So far, so good. The Spartans' November schedule is underway and after one game, MSU is 1-0 and one step closer to the finish it desires - and arguably needs, not to mention deserves.
Non-conference games in November are a rarity for State. Perhaps you've heard of the last one, played in November 1966 against Notre Dame? Last Saturday's outcome was a little different than the 10-10 tie forged that day 43 years ago and it came at the right time, in the right manner.
With two to play, the Spartans sit at 5-5 (3-3). Sound familiar? It should. This is where Michigan State sat two seasons ago, with the same teams on the slate (actually 5-5, 3-5). What happened then? A solid road win at Purdue (7-3) followed by a then viewed as improbable win over a very good Penn State (8-3) team at home. The result? 7-5 (5-3) and a berth in the Champs Sports Bowl. All with less overall talent in the hopper.
I expect the same this season. Like the 2007 squad, this team has lost some tough games. 2007 saw a three point loss at Wisconsin, two overtime losses (Northwestern and Iowa), the heartbreaking loss to Michigan and a one score loss at Ohio State. Five losses by a combined 28 points.
This season, we are all painfully aware of the five losses by a total of 23 points. Two came on the last play of the game. Two more (ND and Minnesota) were highly avoidable. But again, the difference? This team has more collective talent. That's why I fully expect to win out, get to 7-5, improve bowl positioning and continue the current growth cycle the program is on.
First step - beat the Boilers
Purdue is in a similar situation as MSU. The Boilermakers need wins to go bowling. The gold and black have lost close games at Oregon (2), to Notre Dame (3), to Northwestern (6) and lost to a MAC foe (Northern Illinois). Purdue also has some big wins - over Ohio State and last weekend, at Michigan. In fact, the Boilermakers have momentum right now and a 6-6 finish in sight.
It will take a very good, 60 minute effort to beat the Boilers. Purdue has a solid offense and dangerous special teams play, even if the defense leaves a bit to be desired. If Purdue protects the pigskin, it is tough to beat. Conversely, force turnovers and capitalize on them and watch a landslide ensue.
I'm honestly not sure what to expect in West Lafayette this weekend. Purdue is rolling and has a lot to play for, but did it spend its allotment in that win over Michigan? Will the turnover bug that has plagued them in losses come back to haunt them?
The key for MSU is continued continuity on the ground and through the air. Control the clock and win. It's that simple. Coach Dantonio is unbeaten when MSU wins the time of possession battle. On defense, get to Elliott. Don't make the secondary cover for 5+ seconds per pass play.
Sounds simple and obvious, but we're ten games in and it is what it is. It's crunch time and what better to get you through than fundamental football?
I like MSU to come out strong, knock Purdue on its heels and hold on after a furious rally to win, get to 6-5 and set the Penn State game up as a bowl betterment contest.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sucker punched - again
12 times in two-plus seasons. Five times this year alone. MSU fans everywhere have sore midsections these days, after the barrage of sucker punches we've been taking to the gut.
In 35 games since the start of the 2007 season, Michigan State is 20-15. Respectable considering where we were the prior seven seasons. What makes the 15 so hard to take it that 12 of the 15 have been by eight points or less. Almost half of those just this year and two in the past two weeks.
Saturday's debacle in Minnesota was particularly gasp-inducing. Down 14-0 before running a play from scrimmage? Right. Three turnovers in the first half? Left. Two more failed attempts to score TDs inside the five? Right. Not enough heat on the passer, leading to DBs getting beaten like rented mules? Left. Reversal of a catch - "football move" - two steps - fumble followed by the 2009 version of the immaculate reception? A knee in the groin with an upper cut to the chin.
Uncle. Our Spartans are on the mat and the referee is counting. Three games remain with two wins needed to go bowling.
The good news? There was no quit in this team on Saturday. No panic really.
The bad news? Time is running out on this season as this team tries to mature enough to win these sorts of games.
The decent news? Looks like six wins still gives MSU a very legitimate shot at the Champs, Alamo or Insight ahead of the Pizza Pizza Bowl. Yep, the middle of the Big Ten is in that bad a shape.
2009 is 2007 reincarnated. We stood 5-5 then coming into the stretch with a blown lead, overtime loss at Iowa followed by the blown lead, home loss to Michigan. We stand 4-5 now with Purdue and Penn State on the slate (following a game with Western Michigan) and coming off two really hard to take losses. That season, a lesser Spartan team rose to the occasion and landed MSU in a bowl. What will happen this year? That remains to be seen...
What needs to happen?
For starters...
This quarterback rotation needs to stop. This is Kirk Cousins' team. He has the better arm (by far). He's a leader. He's crafty.
Don't get me wrong, I like Keith Nichol. He helped lead us to the win against Michigan and quarterbacked the team to a win at Illinois. But this business of rotating the signal callers by series is now beyond maddening, it is ridiculous.
Case in point - Saturday night. Cousins had just led MSU to a great touchdown on a play bourne of improvisation. The defense finally gets a stop. We're pinned deep. And the coaches put Nichol in? Not only was it unfair to Nichol, it was unfair to the team - to Cousins too. That was a no-win situation for Nichol and the team. Three and out. Momentum gone. Minnesota scores to go up 21-10 at the half.
Stop it already. You want to mix him in for some trickeration or play by play like the Gophers did with Marquise "Not the former Spartan baller" Gray? Fine. But this series by series stuff is HURTING the team.
Afraid that Nichol might transfer from the program? Stuff happens. Even if he did - which would be career suicide - Cousins is here for the long haul. Maxwell has plenty of promise and there is another solid QB recruit coming in. Stop the madness NOW for crying out loud.
Next...
Will an offensive lineman who likes to run block please step forward. Do we have one? I thought the big fellas hated the passiveness of the pass block and loved the aggressiveness of the run block. Doesn't seem to be so with this bunch. The quarterbacks aren't getting hit or sacked much, but the tailbacks are dropping like flies. Will someone, anyone please step up and pancake someone, so we can see the breakaway speed that Caper and Baker have?
Goal line failures goat? The O-line. Gaining a yard shouldn't be so difficult. Makes you so appreciate the efforts of Javon Ringer. Apparently he DID do it all on his own...
And finally...
Just when we thought the defense was becoming everything predicted at the onset of the season - maybe more - we have an egg laying of epic proportions against one of the (previously) least successful offenses in the conference. The pass defense gave up what felt like a dozen 20+ yard pass plays against Minnesota, including a 62 yarder to start the game and several bombs right after the MSU offense had stolen the momentum.
I won't totally blame the defensive backs though. In fact on several plays, the guys were right there. It doesn't help when the front four is not getting a steady pass rush. There were but two sacks for the Spartans in this game - and one of those was a tremendous personal effort by Greg Jones. This line sorely missed the injured Trevor Anderson. No pressure, means time to set up in the pocket and deliver strikes. That leaves your DBs on an island and covering too long. That all adds up to getting picked apart.
Back to the secondary... they need to be better players of the ball - i.e. more PBUs, less attempts to make the pick. Close doesn't count in football - especially pass defense. What a fine line between an awesome performance against Northwestern and Iowa and this debacle.
Final game thoughts
Injuries galore...
I can't recall a game in which so many Spartans were dropping at an alarming rate. Coach Dantonio said there may have been as many as five minor concussions. Losing Caper, Fortener, Anderson, Nichtman, Hyde and Gordon (a few plays each) is never a good thing. That put young, inexperienced players in critical situations (Hoover and Norman to name two) and when you're fighting for your life, that drop off can haunt you.
Officially ready to hang the officials...
Last but not least, when will someone in the mainstream media take the Big Ten front office to task for not publicly criticizing its officials? It has been horrendous all over the league all season long, and in particular, has cost the Spartans critical, potentially game-changing momentum in each of the last two games. The late hits have been laughable - even one or two by Minnesota. Is this football or chess?
The fact that the Big Ten keeps it off the front page is a problem for me. It is time to suspend some people for the calls they are making, changing or not making. The reversal of the fumble with six minutes to go on Saturday arguably cost State the game. At the least, it cost them a very legitimate shot at taking the lead late in the contest. So much for indisputable video evidence. Last I checked, catching the ball, making a football move (turning up field) and taking two steps before the ball is jarred loose is a fumble - as it was called on the field.
The officiating is flabbergasting and it needs to be rectified in a hurry. A starting point is public reprimand from the Big Ten. But that will happen when the conference gets off it's high horse and adds a 12th team, goes to two divisions and plays a league championship game. That's to say - don't count on it in my lifetime...
Season thoughts
The fluke play that followed the jaw-dropping reversal of a legitimate fumble was MSU's season in a nutshell. Close but always a head-shaker away from victory.
Has this season been a disappointment? Sure, but patience by the fans is needed. There is a lot of youth here. The expectations were maybe blown a little out of proportion because MSU won all the close games a season ago. Believe it or not, this MSU team is better in a lot of ways than the 9-4 team from a season ago. And there is still time to prove it. The lumps now could be worth their weight in gold as early as next year. Be patient. Don't go jumping off the bandwagon. Besides, if you do and try to get back on on my side later, good luck. I won't let you back on. You're in through thick and thin or you're out. Simple as that.
Speaking of which, those who are calling for Dantonio's head are clueless. Have there been some mistakes this season? Sure, notably the handling of the QB situation, some of the defensive decisions late in tight games and the play calling at times (when isn't that on the fans' list?). But to put this on Coach D and want him out? Get real! Stability is what this program lacked for years. Stability is what we have. Recruiting is strong. MSU has been in all but two of the 15 losses since Dantonio took over. You want to get rid of him? How about this - let's get rid of YOU.
Postseason plans...
The Spartans are 4-5 (3-3) right now. Western Michigan comes to town this weekend. The Broncos have talent but are playing an angry MSU team. It won't be pretty. That makes MSU an even 5-5 (3-3) with two to play. Seems a lot like deja vu, no?
MSU's best case scenario is to win out. That would mean 7-5 (5-3). With Iowa, Penn State, Ohio State and Wisconsin already locked into the Rose, Capital One, Outback and (if Penn State is 11-1) likely an at-large BCS bid, that leaves the Champs (picking before the Alamo this year), Alamo, Insight and Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl for the rest.
At 7-5, the Champs people would take a long, hard look at a State team that has really traveled to Orlando the past two years. If it passed on MSU, there is no way the Alamo would.
At this time, I won't be so presumptuous to predict MSU to win out. I will say 6-6 (4-4) and that still leaves some nice options. The Champs bowl will take a (predicted) 7-5 (4-4) Minnesota team that beat State, meaning the Alamo will choose between MSU and Michigan - both 6-6. By virtue of the head to head, a much tougher schedule and a better league record, MSU heads to the Alamo Bowl. What we wanted? Maybe not. But realistically - another nice step for a growing program...
In 35 games since the start of the 2007 season, Michigan State is 20-15. Respectable considering where we were the prior seven seasons. What makes the 15 so hard to take it that 12 of the 15 have been by eight points or less. Almost half of those just this year and two in the past two weeks.
Saturday's debacle in Minnesota was particularly gasp-inducing. Down 14-0 before running a play from scrimmage? Right. Three turnovers in the first half? Left. Two more failed attempts to score TDs inside the five? Right. Not enough heat on the passer, leading to DBs getting beaten like rented mules? Left. Reversal of a catch - "football move" - two steps - fumble followed by the 2009 version of the immaculate reception? A knee in the groin with an upper cut to the chin.
Uncle. Our Spartans are on the mat and the referee is counting. Three games remain with two wins needed to go bowling.
The good news? There was no quit in this team on Saturday. No panic really.
The bad news? Time is running out on this season as this team tries to mature enough to win these sorts of games.
The decent news? Looks like six wins still gives MSU a very legitimate shot at the Champs, Alamo or Insight ahead of the Pizza Pizza Bowl. Yep, the middle of the Big Ten is in that bad a shape.
2009 is 2007 reincarnated. We stood 5-5 then coming into the stretch with a blown lead, overtime loss at Iowa followed by the blown lead, home loss to Michigan. We stand 4-5 now with Purdue and Penn State on the slate (following a game with Western Michigan) and coming off two really hard to take losses. That season, a lesser Spartan team rose to the occasion and landed MSU in a bowl. What will happen this year? That remains to be seen...
What needs to happen?
For starters...
This quarterback rotation needs to stop. This is Kirk Cousins' team. He has the better arm (by far). He's a leader. He's crafty.
Don't get me wrong, I like Keith Nichol. He helped lead us to the win against Michigan and quarterbacked the team to a win at Illinois. But this business of rotating the signal callers by series is now beyond maddening, it is ridiculous.
Case in point - Saturday night. Cousins had just led MSU to a great touchdown on a play bourne of improvisation. The defense finally gets a stop. We're pinned deep. And the coaches put Nichol in? Not only was it unfair to Nichol, it was unfair to the team - to Cousins too. That was a no-win situation for Nichol and the team. Three and out. Momentum gone. Minnesota scores to go up 21-10 at the half.
Stop it already. You want to mix him in for some trickeration or play by play like the Gophers did with Marquise "Not the former Spartan baller" Gray? Fine. But this series by series stuff is HURTING the team.
Afraid that Nichol might transfer from the program? Stuff happens. Even if he did - which would be career suicide - Cousins is here for the long haul. Maxwell has plenty of promise and there is another solid QB recruit coming in. Stop the madness NOW for crying out loud.
Next...
Will an offensive lineman who likes to run block please step forward. Do we have one? I thought the big fellas hated the passiveness of the pass block and loved the aggressiveness of the run block. Doesn't seem to be so with this bunch. The quarterbacks aren't getting hit or sacked much, but the tailbacks are dropping like flies. Will someone, anyone please step up and pancake someone, so we can see the breakaway speed that Caper and Baker have?
Goal line failures goat? The O-line. Gaining a yard shouldn't be so difficult. Makes you so appreciate the efforts of Javon Ringer. Apparently he DID do it all on his own...
And finally...
Just when we thought the defense was becoming everything predicted at the onset of the season - maybe more - we have an egg laying of epic proportions against one of the (previously) least successful offenses in the conference. The pass defense gave up what felt like a dozen 20+ yard pass plays against Minnesota, including a 62 yarder to start the game and several bombs right after the MSU offense had stolen the momentum.
I won't totally blame the defensive backs though. In fact on several plays, the guys were right there. It doesn't help when the front four is not getting a steady pass rush. There were but two sacks for the Spartans in this game - and one of those was a tremendous personal effort by Greg Jones. This line sorely missed the injured Trevor Anderson. No pressure, means time to set up in the pocket and deliver strikes. That leaves your DBs on an island and covering too long. That all adds up to getting picked apart.
Back to the secondary... they need to be better players of the ball - i.e. more PBUs, less attempts to make the pick. Close doesn't count in football - especially pass defense. What a fine line between an awesome performance against Northwestern and Iowa and this debacle.
Final game thoughts
Injuries galore...
I can't recall a game in which so many Spartans were dropping at an alarming rate. Coach Dantonio said there may have been as many as five minor concussions. Losing Caper, Fortener, Anderson, Nichtman, Hyde and Gordon (a few plays each) is never a good thing. That put young, inexperienced players in critical situations (Hoover and Norman to name two) and when you're fighting for your life, that drop off can haunt you.
Officially ready to hang the officials...
Last but not least, when will someone in the mainstream media take the Big Ten front office to task for not publicly criticizing its officials? It has been horrendous all over the league all season long, and in particular, has cost the Spartans critical, potentially game-changing momentum in each of the last two games. The late hits have been laughable - even one or two by Minnesota. Is this football or chess?
The fact that the Big Ten keeps it off the front page is a problem for me. It is time to suspend some people for the calls they are making, changing or not making. The reversal of the fumble with six minutes to go on Saturday arguably cost State the game. At the least, it cost them a very legitimate shot at taking the lead late in the contest. So much for indisputable video evidence. Last I checked, catching the ball, making a football move (turning up field) and taking two steps before the ball is jarred loose is a fumble - as it was called on the field.
The officiating is flabbergasting and it needs to be rectified in a hurry. A starting point is public reprimand from the Big Ten. But that will happen when the conference gets off it's high horse and adds a 12th team, goes to two divisions and plays a league championship game. That's to say - don't count on it in my lifetime...
Season thoughts
The fluke play that followed the jaw-dropping reversal of a legitimate fumble was MSU's season in a nutshell. Close but always a head-shaker away from victory.
Has this season been a disappointment? Sure, but patience by the fans is needed. There is a lot of youth here. The expectations were maybe blown a little out of proportion because MSU won all the close games a season ago. Believe it or not, this MSU team is better in a lot of ways than the 9-4 team from a season ago. And there is still time to prove it. The lumps now could be worth their weight in gold as early as next year. Be patient. Don't go jumping off the bandwagon. Besides, if you do and try to get back on on my side later, good luck. I won't let you back on. You're in through thick and thin or you're out. Simple as that.
Speaking of which, those who are calling for Dantonio's head are clueless. Have there been some mistakes this season? Sure, notably the handling of the QB situation, some of the defensive decisions late in tight games and the play calling at times (when isn't that on the fans' list?). But to put this on Coach D and want him out? Get real! Stability is what this program lacked for years. Stability is what we have. Recruiting is strong. MSU has been in all but two of the 15 losses since Dantonio took over. You want to get rid of him? How about this - let's get rid of YOU.
Postseason plans...
The Spartans are 4-5 (3-3) right now. Western Michigan comes to town this weekend. The Broncos have talent but are playing an angry MSU team. It won't be pretty. That makes MSU an even 5-5 (3-3) with two to play. Seems a lot like deja vu, no?
MSU's best case scenario is to win out. That would mean 7-5 (5-3). With Iowa, Penn State, Ohio State and Wisconsin already locked into the Rose, Capital One, Outback and (if Penn State is 11-1) likely an at-large BCS bid, that leaves the Champs (picking before the Alamo this year), Alamo, Insight and Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl for the rest.
At 7-5, the Champs people would take a long, hard look at a State team that has really traveled to Orlando the past two years. If it passed on MSU, there is no way the Alamo would.
At this time, I won't be so presumptuous to predict MSU to win out. I will say 6-6 (4-4) and that still leaves some nice options. The Champs bowl will take a (predicted) 7-5 (4-4) Minnesota team that beat State, meaning the Alamo will choose between MSU and Michigan - both 6-6. By virtue of the head to head, a much tougher schedule and a better league record, MSU heads to the Alamo Bowl. What we wanted? Maybe not. But realistically - another nice step for a growing program...
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Let's see what we're made of
I'll admit. I am still having a hard time getting over the loss to Iowa. This one has definitely taken me more than the self-imposed 24 hours to get over.
It was another in a long line of heart breakers for the Spartans, but I'm not sure any took the wind out like this one. In many of those other games, addressed a few weeks back, MSU wasn't as good as it is now on defense, and it was only a matter of time before something snapped. This one was different. This one was a game that State legitimately deserved to win.
It was a game the Spartans had to win. It was one where MSU had to - and did - play its best in, giving MSU a well-earned shot at a signature win. But it will be remembered for what it wasn't and with one big question afterwards - aren't the refs supposed to be invisible to the outcome of a game?
It was a game the Spartans had to win. It was one where MSU had to - and did - play its best in, giving MSU a well-earned shot at a signature win. But it will be remembered for what it wasn't and with one big question afterwards - aren't the refs supposed to be invisible to the outcome of a game?
I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'. You be the judge.
First there was the personal foul called against Ware. Okay. Is this football or patty-cakes? It was a good hit. It was a hard hit. It put all the momentum on MSU's side at a critical point in the fourth quarter. No flag was thrown. That is, until the player for Iowa didn't get up (or move for that matter). Flag innocently dropped as to hide it from the fans right by the ball - about a minute after the play. First down Iowa. A few minutes later, Iowa has the momentum and a late 3-point lead in a game where every point was critical. Did it affect the outcome of the game? Maybe.
Second, Chris L. Rucker gets a flag, after his apparent game-winning INT, and after the Iowa receiver he was defending falls down. Late flag, holding on the defense. First down at the 7 for Iowa with 15 seconds to play. I've seen the replay. If that is holding, then there should be a flag on every play of every game. Four plays later, Iowa beats Rucker by inches and wins the game. Did it affect the outcome of the game? Absolutely.
Third... four plays in 15 seconds? That's less than four seconds a play. Seems like maybe the score keeper was a little too quick on the trigger. Dantonio says that they got the plays off... I still wonder how you can pull of that many plays, that fast?
What's my point? I hate to see a game come down to a call, no call or otherwise by the zebras. Especially when both teams put on that type of performance. For Iowa, it gets to be a game for the ages. For we Spartans, another in a long, heartbreaking line of sucker punches to the gut.
I credit the Spartans for fighting until the bitter end, even in the face of adversity. But that's what this program has become under Mark Dantonio - a fighter. Two seasons ago, these were the outcomes in the close games. Last year, fortunes were reversed. This year, MSU has lost four games by a total of 15 points - two by two on the last play of the game - to teams with combined records of 25-5. Ouch. That hurts.
Many will say that State wasn't ready for the pressure of a high pick in the Big Ten. I say B.S. We were ready and we're a few plays from showing it. However, here we sit, 4-4 (3-2), needing a good three wins to assure a decent bowl berth, four wins to have an outside shot at a piece of the title (a la 1990). I like the make-up of this team. The leadership. The way it responds under Dantonio to these types of games (win or lose).
Now we get to see what we're made of. There are three very winnable games coming up and one more shot to make a statement. Win 'em all and it is 8-4 (6-2) and a top three finish in the Big Ten with a trip to San Antonio on the horizon. Win three and it is a respectable 7-5 (5-3) with a chance to keep working the young guys during bowl preparations.
I like where we are heading. Let's see how the team responds in Minnesota...
Editor's Note: Great piece written by Jack Ebling for SpartanTailgate.com
Green and White Game Thoughts...
A good part of Saturday was a chance to get into the Bres to see the hoops team scrimmage. A few things stood out to me: Depth. Speed. Versatility.
MSU has a load of depth. It can go big, small or in between. That will be huge with the schedule on tap.
MSU has speed. Even Korie Lucious, who should have been really rusty, was at top speed. Roe is healthy. Raymar is solid. Green will be a beast. Allen looks confident and handled the point at times. Summers is improved. Nix, Sherman and Herzog aren't fast, but they don't need to be with what's around them.
MSU has versatility. I can see this team griding or playing fast. It can shoot, it can rebound... but will have to find a stopper a la Walton.
Editor's Note: Great piece written by Jack Ebling for SpartanTailgate.com
Green and White Game Thoughts...
A good part of Saturday was a chance to get into the Bres to see the hoops team scrimmage. A few things stood out to me: Depth. Speed. Versatility.
MSU has a load of depth. It can go big, small or in between. That will be huge with the schedule on tap.
MSU has speed. Even Korie Lucious, who should have been really rusty, was at top speed. Roe is healthy. Raymar is solid. Green will be a beast. Allen looks confident and handled the point at times. Summers is improved. Nix, Sherman and Herzog aren't fast, but they don't need to be with what's around them.
MSU has versatility. I can see this team griding or playing fast. It can shoot, it can rebound... but will have to find a stopper a la Walton.
Also of note, Derrick Nix has promise but still needs to lose weight. He is natural around the bucket though. Garrick Sherman seems really natural around the hoop and appears to have a nose for the ball. I liked what I saw. Tom Herzog is noticeably thicker and much more confident. He can give this team a good 15-18 minutes a game.
Prediction time...
Early prediction for Saturday. MSU piles on a beaten and battered Minnesota team early and erases the sting of the Iowa defeat. MSU 34 - Minnesota 17.
Early prediction for Saturday. MSU piles on a beaten and battered Minnesota team early and erases the sting of the Iowa defeat. MSU 34 - Minnesota 17.
Friday, October 23, 2009
It's show time
Flashback one year. Michigan State was rolling. Ohio State came to town. The Spartans were pumped to get a shot at the big dog, the Big Ten's best. This was a chance to make the next step.
The outcome? An overwhelming dud for the boys in green and white. Not to mention a concerning over-abundance of scarlet and gray in the Spartan Stadium seats. MSU was clearly not ready for the best of the best last year. It showed again with a piece of the title on the line at Penn State. No matter. Chalk it up to growing pains. Programs take steps forward with stumbles along the way often in the growing process. That was MSU last year. Great strides forward but a few stumbles in the big games.
Now here we are again. Unbeaten Iowa strides into East Lansing on an eleven game win streak and has won 13 of its last 14. The Spartans have won three straight and 1o of their last 13 Big Ten games. It all sets up nicely for a shot to show MSU is ready to take the next step.
I feel confident about this game. Of course, most will point out that I am always confident when it comes to Michigan State. But unlike the past where the inside of me tempered that outside enthusiasm and optimism with a sense of reality, I don't have that "yeah but" feeling inside. Why? A few reasons really.
One, Iowa, while impressive, fundamentally sound and a collective group of winners, doesn't scare me. Ricky Stanzi isn't a freakish athlete like Tyrelle Pryor. There is no game changing tailback here (happy to see Shonn Greene in the NFL!). I can't even name a wideout on this squad. Tight end Tony Moeaki is a stud, but other than that, this is just a solid team full of solid players who know how to get it done.
Second, I've got two words for you: night game. The atmosphere will be off the hook for this one. There is the green and white basketball scrimmage at 3:30. Tailgating on what looks to be a chilly, damp day starting at one. The students will bring it like they did for that Michigan game. This game is a huge opportunity for MSU to make a statement.
Finally, we've been there, done that. Last season, State went a very respectable 9-4. Lost to a good Cal team in the opener. Got hammered, but fought hard in games against the best in the league last season (OSU & PSU). Showed great improvement and poise in taking preseason number one Georgia to the wire. This year, the Spartans lost tough ones to a good team it should have beaten - Central Michigan - and with a bad decision late (Notre Dame). They followed that tough start up with a program changing win over Michigan. Now they're rolling. Translation? The Spartans are ready.
I see this game as a lot like last year and many in the series, which Iowa leads 20-18-2. It will come down to who can control the line of scrimmage, keep mistakes at bay and get the most out of the special teams units. I like a late Swenson field goal to stretch a one point lead to four and then for a big play by the secondary to seal the deal and put our Spartans in a tie for first place with our own destiny in our hands...
MSU 27 - Iowa 23.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Report cards, predictions and hittin' the hardwood
Time flies when you're having fun. I swear I was just in the pool after a round of golf and now all of a sudden we've had about 20 days in a row here in west Michigan with temps below normal. It is cloudy and cold and gray. Heck, my son only has two rocket football games left. College football season is at its midpoint. Midnight Madness is tonight. Crazy how fast life moves when you don't have time to stop and soak it in...
I guess that leaves me with three things to cover this week after two straight wins, and still riding high off that victory over Michigan. Time to grade myself (for my prediction) and the team to this point. I have to toss out a prediction for the Northwestern game. And I have to at least touch on hoops.
Report Card
I was "one of those" MSU fans who might have gotten a little overzealous with my preseason prediction. I assumed that we'd of course beat CMU and continue to own the Domers in South Bend. I was close, but as they say, close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades.
Back in August, I had the Spartans slated to be 5-1 (2-1) right now. I got the 2-1 part right - sort of. I said State would lose at Illinois, not Wisconsin. To my defense, I also thought Illinois would be where UW is now and not flat on their face, wondering if it is time to find a new coach.
As for the back half, I had our Spartans going 5-1 (4-1) with a loss at Minnesota. The way things played out in September, that seemed far fetched. But now? Not so much. It wouldn't surprise me if MSU went anywhere from 4-2 to 6-0. At this point, I'm sticking with what I predicted. That would land State at 8-4 (6-2) and probably in the Alamo Bowl. Not a bad stepping stone for a young team that maybe had too many expectations on it to start the season.
All that said, I'd give myself about a B- for the first half. CMU and ND could have gone either way and made me look really smart, but neither happened. What about the team?
Honestly, I think the team has made huge strides. The defense was not as far along as we all assumed it would be early on. That was due to a front four that wasn't getting enough pressure on opposing QBs and a secondary that was thusly getting picked apart. Hey, how long can you ask a DB to stick to a receiver like glue? Now we're seeing what pressure means for a secondary and all the pieces are coming together. I just wish we'd force more turnovers. Grade: B-
The offense has been rock solid, even if a little too turnover prone for my liking. The Cousins-Nichol combo has paid off huge dividends, even though I still think Cousins is the better fit in the here and now. It took some time to find a tailback or two, and now we have to find a new number two guy, but Larry Caper is as advertised. The receiving corps is as advertised. And the line? It has been really solid even in the face of injuries, leading the Big Ten in sacks allowed - six. Grade: B+
Special teams has been rock solid, particularly the kicking tandem of Swenson and Bates. The two of them are nails. Kickoff coverage has seen vast improvements. The return game needs a spark. Perhaps the speed and shiftiness of Martin at KR will help - though the loss of Winston wasn't how we needed to get there. Grade: A-
This team has a lot of upward potential yet this season. Four of the last six are at home. The road games are very winnable. Take care of business and those painful early season losses could be all but erased from memories. And don't roll your eyes, but the Big Ten title is still well within reach...
Bring on the Wildcats
A lot of folks in the media are touting the NU offense and how many plays it runs per game. Fact is, the NU defense has been the strength of that team to date. Northwestern has been every bit as attacked by the injury bug - on both sides of the ball - as MSU, if not more. Pat Fitzgerald may be to the point where he has to call old teammate Darnell Autry to come and tote the rock for his offense.
Mike Kafka has been solid and if he gets in rhythm, watch out. But with no run game to speak of and facing an MSU team that suddenly eats clock like a chubby cop eats doughnuts, this vaunted 75+ plays a game offense might not get a chance to run wild.
I like how the defense is coming along. Pressure is tough on short drops or quick throws out of the shotgun, which means tackling will be at a premium. MSU has depth, which should help keep the defense fresh.
I think Northwestern will score some points, but MSU will force some turnovers and finally win the turnover battle. It's been a while since we've seen a kickoff returned by a Spartan for a score, but I see that happening in this one. Cousins will catch fire, Caper will go over 100 yards and the defense really stiffens at the half.
Michigan State 31 - Northwestern 20.
Hittin' the hardwood
There is no better time of the year than college basketball season. I am beyond excited to see if this team, with lofty expectations, can get it done. In some ways, I think there is less pressure than last year. You know, the whole Detroit Final Four thing. I do think Suton and Walton will be missed by I expect this team to be explosive as it is top to bottom more talented than last year.
I'm not quite ready to make my prediction for the season, but I will tell you that I expect big things from this team...
Until next time - GO STATE!
I guess that leaves me with three things to cover this week after two straight wins, and still riding high off that victory over Michigan. Time to grade myself (for my prediction) and the team to this point. I have to toss out a prediction for the Northwestern game. And I have to at least touch on hoops.
Report Card
I was "one of those" MSU fans who might have gotten a little overzealous with my preseason prediction. I assumed that we'd of course beat CMU and continue to own the Domers in South Bend. I was close, but as they say, close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades.
Back in August, I had the Spartans slated to be 5-1 (2-1) right now. I got the 2-1 part right - sort of. I said State would lose at Illinois, not Wisconsin. To my defense, I also thought Illinois would be where UW is now and not flat on their face, wondering if it is time to find a new coach.
As for the back half, I had our Spartans going 5-1 (4-1) with a loss at Minnesota. The way things played out in September, that seemed far fetched. But now? Not so much. It wouldn't surprise me if MSU went anywhere from 4-2 to 6-0. At this point, I'm sticking with what I predicted. That would land State at 8-4 (6-2) and probably in the Alamo Bowl. Not a bad stepping stone for a young team that maybe had too many expectations on it to start the season.
All that said, I'd give myself about a B- for the first half. CMU and ND could have gone either way and made me look really smart, but neither happened. What about the team?
Honestly, I think the team has made huge strides. The defense was not as far along as we all assumed it would be early on. That was due to a front four that wasn't getting enough pressure on opposing QBs and a secondary that was thusly getting picked apart. Hey, how long can you ask a DB to stick to a receiver like glue? Now we're seeing what pressure means for a secondary and all the pieces are coming together. I just wish we'd force more turnovers. Grade: B-
The offense has been rock solid, even if a little too turnover prone for my liking. The Cousins-Nichol combo has paid off huge dividends, even though I still think Cousins is the better fit in the here and now. It took some time to find a tailback or two, and now we have to find a new number two guy, but Larry Caper is as advertised. The receiving corps is as advertised. And the line? It has been really solid even in the face of injuries, leading the Big Ten in sacks allowed - six. Grade: B+
Special teams has been rock solid, particularly the kicking tandem of Swenson and Bates. The two of them are nails. Kickoff coverage has seen vast improvements. The return game needs a spark. Perhaps the speed and shiftiness of Martin at KR will help - though the loss of Winston wasn't how we needed to get there. Grade: A-
This team has a lot of upward potential yet this season. Four of the last six are at home. The road games are very winnable. Take care of business and those painful early season losses could be all but erased from memories. And don't roll your eyes, but the Big Ten title is still well within reach...
Bring on the Wildcats
A lot of folks in the media are touting the NU offense and how many plays it runs per game. Fact is, the NU defense has been the strength of that team to date. Northwestern has been every bit as attacked by the injury bug - on both sides of the ball - as MSU, if not more. Pat Fitzgerald may be to the point where he has to call old teammate Darnell Autry to come and tote the rock for his offense.
Mike Kafka has been solid and if he gets in rhythm, watch out. But with no run game to speak of and facing an MSU team that suddenly eats clock like a chubby cop eats doughnuts, this vaunted 75+ plays a game offense might not get a chance to run wild.
I like how the defense is coming along. Pressure is tough on short drops or quick throws out of the shotgun, which means tackling will be at a premium. MSU has depth, which should help keep the defense fresh.
I think Northwestern will score some points, but MSU will force some turnovers and finally win the turnover battle. It's been a while since we've seen a kickoff returned by a Spartan for a score, but I see that happening in this one. Cousins will catch fire, Caper will go over 100 yards and the defense really stiffens at the half.
Michigan State 31 - Northwestern 20.
Hittin' the hardwood
There is no better time of the year than college basketball season. I am beyond excited to see if this team, with lofty expectations, can get it done. In some ways, I think there is less pressure than last year. You know, the whole Detroit Final Four thing. I do think Suton and Walton will be missed by I expect this team to be explosive as it is top to bottom more talented than last year.
I'm not quite ready to make my prediction for the season, but I will tell you that I expect big things from this team...
Until next time - GO STATE!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Why was this the most satisfying? I'll tell you why...
Why was this the best when there have been so many good ones? In part because it helps offset the many heart breakers we've experienced over time. Sometimes the losses and the lumps, as hard as they are to take, build character and make you appreciate these wins even more. A few games really stand out to me over the years for how State lost when it did everything to win but close the deal. And those help put the magnitude of this victory in perspective. In fact, here is a list - a long list (20 games long to be precise) - of what helps make this one the most satisfying.
* Note - these are only from the last 20 years. Imagine how many more there must be!
1990 - loss to Notre Dame. Sure INT bounces off our pads, is caught and ND scores soon after to win 20-19.
1992 - loss at Illinois. I was there. A bad spot late kills hopes. 14-10 loss. No bowl.
1993 - loss to Penn State. Up 37-17 in the second half, MSU loses 38-37.
1995 - loss to Penn State. Up after a late score, Penn State scores on the last play to win 24-20.
1996 - loss at Penn State. What the...?! MSU misses a late FG after recovering a fumbled kickoff then Penn State kicks the game winner as time expires. 32-29 Penn State. I was in State College. What a long trip home.
1997 - loss at Northwestern. MSU is in chip shot range to continue a great season opening win streak with Michigan looming. That chip shot is blocked. MSU loses 19-17.
1997 - loss at Purdue. As if one kick in the jimmy loss isn't bad enough, MSU sees a blocked FG returned for a score, then can't get the onside kick (a future theme), Purdue scores again and wins 22-21.
1998 - loss at Minnesota. That onside kick thing? It strikes again. Minnesota shocks MSU 19-18 in a season where MSU did plenty of the shocking (more on that later).
1998 - loss to Purdue. MSU owned Drew Brees for the day. Until deja vu struck. And, another onside kick failure. 25-24 Purdue.
2001 - loss at Northwestern. NU scores late to go up. MSU returns the ensuing kickoff for a TD, gets a celebration penalty, misses the extra point, gives up a Hail Mary and a long FG and loses. I was there. Again. 27-26 Northwestern.
2002 - loss to Notre Dame. Right after the most spectacular catch I've seen in person - Charles Rogers on 4th down in the back of the north end zone, a little ND payback for the Smoker to Heygood connection in 2000 starts MSU's season into a death spiral. 21-17 Notre Dame.
2003 - loss to Louisiana Tech. What? Yep, LA Tech. Yet another in a long, barf-inducing history of failed onside kick coverage. 20-19 LA Tech.
2004 - loss at Michigan. The first in the overtime series. MSU flat out dominated for 51:30 of this game then loses in triple OT. Probably the toughest to take in the history of the Spartans. The second in a lengthy series of defeat snatched from the jaws of victory under John L. Smith's watch. Michigan 45-37.
2005 - loss to Michigan. Another overtime kick in the gut - or lower if you prefer. The big fella - Domato Peko - appears to have shifted the momentum but alas, we can't make a damn field goal all game, including OT and lose 34-31.
2005 - loss at Ohio State. Just a week later, we're owning the Buckeyes in the 'shoe until the most famous fire drill field goal attempt in college football leads to a block, a return and a huge shift in momentum, followed by a JLS rant that Jim Rome still loves to this day. OSU wins going away - thanks to that play. 35-24.
2006 - loss to Notre Dame. This one might rival the '04 loss in Ann Arbor for toughest ever. On a night when tornadoes were spawning around Michigan, State runs out to a big lead, then inexplicably goes to the air and blows a HUGE late game lead en route to a 40-37 loss. Soon after, JLS implodes, slaps himself to mock Charlie Weis and gets shown the door.
2007 - loss at Iowa. Coach D isn't immune to this stuff either. The Spartans dominated Iowa for three and a half quarters in Iowa City only to lose in overtime, 34-27.
2007 - loss to Michigan. Common theme? Big lead late, can't hold on. Incredible efforts in this game, especially the one by Javon Ringer. Mike Hart mocks MSU - which might have been the biggest mistake ever made in this series. State rebounds to go bowling, but this one hurt a lot. 28-24 loss.
2009 - loss to Central Michigan. It had been a while since we got smacked in the face by an onside kick and this one might have been the best I've ever seen. One of the few on this list I didn't actually see at all (heard it on the radio). Come the end of the season, it might be the one that keeps MSU from a good bowl game. 29-27 CMU.
2009 - loss at Notre Dame. So we were bound to lose sometime in South Bend and this wasn't a defeat snatched from the jaws of victory per se, but ball in the red zone, with a minute to go, where a FG likely means OT. Ouch. It hurt. More than the CMU game because I watched this one. 33-30 ND.
All totaled, 20 losses that each drove a stake through my heart. Half of them by a FG or less, five of them by one flipping point! Three of them the overtime variety. Most of them games MSU owned for 50+ minutes only to lose at the end. All of them character builders... all of them make me so appreciate the win against Michigan that much more.
On the flip side
Now that I've got you totally bummed, let me hit you with the highly satisfying victories over the same period of time. Topped off, of course, by the best ever - October 3, 2009. These are the games (not as many, unfortunately) that help offset the painful losses. The ones that you remember more than others - except maybe those losses!
1990 - win at No. 1 Michigan. To this day, one of the best games I have seen in person. Several bad calls by the refs both ways but as I tell Michigan fans... Howard had the ball in his belly, and dropped it. Game over! MSU 28-27 on our way to the last shared Big Ten title for the program.
1995 - win over Michigan. Saban's first year. Big fourth down pickup by the nose of the ball from Scott Greene. Amazing catch by Derrick Mason on a ball tipped by Charles Woodson. Tony Banks to Nigea Carter for the game winner. 28-25. How sweet it was!
1998 - win at No. 1 Ohio State. I remember running circles around the couch after Renaldo Hill picked off OSU's last gasp effort. Unfortunately that win was sandwiched between two of the losses above and we didn't go bowling. But still, that was a game where State was a four TD underdog and got it done. MSU 28 - OSU 24.
1999 - win over Oregon. Not because it was some earth-shattering win, but because it was a response to the thrashing in Eugene the previous season and the way it was won. With Oregon driving, Amp Campbell - who was seriously injured against the Ducks the year prior - scooped up a loose ball and brought it to the house for the winning score. Sweet redemption! MSU 27 - Oregon 20.
1999 - win over Michigan. One that looks closer than it was, which always seems to be the case with our wins over the corn-blues. Bill Burke to Plaxico Burress was the rule of the day. 34-31 in a game with loads of NFL talent on the field.
2000 - win over Florida in the Citrus Bowl. Nick $aban had bolted. All the chips were against us. Playing in the Gators' back yard. But Florida boy Paul Edinger was straight and true on the game winning kick and MSU capped off a fantastic season with a memorable win, 37-34.
2000 - win over Notre Dame. Smoker to Heygood on 4th down. Still one of the wildest moments I can recall being a part of in Spartan Stadium. We were dead to rights and pulled off a miracle. To this day, I still don't know why Bobby Williams didn't got for two to make it a seven point game! MSU 27 - ND 21.
2001 - win over Michigan. Up until last Saturday, the best win for me. We were down but kept clawing back. Duckett owned the Wolverines all day and made that memorable south end zone grab for a thrilling win. M fans will point to the clock. Proof is there that there was about .1 or .2 left. Smoker scrambles to his right, throws back across his body, it just splits the Michigan defenders and falls safely into T.J.'s arms. Pandemonium! Lloyd and his limp wrist handshake leave with a loss. 26-24.
2005 - win at Notre Dame. One of those games where State blows a huge lead but finds a way to win. The defense holds the Irish to a field goal in OT then Jason Teague high steps to the end zone for a fantastic 44-41 OT win.
2006 - win at Northwestern. Down 38-3 I actually quit watching. Okay, so it was because my son had a soccer game - are you kidding - I never, ever quit on an MSU game! I had given in to his soccer coach - former NU kicker Brian Gowins - that I owed him a cold one when the improbable happened. MSU pulls off the biggest comeback win in NCAA history, 41-38. Still couldn't keep JLS around though...
2007 - win over Penn State. MSU and PSU have played some great games, mostly in East Lansing. State got down early, fought back and won late to secure a bowl berth. What a satisfying end to a season full of close losses. MSU 35 - PSU 31.
2008 - win over Iowa. Adam Decker makes one of the plays of the year and propels MSU to a critical win, 16-13.
2008 - win over Wisconsin. Finally we were on the "didn't do much to deserve to win, but somehow found a way" that MSU is so often on the bad side of. Two critical late game drives fueled by Hoyer to White. The most memorable FG since maybe the 2000 Citrus Bowl game.
2009 - win over Michigan. The one that stands out the most. Not because it is the latest, but because of where this team was coming in. Deflated. Two tough losses. Beaten up on the road in Madison. MSU owned this game for all but about six minutes, pulled together in the face of adversity and perhaps, changed the season and if nothing else, the way this rivalry is viewed.
Next up, the Illini
In the past, these were major trap games for MSU. Particularly with so much emotion poured into the M game. Not under Coach D. Illinois is a mess. They can't score, can't stop anyone and I see disarray. I expect a game from the Illini, but for MSU to hearken back to the end of that Michigan game, pull out the stops and win in Champaign yet again. Michigan State 31 - Illinois 23.
* Note - these are only from the last 20 years. Imagine how many more there must be!
1990 - loss to Notre Dame. Sure INT bounces off our pads, is caught and ND scores soon after to win 20-19.
1992 - loss at Illinois. I was there. A bad spot late kills hopes. 14-10 loss. No bowl.
1993 - loss to Penn State. Up 37-17 in the second half, MSU loses 38-37.
1995 - loss to Penn State. Up after a late score, Penn State scores on the last play to win 24-20.
1996 - loss at Penn State. What the...?! MSU misses a late FG after recovering a fumbled kickoff then Penn State kicks the game winner as time expires. 32-29 Penn State. I was in State College. What a long trip home.
1997 - loss at Northwestern. MSU is in chip shot range to continue a great season opening win streak with Michigan looming. That chip shot is blocked. MSU loses 19-17.
1997 - loss at Purdue. As if one kick in the jimmy loss isn't bad enough, MSU sees a blocked FG returned for a score, then can't get the onside kick (a future theme), Purdue scores again and wins 22-21.
1998 - loss at Minnesota. That onside kick thing? It strikes again. Minnesota shocks MSU 19-18 in a season where MSU did plenty of the shocking (more on that later).
1998 - loss to Purdue. MSU owned Drew Brees for the day. Until deja vu struck. And, another onside kick failure. 25-24 Purdue.
2001 - loss at Northwestern. NU scores late to go up. MSU returns the ensuing kickoff for a TD, gets a celebration penalty, misses the extra point, gives up a Hail Mary and a long FG and loses. I was there. Again. 27-26 Northwestern.
2002 - loss to Notre Dame. Right after the most spectacular catch I've seen in person - Charles Rogers on 4th down in the back of the north end zone, a little ND payback for the Smoker to Heygood connection in 2000 starts MSU's season into a death spiral. 21-17 Notre Dame.
2003 - loss to Louisiana Tech. What? Yep, LA Tech. Yet another in a long, barf-inducing history of failed onside kick coverage. 20-19 LA Tech.
2004 - loss at Michigan. The first in the overtime series. MSU flat out dominated for 51:30 of this game then loses in triple OT. Probably the toughest to take in the history of the Spartans. The second in a lengthy series of defeat snatched from the jaws of victory under John L. Smith's watch. Michigan 45-37.
2005 - loss to Michigan. Another overtime kick in the gut - or lower if you prefer. The big fella - Domato Peko - appears to have shifted the momentum but alas, we can't make a damn field goal all game, including OT and lose 34-31.
2005 - loss at Ohio State. Just a week later, we're owning the Buckeyes in the 'shoe until the most famous fire drill field goal attempt in college football leads to a block, a return and a huge shift in momentum, followed by a JLS rant that Jim Rome still loves to this day. OSU wins going away - thanks to that play. 35-24.
2006 - loss to Notre Dame. This one might rival the '04 loss in Ann Arbor for toughest ever. On a night when tornadoes were spawning around Michigan, State runs out to a big lead, then inexplicably goes to the air and blows a HUGE late game lead en route to a 40-37 loss. Soon after, JLS implodes, slaps himself to mock Charlie Weis and gets shown the door.
2007 - loss at Iowa. Coach D isn't immune to this stuff either. The Spartans dominated Iowa for three and a half quarters in Iowa City only to lose in overtime, 34-27.
2007 - loss to Michigan. Common theme? Big lead late, can't hold on. Incredible efforts in this game, especially the one by Javon Ringer. Mike Hart mocks MSU - which might have been the biggest mistake ever made in this series. State rebounds to go bowling, but this one hurt a lot. 28-24 loss.
2009 - loss to Central Michigan. It had been a while since we got smacked in the face by an onside kick and this one might have been the best I've ever seen. One of the few on this list I didn't actually see at all (heard it on the radio). Come the end of the season, it might be the one that keeps MSU from a good bowl game. 29-27 CMU.
2009 - loss at Notre Dame. So we were bound to lose sometime in South Bend and this wasn't a defeat snatched from the jaws of victory per se, but ball in the red zone, with a minute to go, where a FG likely means OT. Ouch. It hurt. More than the CMU game because I watched this one. 33-30 ND.
All totaled, 20 losses that each drove a stake through my heart. Half of them by a FG or less, five of them by one flipping point! Three of them the overtime variety. Most of them games MSU owned for 50+ minutes only to lose at the end. All of them character builders... all of them make me so appreciate the win against Michigan that much more.
On the flip side
Now that I've got you totally bummed, let me hit you with the highly satisfying victories over the same period of time. Topped off, of course, by the best ever - October 3, 2009. These are the games (not as many, unfortunately) that help offset the painful losses. The ones that you remember more than others - except maybe those losses!
1990 - win at No. 1 Michigan. To this day, one of the best games I have seen in person. Several bad calls by the refs both ways but as I tell Michigan fans... Howard had the ball in his belly, and dropped it. Game over! MSU 28-27 on our way to the last shared Big Ten title for the program.
1995 - win over Michigan. Saban's first year. Big fourth down pickup by the nose of the ball from Scott Greene. Amazing catch by Derrick Mason on a ball tipped by Charles Woodson. Tony Banks to Nigea Carter for the game winner. 28-25. How sweet it was!
1998 - win at No. 1 Ohio State. I remember running circles around the couch after Renaldo Hill picked off OSU's last gasp effort. Unfortunately that win was sandwiched between two of the losses above and we didn't go bowling. But still, that was a game where State was a four TD underdog and got it done. MSU 28 - OSU 24.
1999 - win over Oregon. Not because it was some earth-shattering win, but because it was a response to the thrashing in Eugene the previous season and the way it was won. With Oregon driving, Amp Campbell - who was seriously injured against the Ducks the year prior - scooped up a loose ball and brought it to the house for the winning score. Sweet redemption! MSU 27 - Oregon 20.
1999 - win over Michigan. One that looks closer than it was, which always seems to be the case with our wins over the corn-blues. Bill Burke to Plaxico Burress was the rule of the day. 34-31 in a game with loads of NFL talent on the field.
2000 - win over Florida in the Citrus Bowl. Nick $aban had bolted. All the chips were against us. Playing in the Gators' back yard. But Florida boy Paul Edinger was straight and true on the game winning kick and MSU capped off a fantastic season with a memorable win, 37-34.
2000 - win over Notre Dame. Smoker to Heygood on 4th down. Still one of the wildest moments I can recall being a part of in Spartan Stadium. We were dead to rights and pulled off a miracle. To this day, I still don't know why Bobby Williams didn't got for two to make it a seven point game! MSU 27 - ND 21.
2001 - win over Michigan. Up until last Saturday, the best win for me. We were down but kept clawing back. Duckett owned the Wolverines all day and made that memorable south end zone grab for a thrilling win. M fans will point to the clock. Proof is there that there was about .1 or .2 left. Smoker scrambles to his right, throws back across his body, it just splits the Michigan defenders and falls safely into T.J.'s arms. Pandemonium! Lloyd and his limp wrist handshake leave with a loss. 26-24.
2005 - win at Notre Dame. One of those games where State blows a huge lead but finds a way to win. The defense holds the Irish to a field goal in OT then Jason Teague high steps to the end zone for a fantastic 44-41 OT win.
2006 - win at Northwestern. Down 38-3 I actually quit watching. Okay, so it was because my son had a soccer game - are you kidding - I never, ever quit on an MSU game! I had given in to his soccer coach - former NU kicker Brian Gowins - that I owed him a cold one when the improbable happened. MSU pulls off the biggest comeback win in NCAA history, 41-38. Still couldn't keep JLS around though...
2007 - win over Penn State. MSU and PSU have played some great games, mostly in East Lansing. State got down early, fought back and won late to secure a bowl berth. What a satisfying end to a season full of close losses. MSU 35 - PSU 31.
2008 - win over Iowa. Adam Decker makes one of the plays of the year and propels MSU to a critical win, 16-13.
2008 - win over Wisconsin. Finally we were on the "didn't do much to deserve to win, but somehow found a way" that MSU is so often on the bad side of. Two critical late game drives fueled by Hoyer to White. The most memorable FG since maybe the 2000 Citrus Bowl game.
2009 - win over Michigan. The one that stands out the most. Not because it is the latest, but because of where this team was coming in. Deflated. Two tough losses. Beaten up on the road in Madison. MSU owned this game for all but about six minutes, pulled together in the face of adversity and perhaps, changed the season and if nothing else, the way this rivalry is viewed.
Next up, the Illini
In the past, these were major trap games for MSU. Particularly with so much emotion poured into the M game. Not under Coach D. Illinois is a mess. They can't score, can't stop anyone and I see disarray. I expect a game from the Illini, but for MSU to hearken back to the end of that Michigan game, pull out the stops and win in Champaign yet again. Michigan State 31 - Illinois 23.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
My recap of the most satisfying win ever
Let me tell you something. You would be hard pressed to ever, ever find a Spartan fan like me. There are plenty of big fans, those who really get up for games. No question about that. But how many will admit to being moved to tears by a game?
I was last Saturday. I'm not afraid to admit that when Larry Caper shed Michigan tacklers like rag dolls en route to the best, most satisfying touchdown and win I've ever been around for as a Michigan State fan, that my eyes welled up like a baby with a delayed reaction to a series of shots at the doctors office.
Let me recap my witness of the first "second-straight" win over Michigan in my lifetime. I apologize for the length, but I need to relive this one...
First off, I had to watch this puppy at home, in the comfort of my MSU room and not in person for the first time as a season ticket holder (19 years). Crazy loyal fan or not, family comes first and my son had a football game at 4.
12:10pm - Cousins drops back to pass, his arm gets knocked and bingo, Michigan picks off a pass deep in Spartan territory on the third play of the day. Ouch. Here we go again.
12:15pm - The defense came to play. Three Michigan plays in the red zone, minus five yards of offense. 3-0 Michigan. Crisis averted.
12:30pm - I think I just watched the longest 80-yard drive in history. It really went for 130 yards. It took 10 minutes off the clock. Kirk Cousins showed us all why he's "the guy". Thank you Coach D for going for it on 4th and 1. 7-3 MSU. All is well!
12:35pm - The D is hot. Another three and out. M has 0 total yards. Exactly the start this beleaguered defense needed.
1:20pm - Both teams have traded long drives and field goals. MSU is flat out dominating time of possession but doesn't have enough points to show for it. I'm happily up 10-6 at the half but nervous and shoulda, coulda, woulda-ing my way to how big the gap SHOULD, COULD, WOULD be! Did I mention I'm still a bit nervous? I think I've torn the cuticles completely off both thumbs already.
1:30pm - Is halftime freaking over yet? Wow, it is absolutely raining buckets here in Rockford. Heads up E.L. this stuff is heading your way.
1:42pm - What a great way to start the half. Michigan gets the ball and we stuff 'em backwards. YES. Where has this defense been all season? I don't even mind some of the chippy penalties because right now, we are the dominant, physical team that WILL win this game.
1:53pm - Ugh, someone block a little bit to give Cousins time. We just gave up a sure three points with another knocked arm pick. Damnit!
1:56pm - Thank God for stupid punters. What was Zoltan thinking? What were his parents thinking naming him that? Turns out his mistake gave us what we thought we'd get five plus minutes ago. Three points. Still, shoulda been seven. Then again, what a hellacious hit by Brandon Graham. Even a Spartan can tip the hat to a skunk bear for a jarring hit like that one. MSU 13 - michigan 6.
2:05pm - Another good hold by the defense and a great drive by the offense. The playing of Keith Nichol in previous games is paying off. So is the second chance for Winston. He just followed a fantastic block by Brendan Moss and waltzed 15 yards for a TD. Up two scores just into the 4th quarter. Ryan (my 10-year old) is sensing victory. I warn him otherwise. I've been there, done that (2004, 2005, 2007 alone all ring a bell). MSU 20 - michigan 6.
2:08pm - I'm starting to get lulled into believing too early. This is too easy. Three plays and minus 14 yards for Michigan. Unreal. Trying not to get caught in the naivety trap like my son, but man, this is OUR day!
2:13pm - There's Graham again. Damnit! Blindside hit and fumble. Michigan is in business. The stomach is churning.
2:15pm - That was a personal foul? He was still making an effort and there was no whistle. WTF? We're not even playing in Ann Arbor where phantom touchdowns are the rule of the day. Wait, what an effort by Eric Gordon, strips the ball, Jones picks it up, I'm starting to believe. This is our day. We might win by 21!
2:20pm - We're getting conservative way too early. Dance with what brought you. Come on Treadwell, you're killing me! Didn't you see the late collapses in 2004 and 2007 when we sat on supposedly big leads. I sense impending danger. I don't like this feeling.
2:24pm - Catch that ball Denson. It went right through your hands. Pick it in their territory, salt away the clock, score at least three and we're home free. Why does Michigan always get the bounces (a la Mike "Little Brother" Hart in 2007)?
2:25pm - Great work D! Three plays, no yards. Victory is inching closer.
2:33pm - Hmm, I see why you don't risk a 48-yard field goal attempt into a 20mph wind, but why not pin them deep with a pooch punt by Cousins on that play? And, since when can a DB just stand in front of a wide receiver's route and make no play on the ball and have it not be pass interference?
2:38pm - Here we go. MSU is in the prevent the win defense. Going away from what worked like a charm all game long. I'm having nightmares of Braylon Edwards and Mario Manningham all over again. Touchdown Michigan. Ryan, I told you. With MSU, it ain't over till the band takes the field. MSU 20 - michigan 13.
2:45pm - Come on with the conservative calls. Pass on first down, great. Run up the gut the next two plays? UGH. We burned no time and give the ball to the cardiac kid (Forcier). My cuticles are now bleeding from the nervous chewing, digging and biting. This feels way too familiar... but hey, that punt helped. Nice to have a clutch punter. Way to pin 'em deep Bates, and right when that weather I talked about is hitting Spartan Stadium!
2:54pm - For the love of ... it's happening again. I told you Ryan! The stupid prevent the win defense is killing us. We're making Forcier a freaking hero - again. Why in h-e-double hockey sticks do you stop what worked so well for over 50 minutes of play? Yeah, I've got an idea. Let's drop eight in coverage, rush (there's an oxymoron) three and allow a QB who would rather run than pass. Brilliant. I can't bear to watch as Michigan is closing in on the tying score.
2:56pm - I just had visions of the missed pick by Rucker in South Bend. I know it's wet, but Gordon, catch that ball and we win. But no.... NOOOOOOO
2:58pm - There it is. The unthinkable but highly predictable. Michigan just scored. Two ticks left on the clock. The only saving grace is that we were up by seven. I think they'll go for two... nope. Well, I guess that means we just get to suffer through another heartbreaking overtime loss. TV off. Time to leave for Cedar Spring. We're due there in 15 minutes and we still have to get all the gear in the car.
3:05pm -My stomach is in knots. I feel like I could puke and shart at the same time. Why, why, WHY?
3:06pm - I have to admit George Blaha's voice is the calming influence I need. Still, the eternal optimist in me is not holding out any hope. Nope, we always lose these games.
3:07pm - MSU wins the toss. Chooses defense. Even with the two late scores allowed, I'm okay with it. You gotta see what your offense needs to do, right? I can predict it for you - we'll need a TD to stay alive.
3:11pm - Yep, four plays and Michigan is on the 8. It's killing me not to see it but maybe it's better that.... YES, YES, YES! Picked off in the end zone. We have life. We might win. I think the lady in the lane next to me thinks that I'm a) crazy, b) yelling at my kids or c) both. Ryan is in the back and pumped too. We have life. We can do this! It's our time baby!
3:13pm - Are you kidding me? We have the best kicker in college football and we pitch (and fumble) on first down. Oh the life of a Spartan fan.
3:15pm - Third down. We got back to respectable down and distance on a nice catch by BJ. Just get it to the middle of the field, let Swenson go to work and celebrate the W.
3:16pm - Hand off to Caper, he cuts right, he's at the 15 (Jim Miller in the background - "He's gone"), he gets loose... TOUCHDOWN MSU! I'm in heaven. I'm pumping my fist, honking my horn, tears are streaming down my face. My voice is shot. I start singing the fight song as loud as I can. All the cars at the stoplight think I'm crazy. Ryan might be trying to get my cell so he can call Pine Rest. I don't care. We finally finished a game that we deserved to win. The world is right. I've never, ever been this fulfilled as an MSU fan. Victory for M-S-U!
I was so overcome by the madness and happiness of the win that I swear I had to make four trips back to my car once we got to the football field. I felt like I was walking on air. What a day. What a win. I tell my fellow coaches - even the one who ran track for Michigan - that that was the most satisfying win ever for me as a Spartan. I'm overjoyed, elated, relieved... the emotions run the gamut.
By the way, we lost to Cedar Springs. Home town refs never help. But I can overcome a rocket football loss. Not so sure I'd be able to recover had MSU lost that way to Michigan, again...
So, why was this the best?
I shot an email to a few writers who know a thing or two about MSU (Jack Ebling and Steve Grinczel) after this game and told them that this is the most satisfying MSU win over M in my lifetime. No questions asked.
Why?
Well, we did the typical song and dance with the predictable prevent the win defense (when will coaches learn that prevent = BIG TROUBLE?!) but this time, much to my shock and awe, got it done. Added to the already strong performance in the face of adversity (1-3 start, loss to CMU), that alone makes it so incredibly gratifying.
There have been some great wins in the series and in program history, some highly memorable moments... but the way the team persevered and finally won the way it has lost so often, literally moved me to tears.
That's why.
Final thought...
I know one thing if nothing else out of this victory; the state of Michigan and its football fans have to take notice that MSU is not some one and done program. We're here (back) to stay. Dantonio is a late game fold in '07 away from being labeled as UM's next Jim Tressel. And hey, it isn't too early to at least think that anyway...
Thanks Coach D and Team for one helluva memorable win - my most satisfying ever as a Spartan.
Check back later this week for more on why this win means so much. And of course, for thoughts on a key game at Illinois.
I was last Saturday. I'm not afraid to admit that when Larry Caper shed Michigan tacklers like rag dolls en route to the best, most satisfying touchdown and win I've ever been around for as a Michigan State fan, that my eyes welled up like a baby with a delayed reaction to a series of shots at the doctors office.
Let me recap my witness of the first "second-straight" win over Michigan in my lifetime. I apologize for the length, but I need to relive this one...
First off, I had to watch this puppy at home, in the comfort of my MSU room and not in person for the first time as a season ticket holder (19 years). Crazy loyal fan or not, family comes first and my son had a football game at 4.
12:10pm - Cousins drops back to pass, his arm gets knocked and bingo, Michigan picks off a pass deep in Spartan territory on the third play of the day. Ouch. Here we go again.
12:15pm - The defense came to play. Three Michigan plays in the red zone, minus five yards of offense. 3-0 Michigan. Crisis averted.
12:30pm - I think I just watched the longest 80-yard drive in history. It really went for 130 yards. It took 10 minutes off the clock. Kirk Cousins showed us all why he's "the guy". Thank you Coach D for going for it on 4th and 1. 7-3 MSU. All is well!
12:35pm - The D is hot. Another three and out. M has 0 total yards. Exactly the start this beleaguered defense needed.
1:20pm - Both teams have traded long drives and field goals. MSU is flat out dominating time of possession but doesn't have enough points to show for it. I'm happily up 10-6 at the half but nervous and shoulda, coulda, woulda-ing my way to how big the gap SHOULD, COULD, WOULD be! Did I mention I'm still a bit nervous? I think I've torn the cuticles completely off both thumbs already.
1:30pm - Is halftime freaking over yet? Wow, it is absolutely raining buckets here in Rockford. Heads up E.L. this stuff is heading your way.
1:42pm - What a great way to start the half. Michigan gets the ball and we stuff 'em backwards. YES. Where has this defense been all season? I don't even mind some of the chippy penalties because right now, we are the dominant, physical team that WILL win this game.
1:53pm - Ugh, someone block a little bit to give Cousins time. We just gave up a sure three points with another knocked arm pick. Damnit!
1:56pm - Thank God for stupid punters. What was Zoltan thinking? What were his parents thinking naming him that? Turns out his mistake gave us what we thought we'd get five plus minutes ago. Three points. Still, shoulda been seven. Then again, what a hellacious hit by Brandon Graham. Even a Spartan can tip the hat to a skunk bear for a jarring hit like that one. MSU 13 - michigan 6.
2:05pm - Another good hold by the defense and a great drive by the offense. The playing of Keith Nichol in previous games is paying off. So is the second chance for Winston. He just followed a fantastic block by Brendan Moss and waltzed 15 yards for a TD. Up two scores just into the 4th quarter. Ryan (my 10-year old) is sensing victory. I warn him otherwise. I've been there, done that (2004, 2005, 2007 alone all ring a bell). MSU 20 - michigan 6.
2:08pm - I'm starting to get lulled into believing too early. This is too easy. Three plays and minus 14 yards for Michigan. Unreal. Trying not to get caught in the naivety trap like my son, but man, this is OUR day!
2:13pm - There's Graham again. Damnit! Blindside hit and fumble. Michigan is in business. The stomach is churning.
2:15pm - That was a personal foul? He was still making an effort and there was no whistle. WTF? We're not even playing in Ann Arbor where phantom touchdowns are the rule of the day. Wait, what an effort by Eric Gordon, strips the ball, Jones picks it up, I'm starting to believe. This is our day. We might win by 21!
2:20pm - We're getting conservative way too early. Dance with what brought you. Come on Treadwell, you're killing me! Didn't you see the late collapses in 2004 and 2007 when we sat on supposedly big leads. I sense impending danger. I don't like this feeling.
2:24pm - Catch that ball Denson. It went right through your hands. Pick it in their territory, salt away the clock, score at least three and we're home free. Why does Michigan always get the bounces (a la Mike "Little Brother" Hart in 2007)?
2:25pm - Great work D! Three plays, no yards. Victory is inching closer.
2:33pm - Hmm, I see why you don't risk a 48-yard field goal attempt into a 20mph wind, but why not pin them deep with a pooch punt by Cousins on that play? And, since when can a DB just stand in front of a wide receiver's route and make no play on the ball and have it not be pass interference?
2:38pm - Here we go. MSU is in the prevent the win defense. Going away from what worked like a charm all game long. I'm having nightmares of Braylon Edwards and Mario Manningham all over again. Touchdown Michigan. Ryan, I told you. With MSU, it ain't over till the band takes the field. MSU 20 - michigan 13.
2:45pm - Come on with the conservative calls. Pass on first down, great. Run up the gut the next two plays? UGH. We burned no time and give the ball to the cardiac kid (Forcier). My cuticles are now bleeding from the nervous chewing, digging and biting. This feels way too familiar... but hey, that punt helped. Nice to have a clutch punter. Way to pin 'em deep Bates, and right when that weather I talked about is hitting Spartan Stadium!
2:54pm - For the love of ... it's happening again. I told you Ryan! The stupid prevent the win defense is killing us. We're making Forcier a freaking hero - again. Why in h-e-double hockey sticks do you stop what worked so well for over 50 minutes of play? Yeah, I've got an idea. Let's drop eight in coverage, rush (there's an oxymoron) three and allow a QB who would rather run than pass. Brilliant. I can't bear to watch as Michigan is closing in on the tying score.
2:56pm - I just had visions of the missed pick by Rucker in South Bend. I know it's wet, but Gordon, catch that ball and we win. But no.... NOOOOOOO
2:58pm - There it is. The unthinkable but highly predictable. Michigan just scored. Two ticks left on the clock. The only saving grace is that we were up by seven. I think they'll go for two... nope. Well, I guess that means we just get to suffer through another heartbreaking overtime loss. TV off. Time to leave for Cedar Spring. We're due there in 15 minutes and we still have to get all the gear in the car.
3:05pm -My stomach is in knots. I feel like I could puke and shart at the same time. Why, why, WHY?
3:06pm - I have to admit George Blaha's voice is the calming influence I need. Still, the eternal optimist in me is not holding out any hope. Nope, we always lose these games.
3:07pm - MSU wins the toss. Chooses defense. Even with the two late scores allowed, I'm okay with it. You gotta see what your offense needs to do, right? I can predict it for you - we'll need a TD to stay alive.
3:11pm - Yep, four plays and Michigan is on the 8. It's killing me not to see it but maybe it's better that.... YES, YES, YES! Picked off in the end zone. We have life. We might win. I think the lady in the lane next to me thinks that I'm a) crazy, b) yelling at my kids or c) both. Ryan is in the back and pumped too. We have life. We can do this! It's our time baby!
3:13pm - Are you kidding me? We have the best kicker in college football and we pitch (and fumble) on first down. Oh the life of a Spartan fan.
3:15pm - Third down. We got back to respectable down and distance on a nice catch by BJ. Just get it to the middle of the field, let Swenson go to work and celebrate the W.
3:16pm - Hand off to Caper, he cuts right, he's at the 15 (Jim Miller in the background - "He's gone"), he gets loose... TOUCHDOWN MSU! I'm in heaven. I'm pumping my fist, honking my horn, tears are streaming down my face. My voice is shot. I start singing the fight song as loud as I can. All the cars at the stoplight think I'm crazy. Ryan might be trying to get my cell so he can call Pine Rest. I don't care. We finally finished a game that we deserved to win. The world is right. I've never, ever been this fulfilled as an MSU fan. Victory for M-S-U!
I was so overcome by the madness and happiness of the win that I swear I had to make four trips back to my car once we got to the football field. I felt like I was walking on air. What a day. What a win. I tell my fellow coaches - even the one who ran track for Michigan - that that was the most satisfying win ever for me as a Spartan. I'm overjoyed, elated, relieved... the emotions run the gamut.
By the way, we lost to Cedar Springs. Home town refs never help. But I can overcome a rocket football loss. Not so sure I'd be able to recover had MSU lost that way to Michigan, again...
So, why was this the best?
I shot an email to a few writers who know a thing or two about MSU (Jack Ebling and Steve Grinczel) after this game and told them that this is the most satisfying MSU win over M in my lifetime. No questions asked.
Why?
Well, we did the typical song and dance with the predictable prevent the win defense (when will coaches learn that prevent = BIG TROUBLE?!) but this time, much to my shock and awe, got it done. Added to the already strong performance in the face of adversity (1-3 start, loss to CMU), that alone makes it so incredibly gratifying.
There have been some great wins in the series and in program history, some highly memorable moments... but the way the team persevered and finally won the way it has lost so often, literally moved me to tears.
That's why.
Final thought...
I know one thing if nothing else out of this victory; the state of Michigan and its football fans have to take notice that MSU is not some one and done program. We're here (back) to stay. Dantonio is a late game fold in '07 away from being labeled as UM's next Jim Tressel. And hey, it isn't too early to at least think that anyway...
Thanks Coach D and Team for one helluva memorable win - my most satisfying ever as a Spartan.
Check back later this week for more on why this win means so much. And of course, for thoughts on a key game at Illinois.
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