Spartans favored by 3-1/2 over the Corn; move up to #16 in BCS

The Big Green soundly defeated Bye this week, vaulting to #14 in the Associated Press poll, and #16 in the BCS.  Next up:  at Nebraska, a team Michigan State has never defeated in seven tries.  The ES says:  bring it on.  If State is to advance to the Big Ten title game, it has to win these tough tests on the road.  Timing is very good, with the Spartan defense surging and the offense with Connor Cook improving.  MSU and Nebraska will kickoff this Saturday at 3:30 pm ET on ABC.

As such, the #14 Spartans are early 3-1/2 point favorites at Nebraska.  Other odds (the ES is using the early "Open" line from Vegas Insider), include: Wisconsin by 18-1/2 hosting Indiana; Penn State by 20-1/2 hosting Purdue; Michigan by 1 at Northwestern (although the alternate line shows NW by 3); Ohio State by 32 at Illinois.

Below is the AP Poll.

AP Top 25
RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS
1	Alabama (56)	9-0	1472
2	Florida State (3)	9-0	1418
3	Ohio State	9-0	1310
4	Baylor	8-0	1303
5	Stanford	8-1	1272
6	Oregon	8-1	1139
7	Auburn	9-1	1109
8	Clemson	8-1	1049
9	Missouri	9-1	1012
10	Texas A&M	8-2	909
11	South Carolina	7-2	857
12	Oklahoma State	8-1	780
13	UCLA	7-2	669
14	Michigan State	8-1	633
15	UCF	7-1	596
16	Fresno State	9-0	588
17	Wisconsin	7-2	503
18	LSU	7-3	470
19	Louisville	8-1	467
20	Northern Illinois	9-0	396
21	Arizona State	7-2	362
22	Oklahoma	7-2	285
23	Texas	7-2	185
24	Miami (FL)	7-2	121
25	Georgia	6-3	78

• Dropped from rankings: Notre Dame 24, Texas Tech 25

• Others receiving votes: Ole Miss 68, Minnesota 60, Nebraska 16, Duke 11, USC 10, Washington 9, Ball State 7, Virginia Tech 5, Brigham Young 3, Notre Dame 2, Houston 1

And, below are the BCS standings, notably sans Michigan, sans Notre Dame, sans Southern Cal, and sans Florida.  Thank goodness.   Big Green is at #16. 

		BCS		Harris Poll			USA Today			Computer Rankings
RK	TEAM	AVG	PVS	RK	PTS	%	RK	PTS	%	AVG	A&H	RB	CM	KM	JS	PW	%
1	Alabama	.9958	1	1	2625	1.0000	1	1546	.9974	1	1	1	2	1	2	1	.990
2	Florida State	.9619	2	2	2514	.9577	2	1485	.9581	2	2	2	1	2	1	2	.970
3	Ohio State	.8926	4	3	2373	.9040	3	1401	.9039	4	4	4	4	6	5	3	.870
4	Stanford	.8689	5	5	2240	.8533	5	1307	.8432	3	5	3	3	3	3	4	.910
5	Baylor	.8618	6	4	2304	.8777	4	1376	.8877	5	3	6	5	7	4	8	.820
6	Oregon	.7665	3	6	1968	.7497	7	1162	.7497	6	6	5	8	5	7	6	.800
7	Auburn	.7206	9	9	1843	.7021	9	1069	.6897	7	8	8	6	4	8	5	.770
8	Clemson	.7200	7	7	1940	.7390	6	1164	.7510	9	9	7	9	10	13	9	.670
9	Missouri	.7118	8	8	1855	.7067	8	1083	.6987	8	7	10	7	8	9	7	.730
10	South Carolina	.5584	12	12	1417	.5398	12	830	.5355	10	10	9	12	13	10	12	.600
11	Texas A&M	.5473	15	10	1582	.6027	11	898	.5794	13	15	16	13	12	17	14	.460
12	Oklahoma State	.4671	14	11	1545	.5886	10	965	.6226	22	14	20	18	NR	22	25	.190
13	UCLA	.4548	19	16	1026	.3909	15	641	.4135	11	13	13	17	11	11	11	.560
14	Fresno State	.4317	16	13	1124	.4282	14	646	.4168	14	17	17	11	25	12	13	.450
15	Northern Illinois	.3505	18	18	825	.3143	21	445	.2871	14	24	12	20	17	6	10	.450
16	Michigan State	.3417	17	15	1090	.4152	16	620	.4000	21	18	21	15	22	23	22	.210
17	UCF	.3411	21	19	791	.3013	19	468	.3019	16	16	11	14	19	16	16	.420
18	Oklahoma	.2926	10	20	732	.2789	17	510	.3290	17	12	15	16	23	NR	23	.270
19	Arizona State	.2833	22	22	475	.1810	22	262	.1690	12	11	23	10	9	18	15	.500
20	Louisville	.2806	20	14	1104	.4206	13	653	.4213	28	NR	18	NR	NR	NR	NR	.000
21	LSU	.2757	13	17	919	.3501	18	476	.3071	24	NR	19	NR	16	21	21	.170
22	Wisconsin	.2612	24	21	674	.2568	20	460	.2968	18	22	22	NR	18	19	18	.230
23	Miami (FL)	.1471	11	23	457	.1741	23	228	.1471	25	21	NR	21	21	NR	24	.120
24	Texas	.1092	NR	24	247	.0941	24	176	.1135	25	20	14	24	24	24	NR	.120
25	Georgia	.0857	NR	25	102	.0389	NR	44	.0284	22	19	24	22	15	25	20	.190

Michigan State to erect statue in honor of U-M's Mike Hart

A statue of a rival?  You gotta be kidding me.  Check this press release out - GO GREEN!!!!

---------------
 
(EAST LANSING, MI)---Nearly a week after the Michigan State University (MSU) football team annihilated its rival, the University of Michigan (U-M), 29-6, the institution called a press conference for 4 pm ET on Monday.

"The university has decided to erect a statue in honor of former Michigan running back, Mike Hart," said Joe Smothwick, spokesperson at Michigan State University.  "It is not often that a university builds a statue in honor of a student-athlete from another school, let alone a rival athletic program.  But, the recent context and the history of the two programs made it overly apparent that we had to appropriately recognize his achievements to this rivalry."

The statue will be erected on the south end of Spartan Stadium, directly in front of Gate A, where the student body enters the stadium.  "We want MSU students to see Mr. Hart in perpetuity and make their own judgements about his contributions before they enter the stadium.  The decision is as much an honor as it is an educational exercise."  The university has requested bids from artists on the style, size, and consistency of the statue.  However, a budget was not released. 

"We welcome input from the proud Spartan alumni on the material to be used to construct the statue," added Smothwick.  A survey will be released to ask for public input on several different substances to be used in the construction: maize, straw, timber, or solidified manure.  These materials were considered based on Michigan State University's agricultural history.

The rationale for the decision was stated by Smothwick as he referenced comments from 2007.  At that time, Hart called Michigan State University the "little brother" of the University of Michigan; and the stinging response by MSU coach Mark Dantonio, who was in his first year as MSU head coach: "The pride comes before the fall."  On the day of Hart's comments, MSU lost to U-M in a heated contest, 28-24. Since that point of time, the Spartans have defeated the Wolverines in five of six meetings, including last Saturday - the largest margin of victory for the Spartans over the Wolverines since 1967. 

"President Simon and her cabinet have discussed this periodically in each of the past three years; obviously, those plans were put on hold a year ago" (following U-M's miraculous 12-10 victory without a touchdown in 2012), said Smothwick.  "But, after Saturday... well, there's no doubt we need to honor the man for his contribution to Michigan State football."

Smothwick referred to tensions between the rival football powers, which heated up after current U-M running back Mark Touissaant referred again to MSU as "little brother."  Touissant was a non-factor in the recent contest, gaining just 20 yards on eight carries as the team rushed for -48 yards, the fewest in the history of the storied program. Noted current MSU linebacker Denicos Allen after the obliteration on Saturday: "You can call us what you want, call us little brother, big brother. But when it is on the field we show who is the big brother is and who is the little brother."

The decision was prompted by recent collaborations among the presidents of the two schools, LouAnna Simon at MSU and Mary Sue Coleman at U-M.  For instance, there will be a swap of each president to each other's institution as honorary commencement speakers this fall.  The positive dialogue between the presidents has helped to quell the tensions in athletics... leading to this olive branch from Simon to Coleman, but instead in the shape of a statue. 

"On Monday, President Simon contacted President Coleman, and both agreed it was the right thing to do to honor Mike Hart.  It's unanimous: we Spartans are proud of Mr. Hart's contributions to Michigan State football."

###

The victory formation

The best formation in the history of football.

And, the iconic photo of the final score and brutalizing statistics...

Spartans jump to #18 in AP Poll after whipping Michigan

Spartans leap to #18 in Associated Press poll after 29-6 defensive obliteration of Michigan in East Lansing.  Michigan State has a bye this week - so let's see what the Vegas odds are for those who are in action this week:  Iowa favored by 14 at Purdue; Indiana by 9-1/2 at home over Illinois; Minnesota by 1-1/2 at home over Penn State; Wisconsin by 7-1/2 at home over Brigham Young; and Michigan by 6-1/2 at home over Nebraska. 

AP Top 25
RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS
1	Alabama (52)	8-0	1491
2	Oregon (2)	8-0	1418
3	Florida State (6)	8-0	1409
4	Ohio State	9-0	1315
5	Baylor	7-0	1234
6	Stanford	7-1	1214
7	Auburn	8-1	1082
8	Clemson	8-1	1059
9	Missouri	8-1	956
10	LSU	7-2	863
11	Texas A&M	7-2	861
12	Oklahoma	7-1	816
13	South Carolina	7-2	769
14	Miami (FL)	7-1	737
15	Oklahoma State	7-1	662
16	UCLA	6-2	515
17	Fresno State	8-0	493
18	Michigan State	8-1	478
19	UCF	6-1	472
20	Louisville	7-1	385
21	Wisconsin	6-2	342
22	Northern Illinois	9-0	322
23	Arizona State	6-2	197
24	Notre Dame	7-2	164
25	Texas Tech	7-2	102

• Dropped from rankings: Michigan 23

• Others receiving votes: Texas 34, Georgia 32, Brigham Young 28, Ole Miss 17, Houston 9, Minnesota 7, Washington 6, Michigan 6, Ball State 4, Duke 1

MSU defensive domination over Michigan

Best defensive performance in ES' 45 years of life: Spartans crucify Wolverines

LET'S BE HONEST. WE KNOW WHAT WE SAW. That includes this jerk in our Section 19, who kept yelling "where's that defense?"  What an idiot. 

Spartans were up 16-6, dominating on defense.  MSU just got the ball at midfield, but they had a tough time moving the ball throughout the game.  QB Connor Cook rolled right and lofted a ball - a bad pass - intercepted by Michigan, returned to the MSU 40.

And, then the dance began.

Michigan State beared down in a Herculean effort greater than any effort I have seen in my life.  Three straight plays, three sacks in a row, mauling and overrunning that Wolverine offensive line.  Instead of moving the ball into Spartan territory, the Wolverines retreated 21 yards!!!  Time to punt; and, MSU took that return, made it into a drive that ended all the way in the end zone.  

I have been alive since 1968.  But, I never thought I'd ever see complete devastation by a MSU defense until what I saw today... luckily, the Spartans used their horror to destroy Michigan.

We destroyed them. Humiliation. Annihilation.  Obliteration.  Mauling.  Destruction.  Cremation.  Dilapidation.  Decapitation. Whipping.  Slaughter.  Massacre.

It was a feast of roadkill. That Spartan defense ate Michigan alive.

While humiliation is a good word for what I saw today - it was closer to a burial. As predicted by the ES, Michigan State's defense dug a hole and buried Gardner like a potato.   Time and time again.  Stomped on Gardner as if he were a fly.  Seven sacks?  Is that all? it seemed like 30 sacks.  He was running for his life all game long. 

And, Michigan had two weeks to prepare for this.  You could have given them two months and it would not have mattered.  Michigan State is just a far far better football team than that line of blue.

Michigan had 29 attempts at running, for -48 yards rushing in a 6-29 mauling at the hands of Michigan State. In other words, every time they ran the ball, Michigan lost 1.7 yards. It was the worst outing in the history of Michigan football.  And, it looked worse than that. Seven sacks by the Spartans, and 11 tackles for loss.  Another 7 QB hurries, 3 pass breakups. Wow.  Talk about pressure.  And, complete domination.  Michigan finished the game a meager 2-of-14 (14%) on third downs. Look at the MSU defensive stats, lit up like a Christmas tree.

Love the quote from Brady Hoke on Gardner: "He had taken a lot of shots earlier in the game, and he's a little bit warn out. I wouldn't say he has an injury. I'd say beat up." Or, this from Hoke:  "I think they played awfully well and executed awfully well. I don't think we did."

Better yet was this from Spartan LB Denicos Allen: ""Two years ago wasn't nothing. It was a lot worse today, and I think they felt it."

REPEAT:  I THINK THEY FELT IT. 

At the end of the third quarter, Devin Gardner  had just threw away the 7th of 8 throws against an incredible Michigan State's defensive rush.  Next play, to Jeremy (built up to be a "God for catching 300+receiving yards in a game") Gallon, was caught but he fumbled, losing the yards just gained and leading to a punt ... a play that defined Michigan's destiny as no match against the more talented and physical Michigan State team.  Gallon was a mere afterthought in this game, as was anyone on the Michigan offense.  

Well, I guess Connor Cook is less talented of a QB than Devin Gardner, right?  Ummm.... lookit the stats:

Cook: 18-33, 252 yds,  1 TD, 1 INT.  Rush: 5 carries, -15 yds
Gardner 14-27, 210 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT. Rush: 18 carries, -46 yds

Jesus, Cook outplayed Gardner.  Not as flashy, but certainly more effective within his offensive scheme. 

And, Fitz Toussant with his "little brother" comment?  Gimme a break.  He had 20 yards on 8 carries; a complete non-factor. 

However, today belonged to the Spartan defense, solidifying itself as the best in the land.  The Spartan defense DOMINATED Michigan the entire game, pushing around that offensive line as if the UM O-Line were filled with rag dolls. Embarrassing?  Yes. Beautiful?  Absolutely.

Can't wait 'til Michigan returns next year.  They can come to East Lansing anytime.  

Enjoy the pics below.

Today was the best defensive football game I have ever seen Michigan State University play in my lifetime.  Period. 

MICH	MSU
1st Downs	12	19
3rd down efficiency	2-14	9-18
4th down efficiency	0-1	0-0
Total Yards	168	394
Passing	216	252
Comp-Att	15-30	18-33
Yards per pass	7.2	7.6
Rushing	-48	142
Rushing Attempts	29	39
Yards per rush	-1.7	3.6
Penalties	3-39	5-25
Turnovers	1	1
Fumbles lost	0	0
Interceptions thrown	1	1
Possession	27:39	32:21

++

GO STATE!!!!

GO SPARTANS!!!

BEAT THE WOLVERINES!!!!!

ES Game Day: Spartans will pound Michigan into submission; National consensus picks MSU over Michigan

#24 Michigan State Spartans (7-1, 4-0) host #23 Michigan Wolverines (6-1, 2-1)

Time:  3:30 pm ET
Location:  Spartan Stadium, E.L.
Weather:  47 and sunny with a chance of light showers.
TV: ABC
Line: MSU by 6

Predictions - even though a tight game, all favor Michigan State. Amazing:

• Rod @ PeanutBarrel, MSU 35-30
• Freep.com: Rexrode, MSU 24-16; Snyder, MSU 21-17; Sharp,  MSU 15-9; Seidel, MSU 17-14
• ESPN.com: Bennett, MSU 17-14; Rittenberg, MSU 21-17
• CBSSports.com:  Against the spread, all six pick MSU -4.5
• CBSSports.com: Feldman, MSU 17-10
• CFN/Scout:  MSU, 24-17
• International Business Times (?): MSU 35-30
• BTN Twitter Poll: 73-27% MSU (as of 10/31, 11 pm)
• BTN.com:  Bardo, MSU 24-21; Merriman, MSU 24-17; Yarina, MSU 24-17; Dienhart, MSU 21-13
• Mlive.com: MSU 23-17.  Mlive.com bloggers:  Nick, MSU 16-13; Mike, MSU 27-20
• Rantsports.com: MSU
• Fox Sports CFB via WhatIfSports:  MSU 22-21
• Prediction Tracker:  MSU +4.52
• Athlon:  Gall, MSU 24-21; Light, MSU 24-14; Lassan, MSU 27-24; Fox, MSU 24-17
• NewsOK (Oklahoma): MSU 21-20

ES sez:  The Michigan State Spartans are going to pound the Wolverines into the ground.  The Big Green will plant Wolverine QB Devin Gardner like a potato - shove him into the ground, scrape dirt over him, and stomp on him.  It will be a thing of beauty to watch him run for his life all game long, as that relentless Spartan defensive press from Denicos Allen, Shalique Calhoun, and Marcus Rush breaks him in two like it would a toothpick.  Gardner will be pressed to throw the ball often, and Spartan DBs Isiah Lewis and Trae Waynes will be forced to make plays and solid tackles.  Expect it to happen, as it has all year long.  The Michigan Wolverines will be running right into a brick wall playing against the best Spartan defense in my 45 years of life.

Two defensive concerns for the Spartans:  (1) MSU has started slowly recently, giving up big plays to both Illinois and Purdue, early.  But, the Spartans rebounded in the same drive to minimize the damage; such play would prove costly vs Michigan.  (2) Historically, Michigan vs MSU has been all about UM making (or failing to make) the big play.  This will be significant again if Gardner is given time; the ES doubts Gardner will find much time, but funnier things have happened.   Note: Michigan RB Touissant will be a non-factor for Michigan.  He's just not good enough. 

The only offensive concern:  Connor Cook.  Is he the stellar 15-16 QB vs Illinois, or the mediocre 13-25 QB vs Purdue?   The ES expects him to be somewhere in the middle... which should be enough.  Michigan's defense will bottle up the run early in the game and force Cook to make throws, and for the Spartan wideouts to catch those passes to extend drives.  If MSU can hit a few big passes early, the offensive line should be able to use its running game to handle Michigan similar to what Indiana did to Michigan in piling up 162 rushing yards on the ground.

On special teams, the Spartans are on the verge of a breakout:  not from punter Mike Sadler, who is brilliant in booting 50+ yard punts when necessary (69 long this year), or dropping punts inside the 20 (he has 19 of 42 punts, or 45% downed inside the 20!!!!).   And, the breakout won't be from the kicker we've already found, Michael Geiger, who has hit on 6-of-7, including 3-of-3 outside of 40 yards. Rather, there will be a breakout from Andre Sims (long 33) or Macgarret Kings (long 30), either are due to bust out a punt return for a score. 

Bottom line: Connor Cook is improving; so is Gardner... but Cook merely needs to be serviceable and to minimize his mistakes. Gardner needs to be all-world to give Michigan a chance.  The Spartan offensive line is playing very well, and opening up holes for both Langford and Williams to exploit with a good running game.  MSU coaches need to give Cook the chance to use play action, not mess up good, sustaining drives with "outsmarting-ourselves"-John-L-Smith-like-playcalling, and to mix things up equitably.  Michigan State's defense is the most consistent group outside of the Baylor offense - playing at a near-perfect, high level in every game this season.  This MSU defense has a consistently high caliber of play from the trenches, to the backers, to the backfield.  Brings a tear to mine eye just to watch that gorgeous straitjacket of a defense play every week.

The winner of this game has the most rushing yards for something like 27 of the last 30 games.  If Michigan gets more than 100 yards rushing, shoot me.  But, the Spartans should rush for at least 125 yards. POUND GREEN POUND.  Expect this trend to continue with a significant advantage to Michigan State.  Watch the Spartans score on defense again as well.. why?  Well, why not.  

FYI - Love this article on the history of the life and defensive brilliance of Pat Narduzzi.

I CAN'T WAIT TO GO TO THIS GAME!!!!  THE ES IS ALL JACKED UP!!!!   Doug Toma - I'm thinking of you!

ES sez:  MSU 27, Michigan 17.

MSU favored by 3-1/2 vs Michigan; Daily Illini on Spartans: "let all the ugliness out"

Notably, #24 Michigan State is a very early 3-1/2 point favorite over the #23 Wolverines next week in the game of the year in EL.  Indiana is favored by 7 at home over Minnesota. Nebraska is favored by 7 at home over Northwestern. #22 Wisconsin is favored by 7 at Iowa. Penn State is favored by 10 at home over Illinois.  And, #4 Ohio State is favored by, gulp, 31 at Purdue.

As for yesterday... Wow.  The ES heard a bit of the game on the radio, but looking at the statistics from the Spartans' 42-3 punishment of Illinois was impressive.  At a place that claims itself as the originator of the first collegiate homecoming, the Illini faithful likely should have waltzed passed Memorial Stadium, as it was the sight of an embarrassing whipping courtesy of Michigan State.  As written by the Daily Illini, "It was a few plays here and there that slowly peeled the lid off this game and let all the ugliness out."  An ugly homecoming at Illinois.  Beautiful.
 
The Spartans finishing their last six possessions with TDs?  Wow. A goal-line defensive stand turning into a 99-yard TD drive?  Well, golly! Cook 15-of 16 for 208 yards with 3 TDs.  Langford with 104 of Michigan State's Pound-Green-Pound 269-25 rushing yardage advantage.  The vastly-underrated but oft-important statistic of domination -- third down conversion -- was, 14-of-16???  Is that a typo?  And, nearly double the possession time (39 to 21 minutes).  My God.  Wow.  And, the defensive stats are even more impressive.  Giving up just 128 total yards (25 on rushing).  Total of 477-128 total  yards.  Ouch.  This is a defining performance that should finally vault MSU into the top 25 (posting update: MSU is in the AP Poll at #24, see bottom of this post).  Stats are below.

	MSU	ILL
1st Downs	29	8
Total Yards	477	128
Passing	208	103
Rushing	269	25
Penalties	5-34	7-66
3rd Down Conversions	14-16	3-10
4th Down Conversions	0-0	0-1
Turnovers	1	2
Possession	39:06	20:54

Associated Press Top 25 - week of Oct 27, 2013

RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS
1	Alabama (55)	8-0	1495
2	Oregon (3)	8-0	1432
3	Florida State (2)	7-0	1390
4	Ohio State	8-0	1317
5	Baylor	7-0	1223
6	Stanford	7-1	1189
7	Miami (FL)	7-0	1149
8	Auburn	7-1	1022
9	Clemson	7-1	1007
10	Missouri	7-1	873
11	LSU	7-2	818
12	Texas A&M	6-2	811
13	Oklahoma	7-1	791
14	South Carolina	6-2	701
15	Texas Tech	7-1	579
16	Fresno State	7-0	510
17	UCLA	5-2	489
18	Oklahoma State	6-1	483
19	UCF	6-1	464
20	Louisville	7-1	417
21	Northern Illinois	8-0	290
22	Wisconsin	5-2	262
23	Michigan	6-1	199
24	Michigan State	7-1	166
25	Arizona State	5-2	133

• Dropped from rankings: Virginia Tech 16, Nebraska 25

• Others receiving votes: Notre Dame 132, Georgia 24, Brigham Young 22, Texas 22, Ole Miss 21, Virginia Tech 20, Oregon State 17, Florida 14, Washington 6, Minnesota 4, Ball State 4, Arizona 2, Duke 2

ES Game Day: MSU to defeat Illini

Unfortunately, the ES is at a family funeral this week.  But, a quick prediction:

MSU 23, Illinois 17

Go Big Green Touchdown Machine!

Michigan State a 13 point fave at Illinois after 14-0 blanking of Purdue; MSU defense ranks #1!!!!

The 6-1/3-0 Michigan State Spartans, fresh off their blanking of Purdue, and will likely crack the Top 25 when the polls are announced,  are an early 13 point favorite at 3-3/0-2 Illinois according to the early Vegas line.  Iowa is favored by 3 home over Northwestern; Nebraska by 8-1/2 at Minnesota; Ohio State by 14-1/2 home over Penn State.

The Spartans shutout Purdue, 14-0, in what was the ugliest performance from Connor Cook this season.  Michigan State's defense gave up a few big plays between the 20s, but did not allow Purdue to get any closer than the 25 yard line all game long - that is ZERO red zone opportunities for the Boilermakers.  The Spartan defense gave up just 226 total yards, just 66 rushing yards on 34 attempts (1.9 average).  Max Bullough's stat sheet lit up like a XMas tree: 10 tackles, 2 for loss, 1 forced fumble (returned for a TD), 1 sack, and 1 QB hurry.  Nice.

Spartan RB Jeremy Langford looked very good, running for 131 yards on 24 carries (5.5 average).  State had 182 yards on the ground.  The offensive line opened up some nice holes all game long.

As for our QB, Cook wasn't close to having an INT... he wasn't close to hitting on half of his throws.  Cook looked terrible and consistently missed wide open receivers on third down.  Heck, even though the Spartan offense looked good on its only TD drive, a 9-play 73 yard drive in the 4th quarter, Cook didn't throw the TD pass... it was WR Tony Lippett throwing the pass on an end around.   Cook was 13-of-25 for 107 yards.  Before that final drive, Cook had just 33 yards passing on the day. The ES would give Cook a "D" grade for his performance on Saturday.  Two steps forward, one step back for Cook.

	PUR	MSU
1st Downs	14	21
3rd down efficiency	5-15	5-13
4th down efficiency	1-1	1-1
Total Yards	226	294
Passing	160	112
Comp-Att	14-25	14-26
Yards per pass	6.4	4.3
Rushing	66	182
Rushing Attempts	34	41
Yards per rush	1.9	4.4
Penalties	3-30	2-14
Turnovers	2	0
Fumbles lost	1	0
Interceptions thrown	1	0
Possession	28:59	31:01

Statistically, MSU's defense is certainly the best in the nation. Through Oct 19 games, this is where Michigan State ranks nationally:

Category,  Rank,  Statistic
Total Defense, #1, 228.0 ypg
Rushing Defense, #1, 59.1 ypg
Passing Yards Allowed, #4, 168.9 ypg
Team Passing Efficiency Defense, #1, 88.41
Scoring Defense, #4, 13.6 ppg
3rd Down Conversion Pct Defense, #3, 27.3%
First Downs Defense, #1, 13.4 pg
Time of Possession, #4, 34:11

The ES has gotta print the Big Ten standings, with Michigan State on top of the Legends through the first three Big Ten games.

Big Ten - Legends	CONF	OVERALL
* - Michigan State	3-0	6-1
Nebraska	2-0	5-1
* - Michigan	2-1	6-1
Iowa	1-2	4-3
Minnesota	1-2	5-2
Northwestern	0-3	4-3
Big Ten - Leaders	CONF	OVERALL
* - Ohio State	3-0	7-0
Wisconsin	3-1	5-2
x - Penn State	1-1	4-2
Indiana	1-2	3-4
Illinois	0-2	3-3
Purdue	0-3	1-6

And, here are some nice photos by the ES of Saturday's victory over the Boilermakers.  After the first quarter, it stopped raining and turned out to be a beautiful, 55-and sunny fall game.  Indeed, the weather was nicer than the Spartan offense....

Second quarter backed up on our 10...

 Second quarter struggles...

 Beginning to see some sunlight...

 

 Third quarter defense bends bud doesn't break...

 4th quarter lineup for our only offensive TD...

ES Game Day: Spartans will derail the Boilers

Michigan State Spartans (5-1, 2-0) host Purdue Boilermakers (1-5, 0-2)

Time:  12 pm ET
Location:  Spartan Stadium, E.L.
Weather:  48 and light rain.
TV: BTN
Line: MSU by 24

Predictions:

• ESPN:  Rittenberg, MSU 31-7;  Bennett, MSU 34-6
• BTN: Bardo, MSU 31-10; Merriman, MSU 31-0; Yarina, MSU 41-3; Dienhart, MSU 45-0
• CFN/Scout: MSU 45-10
• Freep:   Rexrode, MSU 34-3; Sharp, MSU 38-13; Seidel, MSU 38-10
• Hammer and Rails: Crespo, MSU 30-3; Van Gessel, MSU 38-6; T-Mill, MSU 45-0

ES sez:  Love this stat out of the ESPN boys: "Offenses don't stay on the field long when they're playing Michigan State. The Spartans boast the nation's top defense, statistically, when it comes to yards allowed -- but there's a much more interesting stat behind that one. Mark Dantonio's squad has forced opponents to three-and-outs on 40 of 82 possessions, which is also the nation's best. Teams are averaging 6.7 three-and-outs per game when they're forced to go up against Michigan State."

As bad as MSU's offense was earlier this season, Purdue has managed to provide arguably the worst offense in the country.  Going up against the best defense in the country in Michigan State is not a good sign.  Then, when you read Indiana news services pondering if this is "the worst Purdue team ever"... well, don't need to take much more time here. It's not the matter of a victory, but how bad will it be?

Not a shutout, because the Spartans will put in the scrubs late.  Nebraska won 44-7.  Sounds about right.

Make it: MSU 38, Purdue 7.

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

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

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

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

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

Some photos are below.  Also,  enjoy the stats:

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

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

MSU Homecoming Parade

In case you missed it, check out the ES' video of the Spartan marching band at the MSU Homecoming Parade:

ES Game Day: bring on dem Hoosiers!

Michigan State Spartans (4-1, 1-0) host Indiana Hoosiers (3-2, 1-0)

Time:  12 pm ET
Location:  Spartan Stadium, E.L.
Weather:  72 and sunny.  Wow.
TV: ESPN 2
Line: MSU by 9 1/2

Predictions:

• ESPN.com: Bennett, MSU 28-21; Rittenberg, MSU 30-20
• BTN.com: Merriman, MSU 31-17; Bardo, MSU 24-10; Yarina, MSU 30-20; Dienhart, MSU 31-21
• CFN.Scout.com: MSU 31-17
• OffTackleEmpire: CfB: IND 28-24, GA, MSU 34-21
• SportsCapping: IND 37-24
• Powerrank: MSU by 8
• Freep:  Rexrode,  MSU 34-20;  Seidel, MSU 28-21; Sharp,k MSU 24-16
• The Crimson Quarry: MSU 24-17

ES sez:  The reality is great defense always trumps great offense.  Michigan State has and will play great offenses, has and will stall all of them.  This includes Indiana's #9 offense in the nation.  Thus, attention turns to the Spartan offense vs the Indiana defense. Watch the Spartan defense give plenty of time for its offense to work its way with an average-to-poor Indiana defense.  We don't need a lot, but we'll get enough. 

Make it:  MSU 31, Indiana 11. 

Spartans favored by 9 1/2 over Indiana; HawkCentral notes "humblng day" for Iowa

Out of Vegas the bookies have early odds in the Big Ten for next Saturday.   The Spartans are 9 1/2 point favorites in their homecoming against Indiana on Saturday.  Also in the Big Ten: Nebraska by 13 1/2 at Purdue; Wisconsin by 10 hosting Northwestern; and, Michigan by 3 at Penn State;

Michigan State did not move into the Top 25 this week.  But, with Indiana, Purdue, and Illinois on deck.... as this Spartan offense surges, a 7-1/4-0 record entering the Michigan game is a distinct possibility.

On the Iowa game:  nice recap by Rexrode at the Freep.  The ES loves checking out opponent newspapers after the Big Green whomps an opponent.  That said, read Rick Brown at Hawk Central. 

• Love this gem: "Saturday, Michigan State punter Mike Sadler rushed for more yards than the Hawkeyes did. The Spartans came into the game second nationally in rush defense, allowing just 53.5 yards a game. That average will drop. Iowa could never establish the run."

• And this one: "It was a humbling day for the Hawkeyes’ offensive line. Asked if he took it personally that a team had stopped what Iowa does best, left offensive tackle Brandon Scherff had a short, and telling, answer.  “‘Yeah,’” Scherff said, his head down.

If you didn't see it, read the ES gushing about the Spartan win.  

Spartans slap around Iowa in big win

ES will chime in more tomorrow.... WE WON!  26-14 over Iowa (yes, that is 26 points, all by the offense!) But, my God, other than a five-minute snooze, the Michigan State Spartan football defense put up a wall against the Iowa offense, in Iowa City. The absolute domination by the MSU defense, as predicted by the ES, allowed the offense some flexibility to get it done. 

Some quick comments: nice, nice, nice job by MD keeping with the run in this game.  Just keep what is going well to set up plays.  Connor Cook?  By far, by FAR the best game of his career.  Wow, the dude just played great, making some solid calls and throws in a hostile environment.  He was 25-44 for 277, and all of those numbers surprise me.  Hawaii Five-O's own Steve McGarrett Kings caught five for 92, but Bennie Fowler had his career day, and we needed it, with NINE catched for 92 yards.  MSU receivers caught their passes today... and it made the offense explode.

MSU outpassed Iowa 277-241... but outrushed Iowa 135-23. That's right, just 23 yards on the ground allowed to Iowa.  THAT IS THE STAT OF THE GAME.

The Spartans dominated this game from beginning to end, and a slight snafu in the second period did not deter the Big Green.  Methinks we have a great shot at getting to the championship game in the Legends if we play like this.

Two final points before I go to bed:

1.  The fake punt by Sadler on the first play of the 4th quarter was brilliant.  Big Bob and the ES discussed this extensively before the play, wondering if MD would do it - but thinking he wouldn't just because of the success of the MSU defense.  But, Sadler ran 24 yards and that drive consumed an additional 1:22 of game time and we ended up with 3 points.  Good, good play call.

2. Who the hell is Delton Williams?  Nine carries, 32 yards, LOVE HIM.

3.  MSU defense gives up just 264 total yards, and just 4-15 (27%) on third downs.  And it goes on.  The Spartan defense is just too good!  LOVED LOVED LOVED watching that defense just dominate Iowa play after play after play.  A big time wow.

More tomorrow, but the Spartans are in GREAT SHAPE to make a run.

Bowl projections look terrible for B1G Ten

Wow, based on the projections by BTN's Tom Deinhart, the ES isn't so bullish on the Big Ten's chances in bowls.  This game by MSU really can make or break whether or not MSU plays in a premium bowl, or a toilet bowl. Right now, Deinhart has the Spartans in a toilet bowl.

Here is what the ES thinks with his prediction of a, gulp, ugly 3-6 Big Ten result:

BOWL GAME	MATCHUP	PROJECTION (ES PREDICTS)
BCS title game, Jan. 6	BCS No 1 vs. No. 2	Ohio State vs. Alabama (LOSS)
Rose Bowl, Jan. 1	Big Ten vs. BCS/Pac-12	Northwestern vs. Oregon (LOSS)
Capital One Bowl, Jan. 1	Big Ten vs. SEC	Wisconsin vs. Georgia (LOSS)
Outback Bowl, Jan. 1	Big Ten vs. SEC	Michigan vs. Florida (LOSS)
Gator Bowl, Jan. 1	Big Ten vs. SEC	Nebraska vs. Ole Miss (WIN)
Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, Dec. 28	Big Ten vs. Big 12	Iowa vs. Baylor (WIN)
Texas Bowl, Dec. 27	Big Ten vs. Big 12	Michigan State vs. Texas (LOSS)
Heart of Dallas Bowl, Jan. 1	Big Ten vs. C-USA	Illinois vs. Rice (WIN)
Little Caesars Pizza, Dec. 26	Big Ten vs. MAC	Minnesota vs. Ohio (LOSS)

ES Game Day: MSU and Iowa won't score 25 points COMBINED

Now that's an ugly Hawkeye.

MSU Spartans (3-1, 0-0) at
Iowa Ugly Chickens (4-1, 1-0)

Time:  12 pm ET
Location:  Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
Weather:  66 and clowdy
TV: ESPN 2
Line: MSU by 1

Predictions:

• BTN.com:  Bardo, IOWA 21-20; Merriman, MSU 17-13; Yarina, MSU 23-20; Dienhart, IOWA 24-21
• B-FLO 360: IOWA
• ESPN: Bennett, MSU 13-10; Rittenburg, IOWA 20-17
• Scout/CFN.com: MSU 16-13
• Freep: Rexrode, MSU 17-13; Sharp, IOWA 19-17; Seidel, IOWA 17-14 (ot) 
• Mlive:  IOWA 19-13
• Oklahoman:  MSU 19-7
• Twin Cities Iowa Club:  IOWA 17-14
• Cappers Info:  IOWA 21-10
• thepowerrank.com: MSU
• isportsweb: IOWA 8-5
• SpartanNation.com:  MSU 24-10

ES sez:  Let's be honest.  Anyone who is picking either Michigan State or Iowa to score more than 17 points is stoned or just not paying attention. These are the two best defenses in the B1G Ten, and they both lack explosive offenses.  Iowa has shown far more efficiency and balance on offense that MSU's offense.  The Chicken running game has asserted itself well, with Mark Weisman gaining 615 yards on 119 carries (5.2 per rush); their QB, Jake Rudock's numbers are an envy of Spartan QBs, with 62% completions and 6 TDs to 4 INTs.

But, the Spartan defense is the BEST in America, especially against the run, giving up just 58 yards per game and 2.0 yards per rush.  The Spartans gave up only 82 yards rushing to Notre Dame.   MSU is only giving up 130 passing yards through the air on average... that is a stingy average of 188 total yards per game allowed by the MSU defense, best in USA.  MSU forced ND into 14-of-34 passing (41%), and are allowing opponents just a 36% completion percentage through the air.  Third Downs?  MSU is giving up just 21%.  Furthermore, the Spartan D is making plays, giving up just 4 passing and 2 rushing TDs, while snagging 8 turnovers.  They have 9 sacks on the season, 24 tackles for loss, and 28 pass break ups.  That is an all-around impressive effort:  lots of pressure up front, good job plugging the holes, and tight coverage in the secondary. These numbers are beyond impressive, and MSU will show the nation once again how a defense can dominate against the Ugly Chickens.

On the flip side, there is no team in America that has beat itself on offense as often as the Spartans.  Sure, MD was bone-headed in the last game, making critically poor decisions at the worst times.  Expect Dantonio to be more deliberate and patient with his use of the offensive line and the MSU running game.  The Spartans are improving in the running game, and it showed against Notre Dame. MSU is averging 186 on the ground per game, and 4.6 per carry.  But, Iowa's defense is giving up on average just 79 yards and 2.9 per carry on the season. It may be 3 yards a carry, but methinks we'll see more of the Spartan offense on the ground without the nonsense reverses or wildcat that was called at the wrong time, without their best players, during the ND game.

For MSU, Connor Cook at QB is the most nimble of foot among four bad choices, and he is completing just 53% of his passes... with a long of a measly 26 yards. Spartan wideouts have dropped countless passes in big games, and this must be corrected.  Iowa is giving up 186 yards per game through the air, but has 8 INTs on the season.  With two weeks to prepare, the Spartan coaches better have pulled together a more thoughtful offensive gameplan, focused on a more determined running game, that puts the players in the best position to win.

First team to 13 points wins the game.  That will be the Spartans.  They'll get just enough offense, and plenty of defense.

Final score:  MSU 13, Ugly Chickens 9.

Iowa: Feelin' groovy or downward spiral

ES is crazy busy at work, and at play. 

So, now the Big Green is favored by 1 over Iowa.  It started out this week with the Ugly Chickens a 1-1/2 point favorite over the Spartans.  With the two best defenses in the B1G Ten, the over/under has to be around 25.  So, the bookies are bullish on the Spartans.  Hmmm. 

ES  is feeling good about this game... with two weeks to prepare, the offense will never be better repaired than now.  Otherwise, as Joe Rexrode wrote, it might be a deal-breaker for the year and cause a downward spiral.

ES sez the first team to 13 wins.