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.

MSU ranked #7 in BCS

Michigan State Football is ranked #7 in the country in the BCS, highest ranking in the Big Ten conference

Oh yeah, in case anyone is thinking anything else - yes, I hope Illinois gets Zookified and screw them and all they rode in on.

And, lest you think it wise to root for Ohio State? Nigh! As sez Adam Rittenberg, if the Spartoonies don't play them, root against them... unless we already beat them, then root for them. It worked this weekend, with an MSU win and rooting for Wisky (remember we beat their ASS already 34-24) over Ohio State.

Lovely. Go GREEN.

MSU #8 in USA Today coaches poll.

BCS is out at 8 pm tonight... but top 10 is a strong indicator... MSU moves up to #8 in the USA Today coaches poll:

Rank	Team (first-place votes)	Record	Points	Last week's ranking
1.	Oregon (42)	6-0	1,452	2
2.	Boise State (11)	6-0	1,385	3
3.	Oklahoma (4)	6-0	1,334	6
4.	TCU (1)	7-0	1,300	5
5.	Auburn (1)	7-0	1,238	7
6.	LSU	7-0	1,132	9
7.	Alabama	6-1	1,085	8
8.	Michigan State	7-0	1,037	11
9.	Utah	6-0	1,004	10
10.	Ohio State	6-1	936	1
11.	Wisconsin	6-1	867	16
12.	Iowa	5-1	785	14
13.	Nebraska	5-1	768	4
14.	Stanford	5-1	689	15
15.	Oklahoma State	6-0	659	18
16.	Missouri	6-0	640	19
17.	Florida State	6-1	608	17
18.	Arizona	5-1	494	20
19.	West Virginia	5-1	323	25
20.	South Carolina	4-2	284	12
21.	Arkansas	4-2	274	13
22.	Texas	4-2	256	NR
23.	Virginia Tech	5-2	165	NR
24.	Mississippi State	5-2	133	NR
25.	Miami (Fla.)	4-2	127	NR
Dropped out
No. 21 Nevada (6-1, lost to Hawaii 27-21), No. 22 Florida (4-3, lost to then-unranked Mississippi State 10-7), No. 23 Air Force (5-2, lost to San Diego State 27-25), No. 24 Michigan (5-2, lost to then-No. 14 Iowa 38-28).
Others receiving votes
Northwestern (5-1) 60; Kansas State (5-1) 53; Nevada (6-1) 28; Michigan (5-2) 23; Hawaii (5-2) 9; North Carolina (5-2) 8; Georgia Tech (5-2) 6; Air Force (5-2) 5; East Carolina (4-2) 4; Baylor (5-2) 3; Navy (4-2) 1.

MSU thumps Illinois, 26-6, behind stout defense. PHOTOSTREAM

Well, the ES wasn't that far off. What a DOMINATING performance, particularly defensively in the second half. Jerel Worthy, William Gholston, and Tyler Hoover played very well along the D-line; Greg Jones, Marcus Hyde, and Eric Gordon were SWARMING from their LB spots; and, the DBs played EXCEPTIONAL FOOTBALL... with 3 picks and forcing a fumble. New DB Darqueze Dennard played fantastic for suspended Chris Rucker.

Outstanding football game. See photos below. Actor Gerard Butler was in the house (star of movie "300") and just loved it -- leading the crowd in chants of 'What is your profession? Hooo - hooo - hooo". Just amazing.

We are 7-0 for the first time IN MY LIFETIME. BCS comes out at 8:15 pm tonight, and the ES predicts MSU at #8. Big Ten championship HERE WE COME!

We kicked Illini ass. MSU should rank #7-8 in BCS

OK, so it may not have been the most complete effort of the season, but in the second half Michigan State dominated Illinois, leading to a 2o-point victory, 26-6. MSU defense was all over the place and dominated the Illini offense all game long, not giving up the end zone. The Spartan offense struggled early, especially against the toughest defense we've faced all year -- by far. Illinois banged hard. But, we're just... better. And it showed as we pulled out drive after long drive in the second half to take control.

Michigan State is good, DAMN GOOD. Best team I have seen in my lifetime of 42 years. I have never been alive when MSU is 7-0 and we are now... and we are acting like it. With this team, we will go along way. Best defense in the Big Ten, most consistent offense in the Big Ten, and the best kickers in the Big Ten. yes, right now, MSU is playing the best of any team in the conference.

Michigan State for the national title! Ha!

BCS rankings come out on Sunday. We kicked Wisconsin's ass. Wisky just beat #1 Ohio State. There are a few other upsets (South Carolina, Arkansas lose), so we should be easy a #7-#8 ranking in the first BCS.... GO GREEN!

ES prediction: Michigan State vs Illinois

MSU hosting Illinois for Homecoming
12 noon kickoff
Big Ten Network
58 degrees, sunny

ES sez: Michigan State 27, Illinois 17

Spartans are the NATIONAL STORY...

Pretty amazing stuff on our Spartooniees out there, at the midway of the season... um, outside of Chris L. Rucker's DUI this is what we have...

• Rittenberg/ESPN's Midseason report sez the Spartans: "look like a legit BCS bowl contender."
  
• Rittenberg picks a 26-20 Sparty win "in a trap game."
• CFN/Scout picks a 26-13 Spartan victory: "Illinois has to be perfect, and it won’t be."
• Rivals.com picks MSU as its most pleasant surprise so far of 2010.
• Meanwhile, Rivals lists both Joel Foreman and Greg Jones on its mid-season All-America team.
• Who's Hot? CFN/Scout has MSU as #2: "It’s beginning to look like one of those special seasons in East Lansing that occur once every generation."
• Zook wants to "spoil another homecoming" according to the Chicago Trib.
• The Boston Herald has an interesting aside on Brady wearing the Spartan t-shirt after losing his bet to Brian Hoyer. You want to see the shirt? Here.
  
• USA Today predicts MSU "has to be a little flat," yet has MSU 24-20 atop of Illinois.
• Seven of eight at USA Today pick a GREEN win over Illini.
• Bleacher Report releases the jinxing "u-word" in its commentary of MSU so far, #2 in its Big Ten Power Poll.
  

Matt Millen on kicking scUM butt

ES, watching the tape again, for the fifth time since Saturday, after Caper's barreling embarassing TD run....

Matt Millen: "They [MSU] are just throwing body punches. And soon the heads will fall. Right now that is just good power football. They are wearing down this [scUM] defense. They just have no regard for them. They are just pounding them."

POUNDING. YES. GRAVY. MMMM.....

Sigh. Cry. Tears of laughter and joy.

Michigan State favored by 7 1/2 vs Illinois

And, the #11 Spartans are 7.5-pt favorites hosting Illinois at Homecoming; Purdue is favored by 5 hosting Minny; Nebraska is favored by 9.5 hosting Texas; Iowa is favored by 3 at Michigan; Ohio State is favored by 6 at Wisconsin; Indiana is favored by 14 at home over Arkansas State.

Michigan State is now #18 in the Jeff Sagarin ratings; Illinois is #31.

Michigan State Moves to #11; Pounding Michigan into Submission

Pound Green Pound! After the domination over Michigan yesterday, Michigan State has moved up the polls: #11 in the coaches poll and #13 in the media poll.

After watching a tape of the game now TWICE since yesterday, the best comment came from Matt Millen, after Larry Caper ran through and over two Wolverines into the end zone to put MSU up 31-10. "They are just pounding the ball," said Millen. "They are overpowering Michigan."

Yes, Michigan State pounded the Yellow Bellies into submission. Just an amazing performance, totally dominating and running the ball right down their throat. We made them look like sissies. Beautiful

ES Prediction for Michigan State - Michigan

MSU vs scUM
Kickoff: 3;30 pm, ET
TV: ABC

ES Prediction: MSU 38, Yellow Bellies 32

GO BIG GREEN

Destroy Michigan

Pound GREEN Pound!

Biggest Game of My Life? The Promised Land Awaits

Is this the weekend's stint vs Meechigan the biggest game in my 25 years since graduating from Michigan State? Absolutely. Sure, I went to the Rose Bowl in 1988 and saw the Lorenzo White 56-carry performance vs Indiana to clinch that game. But this is bigger. Why?

OK, it is against scUM, but more importantly, a win keeps in play to make it to THE PROMISED LAND. In year four of the Dantonio era, and here we are ranked #17, higher than the Yellow Bellies, and without Ohio State on the schedule. Besides that, after seeing the domination last week, one would argue this is the deepest, most balanced, and most talented Spartan team from top to bottom since the 1999 Citrus Bowl team under Nick Saban that finished 10-2... If we can't beat scUM, we don't belong in the race to the promised land anyway. So, it is THAT BIG and Michigan State hasn't come close to opening the pearly gates in my lifetime. Damn straight it is our turn. We need respect, but we have to earn it. Saturday is the start.

• More and more predictions going Sparty's way --
• USA Today (MSU 38-25): "this game boils down to the Michigan defense."
• Ferguson/Bleacher Report (MSU by 4): "this is going to be fun. Last turn with the ball wins it."
• Kansas City Star (MSU 28-21, MSU 28-24, MSU 42-38, scUM 31-28, scUM 27-24)..
• even half of the staff at Go Blue Wolverine are picking the Spartans (MSU 43-42, scUM 35-31, scUM 38-20, MSU 38-34). "Yoimeister -- MSU will pose the best balanced offensive threat to date- and will eat clock and keep the ball from the offense."
  

Bleeding Green. Seriously.

My HERO: SuperSpartan Major Hester (at right). The ES ain't got nothing on the Major, or the Doctor for that matter. These guys put their heart where their mouth is. Major's putting off heart surgery to watch the Big Green kick scUM's butt.

DAMN STRAIGHT -- GO GREEN KICK SOME WOLVERINE TAIL!

Weather: ummm... 76 degrees and sunny in Ann Arbor in mid-October? Wow. Go Green shove that sun right up that Wolverine ass.

More predictions: Now, Adam Jacobi comes out supporting the Yellow Bellies, 37-35: "Denard Robinson wins shootouts." Go Blue Wolverine (scUM 42-38) sez: "the Spartans will have a difficult time slowing Michigan's offense." Chase Titleman via the Bleacher Report says MSU 34-31.... ES will come out with his prediction tomorrow...

God, I hate Michigan. Sweet Jesus we need to beat their ass, and bad, just to get back into the world of football respectability, something I've rarely seen in my lifetime. For as much money and heartache I've poured into the Spartan program since the mid-70s, I've earned at least one outstanding year. Screw Michigan and their sorry-assed sob stories... it don't mean Jack Shit to us Spartans.

Oh, and by the way, John Heisman and his Trophy can blow me.

More predictions in favor of Michigan State over Michigan....

And the predictions continue to roll in....

In Favor of Michigan State:

• NBC Sports (MSU 32-21): "We’ve been impressed with the way offensive coordinator Don Treadwell has handled himself and the Spartan team"
• ESPN/Rittenberg (MSU 37-35): "Michigan's defensive ineptitude will finally cost it a game."
• Hammer and Rails (MSU 35-32): "What happens when Greg Jones levels Denard Robinson?"
• Detroit News/Henning (MSU 45-28): "...which team can reasonably play defense and score a batch of points, to boot."
• Lou Holtz (MSU): "I just think Michigan State's defense will prevail, because Michigan has really been very poor on defense."
  

In Favor of the Yellow Bellies:

• Doc Sports (scUM 35-34): "Michigan badly needs a big win for their troubled program and their coach"
• Freep/Samuelson (scUM): "If you’re making that pick, you’re making it because of Denard Robinson."

Everyone's talking Michigan State-Michigan. Even in Texas. Predictions!

So, my wife just got back from a trip to Dallas, Texas. She calls me on the phone from some bar on Monday, and everyone at the bar is talking about Michigan State-Michigan. Not about Texas, not about TCU, not about Oklahoma, not about scUM, but saying that "Man, Michigan State has a GOOD team." Sigh, we're getting there. Now to BEAT scUM Yellow Bellies to actually earn some respect. We are getting close, but we need, desire, pray, and cry to seal the deal. It's our turn. Let us go kick their friggin' ass!

Predictions are beginning to trickle out for the Michigan State - Michagan matchup, so far in Sparty's favor. Here is a start. More, plenty more to come. Lots of national build up to this one.

Picking Sparty:

• CFN/Scout (MSU 45-37) - "the Michigan State offensive balance, especially the power running game, will be enough to control the clock."
• Bleacher Report (MSU 38-28) - "Michigan State's hatred for Michigan far outstrips Michigan's hatred for the Spartans."
• Pat Forde/ESPN (MSU 35-34) - "Spartans have been the pluckiest team of the season so far"
• Sports Interaction (MSU) - "I expect plenty of time consuming drives by the Spartans"
• Dan Welin/Bleacher Report (MSU) - "the Spartans are battle tested."
• Locksmith Sports (MSU) - " I like the balance of the Michigan State offense and they do have some talented players on defense also."
• Whatifsports.com (MSU 38-37) - " Michigan will have to stop the Spartans on offense a few times"

Picking scUM:

• BetFirms (scUM 41-38): "even if Michigan wins this game it is going to be a close game throughout "
• RM Herald/Bleacher Report (scUM 31-27) - "they won't "Stop Denard!"

Says Joey Johnston of NBC.com, "The Michigan State-Michigan winner should be a top-10 level team."

Dantonio is back; shedding tears in Madison

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

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

Michigan favored by 4, 5, 5 1/2, or 6 1/2 vs Michigan State

Hot off the presses from the bookies: The Yellow Bellies are favored by 4 over Michigan State this Saturday by both Wynn and ViMode. M Resort has scUM favored by 5 1/2 while LVSC has the AA bastards favored by 5. This jives with Jeff Sagarin's predictor rankings, which has scUm as a 6 1/2 point favorite.

Perfect. We got 'em right where we want them. GO SPARTANS!

If you are going down there to watch the game in Ann Arbor, wear the appropriate gear: "Muck Fichigan... Ann Arbor is a Whore" is a best seller... Buy it here

Why Manhandling Wisconsin Matters

Domination, old fashioned butt kicking.

What is beautiful is that even the Wisky players recognize how loud and awesome Spartan Stadium was yesterday, just rocking with the Spartan dominance: "I think in the first half we just were unaccustomed to the crowd noise," UW tight end Lance Kendricks said. "We mimicked it in practice and all that, but I think some guys just weren't really focused and detailed on what they needed to do."

The ES is sitting here, still gushing over the domination of Wisconsin yesterday. Yes, without Coach Dantonio, it was still arguably the most significant win in the Dantonio era. Big ole #9 Wisconsin waddles its lard-assed team into town expecting to steamroll the Spartans... but MSU had other ideas and just mandhandled the Badgers. Physically, Michigan State pounded Wisconsin on the interior all game long, and handled the vaunted Wisky running game quite well.

What is telling is that Treadwell called probably his BEST game for the Spartan offense, using all the weapons at his disposal, mixing it up on long drives (drives of 10 plays, 9, 8, 10, 15) throughout the game. Kirk Cousins made a bone head interception early, but seemingly learned from his mistake -- he had a sparkling second half (he finished 20-of-29 for 269 yds) and orchestrated drives with pin-point accuracy on his throws, including beautiful TD tosses to Dell, Gantt, and Cunningham. MSU was in control from the get-go. The Spartans have gone away from Caper in the run game, so it was brilliant to bring him in on the last TD drive: brilliant timing calling for the Spartan's only screen pass of the day on a 3rd-and-11 to Caper for 35 yards; then, later in the drive, a draw play to Caper down to the one yard line. Earlier in the game, the quick pitch left to Bell on a 4th-and-1 was brilliant as the Badger defense was stacked inside.

Just brilliant coaching by Treadwell.

But, it was also the Spartans best DEFENSIVE effort since the stinging 15-13 loss to Iowa last year, and maybe even better than that. The Spartan secondary knocked down pass after pass, with numerous textbook pass deflections by Johnny Adams and Trenton Robinson -- these two needed to step up this year and certainly did Wisconsin, each played their best game of their careers. MSU gave up only 127 yards through the air - and it was BECAUSE the defensive backs were like glue, knocking down pass after pass. Is this the same Spartans? Yes it is! Greg Jones was everywhere, all over the field, and made numerous pressures on Wisky QB Tolzien in addition to his 3 tackles for loss. When it came to third downs, MSU held Wisconsin to just 3-of-11. The defense was bare-knuckles tough and came up with big stops time and again, all game long. Lynn Henning's article in the Detroit News today is brilliant: "MSU's defense instead swarmed and pursued. They clamped onto receivers as if the Spartans were jumper-cable jaws. They kept the Badgers off-balance and, just often enough, out of the end zone. State essentially put a quota on Wisconsin's big plays and stuck to it. MSU's linebackers, led by Greg Jones, looked like the cover-boy corps they were supposed to be in 2010"

But, it was also the Spartans best SPECIAL TEAMS effort of the year, with Keshawn Martin's punt return for a TD, but also a pair of FGs by Conroy, a nice 43 yard punt by Bates, and great kick coverage all game long.

A total, complete effort. Best game of the Dantonio era. Bring on scUM - we're rolling. If we play like this, we're good. REAL good.

Michigan State at #17

MSU is now #17 in the AP Poll and will face #18 Michigan at 3:30 in Ann Arbor this Saturday. Can't wait

The Associated Press Top 25 Poll
Updated: Sunday October 03, 2010 12:21 PM
Rank Team Record Votes Previous
1 Alabama (58) 5-0 1,497 1
2 Ohio State (1) 5-0 1,401 2
3 Oregon 5-0 1,379 4
4 Boise State (1) 4-0 1,341 3
5 TCU 5-0 1,250 5
6 Oklahoma 5-0 1,183 8
7 Nebraska 4-0 1,172 6
8 Auburn 5-0 1,045 10
9 Arizona 4-0 898 14
10 Utah 4-0 860 13
11 Arkansas 3-1 825 15
12 LSU 5-0 819 12
13 Miami (FL) 3-1 769 16
14 Florida 4-1 681 7
15 Iowa 4-1 670 17
16 Stanford 4-1 663 9
17 Michigan State 5-0 607 24
18 Michigan 5-0 555 19
19 South Carolina 3-1 450 20
20 Wisconsin 4-1 316 11
21 Nevada 5-0 286 25
22 Oklahoma State 4-0 173 NR
23 Florida State 4-1 162 NR
24 Missouri 4-0 99 NR
25 Air Force 4-1 94 NR
Others Receiving Votes: West Virginia83, Kansas State69, USC52, Texas33, Northwestern25, Oregon State12, Baylor10, Virginia Tech8, UCLA8, North Carolina State4, Penn State1

We kicked Bucky Badger in the teeth

Bring on freaking shoelace and that scUM woosie defense. MICHIGAN STATE IS KICKING ASS AND TAKING NAMES. We whipped Wisky today: Mr. Robinson, you're next. Wait 'til you get a load of the Big Green.

Wow, what a DOMINATING performance by Michigan State today, just overpowering Wisconsin in a 34-24 victory. After Keshawn Martin's 75 yard punt return for TD to put MSU up 13-10 in the first quarter, MSU never looked back. Matter of fact, if not for two turnovers on their own side of the field giving UW good field position and 10 points, the Spartan defense completely shut down the stinking Badgers all game long.

By far the best performance by MSU all year, or maybe the most complete game of the Dantonio era. Michigan State played well running, passing, the OL played well, Greg Jones dominated, the defensive line held Wisconsin to just 165 yards rushing... and, the DB (Johnny Adams, Trenton Robinson) made play after play to knock down Wisky passes.

In all, MSU outgained Wisconsin 269-127 through the air, and 175-165 on the ground.

YES, WE KICKED BUCKY BADGER'S ASS!!! All... game... long. It was beautiful.

Excellent, excellent game by MSU. They are only improving. Now, finally this defense will be the best yet to face overrated scUM next week. And, with a balanced offense, we should do well to shock the one-man team in Ann Arbor. Go STATE!

ES prediction for Michigan State - Wisconsin; Dantonio out with blood clot

Es predicts.... the Big Green by the slimmest of margins, MSU 23, Wisconsin 21. Kickoff 3;30 pm, ABC TV/ESPN. Temperature: about 49 degrees and partly cloudy (raining all morning).

What a GREAT DAY FOR FOOTBALL!!! See you in Spartan Stadium

FYI - as announced on Sports Center, coach Dantonio went to the hospital on Thursday night for a post-op review, and they found a blood clot in his leg. While this is normal after these surgeries, he is staying in the hospital and will not be at the game. Yes, this puts Treadwell on the spot...

Wisky comes in as 1-pt favorite; MSU at #21

Wisconsin is an early 1 to 1.5-pt favorite at Spartan Stadium this Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:30 pm. The Big Green climbed to #21 in the coaches/USA Today poll. Ohio State is #2, Nebraska #6, Wisky #9, Iowa #18, scUM #19, Joe Pa #20, MSU #21. Shit, seven of the Big TWEN are in the Top 25.

45-7. Ho Hum shit-kicker

OK, so the ES was off by 7, final 45-7. Great defensive effort by State, but it was nice to see the team with a complete performance from Cousins (16-of-20) and Bell with 95 yards was just a horse, amazing. He reminds the ES of Lorenzo White, just guys bouncing off him everywhere and deceptively quick. Slippery moves, big, and strong.

Next up: bring on them STINKING BADGES.

What a great day for football. If Cal, Boise State, LSU, and South Carolina win tonite, that is 4 spots for Mich State to move up in the polls. Don't be surprise to see the Big Freaking Green in the top 20 tomorrow!

How GREAT was it to see Brian Kelly CRASH AND BURN vs Stanford, losing at home 37-14. The Irish got their ASSES kicked under the long arms of Jesus Christ. Couldn't happen to a better team. Their 1-3 butt is about to become 1-5 (next up BC, Pitt) and with stints vs Navy, Tulsa, USC, and Utah on the schedule, a 4-8 year looks about as good as the Irish can hope for. HA HA HA HA HA HA. Whip the Goddam Irish!

Prediction: MSU vs Northern Colorado

ES sez: Michigan State 45, Northern Colorado 14. Kickoff set for 12 noon, on Big Ten Network. The ES will be there!

Aaron Bates was Player of the Game vs ND

Funny. The ES poll posted who would be the player of the game for MSU vs ND. 119 people voted. Only one - 1 - voted for punter Aaron Bates, who obviously was the player of the game... not only for punting, but also for passing. Bates not only THREW the TD pass in OT to win the game, but his big-time 55-yard punt near the end of regulation bailed Kirk Cousins out of a NIMROD-type play which stopped the clock and could have potenially given the Irish position to kick the winning FG prior to the end of regulation.

Yes, Bates was the player of the game. He was also named Big Ten Player of the Week:

"SR, P, New Concord, Ohio/John Glenn
Bates completed a 29-yard touchdown pass to tight end Charlie Gantt off a fake field goal attempt in overtime to give Michigan State a 34-31 victory over Notre Dame. The senior punter also recorded eight punts for 363 yards, good for an average of 45.4 per boot, and placed two punts inside the 20-yard line. Bates currently ranks third in the conference with 45.9 yards per punt, including a long of 62 yards against the Fighting Irish. The Ohio native collects weekly laurels for the first time in his career."

TE Sims accused of computer theft

No wonder Dion Sims isn't playing at TE for the Spartans. He was accused in a laptop theft ring. This MAY be a reason (or not) for his not playing for MSU so far this fall, despite his talent. He has now been suspended, according to USA Today.

Wow, how many ups and downs for MSU? last second win over Irish, heart attack for head coach, suspension for talented TE?

Spartans favored by 29 over Northern Colorado

While there is no official line from the bookies, one can use the Jeff Sagarin predictor ratings to help provide some level of comparison between Michigan State and Northern Colorado.

Michigan State is ranked #41 but has 76 predictor points.
Northern Colorado is ranked #169 and has 50 predictor points.
Michigan State is at home (+3 home field advantage).

Prediction: 76-50+3=29 point margin of victory.

Kickoff is set for Noon from Spartan Stadium, it will be on the BTN. Early forecast for Saturday is 66 degrees and partly sunny.

About Northern Colorado (website)

Well, The Bears are 2-1 and compete in the Big Sky Conference as a Division I-FCS school. Before the season Northern Colorado was predicted to finish 7th out of the 9 teams. They defeated Division II Adams State 54-0 and are coming off a 35-21 win over Idaho State. Two weeks ago, the Bears lost in overtime to Weber State, 47-50. They seem to have a balanced offense, running for 201 yards per game (3.9 yards per carry) and passing for 203 per game. Their best player is senior cornerback Korey Askey (#2). On offense, senior RB Andre Harris (6-1, 220, #21) is their best player, with 275 yards (5.4 yds per rush) through three games and six TDs. Punter Cameron Kaman is averaging 37 yards per kick. FG kicker Mason Puckett already had two kicks blocked this year, is 4-8 with a long of 39 and 0-2 from beyond 40. That's enough scouting. Back to work.

Quick Stats

Michigan State's Edwin Baker is ranked #9 in the nation, and #3 in the Big Ten, in rushing with 130 yer game. LeVeon Bell is #26 nationally with a 101.3 avg per game. The Spartans are ranked #16 nationally in rushing with 241.7 yards per game. Aaron Bates is ranked 13th in punting with a 45.8 yard avg. Keshawn Martin is #22 in punt returns with a 13.4 yard avg. MSU is ranked #28 in total offense with 442 yards per game, and #74 in defense giving up 362 yards per game.

Biggest blemish? MSU's past defense ranks #108 out of 120 Division I-FBS teams, giving up 288 yards per game through the air.

Dantonio suffers heart attack - in hospital

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

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

MSU #23 this week

After the dramatic win over Notre Dame in OT last night, Michigan State is #23 in this week's USA Today poll.

Photos & Video: Michigan State 34, Notre Dame 31

Here is the ES' photo stream from the game, as well as video he shot from the stands of MSU's Chris Norman stopping Notre Dame on a 4th and 1 late in the fourth quarter. LISTEN TO THE SPARTAN CROWD ROAR!





And the ES is in roaring laughter at the comments posted on the South Bend Tribune:

"Notre Dame is obviously about to become the illustrative sentence in Webster's Dictionary under the definition of "loser" and what man or woman, with a degree here needs to live with that. This is a program in a death spiral..."

"This might be the most painful loss in years and there have been many. The team performance and intensity have greatly improved because of practice coaching but game coaching is a disaster." HAHAHAHAHA

WOW - Dantonio has the biggest balls of them all

Wow, I've seen it all. Now, I can die happy. Last night was the greatest play in the history of Spartan football. The ES was there, the crowd exploded. Mark Dantonio has balls the size of Mac Trucks. Cohones, extremely large nuts. After the whole game, with the Spartans pissing away multiple opportunities, and Dantonio playing woosie ball without blitzing until the very end, he redeemed himself with a mountain of guts with a fake field goal in OT to win. Nooone in the stadium saw that coming, and it was executed to perfection. Pure genius! God I LOVE MICHIGAN STATE.

The ES has emails and calls from all over America in stunned belief, WE WON!

And it couldn't happen to a better team. I hate the Goddam Irish. Screw them, god I hate Notre Dame. Brian Kelly just got reamed and taken to school. It must sting and BURN to be a Fighting Irish fan today. It is pure joy to know your enemy is in agony.

MSU is now undefeated at 3-0, and the sorry Irish are 1-2.



Thank God our punter, Aaron Bates the holder, threw the ball - at least he could throw a good ball. Captain Kirk Cousins played erratic all game, several bonehead plays including the incomplete pass over the line of scrimmage near the end of regulation and the sack in OT, although had a GREAT play for a TD to tie late in the game, with a rollout and telling BJ Cunningham to go deep to the corner of the end zone. Just erratic.

Will we be ranked this week, even though we beat ND just like Michigan? Probably not, stupid media.

ES sez: MSU 34, Notre Dame 21

ES is going out on a limb, and thinking with the rainy weather impending that gives a bonus to the run game... which is much in the Spartans' favor. Just have a feeling this is a game that Sparty dominates early and often, particularly with Kelly's first game on the road.

ES sez: MSU 34, Notre Dame 21.

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

Who sez MSU will win:

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

Who sez ND will win:

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

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

DANTONIO ON BTN Thursday night

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

MSU vs Florida Atlantic slideshow

Just added some photos from the MSU vs Florida Atlantic game in Detroit. It was a yawner, but at least we won. Maybe 25,000 there? But, they served beer.

MSU favored by 3.5 over Irish

The early line has MSU a 3.5 point favorite at home over the Notre Dame Friggin Irish this Saturday. It's Extendo-gate Saturday with an 8 pm kickoff. Over at Jeff Sagarin, MSU is ranked #39 and Notre Dame #51 - Sagarin is predicting a Spartan 4-point win. MSU climbed to #32 in the USA Today coaches poll and #38 in the AP; no surprise as the media-loving scUM baggers stuck the Yellow Bellies at #20 (AP Poll), and the coaches love scUM at #22. Don't be shocked if MSU beats the Irish but doesn't enter the Top 25...

ES sez: MSU 44, Florida Atlantic 21

The ES will be there tomorrow in Detroit, sitting in the MSU Fan Section rooting on ell the Spartoonies - around 25 yard line. Watch for some blogger updates and photos.

What's my prediction? ES will take the Sagarin line, a 19+ point win by Michigan State at Ford Field in a tune up for Notre Dame. ES predicts Michigan State 44, Florida Atlantic 21. Player of the game? I dunno, but I'd say another 300-yard ground performance is in the works. Would be nice to see 5 or more sacks and consistent pressure from the D-line.

If you read the Sun-Sentinel, interesting quotes from FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger: "we were as good as them [Michigan State] the last time we played." However, no matter how they paint the picture, even the Florida media predict a 38-13 MSU win.

CMU Temple not Va Tech. D'oh!

Oops I did it again. Sagarin predicts a Central 1-point win at #59 Temple tonight; not Va Tech. What was I thinkin'? The CMU students pointed it out to me today.... duh.

The world according to Sagarin

OK, Jeff Sagarin was pretty accurate last weekend when it came to MSU and CMU last week. This week? Sagarin ratings predicts a 20 point victory for the Big Green in Ford Field (MSU #34 and FAU #85), while the Chips are a 15 point 'dog tomorrow night at Va Tech (Va Tech #21 and CMU #73).

Media loves to hype scUM

Are the media buying the hype on scUM after one game? Certainly, they are... they are creating the hype, and watching it, too. One week after nary a vote in the AP Poll, scUM jumps to #26??? After one game, sure, thumping national football power UConn at home 30-10. The coaches poll is a bit more reasonable, vaulting scum from Not Ranked to #35, while Mich State wallows at #36. We shall see about scUM and Dick Rod when they travel to take on the #27 Irish, who just sneaked past Purdue, at a 3:30 tilt on Saturday. The ES will hear the game from the road, traveling back from the Fla Atlantic-MSU thriller NOT.

Predictions...

ES did pretty good with his predictions... Final 38-14, ES predicted 38-17 over Western. And, as he told his class on Thursday, he agreed with Jeff Sagarin's point system which predicted a 30-point win by CMU over Hampton... CMU won, 33-0.

Will look at Florida Atlantic later this week, they beat Alabama-Birmingham, 32-31, over the weekend, and blocked a potential 28-yard game winning FG to seal the win.

ES Prediction for MSU - Western Michigan

Prediction: MSU 38, Western Michigan 17

CMU 33, Hampton 0 - report

Went to the CMU game last night vs. Hampton. Don't let the score, 33-0, fool you. CMU looked awful, they should have led 50-0 at halftime... offense was lethargic. Hampton self-destructed with a snap over the head of the punter that led to a safety, worst punting in history, including several 20 yard punts and one -5 yard punt (yes it went backward), CMU returned the safety kick 80 yards to the 2 yard line, Hampton QB fumbled and lost 35 yards on one sack, etc. Hampton's biggest play, a 60 yard slant pass, was called back due to an illegal formation. Hampton could do nothing right. CMU's average field position in the first half was about the Hampton 15 yard line... there were few sustained drives by CMU when they did have to go a distance, several missed field goals. New QB for CMU has no touch on his throws unlike Dan The Fever...

Central plays preseason MAC favorite Temple in Philly next week. Too many mistakes by CMU on offense, and nothing impressive. Put your money on Temple, unless Dan Enos can create a miracle in a week.

New Big Ten Divisions includes Nebraska with MSU

Fastforward 2011: ES really likes being in the same division as Nebraska and playing them every year. Sure, we've never beating the Corn, but having the chance to play a storied program every year is awesome.

The divisions are:
1) Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska and Northwestern
2) Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin

Each school will play the other five schools within its division and will also face three teams from the other division, including one cross-division matchup guaranteed on an annual basis. The guaranteed cross-division matchups are Illinois-Northwestern, Indiana-Michigan State, Ohio State-Michigan, Penn State-Nebraska, Purdue-Iowa and Wisconsin-Minnesota. Names for each Big Ten football division will be announced at a later date.

The winner of each Big Ten division will meet in the inaugural Big Ten Football Championship Game, to be played December 3, 2011, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The championship game will determine the Big Ten Champion and the conference's participant in the Rose Bowl Game.

Michigan - Michigan State projected as season finale

Interesting post in the LSJ. Looks like as the Big Ten expands to 12, the big year-end games for Big Ten football will be Michigan State-Michigan, Ohio State-Penn State, and Nebraska-Iowa. Alas, Ohio State-Michigan will fall by the wayside. And, with Iowa and Wisconsin SPLIT in a new divisional structure, that is a hint at a possible North-South divisional alignment:

NORTH
Indiana
Michigan
Michigan State
Minnesota
Northwestern
Wisconsin

SOUTH
Illinois
Iowa
Nebraska
Ohio State
Penn State
Purdue

And, my God everyone is high on William Gholston as the next speed rusher for the Big Green. My oh my we need one desperately... put some heat on opposing QBs to help out our secondary and cause some turnovers.

And you all noticed now that the Big 10 has twelve teams, and the Big 12 has ten teams. Any chance on swapping names?

ES loves New Holland Brewery

Back to the hoppy guys. Here's another. While the service at New Holland Brewery in Holland SUCKED, the beer - well you can rave about it, incluing an amazing "Hopquila" shot... I tried the 10.5% Dragon's Milk Ale, which had more of a strong stoudt-like feel, and complex oaky flavors. Below, I picked up the 4-pack of the Imperial Pale Ale, a 9.5% doozy which blows the pants off its distributed Mad Hatter. Imperial IPA compares nicely to Bell's Hopslam or Short's Huma-Lupa-Licious. Nothing like a nice IPA before heading to the beach on a 85-degree day.

OPENING KICKOFF
The ES plans to be in the stands this Thursday for CMU's opening tilt against Hampton Univ. Poor, Hampton, they'll probably lose by 50 points. Then, the ES heads home for Saturday's home opener, another dripping contest vs. Western Michigan. MSU is favored by 22 vs Western.

Where's the ES?

The Enlightened Spartan has entered a semi-retirement mode from the now maxi-saturated blogosphere. It was way back at the dot-com bust that the ES started the first Big Ten football fan website (pre-"blog"), soon followed by the first college football podcast in the nation. But now, in 2010, every brother's sister's blog in America is chiming in. So many opinions on the Spartans, mostly uninformed or dumb. Sigh.

So what's happened? The ES has moved on to teach in the Sport Management program at CMU while he finishes his PhD dissertation. That's a lot of work, Spartan fans. It has been a wild ride the past 10 years, and no doubt you should watch for the occasional ES fire after a loss here or win there. But, for the most part, we shall be in semi-retirement, which should please the biggest asshole blogger in the land: and you know who you AAre.

Enjoy the message board... we'll enhance that more prominently shortly.

Michigan State favored by 21 over Western Michigan

Our Big Green Touchdown Machine opens up as a 21 point favorite at home over Western Michigan on opening weekend.... 3 weeks away! Ohio State is a 29-pt fave over Marshall; Northwestern is favored by 3 at Vanderbilt in the "Brainy Bowl." Wisky is favored by 20 at UNLV. Michigan is favored by a field goal at home over UConn. And, Nebraska is favored by 37 at home over Western Kentucky.

Big Ten Underdogs? Notre Dame opens the season as a 10 1/2 point home fave over Purdue. Illinois is 13-pt 'dog at Missouri. As a nice preview to Minnesota's season, they open on the road as a 5 1/2 point underdog at Middle Tennessee State.

On Tap... Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA

Wow, you want a good beer? Picked this hoppy fella up at Goodrich's Shop Rite. Yummy.

Big Ten football title game in 2011; 9-game schedule? MSU report

Yes, the Big Ten will have a football championship game in December 2011, with the addition of Nebraska to the conference schedule. Where will it be? ES sez either Lambeau Field (Milwaukee), Soldier Field (Chicago), Lucas Oil Field (Indianapolis), or Ford Field (Detroit)... Early nod goes to Ford Field because it is INDOORS and is by far the nicest football facility in the Midwest, if not the country. Though, seeing a Big Ten title game outdoors in December would be sensational - imagine MSU vs Nebraska, playing for the Big Ten title, in a blizzard in Chicago or Lambeau. Yes, I'd buy that ticket!

But, maybe bigger news is a consensus of a need to move to a 9-game conference schedule. That is EXCELLENT. The more Big Ten-scheduled games, the better, and that will help to drop pathetic scheduling of D1-AA teams such as Montana State, Northern Colorado, Youngstown State, and the like.

Other news? Expansion is STILL in play... and the ES wouldn't be surprised to still see Pittsburgh, Missouri, and/or Notre Dame added in the next year and move up to a 14-member conference.

As for Michigan State: Coaching staff very high on Mike Sadler as a future punter or kickoff guy for Michigan State - reports are that he has an amazing leg.

On defense: "We have four starters back. We also have young players like Max Bullough and William Gholston, who I think are going to play for us. You take those two guys and try to implement defenses that allowed us to have four linebackers on the field. Certainly 3-4 lends to that."

And on offense, the Doctor mentions that the passing game is the strength: "When you look at us as an offense, positions of strength would be quarterback, wide receiver and tight end"... and, at RB there were "outstanding spring practices and are really poised for a great year. So it should give us a great combination in terms of running and throwing the football, which I think you have to have great balance as an offense to be truly successful."

ES predicts Michigan State #4 finish

How the ES predicts the Big Ten 2010 football race:

1. Ohio State (8-0)
2. Iowa (7-1)
3. Penn State (6-2)
4. Michigan State (5-3)
4. Wisconsin (5-3)
6. Northwestern (4-4)
7. Michigan (3-5)
7. Purdue (3-5)
9. Indiana (2-6)
10. Illinois (1-7)
11. Minnesota (0-8)

NBCSports.com: MSU #6 in Big Ten

Another listing out today as we inch nearer to opening kickoff 2010. NBCSports.com has its top 25 and its Big Ten projections. This is tantamount to the SI cover jinx, and dooms Warren St. John's Crimson Tide, as no BCS champion has ever repeated; moreover, the last team to successfully defend its SEC title was Tennessee in 1997-98.

The ES cain't see MSU finishing below Purdue - good thing we meet this year, in Spartan Stadium on November 20.

1. Alabama

2. Ohio State

3. TCU

4. Oklahoma

5. Oregon

6. Miami

7. Boise State

8. Nebraska

9. Florida

10. Wisconsin

11. Texas

12. Virginia Tech

13. Iowa

14. Pittsburgh

15. North Carolina

16. Arkansas

17. Florida State

18. USC

19. West Virginia

20. Auburn

21. Utah

22. Penn State

23. Notre Dame

24. Georgia Tech

25. LSU

Big Ten

BIG TEN CONFERENCE
1. Ohio State*
2. Wisconsin*
3. Iowa*
4. Penn State*
5. Purdue*
6. Michigan State*
7. Michigan*
8. Northwestern*
9. Illinois
10. Minnesota
11. Indiana

* indicates bowl-eligibility

Sporting News ranks MSU #50

Sporting News has Michigan State at #50. It claims: "Here's the Big Ten sleeper, America. Ohio State is off the schedule, and nonconference play includes three home games and a date in Detroit with Florida Atlantic. Nine wins are in play for the Spartans."

SN ranks the top 100 teams, and here is how MSU's opponents are perceived, compared to Sagarin at the end of 2009:

2010 Opp........ ’10 SN...'09 Sagarin
Western Mich..NR*.......125
Florida Atl........NR*.......114
Notre Dame......29..........48
N. Colorado.......NR*......177
Wisconsin..........8............23
at Michigan.......71...........81
Illinois...............94...........94
at N'western....40...........61
at Iowa.............13............9
Minnesota........98............64
Purdue..............39............75
at Penn State...32............10

*NR = not ranked in the Sporting News top 100.

Sagarin sez: MSU 73.4

The ES went through the final 2009 Sagarin Ratings for our 2010 opponents, and found our average Sagarin opponent has a 73.4 rating; our 2010 opponents tallied 78 wins against 70 losses a year ago.

2010 Opponent	'09 Sagarin	'09 W	'09 L
Western Michigan	125	5	7
Florida Atlantic	114	5	7
Notre Dame	48	6	6
Northern Colorado	177	3	8
Wisconsin	23	10	3
at Michigan	81	5	7
Illinois	94	3	9
at Northwestern	61	8	5
at Iowa	9	11	2
Minnesota	64	6	7
Purdue	75	5	7
at Penn State	10	11	2
	73.4	78	70

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.