The Spartans rolled in the opener against UAB, 55-18. Led by Jehuu Caulcrick, Javon Ringer and Brian Hoyer, MSU pounced on the Blazers early and often.
Stay tuned on Sunday for analysis and a look ahead to the next game
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Fourth Quarter Game Log - UAB at MSU
FOURTH QUARTER
2:43 – Touchdown UAB. A little too late for the Blazers. MSU leads 48-12
2:48 – Nick Foles in at quarterback with just over 12 minutes to go in the game. Good to get some game experience for the young man.
3:06 – Another UAB field goal. 48-15 with 7:15 left
3:16 – 55-15 MSU with a nice run by the freshman. Time to tune into the U-M/App. State game
2:43 – Touchdown UAB. A little too late for the Blazers. MSU leads 48-12
2:48 – Nick Foles in at quarterback with just over 12 minutes to go in the game. Good to get some game experience for the young man.
3:06 – Another UAB field goal. 48-15 with 7:15 left
3:16 – 55-15 MSU with a nice run by the freshman. Time to tune into the U-M/App. State game
Third Quarter Game Log - UAB at MSU
THIRD QUARTER
2:11 – Safety for UAB after MSU was pinned back. 45-5 MSU with 11:20 left in the third.
2:19 – Brian Hoyer is back in at quarterback for the third quarter. It will be interesting to see what Dantonio has to say about that.
2:26 – A smile from Dantonio, I think that is the first time he has smiled since he has been the head coach. I think a 45-5 lead will do that for you.
2:27 – Another field goal, this one from 38 yards for a 48-5 lead. Feeling good in East Lansing boys.
2:11 – Safety for UAB after MSU was pinned back. 45-5 MSU with 11:20 left in the third.
2:19 – Brian Hoyer is back in at quarterback for the third quarter. It will be interesting to see what Dantonio has to say about that.
2:26 – A smile from Dantonio, I think that is the first time he has smiled since he has been the head coach. I think a 45-5 lead will do that for you.
2:27 – Another field goal, this one from 38 yards for a 48-5 lead. Feeling good in East Lansing boys.
UAB at MSU - Second Quarter Log
SECOND QUARTER
12:50 – Just saw MSU outgained UAB 227-43 in the first quarter. Nice!
12:51 – TOUCHDOWN MSU! Hoyer airs it out off play action to Devin Thomas for a 44-yard TD with 14:29 left in the second quarter and a 28-0 lead.
1:01 – CAULCRICK AGAIN! 35-0 MSU with 12:36 left in the half. No punts yet, always good. Caulcrick has 93 yards on 10 carries and 4 TDs. Not a bad game thus far.
1:15 – Connor Dixon in at quarterback. I think Hoyer was perfect today.
1:16 – Dixon to the fullback Andrew Hauken for a touchdown. 42-0 MSU with 7:36 left in the first half.
1:23 – UAB on the board with a field goal after a long kick-off return. 42-3 MSU with 7:01 left in the half.
1:27 – We have more and more subs coming. Nice luxury to have to get them som game experience. We all know depth is key as the Big Ten season continues.
1:34 – I am intrigued by what is going on in Ann Arbor. 28-14 Appalachian State. Amazing.
1:35 – Finally a turn over (interception and then fumble). Looking good boys.
1:40 – And a 45-yard field goal as time expires to finish off the half with a 45-3 lead. Things could not be going any better for the Spartans.
12:50 – Just saw MSU outgained UAB 227-43 in the first quarter. Nice!
12:51 – TOUCHDOWN MSU! Hoyer airs it out off play action to Devin Thomas for a 44-yard TD with 14:29 left in the second quarter and a 28-0 lead.
1:01 – CAULCRICK AGAIN! 35-0 MSU with 12:36 left in the half. No punts yet, always good. Caulcrick has 93 yards on 10 carries and 4 TDs. Not a bad game thus far.
1:15 – Connor Dixon in at quarterback. I think Hoyer was perfect today.
1:16 – Dixon to the fullback Andrew Hauken for a touchdown. 42-0 MSU with 7:36 left in the first half.
1:23 – UAB on the board with a field goal after a long kick-off return. 42-3 MSU with 7:01 left in the half.
1:27 – We have more and more subs coming. Nice luxury to have to get them som game experience. We all know depth is key as the Big Ten season continues.
1:34 – I am intrigued by what is going on in Ann Arbor. 28-14 Appalachian State. Amazing.
1:35 – Finally a turn over (interception and then fumble). Looking good boys.
1:40 – And a 45-yard field goal as time expires to finish off the half with a 45-3 lead. Things could not be going any better for the Spartans.
UAB at MSU - First Quarter Log
11:58 a.m. – Just watched the tribute at Virginia Tech. People in tears. Pretty awesome to see all the fans with signs thanking other universities for their help and thoughts after the shootings last April.
11:59 – Two brats, some chips and a beer in front of me waiting for the MSU coverage to start. Feels good to have the season starting again, let’s hope we don’t have to give up hope after three games again.
Noon – Here is it. Spartan Stadium looks great as usual. What a great day for kickoff.
12:03 p.m. – Not a good start for the Blazers with the kickoff going out of bounds. Hopefully it is a sign of things to come
12:04 – A pass on first down? Thought we got rid of John L.
12:04 – Caulcrick bruising through the line for 14 yards. I like the way that sounds
12:06 – Ringer looking good so far. Has some power but can still outrun people after that injury
12:07 – TOUCHDOWN MSU! 7-0 lead for the Spartans. With 12:45 left in the quarter Caulcrick takes it in for the score from two yards out. UAB will not be able to hang with MSU’s offensive line. Drive – 6 plays for 65 yards
12:09 – Quick check of the Big Ten Network… I LOVE that I can see all the other Big Ten games. But I thought it was supposed to be in HD. Didn’t appear to be.
12:13 - Defense gives up a third and 14 conversion… Not what we wanted to see
12:19 – Thornhill with a near interception on third down during a 10 play UAB drive. Would have been nice to get the turnover, but the Blazers are held and need to punt. They have one of those crazy punters when they roll out to punt the ball. MSU will block one before the day is through.
12:22 – Another check of the Big Ten Network. U-M and Appalachian State are tied at seven? Seriously?
12:28 – With 4:46 left in the quarter, Caulcrick takes it in for another touchdown and a 14-0 MSU lead. Hoyer showed some arm strength too, with a rifle to Devin Thomas on the previous play. So far so good.
12:36 – Just as I was thinking how nice it is to see a traditional offense with a fullback, the run an end around with Devin Thomas for 22 yards. I like where this is going so far.
12:38 – ANOTHER TOUCHDOWN FOR CAULCRICK! 21-0 MSU with 1:41 left in the first. Nice blocking as the big guy tip-toed down the sideline. He needed five TDs to crack the all-time TD list at MSU and he might get that today. Terry Love, who was in the Dantonio Doghouse for a while took out two players with one block to spring Jehuu down the sideline. Good to see some heart.
12:47 – 21-0 MSU at the end of the first quarter. I am still trying to find out why I don’t have the BTN in HD.
11:59 – Two brats, some chips and a beer in front of me waiting for the MSU coverage to start. Feels good to have the season starting again, let’s hope we don’t have to give up hope after three games again.
Noon – Here is it. Spartan Stadium looks great as usual. What a great day for kickoff.
12:03 p.m. – Not a good start for the Blazers with the kickoff going out of bounds. Hopefully it is a sign of things to come
12:04 – A pass on first down? Thought we got rid of John L.
12:04 – Caulcrick bruising through the line for 14 yards. I like the way that sounds
12:06 – Ringer looking good so far. Has some power but can still outrun people after that injury
12:07 – TOUCHDOWN MSU! 7-0 lead for the Spartans. With 12:45 left in the quarter Caulcrick takes it in for the score from two yards out. UAB will not be able to hang with MSU’s offensive line. Drive – 6 plays for 65 yards
12:09 – Quick check of the Big Ten Network… I LOVE that I can see all the other Big Ten games. But I thought it was supposed to be in HD. Didn’t appear to be.
12:13 - Defense gives up a third and 14 conversion… Not what we wanted to see
12:19 – Thornhill with a near interception on third down during a 10 play UAB drive. Would have been nice to get the turnover, but the Blazers are held and need to punt. They have one of those crazy punters when they roll out to punt the ball. MSU will block one before the day is through.
12:22 – Another check of the Big Ten Network. U-M and Appalachian State are tied at seven? Seriously?
12:28 – With 4:46 left in the quarter, Caulcrick takes it in for another touchdown and a 14-0 MSU lead. Hoyer showed some arm strength too, with a rifle to Devin Thomas on the previous play. So far so good.
12:36 – Just as I was thinking how nice it is to see a traditional offense with a fullback, the run an end around with Devin Thomas for 22 yards. I like where this is going so far.
12:38 – ANOTHER TOUCHDOWN FOR CAULCRICK! 21-0 MSU with 1:41 left in the first. Nice blocking as the big guy tip-toed down the sideline. He needed five TDs to crack the all-time TD list at MSU and he might get that today. Terry Love, who was in the Dantonio Doghouse for a while took out two players with one block to spring Jehuu down the sideline. Good to see some heart.
12:47 – 21-0 MSU at the end of the first quarter. I am still trying to find out why I don’t have the BTN in HD.
Game Day! UAB at MSU
It is finally here, the dawning of a new era of MSU football - again. Coach Mark Dantonio will lead his Spartans on the field in East Lansing to face the Blazers of the University of Alabama - Birmingham.
Stay tuned for a game blog updated throughout today's contest.
Things to look for:
- Look for MSU to run the ball - a lot - with Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick. Ringer has the moves and speed to break a long run at any time, while Caulcrick is the bruiser with speed in his own right. UAB is lacking some experience on the defensive line, so the Spartans should be able to run the ball at will.
- UAB will be platooning quarterbacks today. They will be flipping between senior Sam Hunt and sophomore Joseph Webb to lead the passing attach. It could be a good opportunity for the MSU secondary to get some experience playing together befare facing some of the monsters coming up on the schedule.
Prediction: MSU 34, UAB 10
Friday, August 31, 2007
Official Big Ten Predictions
Here they are, the official predictions.. Lock them down, write them down and remember to look back in November.
1. U-M 11-1 (7-1)
Wisconsin 11-1 (7-1)
3. Penn State 10-2 (6-2)
Iowa 10-2 (6-2)
5. Ohio State 9-3 (5-3)
6. MSU 7-5 (3-5)
Indiana 7-5 (3-5)
8. Purdue 6-6 (3-5)
Illinois 6-6 (2-6)
10. Minnesota 5-7 (1-7)
11. N'western 4-8 (1-7)
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
1987 Game One - MSU 27, USC 13
Twenty years ago, Michigan State began its march to the Rose Bowl..... the last Rose Bowl the Spartans played in. Ironically, their season began against which it ended - the University of Southern California Trojans.
In the first night game ever played in Spartan Stadium, MSU ended USC's 17-game winning streak against Big Ten teams with a 27-13 win over the 19th-ranked Trojans. Lorenzo White lead the ground attack, piling up 111 yards and two touchdowns, which quarterback Bobby McAllister accounted for 163 total yards including a 9-yard touchdown run.
The game, billed as the "Great American Football Celebration" was Michigan State's first prime time appearance.
1987 Big Ten Champs - 20 Year Anniversary
It has been 20 years since the Michigan State Spartans made it to the Rose Bowl. It is hard to believe it has been that long.
However, as we go through this season, we will take a look back at that season, game by game, highlighting the players who made that season such a success.
Strap yourselves into your time machines and enjoy the look back.
Game One - UAB at MSU
It is finally time for the changing of the guard to be complete and have Coach Dantonio lead the 2007 version of the Spartans onto the field for the first time at noon on Saturday to take on the Blazers of the University of Alabama-Birmingham.
Last season opener against Idaho, while a win, should have served notice to Spartan fans as to what kind of season to expect from MSU. MSU defeated Idaho 27-17, but the game was certainly much closer than that.
In this game, I would look for the Spartans to pound the ball with Ringer and Caulcrick early behind an offensive line which outweighs the UAB defensive line by 35 pounds per man.
With that, the first depth chart of the season was released and I think there are a few things worth noting:
- Senior wideout Terry Love is listed as a backup to junior Devin Thomas. Thomas started one game last season, but played in 10 catching just six passes for 90 yards in those games. Love on the other hand played in 12 games and caught 18 balls for 234 yards in 2006. Love, who had some academic issues he needed to work out before joining the team for fall practice, still looks like he needs to earn his time from Coach Dantonio.
- The other wide receiver slot will be filled by true freshman Mark Dell out of Farmington Harrison. Dell will be backed up by junior Deon Curry who has played in seven games in his one-year MSU career, but only has one catch for seven yards. Another reason MSU will be a running team this season.
- Senior linebacker SirDarean Adams is listed as a backup behind redshirt freshman Jon Misch. Misch is undersized for the Big Ten, but has a big heart and plays over his head according to reports. SirDarean had played the famous "bandit" position under former coach John L. Smith and can certainly hit. Have to keep a look out to see how long he stays behind Misch.
- Dantonio has not decided on a backup to junior quarterback Brian Hoyer. The battle has been between redshirt freshman Connor Dixon and true freshman Nick Foles. Let's hope Hoyer is durable this season.
For the record:
- MSU and UAB have never faced each other in football
- MSU is 4-1 against current members of Conference USA, defeating Marshall (9/00), Memphis (9/97), Rice (9/02) and SMU while losing to Houston (9/67).
- MSU has won nine of its last 10 home openers, including eight in a row. The Spartans' last loss in a home opener came in 1998 when MSU lost to Colorado State, 23-16.
Last season opener against Idaho, while a win, should have served notice to Spartan fans as to what kind of season to expect from MSU. MSU defeated Idaho 27-17, but the game was certainly much closer than that.
In this game, I would look for the Spartans to pound the ball with Ringer and Caulcrick early behind an offensive line which outweighs the UAB defensive line by 35 pounds per man.
With that, the first depth chart of the season was released and I think there are a few things worth noting:
- Senior wideout Terry Love is listed as a backup to junior Devin Thomas. Thomas started one game last season, but played in 10 catching just six passes for 90 yards in those games. Love on the other hand played in 12 games and caught 18 balls for 234 yards in 2006. Love, who had some academic issues he needed to work out before joining the team for fall practice, still looks like he needs to earn his time from Coach Dantonio.
- The other wide receiver slot will be filled by true freshman Mark Dell out of Farmington Harrison. Dell will be backed up by junior Deon Curry who has played in seven games in his one-year MSU career, but only has one catch for seven yards. Another reason MSU will be a running team this season.
- Senior linebacker SirDarean Adams is listed as a backup behind redshirt freshman Jon Misch. Misch is undersized for the Big Ten, but has a big heart and plays over his head according to reports. SirDarean had played the famous "bandit" position under former coach John L. Smith and can certainly hit. Have to keep a look out to see how long he stays behind Misch.
- Dantonio has not decided on a backup to junior quarterback Brian Hoyer. The battle has been between redshirt freshman Connor Dixon and true freshman Nick Foles. Let's hope Hoyer is durable this season.
For the record:
- MSU and UAB have never faced each other in football
- MSU is 4-1 against current members of Conference USA, defeating Marshall (9/00), Memphis (9/97), Rice (9/02) and SMU while losing to Houston (9/67).
- MSU has won nine of its last 10 home openers, including eight in a row. The Spartans' last loss in a home opener came in 1998 when MSU lost to Colorado State, 23-16.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Spartans Choose 2007 Captains
Experience was the name of the game as the Spartans players and coaches chose the team's 2007 captains. Four seniors will assume the title of captain as MSU heads into the first game week of the season.
They are: running back Jehuu Caulcrick; offensive tackle Pete Clifford; strong safety Travis Key, and; linebacker Kaleb Thornhill.
All four players started a number of games last year and had signifiact roles with the 2006 version of the Spartans.
Caulcrick scored six touchdowns in '06 and needs just five this season to claim a spot in the Top Ten touchdown leaders in MSU history. Clifford had nine starts in 2006 and consistently graded out as one of the team's top lineman. Key's biggest play of the year was his first career interception which led to the game-winning field goal against Northwestern capping the biggest comeback in NCAA history. Thornhill, a name well-known in MSU circles, ranked third on the team in tackles in 2006. His father, Charlie, played on MSU's back-to-back Big Ten and National Championship teams.
One week to go before the Spartans take the field and as we have seen in years past, leadership plays a key role, especially if this team runs into some adversity.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Big Ten Champs?
The season preview on ESPN's "College Gameday" just wrapped up and all four "experts" picked their Heisman Trophy winners and the champions of the major conferences.
Not only did Lou Holtz pick Michigan's Chad Henne to win the Heisman, but none of them picked Michigan or Ohio State to win the conference. Here is how they broke it down:
Lee Corso - Penn State
Mark May - Wisconsin
Lou Holtz - Iowa
Kirk Herbstreit - Penn State
I can't say I agree with them, but we'll see how it turns out as we head into the season.
Not only did Lou Holtz pick Michigan's Chad Henne to win the Heisman, but none of them picked Michigan or Ohio State to win the conference. Here is how they broke it down:
Lee Corso - Penn State
Mark May - Wisconsin
Lou Holtz - Iowa
Kirk Herbstreit - Penn State
I can't say I agree with them, but we'll see how it turns out as we head into the season.
Big Ten Scheduling Ripped on Gameday
You know it is almost game week when you turn on ESPN and you see Reese, Lee and Kirk and hear the familiar "College Gameday" theme song.
As I sit hear watching the "College Gameday" season preview, there is not much discussion of the Spartans, but there is much discussion of the Big Ten.
The Big Ten just got ripped for some of the scheduled going on this season - Michigan playing Division I-AA Appalachian State; Ohio State playing Youngstown State, and; Wisconsin playing The Citadel - and I could not agree more.
As much as MSU fans dislike Michigan and other programs in the Big Ten, you have to respect them for what they do year in and year out. And it is an absolute shame to see these top tier programs playing I-AA teams.
That is why I believe strength of schedule must play a role in determining who plays in the BCS Championship game. When Auburn was left out of the mix a few years ago, I had no problem with it because they played a terrible out-of-conference schedule. These schedules are determined years in advance, so some of it is the luck of the draw as to which teams are stronger during the year you play them, but Michigan and Ohio State should never scheduled I-AA teams. I would much rather see the Big Ten teams schedule MAC teams from their states or region than I-AA teams.
We all should be Big Ten fans, but that doesn't mean building bloated records against teams my high school could beat.
As I sit hear watching the "College Gameday" season preview, there is not much discussion of the Spartans, but there is much discussion of the Big Ten.
The Big Ten just got ripped for some of the scheduled going on this season - Michigan playing Division I-AA Appalachian State; Ohio State playing Youngstown State, and; Wisconsin playing The Citadel - and I could not agree more.
As much as MSU fans dislike Michigan and other programs in the Big Ten, you have to respect them for what they do year in and year out. And it is an absolute shame to see these top tier programs playing I-AA teams.
That is why I believe strength of schedule must play a role in determining who plays in the BCS Championship game. When Auburn was left out of the mix a few years ago, I had no problem with it because they played a terrible out-of-conference schedule. These schedules are determined years in advance, so some of it is the luck of the draw as to which teams are stronger during the year you play them, but Michigan and Ohio State should never scheduled I-AA teams. I would much rather see the Big Ten teams schedule MAC teams from their states or region than I-AA teams.
We all should be Big Ten fans, but that doesn't mean building bloated records against teams my high school could beat.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Score "300" for Creativity
If you give Spartan football fans credit for one thing, it has to be for creativity.
Thanks to our friends at SpartanTailgate.com, there is a "300"-themed wallpaper for your computer floating around out there, featuring the Spartan army trouncing some Wolverines, Nittany Lions, Fighting Irish and Hoosiers while some other opponents flee.
Of course, it would be better for Spartan fans if dominance like that takes place on the field instead of in the parking lot on the south side of the stadium.
Tough Schedule? Don't Believe the Hype
Fans all around Spartan Country - and even those on surrounding communities - have mentioned one thing when discussing MSU's 2007 schedule. They all talk about how tough it is and how difficult it will be for MSU to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2003.
Isn't the schedule always tough? Last I checked, MSU was a member of the Big Ten and plays teams like Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State consistently, not to mention the out-of-conference battle with Notre Dame every year (actually MSU wins that one more often than it takes care of the Nittany Lions, Buckeyes or Wolverines).
Also, the Spartans are not lucky enough to play themselves each year either. You can be sure, especially with MSU's lack of success of the past six or seven years, every team in the conference is looking at the MSU game as a very winnable contest for their program. Remember last year? MSU gave Illinois its first Big Ten win in years - at Spartan Stadium. Indiana manhandled MSU. Of course we don't have to mention what happened in the games against U-M, OSU and PSU.
The bottom line is, MSU needs to start looking at itself and how it can improve into a consistent and winning program not how tough the schedule is, because the schedule will never get easier - not should it.
Isn't the schedule always tough? Last I checked, MSU was a member of the Big Ten and plays teams like Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State consistently, not to mention the out-of-conference battle with Notre Dame every year (actually MSU wins that one more often than it takes care of the Nittany Lions, Buckeyes or Wolverines).
Also, the Spartans are not lucky enough to play themselves each year either. You can be sure, especially with MSU's lack of success of the past six or seven years, every team in the conference is looking at the MSU game as a very winnable contest for their program. Remember last year? MSU gave Illinois its first Big Ten win in years - at Spartan Stadium. Indiana manhandled MSU. Of course we don't have to mention what happened in the games against U-M, OSU and PSU.
The bottom line is, MSU needs to start looking at itself and how it can improve into a consistent and winning program not how tough the schedule is, because the schedule will never get easier - not should it.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Returning for (another) new era
And we are back!
I suppose its a good thing we took the end last season off. I mean, the team did, so why can't we, right?
When I last joined you, our Spartans were in the process of melting down. They had just lost to lowly Illinois at home after blowing a seemingly insurmountable lead against Notre Dame at Spartan Stadium the week before.
After that Illinois game, MSU went 1-6 t finish the year - the only win being the largest comeback in NCAA football history against Northwestern. It was indeed another lost season. It also signaled the end of Drew Stanton's career. He played in only one bowl game during his stay at MSU and that was on special teams and led to a knee injury which still haunts him to this day with the Detroit Lions.
So, as we all hoped, John L. Smith was fired after the season. He was.
Enter Mark Dantonio. Dantonio compiled an 18-17 record while serving as the head coach at the University of Cincinnati, taking the Bearcats to bowl games in his final two seasons.
While the 18-17 record at UC may not be all that impressive, Dantonio certainly has the pedigree for him to be successful, including a history at MSU. Prior to coaching at UC, he worked under Jim Tressel as defensive coordinator - including for the 2002 national championship team. He also was the defensive secondary coach associate head coach under Nick Saban at MSU - including during MSU's most successful season in years, the 10-2 run in 1999.
He has a no-nonsense style and will look to taking MSU football back to its roots of a powerful running game and a defense which hits people in the mouth. Luckily for Spartan fans, the offensive line and stable of running backs are the most talented and experienced units on the team.
After going 9-14 over the last two years, MSU fans should expect - demand - improvement this season. I think Dantonio will deliver thanks to his straightforward approach. It may take some time to bring MSU back towards the top of the conference, but we should certainly see some signs this year.
I suppose its a good thing we took the end last season off. I mean, the team did, so why can't we, right?
When I last joined you, our Spartans were in the process of melting down. They had just lost to lowly Illinois at home after blowing a seemingly insurmountable lead against Notre Dame at Spartan Stadium the week before.
After that Illinois game, MSU went 1-6 t finish the year - the only win being the largest comeback in NCAA football history against Northwestern. It was indeed another lost season. It also signaled the end of Drew Stanton's career. He played in only one bowl game during his stay at MSU and that was on special teams and led to a knee injury which still haunts him to this day with the Detroit Lions.
So, as we all hoped, John L. Smith was fired after the season. He was.
Enter Mark Dantonio. Dantonio compiled an 18-17 record while serving as the head coach at the University of Cincinnati, taking the Bearcats to bowl games in his final two seasons.
While the 18-17 record at UC may not be all that impressive, Dantonio certainly has the pedigree for him to be successful, including a history at MSU. Prior to coaching at UC, he worked under Jim Tressel as defensive coordinator - including for the 2002 national championship team. He also was the defensive secondary coach associate head coach under Nick Saban at MSU - including during MSU's most successful season in years, the 10-2 run in 1999.
He has a no-nonsense style and will look to taking MSU football back to its roots of a powerful running game and a defense which hits people in the mouth. Luckily for Spartan fans, the offensive line and stable of running backs are the most talented and experienced units on the team.
After going 9-14 over the last two years, MSU fans should expect - demand - improvement this season. I think Dantonio will deliver thanks to his straightforward approach. It may take some time to bring MSU back towards the top of the conference, but we should certainly see some signs this year.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
I will return - 08/01/07
I know I disappeared during the last football season and a lot has transpired since then. But I will return in all of my glory on August 1.
Stay tuned.....
Stay tuned.....
Sunday, October 29, 2006
I'm back... What did I miss?
Okay, so I took a few weeks off. I was distracted by starting a new job and a little thing called the Major League Baseball playoffs and the World Series.
Who would have thought the World Series would have interfered with paying close attention to Spartan football?
Turns out, it was a good thing this year.
We last left off before the Michigan State/Michigan game in Ann Arbor. Michigan State lost that as expected, then got blown out by Number One Ohio State at home the following week.
Last week, many people thought MSU turned the corner after the amazing comeback against Northwestern. MSU was down 38-3 in the third quarter and rallied for a 41-38 win, evening their record at 4-4 and 1-3 in conference.
They turned the corner right? They had shaken out of the post-Notre Dame funk, right?
Not so much.
The Spartans were crushed by Indiana (Indiana?) this weekend 46-21. They now stand at 4-5, 1-4 in conference.
If only the World Series could have gone on a few weeks longer, we could have avoided the end of the season all together.
Who would have thought the World Series would have interfered with paying close attention to Spartan football?
Turns out, it was a good thing this year.
We last left off before the Michigan State/Michigan game in Ann Arbor. Michigan State lost that as expected, then got blown out by Number One Ohio State at home the following week.
Last week, many people thought MSU turned the corner after the amazing comeback against Northwestern. MSU was down 38-3 in the third quarter and rallied for a 41-38 win, evening their record at 4-4 and 1-3 in conference.
They turned the corner right? They had shaken out of the post-Notre Dame funk, right?
Not so much.
The Spartans were crushed by Indiana (Indiana?) this weekend 46-21. They now stand at 4-5, 1-4 in conference.
If only the World Series could have gone on a few weeks longer, we could have avoided the end of the season all together.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
"Spartan Bob" - Five years later
A villain, at least in the eyes of Michigan fans,
was born in East Lansing five years ago during the Michigan/Michigan State game, but
he was not on the field.He was not a player. He was not a coach. And he was not a referee.
"Spartan Bob," as he was named after the game, was the timekeeper in Spartan Stadium on November 3, 2001 as he had been for games year in and year out - but this game would be talked about for years.
As MSU trailed the Wolverines 24-20 with time running out in the fourth-quarter and no times-out remaining, Spartan quarterback Jeff Smoker scrambled towards the goal line. He didn't make it to the end zone, he was down at the two.
With the clock still running, Smoker rushed everyone back to the line of scrimmage so he could spike the ball.
5....
4....
3...
2...
1...
Spike.
The clock stopped.
The Wolverines thought the game was over, but the clock still showed :01 remaining.
"That's criminal!" shouted the play-by-play voice of the Wolverines.
The crowed went wild. "The Spartans are still alive!" they thought.
There was one play left.
Smoker got the ball, drifted to his right and floated a pass across his body to the back of the endzone over the outstretched arms of Michigan defenders and into the arms of a wide open T.J. Duckett.
"Touchdown MSU!" And a 26-24 Spartan victory over their rivals from Ann Arbor.
Michigan fans have never forgotten this game and they have never forgiven "Spartan Bob" for stopping the clock with :01 remaining for that final play.
There are some things, however, that Michigan fans have forgotten which really put the Wolverines in position to lose the game aside from what "Spartan Bob" may have done wrong. Such as:
- A 15-yard penalty against U-M's Jeremy Leseur for pulling Charles Rogers down by his face mask on a fourth-and-16 play with 1:18 remaining. No penalty means a U-M victory.
- Another penalty for having too many men on the field, giving the Spartans more yardage and keeping them alive.
The worst of all, and this somehow slips the Wolverine fans' minds.
The flag for too many men on the field came out late. Before the flag was thrown, MSU called its last timeout.
But the flag was thrown, the clock was stopped and MSU should have gotten its timeout back. And then Smoker would have been able to use it when he was at the two instead of hurrying to spike the ball and having "Spartan Bob" stop the clock.
No such luck.
As it happened, things still worked out well for MSU in that game, but not the rest of the season.
After the win over Michigan, MSU went on to lose its next three games before downing Missouri to become bowl-eligible. MSU then went on to defeat Fresno State 44-35 in the Silicon Valley Bowl.
Of all the stories and people who have been involved in this rivalry over the years, "Spartan Bob" will be one who is not easily forgotten.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
2006 = 2002?
So here the Spartans are again. Didn't they just go through this four years ago?
An embattled coach, coming off some embarrassing losses including a homecoming loss to an inferior opponent, facing a tremendous amount of heat from the media, alumni and fans and heading into Ann Arbor to face a strong Michigan team.
In 2002, Bobby Williams was 3-5, 1-3 and headed into Michigan with a backup quarterback leading his Spartans due to some off-the-field issues with his star starter. After taking a 3-0 lead to start the game, U-M then went on a 49-0 run to wax the Spartans. It was Bobby Williams' last game as MSU's coach, especially when he responded "I don't know" to a question about whether or not he has "lost" his team. He finished with a 17-18 overall record with MSU.
This season, John L. Smith is heading into Ann Arbor to face undefeated and sixth-ranked Michigan while hearing from the critics after blowing a 16-point lead to Notre Dame in the fourth quarter and losing 23-20 to an Illinois team that had gone 1-25 in its last 26 Big Ten games.
Also, like Williams, Smith had trouble coming up with answers for why his team failed to perform against the Illini. He said he couldn't get them to practice hard all week and didn't have the answer as to how to get them motivated.
Will John L. suffer the same post-Michigan fate as his predecessor?
Smith needs one, if not both, of the next two games. Both will pose a stiff challenge to MSU, heading to Ann Arbor and then bringing in #1-ranked Ohio State the following week.
We'll see if 2006 still has a chance to be a special season.
An embattled coach, coming off some embarrassing losses including a homecoming loss to an inferior opponent, facing a tremendous amount of heat from the media, alumni and fans and heading into Ann Arbor to face a strong Michigan team.
In 2002, Bobby Williams was 3-5, 1-3 and headed into Michigan with a backup quarterback leading his Spartans due to some off-the-field issues with his star starter. After taking a 3-0 lead to start the game, U-M then went on a 49-0 run to wax the Spartans. It was Bobby Williams' last game as MSU's coach, especially when he responded "I don't know" to a question about whether or not he has "lost" his team. He finished with a 17-18 overall record with MSU.
This season, John L. Smith is heading into Ann Arbor to face undefeated and sixth-ranked Michigan while hearing from the critics after blowing a 16-point lead to Notre Dame in the fourth quarter and losing 23-20 to an Illinois team that had gone 1-25 in its last 26 Big Ten games.
Also, like Williams, Smith had trouble coming up with answers for why his team failed to perform against the Illini. He said he couldn't get them to practice hard all week and didn't have the answer as to how to get them motivated.
Will John L. suffer the same post-Michigan fate as his predecessor?
Smith needs one, if not both, of the next two games. Both will pose a stiff challenge to MSU, heading to Ann Arbor and then bringing in #1-ranked Ohio State the following week.
We'll see if 2006 still has a chance to be a special season.
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