B1G 2011 // Michigan State Cocktail Party Preview
by Jonathan Franz on Jun 20, 2011 12:12 AM CDT
in Michigan State
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Michigan State at a glance...
First Season: 1896
Head Coach: Mark Dantonio (4th Year, 33-18)
All-Time Record: 627-426-44 (.592)
2010 Record: 11-2 (7-1 Conference)
In what I suspect will become the recurring theme of the week, last year's Spartans put up an elite number of wins, but failed to convince the masses outside of East Lansing that they were something more than a feel good story. Epic wins over Notre Dame and Wisconsin were overshadowed by embarrassing defeats at the hands of Iowa and Alabama, losses that branded Sparty as more lucky than good, at least in the minds of some.
In the cupboard...
Total returning starters: 13 (7 Offense, 6 Defense)
Even the most ardent skeptics have to respect what Mark Dantonio has in his pocket heading into 2011. Quarterback Kirk Cousins enters his third year at the helm with a 16-9 record under his belt and a school-best pass-completion percentage (64%) and efficiency rating. There's not a quarterback in the league that has Cousins' experience behind center, and that's bound to help the Spartans down the stretch. Combine Cousins' precision with the brute force of All-B1G running back Edwin Baker, sprinkle in two of the best guards in conference (Joel Foreman and Chris McDonald) for good measure and you've got a recipe for production.
On the other side of the ball, Michigan State boasts one of the fastest and most physical defensive lines in the league, and an opportunistic secondary that's more than put an abysmal 2009 campaign in the rear-view mirror. The only place I'm not bullish about Sparty in 2011 is in the midfield where the loss of two-time All-American Greg Jones and his capable sidekick Eric Gordon might leave MSU vulnerable to missed tackles and yards after catches.
So the pieces are in place in East Lansing, but will Mark Dantonio's team be able to eclipse its Capital One Bowl ceiling?
Will Edwin Baker silence B1G defenses in 2011?
Yes and no. Make no mistake, the Spartans will be a better, more consistent overall team in 2011 than they were in 2010. But that still might not translate to more wins on the field. Last year, Michigan State squeaked out to an 8-0 start with nail-biting finishes against Notre Dame and Northwestern, but they only beat one opponent that finished the season in the Top 25.
The addition of Nebraska into the Legends Division all but ensures a tougher road to travel, and Sparty has to play on the road at Notre Dame, Ohio State, against the Cornhuskers, Iowa and Northwestern. For the second year in a row Wisconsin comes to East Lansing, which is hardly a consolation. Meanwhile, games against Michigan and Minnesota are all but guaranteed to be tougher than they were last year.
If you can find eleven wins in that schedule, you're more optimistic than I am. Still, Michigan State has a fighting chance at their first outright B1G Championship since 1990.
So what do you think?
In a year of turmoil, does the veteran leadership of Kirk Cousins make him the single most valuable player in the Big Ten?
Would Mark Dantonio ever seriously consider going to coach OSU? Would OSU ever seriously ask him to come to Columbus?
Speaking of Ohio State, will MSU be favored against OSU this year for the first time in years?
Greg Jones is gone, but the Spartan Defense has depth in the secondary and big-time talent in the front seven. As far as Big Ten defenses go, is it 1) Nebraska, 2) OSU, 3) Michigan State?
In an unbelievable stretch of football games, the Spartans play OSU, Michigan, Wisky, and Nebraska in consecutive weeks. How they fare may well make or break their January bowl aspirations.
2011 Schedule
| Date | Opponent |
| 09/02/11 | Youngstown State |
| 09/10/11 | Florida Atlantic |
| 09/17/11 | @ Notre Dame |
| 09/24/11 | Central Michigan |
| 10/01/11 | @ Ohio State |
| 10/15/11 | Michigan |
| 10/22/11 | Wisconsin |
| 10/29/11 | @ Nebraska |
| 11/05/11 | Minnesota |
| 11/12/11 | @ Iowa |
| 11/19/11 | Indiana |
| 11/26/11 | @ Northwestern |
| 12/03/11 | Big Ten Championship |
|
|
|
This week... |
|
MONDAY | MSU Cocktail Party Preview |
|
TUESDAY | Point/Counterpoint |
|
WEDNESDAY | Wild Card |
|
THURSDAY | OTE Potluck |
|
FRIDAY | Keeping the Enemy Close - Rival Blogger Interview |
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Comments
Legends favorite
MSU has to be considered the favorite to win their division, but color me skeptical about the team overall due to the thoroughly unimpressive wins over Notre Dame, Purdue, Northwestern, and Penn State and the beatdown losses to Alabama and Iowa.
Notre Dame: A Notre Dame team that lost to a rebuilding Tulsa team and got their teeth kicked in by Navy gets 2 more first downs than MSU and takes them to OT. MSU wins on a gutsy trick play.
Purdue: Michigan State had better stats across the board, and that point shouldn’t be taken lightly, but from the 6:29 mark of the first quarter to the 4:32 mark of the 4th quarter Purdue constantly led by as many as 15 points in East Lansing.
Northwestern: see the Purdue game, except it was in Evanston and NW led by as many as 17
Penn State: PSU had more yards, fewer turnovers, and was playing at home and somehow lost this game. Baffling.
As for the two losses, the following is a complete and accurate list of the teams Alabama and Iowa beat worse than MSU:
Ball State, San Jose State, Duke, Georgia State
teams that didn’t make that list: Eastern Illinois, Iowa State, both played Penn State at home, a bad Tennessee team
So while I do think MSU will have a good year and represent their division in Lucas Oil Stadium this year, I will be among the not shocked if this team eeks out 7 wins.
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
With everything you just said. They should get 6 wins for sure and there’s a good chance at 7-8 but I’m not convinced other than that.
Northwestern last year wasn’t a team to sneeze at considering Persa’s amazing performance (only need to see his twist-into-the-endzone in the MSU-NW game to see how on fire he was that day).
Notre Dame had an NFL caliber offense with Dayne Crist and Theo Riddick as their golden geese (no gold helm-related puns intended).
Against Purdue, I think MSU was almost trying to lose that game with all the craziness that occurred. Chalk that one up to a poor performance but a strive to not give up.
The Penn State game was so close because after the INT in the endzone, instead of just falling down and getting a 1st-and-10 on the 20, they tried to run it out and fumbled it. This eventually lead to a PSU touchdown. MSU played quite well in that game.
As far as the Alabama game, you really had to be there to understand how incredible Alabama was playing. They were going to beat anyone that day.
Agree concerning Northwestern and Purdue
Notre Dame lost to a rebuilding Tulsa team and got crushed by Navy. Yes, they had talent. They always have talent. Rebuilding Tulsa and Navy.
As far as the Penn State game goes, you’re right, the decision to take it out of the endzone was idiotic. The explanation fails to suffice because even at that moment (the moment before the interception), PSU had more yards and fewer turnovers and was down double digits.
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The explanation fails to suffice because even at that moment (the moment before the interception), PSU had more yards and fewer turnovers and was down double digits.
Wouldn’t that mean that MSU played well even when mistakes were made? I guess I’m not quite grasping your point
by SpartyFever on Jun 20, 2011 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
It would mean MSU got lucky (if you play better, you have more yards and/or fewer TOs)
I don’t care what the difference in first downs (MSU had one more) was, when Team A has fewer yards and more turnovers than Team B, Team A they should be losing by double digits, not winning.
It would make some sense if there were a significant difference in points off turnovers or red zone efficiency, but there wasn’t:
- MSU failed to get a first down off of PSU’s turnover. PSU got 2 TD off of 2 MSU turnovers. PSU scored on all three red zone trips and had as many total TD as red zone trips (3/3) MSU scored on all three red zone trips and had one more TD than red zone rips (4/3). Better, yes, but it’s not like PSU failed to get it done in the red zone.
-
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently we have a different definition of lucky
I consider a team getting lucky if the other team shoots themselves in the foot, ie. a string of INTs, fumbles, dropped passes, bad coaching decisions, etc. Sure, PSU took advantage of those opportunities. But MSU still won the game by their own efforts. PSU didn’t help them win the game. I think your argument holds more water if you’re talking about Purdue who pretty much handed the game to MSU.
If anything, I’d say PSU was the lucky team. Without all of MSU’s mistakes, the game probably wouldn’t have been as close as it was.
by SpartyFever on Jun 20, 2011 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm actually surprised to hear PSU had more yards
That game felt like MSU was dominating until the 4th quarter
Schadenfreude ist die schoenste Freude
I agree with your premise
I think MSU has more talent this year, but our record will likely be worse than last year. MSU probably has the top offensive skill position talent in the Big Ten. Each group of positions between QB, RB, WR, and TE has good depth and guys with All Big Ten potential.
IMO, the key to the season is the play of the O-line and defensive line. The O-line needs to replace 3 starters and they need to at least be an average group in order for the skill position players to maximize their talent. The D-line has a lot of talent and could be one of the best groups in the conference.
I think the biggest change at State
has been the defensive toughness. 2008, the D was the key for that 9 win season. After 2009, with the injuries in the secondary, the Spartans showed a lot of toughness in the trenches during 2010, forcing teams to pass more than usual. If (and everyone seems to believe the defense is capable of this) the Spartan defense is solid this year, that will be 3 out of 4 years where a good/great defense resides in East Lansing…And that’s a far cry from the last 20 years.
Off Tackle Empire
The quintessential Big Ten smoking room.
Agreed
In 2009 and to a lesser extent in 2010, MSU had to constantly blitz to get pressure on the QB. This year with Hoover, White, Worthy, and Gholston, we can let our LBs roam the field a little more lending support. Yes, we had two outstanding LBs the past few years in Jones and Gordon. But Bullough, Norman, and Allen I think we’ll be just fine. They are all great players and I don’t think we’ll have as big of a drop-off as a lot of people anticipate.
My biggest concern (as is most) is the O-line. But then again, people said the exact same thing last year and they held their own most of the time. We have two great returning starters in the guard positions. McGaha, Schoffner, Barrent, and France have been very impressive. And people keep forgetting the All-American JUCO Fou Fonoti who will be joining in August (who, in my personal opinion, will win the tackle spot with Schoffner). Mark Staten knows what he is doing, and I have faith in Dantonio and co.
IMO biggest change is
that Dantonio has taught them how to win, and the mental toughness is on both sides. Under John L Sparty would find ways to lose that were almost comical, and they don’t do that anymore.
But I don’t want to give away too much of my stuff for tomorrow. :)
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
"The kids are playin' their tails off, AND THE COACHES ARE SCREWING IT UP!!!!!!!"
With the #1 overall pick in the Rapture Draft, God chooses the Macho King Randy Savage
by BuckeyeSki on Jun 20, 2011 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
LOVE that clip!!
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
I was at that game.
waaayyyyy up in D deck.
HELP IS ON THE WAY
~Banned at ATO since June 3rd, 2011, 2ish PM PST
by SouthBayBuckeye on Jun 20, 2011 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
One of my favorite OSU games of the JT era.
"What do we have here?"
"We're going to Saint Croix."
"We are? Oh, goody. I'm so happy."
"Well, I hope you're happy for us, because it's just Carrie and me."
"I see. Once again I humiliate myself by assuming that I'm a member of this family."
-Arthur and Doug, bantering about the Heffernan's vacation plans
/Ashton Youbouty'd
With the #1 overall pick in the Rapture Draft, God chooses the Macho King Randy Savage
who has the longer neck?
Youboty or Chris Bosh?
HELP IS ON THE WAY
~Banned at ATO since June 3rd, 2011, 2ish PM PST
by SouthBayBuckeye on Jun 20, 2011 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Goin with Bosh
With the #1 overall pick in the Rapture Draft, God chooses the Macho King Randy Savage
like a bosh
HELP IS ON THE WAY
~Banned at ATO since June 3rd, 2011, 2ish PM PST
by SouthBayBuckeye on Jun 20, 2011 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Ca we write in Merton Hanks?
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
May be a homer statement...
…but yea, I don’t expect to go 11-2 but I still feel we’re decent contenders to win the Legends division. There may very well be a contender of the B1G with an 10-2 or a 9-3 record. With all the hoopla UofM has been getting, I still think there will significant growing pains (especially after watching their spring game). Wisky is always a rumble and tumble team, so a toss-up (I actually anticipated a loss to Wisky last year and was pleasantly surprised). OSU will be a good litmus test of both MSU’s production and how the events in Columbus have affected OSU. Nebraska boasts a greased lightning offense, but then again UofM had the same thing last year and B1G defenses seemed to contain him to a degree. They also have a great defense though so hopefully MSU can bring their A-game.
And as far as the ‘close wins’ people keep throwing back at MSU…sure, I’ll agree MSU is not at the elite level. But what those close wins say is that MSU is heading in the right direction. Every team, even the ‘elite’ ones, need to have a few squeakers. Case and point: Alabama vs. Auburn last year. The ones who find a way to win have potential. Yes, Alabama creamed MSU (I was at the game, and I can tell you that on that day there was no doubt in my mind that they were the best team in the nation regardless of their record). And MSU had a very off-day against Iowa, while they came hungry and pissed off. But no one at MSU called their team elite. They only suggest that they’re on their way. Even Dantonio constantly says “we have a lot of work to do”.
Just my $0.02
By the way,
In an unbelievable stretch of football games, the Spartans play OSU, Michigan, Wisky, and Nebraska in consecutive weeks.
There is a bye week in-between OSU and UofM to consider. Plus, UofM and Wisky are at home while Nebraska also has a rough stretch (@Wisky, OSU, bye, Minn, MSU) that should rough them up a little.
UM is going to be bad this year
Don’t know that you can consider that a real difficult game, especially since the game will be in East Lansing.
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
BUT THEY HAVE A REAL 'MICHIGAN MAN' COACHING THERE AGAIN
WHO KNOWS ALL OF THE TRADITIONS AND PLAYS TOUGH MANSOME FOOTBALL ETC ETC ETC
DON'T YOU MEAN MANBALL
WOOO HOKEMANIA’S RUNNIN’ WILD
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
DONT FORGET ABOUT THE MATTISON DEFENSE, BROTHER!
goin from the basement to the penthouse in one season, wooooooooooo!
/picture me trollin’
With the #1 overall pick in the Rapture Draft, God chooses the Macho King Randy Savage
There's nothing like having a career MAC-level coach
With a career sub .500 record, and only one winning season in his lifetime, to take over at the Big Hole In The Ground. I’m encouraged, too, though for different reasons than my friends in blue.
Gosh its nice...
…to hear something besides UofM crowing. From someone who lives in the state of Michigan, you can’t go anywhere without them being the National Champions of June.
I have a feeling UofM’s ‘Big House’ will soon be the ‘Big Lake’ after the tears of dismay UofM fans will shed this year
I really do think Hoke is on the right track
but I see their ceiling as 6 or 7 wins, if that. Their offense is transitioning to a style that the players that will be running it weren’t recruited for, and the defense, while it will be better, is still going to be mediocre.
2 or 3 years from now? Different ball game, but they’re not going to be very good this year.
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
That is what Cowherd said 3 years ago. Last time one of their own coached they lost to App. St. Let’s not forget that Hoke wasn’t even their 3rd choice.
Well, had RichRod not ignored defense
and special teams, Cowherd would’ve been right. I get that is akin to saying ‘and if my aunt had balls, she’d be my uncle’, but I think Hoke understands what works in the Big Ten.
And his early recruiting is promising.
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
Lyoyd Carr could recruit too
You see how that worked out. (I use the uncle/aunt thing alot, except i say testicles)
Least favorite ESPN personality by far
What kind of douche makes his schtick out as the frontrunner fan?
Schadenfreude ist die schoenste Freude
LB is probably one of my least worried about positions
It’s one of the most talent rich positions on the team from a recruiting stand point and I thought the younger guys did a good job when they were in last year.
My biggest positional concern is OL, particularly the depth.
Schadenfreude ist die schoenste Freude
Really?
Even with Greg Jones leaving? If I could channel my inner Jon Gruden:
Jaws, THAT GUY is a football player.
Just seems that it will be tough to replace his production and presence on that side of the ball.
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
by Ted Glover on Jun 20, 2011 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
The G-Men got a steal getting Jones so late
I was very pleased with the pick. Jones is gonna be real hard for State to replace. Better hope lil’ Gholston is more like his older bro at tOSU than he was as a Jet.
With the #1 overall pick in the Rapture Draft, God chooses the Macho King Randy Savage
by BuckeyeSki on Jun 20, 2011 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
It really is a crime he went so late
how does someone who literally locked down a portion of the field drop that far?
In the name of the Woody, the Bo, and the Mustache Ride. Amen.
by Pariahwulfen on Jun 20, 2011 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
no doubt Jones was a leader and a beast on the field and he will be sorely missed.
but i have to agree, Defense is going to win some games for us this season. The offensive line looks shaky.
by spartynation on Jun 20, 2011 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Really
For those of us who bleed green… well most of us aren’t that concerned about a major drop off at linebacker this year. A step back is possible, but we expect that with our d-line and secondary taking a step forward, the backing core will be serviceable at worst. There is good talent there… just not experience.
Max Bullough spelled Greg Jones at times last season and did not look bad doing it. Now he will be the main man in the middle, with Denicos Allen and veteran Chris Norman on the outside.
The jewel of MSU’s 2011 recruiting class, Lawrence Thomas will probably see the field as well at LB, and we’re not sad about that either. The two deep is talented enough to inspire confidence in most Spartans. Expect to see also Steve Gardiner and TyQuan Hammock get playing time.
The sideline is always greener at MSU.
Agreed
I actually worry a bit more about our secondary than our LB’s. While I feel pretty good about our starters in the secondary there are lots of question marks about the back ups. I believe there is more proven depth at LB.
Also, grumble grumble NCAA rules
That picture resulted in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. For shushing the crowd.
Schadenfreude ist die schoenste Freude
Sparty is an interesting dark horse
Michigan is still at least two years away from once again having their crap together and with Ohio State in free fall, time for Sparty to break their Rose Bowl drought. If nothing else, being the first senior class to ever go 4-0 vs Michigan would be a helluva accomplishment.
by Jonathan Loesche on Jun 20, 2011 2:27 PM CDT reply actions
OSU in free fall?
Too early to tell. If they get a bunch of scholarship reductions, I’ll concede that point, but until the NCAA rules, they’re still a very formidable team, at least for 2011. QB is a big question, but the defense will still be very good, and I like their running game, even if Dan Herron is out 5 games. Don’t know that they’ll win the Leaders division, but they’ll be in the thick of it until the end.
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
Ted would be correct
the runing game, and always stout defense will keep tOSU a favorite in the division and conference until the NCAA hands out their punishment. And even then, it won’t effect the 2011 campaign. The only real concern right now is the lack of an experienced QB.
/Proud member of Team Anyone But Bauserman
With the #1 overall pick in the Rapture Draft, God chooses the Macho King Randy Savage
I forgot Boom in all of the hoopla
Figured he would’ve at least felt the NFL waters. Then again…what NFL?
obviously, there are tons of MSU fans around here.
HELP IS ON THE WAY
~Banned at ATO since June 3rd, 2011, 2ish PM PST
by SouthBayBuckeye on Jun 20, 2011 3:23 PM CDT reply actions
they wanted to be here
but there was a dorm brawl scheduled at Holden Hall around noon
With the #1 overall pick in the Rapture Draft, God chooses the Macho King Randy Savage
by BuckeyeSki on Jun 20, 2011 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
First of all, 15 yards on Buckeye Ski for unsportsmanlike conduct…
Second, it was at Case Hall at noon. The tussel at Holden is scheduled for 3. Darn OSU can’t keep their stories together.
by SpartyFever on Jun 20, 2011 4:45 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
We're still shocked by the Pittman committment
Need time to gather our senses.
Schadenfreude ist die schoenste Freude
The Michigan Family
U of M:
- the “big” brother (overcompensating for something with that stadium?)
- chemically imbalanced and dellusional
- can’t let go of the glory days and accept reality
- envious of his “little” brother who is now grown up and beats him at everything
- previously hated for being good, now just hated for being annoying
MSU:
- the “little” brother (who will beat his “big” brother for a fourth time in a row this year)
- cool and crafty (see the 17 pt. NW 4th quarter comeback or “little giants” play)
- doesn’t let the past haunt him, blazes a trail forward taking the program to new heights.
- Has always gotten more hot chicks than UM. (and always will)
- previously loved for being great in Bball, now loved for being a Fball rising star.
Who would you rather be? The washed-up, self-consious, d-bag? Or the humble, hungry, up-and-comer?
MSU hit it's ceiling last year.
For proof, see image below.
by Fake Pelini on Jun 20, 2011 7:22 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
True, Sparty got humiliated twice last year badly.
But I wouldn’t discount MSU either. They’ve been the most physical team in the B1G recently. Shame Greg Jones and Ndomakah Suh never met up in the B1G.
"GO HAWKS!" - only cure for Hawkeye Envy
by BentNotBroken on Jun 20, 2011 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Most people would put their money on Suh.
by Fake Pelini on Jun 20, 2011 8:44 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Wasn't picking a winner. Just wish they would have played.
"GO HAWKS!" - only cure for Hawkeye Envy
by BentNotBroken on Jun 20, 2011 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions
/Iowan
"GO HAWKS!" - only cure for Hawkeye Envy
by BentNotBroken on Jun 20, 2011 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions
It would have definitely been awesome to see.
Not to worry, while Pelini(or most other coaches) won’t find another Suh for a good 50 years, there will be more Jared Cricks coming.
by Fake Pelini on Jun 20, 2011 9:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
As a Gopher fan, I will always hate Michigan,
which entails a certain fondness for Sparty (this is enhanced by the fact that, last year notwithstanding Minnesota tends to beat Sparty pretty consistently).
But I’ve been to Ann Arbor and East Lansing. I’m taking Michigan girls in that battle.
Seriously??
I went to school at MSU for 4 years and lived right by Ann Arbor for 2. MSU wins hands down. All u need to do is YouTube Michigan state girls and you’ll see…
by StickyGreen on Jun 20, 2011 10:59 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Smart girls go to UM that's just obvious. Us state schools are the winners in the girls depot.
"What do we have here?"
"We're going to Saint Croix."
"We are? Oh, goody. I'm so happy."
"Well, I hope you're happy for us, because it's just Carrie and me."
"I see. Once again I humiliate myself by assuming that I'm a member of this family."
-Arthur and Doug, bantering about the Heffernan's vacation plans
Um Yeah...except for that 20 year period from 1977 to 1997 where State won every game.
Other than THAT Minnesota totally beats MSU pretty consistently.
You must be sarcastic...
Really? Growing up in Michigan, going to Michigan State, and visiting many friends in Ann Arbor….there is no comparison.
Michigan State girls are way better looking.
Heck, there is even a joke about it.
’9/10 hot girls go to Michigan State…and the 10th goes to Western"
hmm.....
to be fair i wasn’t in East Lansing long. Plus as a Carleton kid I tend to like smart girls with low self esteem.
But, I will believe you that Michigan State Girls are hotter. In fact, I will have to make it to East Lansing to confirm your statements with my own personal research.
by AhliBobwa on Jun 21, 2011 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Another Carleton kid?
My dad went to Carleton and he’s a huge Wisconsin fan. So…yeah.
Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog.
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog
"If you don't tell him what he wants to hear, he's going to find you out. And when he does, they're going to tear your head off and throw your BODY OUT OF AN AIRLOCK!" - Number Six, "Bastille Day"
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Jun 23, 2011 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I was at the MSU/Iowa game last year.
I have never seen a good team quit that bad; I left at halftime. I know who I don’t want to be.
I’m curious. If this is Sparty week, why is everyone talking about UM? I don’t see them doing much this year.
by patrickdolan on Jun 20, 2011 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Where do I post this picture?
/They see me trollin’, they hatin’
"What do we have here?"
"We're going to Saint Croix."
"We are? Oh, goody. I'm so happy."
"Well, I hope you're happy for us, because it's just Carrie and me."
"I see. Once again I humiliate myself by assuming that I'm a member of this family."
-Arthur and Doug, bantering about the Heffernan's vacation plans
by Jon Ross on Jun 20, 2011 5:37 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Adam Morrison approves.
Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog.
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog
"If you don't tell him what he wants to hear, he's going to find you out. And when he does, they're going to tear your head off and throw your BODY OUT OF AN AIRLOCK!" - Number Six, "Bastille Day"
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Jun 20, 2011 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions
I dunno
but I’m guessing you have something similar hanging in your bedroom.
Was this a gay porn joke? Or where was this heading?
"What do we have here?"
"We're going to Saint Croix."
"We are? Oh, goody. I'm so happy."
"Well, I hope you're happy for us, because it's just Carrie and me."
"I see. Once again I humiliate myself by assuming that I'm a member of this family."
-Arthur and Doug, bantering about the Heffernan's vacation plans
Replace Alabama with Nebraska.
:)
by Fake Pelini on Jun 20, 2011 7:20 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I literally had to stop watching this game
And I watched every bowl game. Except for Northwesterns. I didn’t get that channel.
Same boat. It hurt me physically.
"What do we have here?"
"We're going to Saint Croix."
"We are? Oh, goody. I'm so happy."
"Well, I hope you're happy for us, because it's just Carrie and me."
"I see. Once again I humiliate myself by assuming that I'm a member of this family."
-Arthur and Doug, bantering about the Heffernan's vacation plans
The last time I saw a team get killed that badly
was Wisconsin in 2008 against Penn Stat- HOLY SHIT DARYLL CLARK JUST SCORED ANOTHER TOUCHDOWN!
Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog.
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog
"If you don't tell him what he wants to hear, he's going to find you out. And when he does, they're going to tear your head off and throw your BODY OUT OF AN AIRLOCK!" - Number Six, "Bastille Day"
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Jun 20, 2011 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions
You can place it right next to this one
“The Spartans shocked the college football world with a dramatic 28-24 victory over No. 1 Ohio State on Nov. 7, 1998, in Columbus. MSU scored 19 unanswered points in the second half in garnering its first win over a top-ranked team since 1990.”
by Shabazzz on Jun 20, 2011 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
You motherfucker.
"What do we have here?"
"We're going to Saint Croix."
"We are? Oh, goody. I'm so happy."
"Well, I hope you're happy for us, because it's just Carrie and me."
"I see. Once again I humiliate myself by assuming that I'm a member of this family."
-Arthur and Doug, bantering about the Heffernan's vacation plans
by Jon Ross on Jun 20, 2011 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
LOL
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
That's just awful
I’ve never seen a group of grown men that sad…and I’ve been to a Star Trek convention.
He was actually a good coach
so the pain of his losses count double.
Schadenfreude ist die schoenste Freude
This.
/weeps.
"What do we have here?"
"We're going to Saint Croix."
"We are? Oh, goody. I'm so happy."
"Well, I hope you're happy for us, because it's just Carrie and me."
"I see. Once again I humiliate myself by assuming that I'm a member of this family."
-Arthur and Doug, bantering about the Heffernan's vacation plans
John Cooper's failure was not harnessing the power of local car dealerships effectively
"GO HAWKS!" - only cure for Hawkeye Envy
by BentNotBroken on Jun 20, 2011 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions
We've got to get the NCAA more time.
Concentrate all fire on Lane Kiffin!
Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog.
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog
"If you don't tell him what he wants to hear, he's going to find you out. And when he does, they're going to tear your head off and throw your BODY OUT OF AN AIRLOCK!" - Number Six, "Bastille Day"
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Jun 20, 2011 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Ah yes
Another iowa tabloid reader. The car deals have been cleared. While Cooper had a superior record compared to Fry and Ferentz, his inability to win the biggest games were his downfall. OSU doesn’t tolerate mediocrity, or i should say iowa standards.
I want a multiple day test-drive.
by Fake Pelini on Jun 20, 2011 11:52 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yes, they are unheard of. It is actually very common. Sorry to burst your attempt at being a smart ass.
Very common? are you kidding me?
Idk wtf ur talking about, I’ve never had a test drive longer than 20 mins.
by Fake Pelini on Jun 21, 2011 7:14 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
"The car deals have been cleared"
They were my moms. All eight of them.
I only paid 13,000 dollars for a car in 2007 that you can’t even get for 13,000 now.
My compliance officer gave a guy tickets for a car.
These are news stories written by Columbus papers. Enjoy your vacation.
Biggy's obviously drinking the coolaid.
by Fake Pelini on Jun 21, 2011 7:16 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Any response?
You all sure are quiet! No conspiracy theories for you all? Won’t you try to spin this in some way?
We shall wait for August 12th.
Tressel didn’t resign because of tattoos only, do you honestly think?
"GO HAWKS!" - only cure for Hawkeye Envy
by BentNotBroken on Jun 21, 2011 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
The media never makes things up?
You are correct. Aug 12 will dtermine it all.
http://qctimes.com/sports/college/big-10/iowa/article_beb53d42-2c08-11e0-ab52-001cc4c03286.html?oCampaign=hottopics
Look, I don't hate OSU nearly as much I respect OSU.
Jim Tressel resigned. That seems like cause for concern. Win over 80% of your games over ten years and resign because of tattoos? Maybe that’s it, nothing more to see. But doesn’t really seem as such, unfortunately.
"GO HAWKS!" - only cure for Hawkeye Envy
by BentNotBroken on Jun 21, 2011 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions
OSU promotes institutional wide cheating, Iowa doesn't.
We shall wait for August 12th. When Cheat To Win OSU is exposed.
"GO HAWKS!" - only cure for Hawkeye Envy
by BentNotBroken on Jun 21, 2011 7:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Check the papers ladies
Sorry to burst your little bubbles, but check out the stories. Sorry that your wishing got in the way of reality.
Ohio State also dropped it's "investigation" of the Tattoogate in January and gave their coach a 2 game suspension.
How’d that one turn out?
Turns out there was more to the story.
That is sooooo not funny - Maize N Brew Dave
Until proven otherwise
Sparty is the team to beat in the Big Ten West.
Northwestern has the (2nd) best QB in the country, but the D is…questionable. Iowa lost a lot and is in transition (2012 the Hawks will be back strong, but this year they will be just ok). Michigan is in full rebuilding mode, Minnesota is not in as bad a shape as the Wolverines this year, but they are also in rebuilding mode. Nebraska is an (inevitable) Taylor Martinez injury away from being a Defense only squad (granted, that Defense is fierce).
It’s Sparty’s spot to lose in the War of the Roses.
by AhliBobwa on Jun 20, 2011 8:22 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
were you the one saying Neb would have 6 losses next year?
If so, you’re a joke. If not, my bad, carry on.
by Fake Pelini on Jun 20, 2011 11:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Although no one has done it here...
I hate it when some people compare the 2009 Iowa and 2010 Michigan State teams. I honestly think Michigan State was the worst team in recent (or all of) history to win 11 games. The 2009 Iowa team had one thing in common with them: They were the middle of the pack team that won 11 games.
When Iowa went on their run, they went unranked after Week 1 (because of the close win against FCS Northern Iowa) until Week 5. That was similar to MSU, going unranked until Week 4. But when Iowa lost their 2 games, it was because their 2-year starting quarterback went down with an injury. Against Northwestern, the Hawks were up 10-0 before Stanzi went out. Then Iowa almost beat Ohio State AT Ohio State with their backup but lost in OT.
Michigan State got PUMMELED by Iowa and then PUMMELED by Alabama. Iowa’s worst loss was by a touchdown.
Iowa beat a (final rankings) #8 Penn State, #13 Georgia Tech, and #16 Wisconsin, and lost to #5 Ohio State and unranked Northwestern. Michigan State beat #8 Wisconsin and lost to #11 Alabama and unranked Iowa.
And Wisconsin fans will tell you the Wisconsin game was a fluke. That was the 3-year starting quarterback’s first game with a passer rating under 100.0, who completed less than half his passes and only threw for 127 yards. Not to mention, the running game went for 165 yards: much lower than their 246 ypg they ran on average.
Don’t get me wrong, Michigan State will compete for the title this year as much as Iowa or Nebraska will, but basing an argument off last year’s performance won’t work for me.
"There is nothing better than being American. If you don't love it, leave it. U.S.A. #1"- Ricky Stanzi, America's Quarterback
Nothing will work for you
unless it’s adoration of your hawkeye’s. Glad you take pride in “almost” beating OSU. You should be in politics working spin.
Technically it would just be Hawkeyes
Not really a need for an apostrophe there…
So I guess I’m saying that you should vacate that apostrophe.
I AIN’T VACATING SHIT, I GOT THE T-SHIRTS!!!
"What do we have here?"
"We're going to Saint Croix."
"We are? Oh, goody. I'm so happy."
"Well, I hope you're happy for us, because it's just Carrie and me."
"I see. Once again I humiliate myself by assuming that I'm a member of this family."
-Arthur and Doug, bantering about the Heffernan's vacation plans
I don't know where I "took pride" in losing to OSU,
But I guess you can twist it that way.
What I was trying to say was losing to a top-5 Ohio State at the Horseshoe with your backup QB making his first career start with your 2nd string (and only backup) running back out of the game and still force the game into overtime shows a bit more resilience than the 31 point beatdown Iowa gave Michigan State’s “BCS worthy” squad.
Yeah, it might sound like a bunch of excuses, but I would have LOVED to see Michigan State play without their starting quarterback or backup runningback. What I have been trying to say is that Iowa could contend even without their ‘stars’, yet Michigan State had an easier path to 11 wins and when they stumbled, they snapped their leg and fell off a cliff. A ‘great’ team doesn’t do that. I’m not saying 2009 Iowa was National Championship caliber, which you could make a great argument for, but I’m saying they were a more complete and deeper team than MSU 2010.
"There is nothing better than being American. If you don't love it, leave it. U.S.A. #1"- Ricky Stanzi, America's Quarterback
I actually thought the backup was a better option for you all that day. Stanzi was prone to turnovers that year and the backup would be more cautious. My friends and i were in agreement that the backup was scarier for us.
That's a pretty bold statement you and your friends made there.
Being more worried about a quarterback that had just completed 33% of his passes for less than 100 yards and a TD/INT ratio worse than Stanzi’s is pretty confusing to me. Not to mention, he came into the game with only 30 collegiate pass attempts. Only 11 of those were completed.
And you trusted him more than a 2-year starter who, although he turned the ball over, performed better in the 4th quarter than almost any quarterback in the nation? For example, on a windy day against Indiana, Stanzi threw 5 interceptions through 3 quarters. In the 4th, he went 3/3, 172 yards, 2 TD’s and 0 INT’s (passer rating over 800.0). He completed over 70% of his passes against Wisconsin and threw for more than 200 yards 6 times (with a 197 yarder to inch him close to 7) with a 300 yard game in there also. Not to mention 7 games over 50% completions and only 2 games without a TD pass.
Yet you trusted a freshman quarterback who had a passer rating of 54.1 the week before to give Ohio State a better run for it’s money? Must have some weird thinking there in Columbus.
And I realized that my “losing our 2nd string running back” point probably didn’t impress anyone. But when you consider he accounted for 43% of the team’s rushing yardage (even after missing 2(?) games) and 61% of the rushing touchdowns, you realize he was another big chunk of the offense the Hawkeyes lost before that game. That’s not to say that Iowa would have won it, but the outcome definitely would have changed.
"There is nothing better than being American. If you don't love it, leave it. U.S.A. #1"- Ricky Stanzi, America's Quarterback
We knew what we were getting with Stanzi. The unknown qb has not been kind to OSU in recent years(Pat Devlin). Stanzi can get away with turnovers and save the day against weaker competition. His td to int ratio was not good that year and the OSU defense would of matched up well with him. Of course it is purely speculation as to whether or not my belief was true. The rb was a big blow for sure.
ZZZZZ
We’ll side with pure speculation. We’ve had this conversation a million times. It always ends with: Stanzi doesn’t lose when he throws a Rick 6…which he would have.
2 year starting QB, actually.
MSU absolutely attacked Wisconsin’s receivers that game, which led to a lot of drops. Nick Toon had at least three drops that I can remember, all of them AFTER he was past the first down marker.
Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog.
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog
"If you don't tell him what he wants to hear, he's going to find you out. And when he does, they're going to tear your head off and throw your BODY OUT OF AN AIRLOCK!" - Number Six, "Bastille Day"
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Jun 20, 2011 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Question for Sparty and Herky (right...or Hawky)
Would you prefer your own 11 win season or take the other teams considering:
Sparty lost to the Hawkeyes but only lost 1 regular season game and shared B1G Title. Capital bowl loss to Alabama.
Herky lost two regular season games (both B1G games) no share of the B1G Title but won a BCS Bowl game.
"For today, goodbye. For tomorrow, good luck. And forever, Go Blue!
A: 20 more years of Rich Rod football in the Big House with Domino's Noid romping about the sidelines
"GO HAWKS!" - only cure for Hawkeye Envy
by BentNotBroken on Jun 20, 2011 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
This has so much win
With the #1 overall pick in the Rapture Draft, God chooses the Macho King Randy Savage
Frankly
i would never ever want to be a MSU fan going through that Alabama loss. Michigans defense was so bad against Miss State that it was kind of funny, but MSUs loss was just one of the ugliest beat downs in a bowl ive ever seen. much worse than the scoreboard made it look.
by justsomehawkeyefan on Jun 21, 2011 12:36 AM CDT up reply actions
It was bad...
Very bad. No doubt about it. However, for me, the Iowa loss hurt worse because we should have won, but fell apart. If we would have won that game, we wouldn’t have even had to face Alabama. I don’t think anyone can say with a straight face that TCU was better than a healthy ‘bama. Would have much rather seen wisco or Tressel Motors get stomped by the, but that’s just not the way the cards fell.
In other news, that season’s over and a new one begins in a few months.
I would like for you to explain how you should have beat Iowa.
Because for some reason, I find it hilarious you made that statement.
"There is nothing better than being American. If you don't love it, leave it. U.S.A. #1"- Ricky Stanzi, America's Quarterback
Just to clear up why I think it's ridiculous..
Iowa passed for less yards than they do on average, yet still had 3 passing TD’s against the less-than-impressive MSU secondary. That wasn’t any different from MSU’s usual pass defense.
Cousins threw 3 INT’s, which was unlike the normal Cousins, but for a defense that averaged about 1.5 INT’s a game and #7 scoring defense in the nation, that seems reasonable. Not to mention 11th in INT yards and 4th in INT TD’s in the nation. So Cousins should statistically have a tough game.
Iowa was 7th in the nation for points allowed, holding 5 teams to a touchdown or less. So being held to 6 points wasn’t a huge surprise.
Iowa’s offense averaged 383 yards of total offense, yet only produced 352. That was probably due to the second or third team offense we put in the game in the 4th quarter.
And your rushing game was non-existent. That was no surprise, due to the 6th best rushing defense in the nation. Better than Alabama’s, who think could beat anyone.
And this was at Kinnick Stadium, where Michigan State hasn’t won since 1989. Against a coach with a 3-1 record against Dantonio.
Where’s your reasoning?
"There is nothing better than being American. If you don't love it, leave it. U.S.A. #1"- Ricky Stanzi, America's Quarterback
MSU "attacking" Wisky's receivers
There HAS to be a Chris L. Rucker joke in there somewhere.
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
by HoyaGoon on Jun 20, 2011 11:05 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
CLR?
If anything, go with Winston…
CLR’s main offense was a DUI. He was present at the dorm fight but wasn’t accused of doing anything
SO wait.
MSU finished tied for first in the B1G this year. We beat one co-champ and didn’t play the other (who will soon vacate that co-championship). Yet we’re still the first of the co-champs to be featured (since this preview went from bottom to top).
WTF? Let me guess…you’re basing it off the final BCS rankings?
IS THIS ENOUGH MOCK OUTRAGE FOR YOU ALL????!!!!
No, you need three more exclamation points
:)
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
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