
25	Mississippi	8-3	165

Dropped from rankings: Wisconsin 14, Stanford 17

Others receiving votes: California 149, Wisconsin 123, Stanford 58, Navy 50, West Virginia 30, CENTRL MICHIGAN 27, Arkansas 17, Temple 17, Arizona 15, Northwestern 13, Texas Tech 12, Nevada 12, Auburn 9, TROY 2, South Florida 1, Kentucky 1, Missouri 1

Thank goodness it is basketball and hockey season. At least we have consistent winners in men's and women's hoops, and on the ice.

Michigan State - Purdue EVEN; Bowl Projections

The early line from Las Vegas LVSC Open has Michigan State vs Purdue as an even spread; Illinois is favored by 5.5 over Northwestern; Ohio State is favored by 13 over Iowa; Wisky is favored by 8 over Michigan; Joe Pa is favored by 17.5 over Indiana.

Interesting bowl projections over at ESPN, with Mark Schlabach having MSU at the Insight Bowl vs Texas Tech and Bruce Feldman with the Big Green in the Alamo Bowl vs Kansas State; Adam Rittenberg also picks MSU in the Alamo Bowl vs the Big 12. This, of course, assumes a win over Purdue before our annual stint against Joe Pa.

USA Today's recent poll has Wisky up to #20, Iowa down to #15, Ohio State up to #8, and Joe Pa down to #17. Notre Dame got the axe, not even getting one vote after their loss to Navy. Can we say OVERRATED and the ES TOLD YOU SO.

RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS
1	Florida (48)	9-0	1460
2	Texas (4)	9-0	1399
3	Alabama (7)	9-0	1389
4	TCU	9-0	1262
5	Cincinnati	9-0	1224
6	Boise State	9-0	1200
7	Georgia Tech	9-1	1118
8	Ohio State	8-2	944
9	Pittsburgh	8-1	940
10	USC	7-2	847
11	LSU	7-2	838
12	Houston	8-1	766
13	Iowa	9-1	757
14	Utah	8-1	688
15	Miami (FL)	7-2	685
16	Oregon	7-2	665
17	Penn State	8-2	552
18	Oklahoma State	7-2	530
19	Arizona	6-2	472
20	Wisconsin	7-2	341
21	Virginia Tech	6-3	268
22	Brigham Young	7-2	216
23	West Virginia	7-2	121
24	South Florida	6-2	106
25	Auburn	7-3	80

Dropped from rankings: Oklahoma 20, Notre Dame 21, California 23
Others receiving votes: Clemson 71, Stanford 54, Oregon State 39, Texas Tech 36, Nebraska 31, Navy 28, Temple 8, CENTRL MICHIGAN 8, North Carolina 7, Boston College 7, Oklahoma 6, Rutgers 3, Tennessee 3, Mississippi 2, Fresno State 1, Kansas State 1

ES Game Day Preview: MSU 30, Michigan 27

Michigan (4-0, #22 AP, #30 Sagarin) at Michigan State (1-3, #59 Sagarin),

Saturday, October 3, 2009. 12 Noon.
TV: Big Ten Network
Weather: 51 degrees, 40% chance rain.
Latest Line: Michigan State favored by 2.

Tickets available.

ES will tweet from the game with comments posted in the right column; live chat will be available on the website.

Injuries: Michigan - QB Tate Forcier (shoulder), probable; C David Molk (foot), out. Michigan State - OL Joel Foreman (knee), probable; WR Mark Dell (shoulder), probable; S Trenton Robinson (doorknob), probable.

Prediction: MSU's Greg Jones blindsides scUM's Forcier in the first quarter, knocking him senseless and out of the game. MSU runs adequately behind Glenn Winston, but enough to free up QB Kirk Cousins to use his rocket arm to score TDs through the air to BJ Cunningham, Blair White, and Mark Dell. MSU's defense? Who knows, who cares. Michigan State needs to prove itself defensively, and scUM is overrated and untested on the road. The ES will split the difference, thinking Spartan DBs won't play great, but will play just well enough to win. Willthis scUM team actually go 5-0? Hey, go jump in a lake and take yer smelling salts. Spartan special teams will be the difference in the game, with a few FGs out of Brett Swenson. That's enough detail for me on this game.

Give it up to an improved coaching effort and better play out of MSU in its best game of the year, at home. There's a reason a 1-3 team is favored by 2 at home over a 4-0 team.

Halftime: MSU 14, scUM 14. Final Score: Michigan State 30, scUM 27.

ES predicts Big Ten openers in week 4

The ES as the early prognosticator for week 4, the opening week of Big Ten Play:

• Indiana at Michigan (-18). Both teams sit at 3-0 and aren't as good as their record indicates, but Indiana's undefeated welcome to the Big Ten season will receive a slap in the face. scUM wins, though the ES will pray otherwise.
  
• Illinois at Ohio State (-15). Illinois had a week off to focus for their stint at the Horseshoe, but injuries still mount... and their play is worse. These are two teams in different leagues. Give it to the Buckeyes. Illini shall get Zookified.
  
• Minny at Northwestern (-1). This ain't Jim Brown's or Ernie Davis' Syracuse - yet they beat the Wildcats last week. That's enough to give this matchup to the Gophers.
• Iowa at Joe Pa (-11). This game will be much closer than the bookies make it. But, the Old Man will come out ahead, he won't let the Hawkeyes win two years in a row.
  
• ND (-7) at Purdon't. Don't is it - Here's a Purdue squad that was squashed by NIU, and ND is just a tad better. Give it, reluctantly, to the Leprechaun.
• Michigan State at Wisconsin (-3). The Doctor won't go 1-3, and it's time for the Spartan nation to wake up. Wisky has had poor competition so far, and should be 3-0.

ND predictions & MSU Offensive line roster update

{UPDATED AT 2:35 PM} If you didn't know, the ES posted a new poll in the right column, give your thoughts on the key ingredient to victory over the Friggin' Irish.

Looks like Joel Nitchman is a go for the offensive line at center, but J'Michael Deane is a scratch. That's an imporvement, as we really need Nitchman, but watch out for the right side of the line which has been weaker in the first two games. Add to it that Chris Norman may be getting more reps at LB after the poor play by Brandon Denson.

MORE PREDICTIONS/PREVIEWS (adding more...)

Big Ten Network (MSU 27-24), Chicago Tribune, ESPN/Brian Bennett (ND 28-23), SpartyMSU (MSU 34-24), SportsNetwork (ND 34-24), Wojo/Det News (ND 35-20), Rakes of Mallow, Hammer and Rails (MSU 24-21), UHND.com (ND 34-23), ESPN/Adam Rittenberg (ND 28-27), Free Press (ND 28-24).

What drives me crazy about folks like Fred Bierman at the NYT is that this game "simply is a must win for the Irish." Or, ESPN's Adam Rittenberg, that the Irish "need it more." What about that other team? And not for MSU? It is that sort of disrespect that needs a slap in the face... At least the Chicago Tribune paints both sides equal.

HEY, COUSINS, WATCH OUT FOR MCCARTHY

A great, indepth article on Notre Dame CB Kyle McCarthy posted over at the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel. Said Chuck E Weis: "“Kyle's been (steady) for two years. He seldom misses a tackle and he's usually in the right spot. He comes up with big plays. His interception (against Michigan) led to a score.” He wears #28.

QB/RB battle results, MSU #18 says NBC, ESPN gives cautious praise

Let's reflect on this past week's preparations by your Spartan gridders, with just 15 days left until we take on the Montana State Bobcats.

Obviously, the two main spots gaining all the attention are in the Spartan backfield - and a Monday scrimmage gives a better line on who may get the nod to start the season. It looks that Keith Nichol took the early lead in the QB race. Nichol completed 17-of-26 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns,; his counterpart, Kirk Cousins, hit 13-of-30 throws for 127 yards, two TDs and one interception. Stats may not be anything, but there's a wide disparity between the two here. At RB, sophomore Ashton Leggett led all rushers with 91 yards on 10 carries, including a 63-yard TD run (sans the long run, Leggett was 9-28, or 3.1 average). AJ Jimmerson had 38 yards on 10 carries, and Caulton Ray had 15 carries for 29 yards. Freshman TE stud Dion Sims had seven catches for 60 yards, and wideout Keshawn Martin caught five passes for 85 yards and a TD. Chris Rucker (who dropped about everything thrown his way last year) had four catches for 90 yards. On defense, linebacker Adam Decker was a standout with eight tackles. Along the line, Tyler Hoover had six tackles (two for losses) and recovered a fumble.

Over at MSUspartans.com, they posted an update late Thursday in advance of a Friday scrimmage, with comments from Cousins, Nichol, Joel Nitchman, and DL Coach Ted Gill.

THE PUNDITS ARE OUT - NBC LOVES MICHIGAN STATE

The Associated Press will release its preseason poll tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 22. Over at NBC Sports, they list Michigan State #18 ("Dantonio’s program has an opportunity to take the next step — maybe even a giant step"), thusly, lowering expectations of the annual Spartan dispatching of their beloved #22 Irish on national TV. LSUfootball.net has published its final preseason compilation of preseason rankings, and lists MSU at #32.

Over at ESPN, they've got a preseason prognostication of Michigan State's postseason plans, with Bruce Feldman pitting MSU vs Kansas State in the Insight Bowl, and Mark Schlabach listing MSU vs Texas Tech in the Alamo Bowl... Adam Rittenberg slots MSU in the Outback Bowl. All three would be a step DOWN for the Spartans this year. Rittenberg is the most prolific blogger on the Big Ten over at ESPN, and he also lists MSU at #4 in his conference power rankings: "The more I look at the Spartans' depth chart, the more I like their chances this fall... if Michigan State solidifies its offensive backfield, look out." And, can you say "team"? Michigan State is picked by most to finish either #3 or #4 in the conference, including by Rittenberg, yet the Spartans have only two players on the Big Ten's First Team All Conference, which ranks them tied with scUM for next-to-last.