Weekend Roundup

So there are all kinds of things to discuss today.  I will start off with Americas next great hope for the heavyweight title.  The story from MLive is here.  This is a pretty good story too as far as boxing stories go.  The guy Seth is going against is older, more seasoned and higher ranked.  The match will be on HBO.  I will be watching it, or at the very least, DVRing to watch later. 

Last night, MSU played at UM in hockey and lost.  From the write up it sounded like a hard fought game, lot of grit, some offensive flare from a sold out Yost Arena.  I will add that, my first division one collegiate hockey game was at Yost.  Pat took me to a UM versus Miami Ohio game. I think the student section ended a chant with pig fucker.  This year, UM started the year as the number one ranked team in the country.  However, after a number of tough losses, the Wolverines are no longer ranked.  The Spartans came into this game having won 8 of their last 11 and holding a number 14 ranking.  The game tonight moves to Munn Ice Arena where the 1986  national championship team will be honored.  I expect this to be another tight contest.   The MSU/UM hockey games are my favorite of the rivalry to attend - yes, over football.  I just love hockey.  I am gonna predict a 4-3 win for MSU, the opposite of last night game. Tune into the BTN tonight to watch.

What else is there?  O yea.  MSU plays at Gonzaga, tipoff is slated for 9 eastern, I think on ESPN.  This will be the Spartans first true road test.  After playing on an aircraft carrier, in MSG, and at Eastern (sorry Eagles).  Look for there to be plenty of coverage on Jud Hethcote who will be sitting between the two benches watching his two proteges, Tom Izzo and Mark Few lead their teams.  But do not be fooled by Jud's adoptive home of Spokane, he will be rooting for the Spartans the entire game.  Here is a good interview done by Joe Rexrode.  The key for MSU to win this game will be the perimeter defense.  Illinois was able to sneak out a win on their home court against the Zags by shooting over 50% from the floor.  I am not sure MSU will be able to do that, so defense will be key.  After the soft play of Payne in the last game, Izzo was quoted as saying that Elias Harris must be licking a big dog bone in anticipation of Payne coming in.   So how will perimeter D win?  Easy.  THe Zags will look to shoot the three by working an inside outside game.  Our bigs are going to have to grow up defensivly quick because we cannot afford to have our wings double down and leave the Bulldog shooters open.  Stopping dribble penetration, and keeping hands in the face of three point shooters will go a long way towards a Spartan victory.  If MSU wins this game, I think it could be a catalyst for B1G play.  I like our chances but we are going to need to shoot the ball as well as defend it.  This is a game where Wood needs to show up.  He is a great scorer that goes through both hot and cold spells for us.  If wood were to drive the lane and pick up some fouls on the Gonzaga bigs. MSU can start to exploit any substitutions the Bulldogs make.  With that, Payne and Nix need to be able to bang down low.  Get them the ball and please o please do not turn it over/concert your three foot chances.  Elias Harris is 6-7 and Robert Sacre is 7-0.  That is a lot of length and both are lean and mean.  Nix with his shorter stature will need to be able to use strength to create room for his shots.  While Payne measures up well with both these guys, his post moves are less refined than Nix's.  For Payne to have success he is going to need to use his athletic ability.  Avoid being boxed out, run the floor and leap over the Gonzaga bigs.  This will be a good game to watch, and I like our chances.  I think the three will start falling for us, and Appling will put in a superb defensive effort on the perimiter.  I will call it 76-71 MSU.  Please leave your prediction in the comments!

Go Green!