The clamoring of our readership for a post has been heard echoing through the mountains and the foothills. I now make my triumphant return to lobbing occasional pot shots at lil bro and unwavering faith in Michigan being the best program in all of college football.
Hey guys, I have come to a recent conclusion that breaks my heart and will be massively insightful yet disappointing news: the B1G is awful at football. It has traveled beyond Big East level shittiness now where I wouldn't even be confident if this bowl season was a Mountain West vs Big Ten challenge. It doesn't help that two of the best teams in the league are ineligible for a bowl game. Slide everyone down a peg or two and things would look slightly less abysmal. We can all agree that MSU would have handled their MAC opponent in the Motor City Bowl appearance they truly earned this season.
As things stand, Sparty did pull off the victory over a Big 12 team in what may be the only B1G victory this bowl season. Here's a quick rundown of the remaining B1G schedule.
Wisconsin vs Stanford in the Rose Bowl
The Grandaddy of em all is aptly named for it's decrepit B1G representative which is the sickly version of the Wisconsin juggernaut that couldn't win this game the previous two seasons anyway. The nice thing, Wisconsin will have a chance against a Stanford team who seems to just want to be Wisconsin when they grow up. Let's not forget that Wisconsin is no longer being led by their prick of a coach Beilema. I don't know if this helps or hurts the Badgers. Hopefully this limb doesn't snap off too violently...Wisconsin 20 - 17
Purdue vs Oklahoma State in the Heart of Dallas Bowl
Purdue made it to a bowl game? #HALOL Oklahoma State 41-14
Northwestern vs Mississippi in the Gator Bowl
Hey, the Wildcats beat Vandy, maybe they can take down another bottom tier SEC squad. Probably not though. The REAL MSU 31-28
Nebraska vs Georgia in the Capital One Bowl
Is there a team more disappointed in its bowl appearance than the Cornhuskers? As a team that represented the Legends division in the B1G championship game it's odd that I don't think Nebraska has much of a prayer against a Georgia team I think is criminally overrated themselves. Georgia 35-20
Michigan vs South Carolina in the Outback Bowl
Confidence is not flowing freely though I am simply excited to watch Denard play his final game and see how Gardner plays. If Devin leads Michigan to a victory my optimism for 2013 will surely spin out of control as I'll be predicting his Heisman winning campaign and a B1G championship for the Wolverines. South Carolina 22-17
Thus concludes the worst Big Ten football season in my memory. 2-5 is actually a decent record for these teams. Big Ten conference basketball season begins this week and the Wolverines are the #2 team in the country. Basketball school!?!?
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Bowling for Chicken Wings
Back again. Back both for the blog and for the bowls. This game is kind of a big deal. 7-6 vs. 6-7. No one wants to be below .500 at one point over on The Only Colors (before the Nebraska game had ended) that 6-5 would be no different than 7-4. Well, with that, there is a huge difference between being above .500 or below. Recruits want to play for a winning team, it looks better for future bowl games, and it puts you in a more positive light on national media spots. I dont want to listen to Herbstreet talk about how we blew it this year. I would rather hear about redemption, or salvation, or whatever winning this game would mean.
What will have happened through the bowl practices to put MSU in a position to win? The first thing is that the passing game needs to come together. With all the extra reps, hopefully any issues that were prevalent through the season (drops, miss communication) are sorted out. Along with that, the offense line should have tightened up. That will help execute in the pocket. More time to drop back = more time for the receivers to get open.
A second point will be what kind of change will Bell have made to benefit him? He tweeted that he plans to play at his lightest since his freshman year. Will this be a good a thing? It seems like he is best when he can absorb blows and get yards after contact. The TCU defense will be attacking the line to try to drop Bell in the back field. Hopefully the lightened load means more speed and more shift. My biggest complaint about Bell this year is that he would miss cuts up the field to try to get the edge. He would either get that edge or get dropped on the sideline. But those cuts he was missing looked like he could break a long one. I would have to assume that a lighter Bell can make those cuts, and accelerate through the hole.
Now what about the defense? Johnny Adams has turf toe, Lawrence Thomas is playing on the defensive line, and Gholston needs to play like his preseason hype. The defense should be well prepared for TCU as they run a similar offense to Northwestern and Nebraska. Their backup quarterback has struggled this year when he had to come in mid season. The extra practices should eliminate that. MSU got burned defensively by Nebraska but was able to limit Northwestern. What will show up for this game?
With Maxwell coming in looking to silent his critics, (especially those on message boards) he comes in and tosses 2 touchdowns and no turnovers. Bell has a solid game but the lighter load will leave him getting tackled on hits he used to turn for 3 yard gains. Call this one 24-17 MSU
What will have happened through the bowl practices to put MSU in a position to win? The first thing is that the passing game needs to come together. With all the extra reps, hopefully any issues that were prevalent through the season (drops, miss communication) are sorted out. Along with that, the offense line should have tightened up. That will help execute in the pocket. More time to drop back = more time for the receivers to get open.
A second point will be what kind of change will Bell have made to benefit him? He tweeted that he plans to play at his lightest since his freshman year. Will this be a good a thing? It seems like he is best when he can absorb blows and get yards after contact. The TCU defense will be attacking the line to try to drop Bell in the back field. Hopefully the lightened load means more speed and more shift. My biggest complaint about Bell this year is that he would miss cuts up the field to try to get the edge. He would either get that edge or get dropped on the sideline. But those cuts he was missing looked like he could break a long one. I would have to assume that a lighter Bell can make those cuts, and accelerate through the hole.
Now what about the defense? Johnny Adams has turf toe, Lawrence Thomas is playing on the defensive line, and Gholston needs to play like his preseason hype. The defense should be well prepared for TCU as they run a similar offense to Northwestern and Nebraska. Their backup quarterback has struggled this year when he had to come in mid season. The extra practices should eliminate that. MSU got burned defensively by Nebraska but was able to limit Northwestern. What will show up for this game?
With Maxwell coming in looking to silent his critics, (especially those on message boards) he comes in and tosses 2 touchdowns and no turnovers. Bell has a solid game but the lighter load will leave him getting tackled on hits he used to turn for 3 yard gains. Call this one 24-17 MSU
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Non conference
Means non writing. Bottom line we should smoke a mediocre bowling green team. See you for Texas. And some football posts.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
A Week Seems Like A Year
As you know a lot has happened in the B1G and for MSU over the last week. Pat is still AWOL and there are no signs of his return, at least until he gets back to California. Maryland and Rutgers to the B1G (ugh) MSU eeked one out past Minnesota (yay). michigan lost to OSU (meh). Coupled with that have been some basketball games. Where MSU has won some close ones, lost a sloppy one and cruised to a victory.
This MSU basketball team is the tale of two teams. A team with a backup point guard and a team without. MSU looks a lot better when Trice is playing. Trice is a career (approximately) 48% three point shooter. Last year he shot just over 40% and this year is shooting 56% (though his total shots this year are hardly enough to predict season results). But this is what Trice can bring to the MSU team, a three point threat (and a breather for Appling) Should Trice keep up his current pace of 1.6 threes made per game. That would likely land him in the top ten in the B1G. That seems like a stat he is more likely to upkeep versus the 56% made. For comparison sake, Trice made .93 threes per game. Even if he were to land somewhere in the middle of .93 and 1.6 that would be an extra dimension that seems to be missing (hopefully Byrd can get going, get some confidence).
Tonight MSU basketball plays Arkansas Pine Bluff in what should be a sleeper of a game. No sense in writing a write up for this game. Especially since I will be at work missing most of the game.
Coming up next on the blog, is MSU Football entering a Wide Receiver apex? Was this really a down year for the B1G? Will Pat ever blog again, or is he resting on his past accomplishments, like a typical michigan fan?
This MSU basketball team is the tale of two teams. A team with a backup point guard and a team without. MSU looks a lot better when Trice is playing. Trice is a career (approximately) 48% three point shooter. Last year he shot just over 40% and this year is shooting 56% (though his total shots this year are hardly enough to predict season results). But this is what Trice can bring to the MSU team, a three point threat (and a breather for Appling) Should Trice keep up his current pace of 1.6 threes made per game. That would likely land him in the top ten in the B1G. That seems like a stat he is more likely to upkeep versus the 56% made. For comparison sake, Trice made .93 threes per game. Even if he were to land somewhere in the middle of .93 and 1.6 that would be an extra dimension that seems to be missing (hopefully Byrd can get going, get some confidence).
(make more of these please)
The Spartan Football team was able to make a bowl game!!!! WHOOO HOOOOO. Pat and I both had the Spartans pegged for 9-3. We were just a bit off - a call or a field goal away from being there though. I guess that's sports. The defense was every bit as advertised - in some aspects better and some aspects worse. What was shockingly poor was the offense. Line injuries, I feel, really hampered the development of the passing game. I am 100% not in the Spartan camp that thinks we should have been playing Connor Cook. Those people are loony. Where do go from here though? Well, we go to a bowl game. The Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against TCU. Seems winnable. More on that later. What I would like to talk about is next year. Or as Mark Dantonio said at the team banquet "You will be the ones. And you know what I mean by that" (thank you Joe Rexrode twitter). So what is meant by that? Winning football games, duh! MSU is looking to bounce back from a meh 6-6 season. I would love an 8-4 year next year. Looking ahead, the schedule is more favorable for MSU (the problem with that is that the only good home game is against UM). With road games at Notre Dame and Nebraska.
Tonight MSU basketball plays Arkansas Pine Bluff in what should be a sleeper of a game. No sense in writing a write up for this game. Especially since I will be at work missing most of the game.
Coming up next on the blog, is MSU Football entering a Wide Receiver apex? Was this really a down year for the B1G? Will Pat ever blog again, or is he resting on his past accomplishments, like a typical michigan fan?
Saturday, November 24, 2012
MSU v. Minnesota
Well this is it, one more game to get bowl eligible. Some players on MSU were talking about national championship gam before the season started. Now were talking about the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. That sounds more tasty than fun to play. But the game itself isnt what this team needs as much as it needs the bowl practices. We are still a young team and as many players that can get reps as possible is a good thing (that was a clunky sentence).
OFFENSE: There are a few things that the offense needs to show. After last week this team needs to show that it can score in the redzone (and in general hang on to the ball). The Minnesota defense is less than stellar so there should be plenty of opportunity to move the ball around within the 20. Along with that, the MSU passing game need to keep taking steps forward. This does not mean that Maxwell needs to drop back 50 times, if he is, that will mean the score is close. Instead it means that the passes need to completed, they need to come on tough catches, maybe a long one or two. One more point is getting the run game going. MSU needs to control the clock and there is no better way to do that than running the ball and getting first downs. With the Gophers giving up over 340 yards per game, MSU should have plenty of opportunity to move the ball
DEFENSE: I have heard rumblings on MSU Rivals that Gholston is staying for his senior year. This should be a good thing as Gholston needs to get his stock higher. Every game he plays in he needs to play like his life depends on it. The Gophers are without their starting quarterback Gray and recently lost the top wide receiver. AJ Barker recently left the team citing verbal abuse from coach Jerry Kill. This is a huge blow for the Gophers. It also allows the MSU defense to focus in on fewer people. Look for the MSU defense to attack attack and attack. MSU will allow their cornerbacks to be one on one deep to make the young Minnesota QB beat them deep. If he cant make the throws, this game will get ugly early. Look for a lot of push from the interior defense line as the gopher pass game is disrupted. Do not expect many rushes up the middle for large gains. This will have to be an outside edge attack for the Gophers where Allen and Jones will be there to eat.
PREDICTION: At a lovely Minnesota stadium on a cold but sunny day, the Spartans will come to town and do what they need to to get bowl eligible. With that, I think MSU will put up a good game offensively call it 31-14 MSU
OFFENSE: There are a few things that the offense needs to show. After last week this team needs to show that it can score in the redzone (and in general hang on to the ball). The Minnesota defense is less than stellar so there should be plenty of opportunity to move the ball around within the 20. Along with that, the MSU passing game need to keep taking steps forward. This does not mean that Maxwell needs to drop back 50 times, if he is, that will mean the score is close. Instead it means that the passes need to completed, they need to come on tough catches, maybe a long one or two. One more point is getting the run game going. MSU needs to control the clock and there is no better way to do that than running the ball and getting first downs. With the Gophers giving up over 340 yards per game, MSU should have plenty of opportunity to move the ball
DEFENSE: I have heard rumblings on MSU Rivals that Gholston is staying for his senior year. This should be a good thing as Gholston needs to get his stock higher. Every game he plays in he needs to play like his life depends on it. The Gophers are without their starting quarterback Gray and recently lost the top wide receiver. AJ Barker recently left the team citing verbal abuse from coach Jerry Kill. This is a huge blow for the Gophers. It also allows the MSU defense to focus in on fewer people. Look for the MSU defense to attack attack and attack. MSU will allow their cornerbacks to be one on one deep to make the young Minnesota QB beat them deep. If he cant make the throws, this game will get ugly early. Look for a lot of push from the interior defense line as the gopher pass game is disrupted. Do not expect many rushes up the middle for large gains. This will have to be an outside edge attack for the Gophers where Allen and Jones will be there to eat.
PREDICTION: At a lovely Minnesota stadium on a cold but sunny day, the Spartans will come to town and do what they need to to get bowl eligible. With that, I think MSU will put up a good game offensively call it 31-14 MSU
Monday, November 19, 2012
Northwestern Recap
This won't be much of a recap. After the loss I was pretty shocked. There is not a lot to say at this point. We have lost 7 games by 4 points or less. Outside of that, what else can you say? Some fans are calling for Roushar to be fired. These people are morons. Some fans think that we should bench Maxwell and get Cook out there. These people are bigger morons. If MSU makes a hand full of field goals, we have a couple extra wins. No one is yelling for MSU to cut the kicker. On top of that, the offense has looked pretty solid recently especially in the second half of the Northwestern game. MSU averaged about 4.5 yards per play in this game. However they had 5 turnovers. You won't win many games with 5 turnovers. Right now, I cannot pick MSU to be beat Minnesota, regardless of what the Vegas line is. Coach D has spoke countless times this season about being resilient. I guess we will see what happens.
I had grand plans to write a full recap but I just can't, this is all you get.
So how about those Terrapins?
I had grand plans to write a full recap but I just can't, this is all you get.
So how about those Terrapins?
Saturday, November 17, 2012
MSU v. Northwestern
So I have to work today from 10-7. I am going to miss basically every college football game. Thank god for DVR. Goin to make this short and sweet. I will have a full on recap tomorrow after the game to make up for the lack of game preview.
OFFENSE: I like the bye week. Good things are going to happen. More reps for the offensive line, more reps for the throws, more time to add a wrinkle or two. Expect MSU to have a balanced offense that uses quick pass plays to gash the Wildcat defense for big gains. This has the feeling of a day for Sims and Fowler.
DEFENSE: The MSU defense has to stop multiple quarterbacks that play two different offensive style with Colter using his legs and his arms and Siemian is more of a pocket passer. With those two quarterbacks is Venric Mark a speedy back that gets the corner and gets the ball upfield. This will hopefully be a case where their speed is used against them and fumbles occur on contact. The MSU defense will need those turnovers to slow and put doubt into this offense.
PREDICTION: Who doesn't like to go bowling? I fully expect MSU to come out fired up, and score some points early. For about half of a game we will see how good this offense can be and that will be enough to win it. 31-21 MSU. Time to go to work.
OFFENSE: I like the bye week. Good things are going to happen. More reps for the offensive line, more reps for the throws, more time to add a wrinkle or two. Expect MSU to have a balanced offense that uses quick pass plays to gash the Wildcat defense for big gains. This has the feeling of a day for Sims and Fowler.
DEFENSE: The MSU defense has to stop multiple quarterbacks that play two different offensive style with Colter using his legs and his arms and Siemian is more of a pocket passer. With those two quarterbacks is Venric Mark a speedy back that gets the corner and gets the ball upfield. This will hopefully be a case where their speed is used against them and fumbles occur on contact. The MSU defense will need those turnovers to slow and put doubt into this offense.
PREDICTION: Who doesn't like to go bowling? I fully expect MSU to come out fired up, and score some points early. For about half of a game we will see how good this offense can be and that will be enough to win it. 31-21 MSU. Time to go to work.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Rock Chalk Neglect the Blog.
So i have not posted since last week. Literally a week. I have no idea where Pat is. He might be dead. He might be in Cambodia. No clue. But that's ok, because I am here, and I am here to preview this Kansas game.
Tomorrow, MSU takes on Kansas. The Jayhawks boast a frontcourt that features a 7 footer and a freshman power forward that is 6-8. I have a feeling both can score more readily in the post than either Payne or Nix. However, that does not fully matter because that is not exactly how the SPartans will score in this game. MSU is going to need to run in this game - get the easy transition points. Kansas is a team that will defend well both down-low and extended out to the perimeter. Because of this, the Spartans need to limit the amount of turnovers they have in this game. Nix had 4 turnovers in the game against UConn. Two of the turnovers I remember; Nix got the ball on a rebound and then brought the ball down-low where a guard ripped the ball out. Just keep that ball up high and get a shot up. Now that the halfcourt offense is ran through Appling, his ability to set the tempo will critical. Appling should be guarding Elijah Johnson. Johnson is a senior who lead his team in three pointers made last year. Along with that, he has a great leaping ability and a quick first step. Keith needs to not get tired defensively so he can do his own damage on the first offensive side of the ball. Another factor surrounding Keith and how he can lead MSU to victory is that Travis Trice will likely not be playing in this game. Trice suffered a concussion in Germany and is doubtful against Kansas.
It is time for Valentine and Kearney to become men.
What matters most in this game is how MSU reacts to the travel time. Coming off that prime-time game and then coming into another prime-time game can be exhausting, let alone traveling halfway around the world to do it.
So how do I see this game going? Well it depends on how it starts. Can MSU play a complete game, score points early? Sure they can. Will they? That certainly is not something that the Spartans have done in the past. Kansas lost two players to the NBA but returns three seniors. They did not exactly run away with the game against SE Missouri State which leads me to believe that their offense is struggling right now. I like MSU in this game after putting together great team defense. 70-62 MSU (I can also see this going the other way, ugh)
Tomorrow, MSU takes on Kansas. The Jayhawks boast a frontcourt that features a 7 footer and a freshman power forward that is 6-8. I have a feeling both can score more readily in the post than either Payne or Nix. However, that does not fully matter because that is not exactly how the SPartans will score in this game. MSU is going to need to run in this game - get the easy transition points. Kansas is a team that will defend well both down-low and extended out to the perimeter. Because of this, the Spartans need to limit the amount of turnovers they have in this game. Nix had 4 turnovers in the game against UConn. Two of the turnovers I remember; Nix got the ball on a rebound and then brought the ball down-low where a guard ripped the ball out. Just keep that ball up high and get a shot up. Now that the halfcourt offense is ran through Appling, his ability to set the tempo will critical. Appling should be guarding Elijah Johnson. Johnson is a senior who lead his team in three pointers made last year. Along with that, he has a great leaping ability and a quick first step. Keith needs to not get tired defensively so he can do his own damage on the first offensive side of the ball. Another factor surrounding Keith and how he can lead MSU to victory is that Travis Trice will likely not be playing in this game. Trice suffered a concussion in Germany and is doubtful against Kansas.
It is time for Valentine and Kearney to become men.
What matters most in this game is how MSU reacts to the travel time. Coming off that prime-time game and then coming into another prime-time game can be exhausting, let alone traveling halfway around the world to do it.
So how do I see this game going? Well it depends on how it starts. Can MSU play a complete game, score points early? Sure they can. Will they? That certainly is not something that the Spartans have done in the past. Kansas lost two players to the NBA but returns three seniors. They did not exactly run away with the game against SE Missouri State which leads me to believe that their offense is struggling right now. I like MSU in this game after putting together great team defense. 70-62 MSU (I can also see this going the other way, ugh)
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Overcast Saturday
I will admit, I only watched one college football game this past weekend. It was the game I was at, MSU v. Nebraska. I caught about half of the Alabama LSU game before falling asleep at 11:30 This is what happens when you start a bar crawl the night before at 3:30 pm at The Peanut Barrel before moving onto The Riv and then PT's. Thank god it wasnt a noon kickoff.
-In the MSU, there were some plays left on the board. I say go for it on fourth down and two yards to go in the fourth quarter. But I also think at this point in the season we should stop punting the ball and ALWAYS go for it. Screw it. Along with that, one of the worst calls I have seen in sports was made when the game was still very much in doubt. Pass interference when there was no contact. Some MSU bloggers are saying we should not blame the refs because MSU did not make stops when they needed (read more here, here and here) but that just does not make sense. MSU is up 3 with under a minute. Nebraska IS in field goal range but by no means and easy shot on the road and with that cold. Let's assume for a second that no PI was called. Now Nebraska is kicking a field goal. Do they make it? I don't know. Do they make it and then win in Overtime? I don't know. But what I do know is that when you get the ball at the 5 yard line, your chances of both making a field goal or scoring a touchdown grow immensely. Nebraska averaged about 5 yards per carry in this game, that's one carry to get into the endzone from the five. If you say the refs did not cost us that game you are a buffoon. In no way are we entitled to win. But if you are leading in a game with under a minute to play and the refs make a call that was described by 'media in the press box, media who cover MSU and Nebraska. Also, the ESPN announcers. And the ESPN anchor who later referred to the call as “brutal.” And the Big Ten Network analysts. And former NFL vice president of officiating Mike Periera, who made it clear he thought the call was bad.' (joe rexrode mailbag here) Then the refs lost that game for you. At best, Nebraska did not win it. I will side with Tom Izzo on this
Onto some images!
-In the MSU, there were some plays left on the board. I say go for it on fourth down and two yards to go in the fourth quarter. But I also think at this point in the season we should stop punting the ball and ALWAYS go for it. Screw it. Along with that, one of the worst calls I have seen in sports was made when the game was still very much in doubt. Pass interference when there was no contact. Some MSU bloggers are saying we should not blame the refs because MSU did not make stops when they needed (read more here, here and here) but that just does not make sense. MSU is up 3 with under a minute. Nebraska IS in field goal range but by no means and easy shot on the road and with that cold. Let's assume for a second that no PI was called. Now Nebraska is kicking a field goal. Do they make it? I don't know. Do they make it and then win in Overtime? I don't know. But what I do know is that when you get the ball at the 5 yard line, your chances of both making a field goal or scoring a touchdown grow immensely. Nebraska averaged about 5 yards per carry in this game, that's one carry to get into the endzone from the five. If you say the refs did not cost us that game you are a buffoon. In no way are we entitled to win. But if you are leading in a game with under a minute to play and the refs make a call that was described by 'media in the press box, media who cover MSU and Nebraska. Also, the ESPN announcers. And the ESPN anchor who later referred to the call as “brutal.” And the Big Ten Network analysts. And former NFL vice president of officiating Mike Periera, who made it clear he thought the call was bad.' (joe rexrode mailbag here) Then the refs lost that game for you. At best, Nebraska did not win it. I will side with Tom Izzo on this
Onto some images!
(something old and something new. the art museum is really impressive)
(an overcast red cedar river)
(from a distance)
(some band)
(they looked a little too happy)
(there was about 40 minutes straight of kids getting pictures with Sparty)
(ban practice, was really fun and cool to watch. ban parents are pretty mental. that has to be next reality tv show)
(SPARTY)
(the man on the right, he came to party. anyone see him wandering around before?)
(about to start!)
(i maintain we have some of the worst/best students in the country, they are little brothers)
Finally I have this video, an unsteady shot of the band marching in. EVERYONE of them had on gruff sparty faces, that was pretty cool.
Content
Sorry about the lack of stuff this weekend. I was at the MSU game and am trying to organize the pictures I took. I will have a write up tonight.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Basketball. That is all.
(Ed Note, this was mostly done by pat, I have added my 2 cents in italics.)
After each earning a share of the B1G title last season, Michigan and Michigan state enter the basketball season with high expectations. The Spartans lose the B1G MVP, All-Everything Draymond Green, Austin Thorton, Brandon Wood, Anthony Ianni while the Wolverines will need to replace the leadership and outside shooting of Zach Novak and Stu Douglass. The only other departure for the Wolverines is the transfer of Evan Smotcryz.
Both teams add excellent recruiting classes to their squads in 2012-13. Michigan adds big time recruits Glenn (Tre) Robinson III (Indeed, that's Big Dog's kid) as well as Mitch McGary. Coming to Ann Arbor along with them will be Nik Stauskas, Caris Levert and Spike Albrecht. MSU adds super recruit Gary Harris as well as...Kenny Kaminski, Matt Costelo and Denzel Valentine.
Let's compare each position between the Spartans and the Wolverines. These comparisons require some guesswork because lineups and rotations are difficult to determine before the season. For Michigan, I'm working on the assumption that JB will keep his 4 shooters/1 big offense humming along though word out of practice is that they have been implementing some "big" lineup with some combination of Morgan/Horford/McGary at the 4/5 and Burke/Hardway/Robinson at the 1/2/3. However, I still think they will revert to old habits and Glenn Robinson III will end up with the majority of minutes at power forward and Hardaway will remain at the 3 (where he has played his entire Michigan career).
PG: Keith Appling/Travis Trice vs Trey Burke/Spike Albrecht
Michigan State returns Keith Appling at the PG position. Keith was having a great season early on last year but seemed to really wear down as the season trudged on. Adding some backcourt help should allow Appling to stay fresher this season. (I assume) he will be backed up by sophomore Travis Trice. Trice earned a lot of playing time last season and should be a better than average backup PG. Trice might be a better point than Appling. While Appling is a more dynamic player, if that makes sense. However, what trice has and that Appling does not, is the ability to shoot the three. Trice netted 40.5% last year while Appling netted 25% (down from 41% his frosh year.) I think Trice is going to have a fantastic year as a back up.
Michigan returns Trey Burke, the co B1G freshman of the year (along with Tyler Zeller) and a guy who was maybe the best PG in the league a season ago. He will need to play heavy minutes this year as he was mostly backed up by Stu Douglass last season. Incoming freshman Spike Albrecht is a pure PG, that is to say he's short and looks to pass more than he looks to score. If Spike can defend B1G PG's he will spell Burke for 5-10 minutes per game. If Spike isn't up to the challenge the Wolverines will rely even more heavily on Burke and may have to turn to freshman guards Caris Levert or Nik Stauskas (though both should be SG/SF type players)
The Wolverines have the edge here as Burke outplayed Appling throughout the season last year. Burke is probably on the short list of players to watch for in the race for B1G POTY in 2012-13 (along with the aforementioned Zeller) But don't sleep on Appling, he's a high end talent and made some significant strides between his freshman and sophomore years. Another step forward and he puts himself in the same category as Burke as one of the best PG's in the country.
Edge: Michigan
SG: Gary Harris/Denzel Valentine/Russell Byrd vs Nik Stauskas/Caris Levert/Matt Vogrich
Harris is MSU's prized true freshman and should be an impact player immediately. He'll be the best SG MSU has seen in a long time. By all accounts he is ready to play immediately and should have no problem being a difference maker. (After watching the exhibtion game, Harris appeared to have the go ahead to shoot threes. Which is fine because he made a few. It would make my day if he was a super freshman. I have no idea what to expect but he was a highly coveted recruit and will start as a true frosh. Byrd will also get PT as shooting guard. His stroke was off in the first exhibition game. But it loks really good coming out. Any sort of consistent threat from three for this MSU team (and really all basketball teams) will make them nearly impossible to guard. This year, Denzel Valentine should see most of his time at SG. He is a tall player known for his play making ability. He is the teams future point. He had some boneheaded plays in the exhibition, but looked like he belonged as well. For Michigan here I have a 3 way battle between two true freshman and a 4th year senior. Vogrich might get the start early on in the season as Beilein turns to his experience, perimeter shooting and defensive hustle. I expect him to give way to Stauskas at some point. I'm massively high on the canadian prospect as I think he'll be Jon Diebler 2.0. He can simply shoot the basketball. Levert has come in for a lot of praise throughout the preseason and could be a guy who surprises with athleticism on the wing.
Despite how high I am on Stauskas I truly believe Gary Harris is an NBA player within 2 years. While most of the talent here for both teams will be true freshman I believe MSU has the edge at the top with the best player among all the SG's on both teams.
Edge: MSU
SF: Brenden Dawson/Brandon Kearney/ Russell Byrd vs Tim Hardaway Jr/Glenn Robinson III
Dawson was really coming into his own late in the season before suffering an injury. He returns as MSU's go to wing player. He'll likely see minutes at the 4 as well. Along with that Dawson should lead the team in scoring. I would not be surprised if it is over 20 points per game. He is wildly athletic around the court and his ability so snatch up rebounds will get him a lot of cheap buckets. If he happens to develop a 15 footer, look out. Kearney will play mostly as a defensive specialist. He still is exceptionally lanky. Kearney could score in high school and that did not show last year. Brandon may have the go ahead to start slashing to the hoop. That would go a long way towards helping the sub team. As previously mentioned, Bryd should see some PT here as well. Tim Hardaway enters his Jr season (see what I did there?) after having a bit of a Sophomore slump last year. Hardaway's efficiency really decreased as he took on a go-to scorer's role. Tim remains one of the more talented 3's in the entire Big Ten and comes back with more talent around him than he's ever had while at Michigan.
It's difficult to compare these players as Hardaway is a slasher, scorer and shooting while Dawson is dunker and rebounder. Dawson in transition is like Spartan basketball porn while Hardaway is as good as any SF in the country when his 3 pointers are falling.
Edge: MSU (slight and depending on the health of Dawson)
PF: Glenn Robinson III/Mitch McGary/Max Beifeldt vs Adreian Payne/Alex Gauna/Kenny Kaminski
Where Gary Harris is MSU's recruiting gem, I truly believe Glenn Robinson III is that guy for Michigan. Michigan hasn't seen a guy with Robinson's athletic ability since Brent Petway and that is a bad comparison because Robinson can actually play basketball. I think Robinson has the best chance of any Wolverine to be a superstar and a lottery pick in the NBA. It may take him a little bit to earn all that lofty praise I'm giving him but all indications are that he's a special talent. Mitch McGary was the #2 prospect in the entire nation at one point last season before taking a plummet to the 4 star/5 star fringe. He comes in as a high energy player who will provide rebounding and a spark in the hustle department. I expect him to earn minutes as the year goes on and to play a lot when/if Michigan goes "big".
C: Jordan Morgan/Jon Horford vs Derrick Nix/Matt Costello
Derrick Nix returns to anchor the Spartans in the middle. Nix has had problems on the defensive end and with weight issues throughout his career but he can really score the basketball. When he's on his game he's one of the better low post scorers in the B1G. (Nix and Payne are mostly interchangeable between the 4 and 5, depending on the team. They will both play both at times.)
Jordan Morgan enters his reds
hirt Junior season after two very productive years. Morgan isn't the type of guy who you give the ball to on a regular basis to provide offense but he gets points in transition, does a good job on the glass and shoots a very high percentage. Before his injury last season Jon Horford was usurping Morgan's minutes and seems to have the higher upside of the two. Expect both to be significant contributors this season and hold down the center spot well for Michigan. Mitch McGary could also see time at the 5 spot. Michigan also has Blake McClimans.
Edge: Even
These seem like pretty even squads. Let's take a look at the statistics from last season:
PPG:
OPPG:
Rebounding Margin:
Turnovers:
By possession metrics:
Michigan got bigger and more athletic and should see a benefit in their rebounding numbers but may also see a drop in the 3 point shooting %.
MSU loses a great star in Draymond Green and will need to find players to create offense and fill the leadership vacuum left by his departure. As is typically true of Izzo coached teams I expect this year's Spartans may start a little slowly due to the new faces and distribution of offensive possessions but should round into form by B1G play and be ready to make a run in March.
Both teams should compete with Indiana and Ohio State for the B1G championship and I've learned to never count out Bo Ryan's Badgers.
After each earning a share of the B1G title last season, Michigan and Michigan state enter the basketball season with high expectations. The Spartans lose the B1G MVP, All-Everything Draymond Green, Austin Thorton, Brandon Wood, Anthony Ianni while the Wolverines will need to replace the leadership and outside shooting of Zach Novak and Stu Douglass. The only other departure for the Wolverines is the transfer of Evan Smotcryz.
Both teams add excellent recruiting classes to their squads in 2012-13. Michigan adds big time recruits Glenn (Tre) Robinson III (Indeed, that's Big Dog's kid) as well as Mitch McGary. Coming to Ann Arbor along with them will be Nik Stauskas, Caris Levert and Spike Albrecht. MSU adds super recruit Gary Harris as well as...Kenny Kaminski, Matt Costelo and Denzel Valentine.
Let's compare each position between the Spartans and the Wolverines. These comparisons require some guesswork because lineups and rotations are difficult to determine before the season. For Michigan, I'm working on the assumption that JB will keep his 4 shooters/1 big offense humming along though word out of practice is that they have been implementing some "big" lineup with some combination of Morgan/Horford/McGary at the 4/5 and Burke/Hardway/Robinson at the 1/2/3. However, I still think they will revert to old habits and Glenn Robinson III will end up with the majority of minutes at power forward and Hardaway will remain at the 3 (where he has played his entire Michigan career).
PG: Keith Appling/Travis Trice vs Trey Burke/Spike Albrecht
Michigan State returns Keith Appling at the PG position. Keith was having a great season early on last year but seemed to really wear down as the season trudged on. Adding some backcourt help should allow Appling to stay fresher this season. (I assume) he will be backed up by sophomore Travis Trice. Trice earned a lot of playing time last season and should be a better than average backup PG. Trice might be a better point than Appling. While Appling is a more dynamic player, if that makes sense. However, what trice has and that Appling does not, is the ability to shoot the three. Trice netted 40.5% last year while Appling netted 25% (down from 41% his frosh year.) I think Trice is going to have a fantastic year as a back up.
Michigan returns Trey Burke, the co B1G freshman of the year (along with Tyler Zeller) and a guy who was maybe the best PG in the league a season ago. He will need to play heavy minutes this year as he was mostly backed up by Stu Douglass last season. Incoming freshman Spike Albrecht is a pure PG, that is to say he's short and looks to pass more than he looks to score. If Spike can defend B1G PG's he will spell Burke for 5-10 minutes per game. If Spike isn't up to the challenge the Wolverines will rely even more heavily on Burke and may have to turn to freshman guards Caris Levert or Nik Stauskas (though both should be SG/SF type players)
The Wolverines have the edge here as Burke outplayed Appling throughout the season last year. Burke is probably on the short list of players to watch for in the race for B1G POTY in 2012-13 (along with the aforementioned Zeller) But don't sleep on Appling, he's a high end talent and made some significant strides between his freshman and sophomore years. Another step forward and he puts himself in the same category as Burke as one of the best PG's in the country.
Edge: Michigan
 |
Harris is MSU's prized true freshman and should be an impact player immediately. He'll be the best SG MSU has seen in a long time. By all accounts he is ready to play immediately and should have no problem being a difference maker. (After watching the exhibtion game, Harris appeared to have the go ahead to shoot threes. Which is fine because he made a few. It would make my day if he was a super freshman. I have no idea what to expect but he was a highly coveted recruit and will start as a true frosh. Byrd will also get PT as shooting guard. His stroke was off in the first exhibition game. But it loks really good coming out. Any sort of consistent threat from three for this MSU team (and really all basketball teams) will make them nearly impossible to guard. This year, Denzel Valentine should see most of his time at SG. He is a tall player known for his play making ability. He is the teams future point. He had some boneheaded plays in the exhibition, but looked like he belonged as well. For Michigan here I have a 3 way battle between two true freshman and a 4th year senior. Vogrich might get the start early on in the season as Beilein turns to his experience, perimeter shooting and defensive hustle. I expect him to give way to Stauskas at some point. I'm massively high on the canadian prospect as I think he'll be Jon Diebler 2.0. He can simply shoot the basketball. Levert has come in for a lot of praise throughout the preseason and could be a guy who surprises with athleticism on the wing.
Despite how high I am on Stauskas I truly believe Gary Harris is an NBA player within 2 years. While most of the talent here for both teams will be true freshman I believe MSU has the edge at the top with the best player among all the SG's on both teams.
Edge: MSU
SF: Brenden Dawson/Brandon Kearney/ Russell Byrd vs Tim Hardaway Jr/Glenn Robinson III
Dawson was really coming into his own late in the season before suffering an injury. He returns as MSU's go to wing player. He'll likely see minutes at the 4 as well. Along with that Dawson should lead the team in scoring. I would not be surprised if it is over 20 points per game. He is wildly athletic around the court and his ability so snatch up rebounds will get him a lot of cheap buckets. If he happens to develop a 15 footer, look out. Kearney will play mostly as a defensive specialist. He still is exceptionally lanky. Kearney could score in high school and that did not show last year. Brandon may have the go ahead to start slashing to the hoop. That would go a long way towards helping the sub team. As previously mentioned, Bryd should see some PT here as well. Tim Hardaway enters his Jr season (see what I did there?) after having a bit of a Sophomore slump last year. Hardaway's efficiency really decreased as he took on a go-to scorer's role. Tim remains one of the more talented 3's in the entire Big Ten and comes back with more talent around him than he's ever had while at Michigan.
It's difficult to compare these players as Hardaway is a slasher, scorer and shooting while Dawson is dunker and rebounder. Dawson in transition is like Spartan basketball porn while Hardaway is as good as any SF in the country when his 3 pointers are falling.
Edge: MSU (slight and depending on the health of Dawson)
PF: Glenn Robinson III/Mitch McGary/Max Beifeldt vs Adreian Payne/Alex Gauna/Kenny Kaminski
Where Gary Harris is MSU's recruiting gem, I truly believe Glenn Robinson III is that guy for Michigan. Michigan hasn't seen a guy with Robinson's athletic ability since Brent Petway and that is a bad comparison because Robinson can actually play basketball. I think Robinson has the best chance of any Wolverine to be a superstar and a lottery pick in the NBA. It may take him a little bit to earn all that lofty praise I'm giving him but all indications are that he's a special talent. Mitch McGary was the #2 prospect in the entire nation at one point last season before taking a plummet to the 4 star/5 star fringe. He comes in as a high energy player who will provide rebounding and a spark in the hustle department. I expect him to earn minutes as the year goes on and to play a lot when/if Michigan goes "big".
With Payne at PF, and Nix at center, MSU will struggle to
guard a lot of larger 4 spot players on a given night. Payne, has
been able to get the best of some low post players, (think every OSU game last
year) but has also been boxed out by similar players. Payne has
been a bit of a head scratcher for me. He was a 5 star recruit that never
seemed to developed a low post move. If Payne spent his summer working on
a 6 foot jumper and a hook shot, wed be walking into the national championship
game. Unfortunately, after watching the first exhibition game, it appears Payne
left off from last year. Payne has a lot of ability in an uptempo game,
but once it becomes half court, he seems to over think it. What can make
up for that though is if Payne is constantly crashing the boards and running
down the floor. We need is length and athleticism. Guana is nearly
the exact opposite. Guana can hit jump shots but seems to always miss the
rebound right next him. Alex is also half the athlete as Payne but
appears to have twice the post moves. Gauna looked good in the
first exhibition game, that was promising.
Edge: Michigan (though unproven) I will go ahead an disagree with
this. Solely because none of your players have played college
basketball before. And Payne isn't dog food. Edge MSU.
(just do this ALLLL the time)
C: Jordan Morgan/Jon Horford vs Derrick Nix/Matt Costello
Derrick Nix returns to anchor the Spartans in the middle. Nix has had problems on the defensive end and with weight issues throughout his career but he can really score the basketball. When he's on his game he's one of the better low post scorers in the B1G. (Nix and Payne are mostly interchangeable between the 4 and 5, depending on the team. They will both play both at times.)
Jordan Morgan enters his reds
hirt Junior season after two very productive years. Morgan isn't the type of guy who you give the ball to on a regular basis to provide offense but he gets points in transition, does a good job on the glass and shoots a very high percentage. Before his injury last season Jon Horford was usurping Morgan's minutes and seems to have the higher upside of the two. Expect both to be significant contributors this season and hold down the center spot well for Michigan. Mitch McGary could also see time at the 5 spot. Michigan also has Blake McClimans.
Edge: Even
These seem like pretty even squads. Let's take a look at the statistics from last season:
PPG:
OPPG:
Rebounding Margin:
Turnovers:
By possession metrics:
Michigan got bigger and more athletic and should see a benefit in their rebounding numbers but may also see a drop in the 3 point shooting %.
MSU loses a great star in Draymond Green and will need to find players to create offense and fill the leadership vacuum left by his departure. As is typically true of Izzo coached teams I expect this year's Spartans may start a little slowly due to the new faces and distribution of offensive possessions but should round into form by B1G play and be ready to make a run in March.
Both teams should compete with Indiana and Ohio State for the B1G championship and I've learned to never count out Bo Ryan's Badgers.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Reduce Reuse Recycle Recap
Finally a win. A win that MSU closed out. That was nice to see. I thought the MSU offense played well enough. Obviously, it was not a great offensive show, but they were able to move the ball at times before ultimately doing something boneheaded. Joe Rexode touches on that with his Monday Mail Bag.
-I watched a good portion of the PSU/OSU game. PSU played a solid game, but seemed to abandon the run game. I think that ultimately did them in. Not sure if Belton was injured or what. Braxton was impressive in tearing apart a very good PSU defense. That just might show how good the MSU defense actually is more than any other stat.
-From there, it was time to watch the um/Nebraska game. I got to tell Pat about Denard's injury over the phone, that was about the most gratifying thing I have got to do this football season. Without Robinson, um was punchless. The game wasn't really interesting outside of a few drives and seeing what um could do without Denard. um fans will be pleased to know that Robinson will be the starter this weekend.
-To close out the game, Maxwell made one great pass after another and Bell was able to bounce around for 4-6 yard gains. I think that our receivers may have finally turned a corner. There was no Burbridge in this game, but that's OK. Fowler is the man, and he showed it at times in this game. Also, Lippet showed why I have been so high on him, from his sky high grab to his juke to the one yard line. Personally, I really enjoyed seeing Thomas get some open field to run in. A fumble certainly wasn't pleasant, but man, I would not want to tackle him. The defense was really stout in this game as well. MSU was able to hold Wisconsin to 19 yards rushing (net) and 190 yards total. Gholston finally had a game that MSU has needed all year with 4.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Along with that, one hit knocked Wisconsin quarterback Joel Stave out of for the season with a broken clavicle.
I still don't think that the Wisconsin defense is that great. One play in particular stuck out in my head on a pass deflection to a mostly wide open Bell. Other than that, I think MSU mostly killed their own drives. Don't get me wrong, they are a good defense, but the B1G features a handful of better defense's.
Next week MSU has Nebraska at home. A game I will be at. Maybe I can get some pictures from the game and any sort of EL related activities I do on here. Sound good?
-I watched a good portion of the PSU/OSU game. PSU played a solid game, but seemed to abandon the run game. I think that ultimately did them in. Not sure if Belton was injured or what. Braxton was impressive in tearing apart a very good PSU defense. That just might show how good the MSU defense actually is more than any other stat.
-From there, it was time to watch the um/Nebraska game. I got to tell Pat about Denard's injury over the phone, that was about the most gratifying thing I have got to do this football season. Without Robinson, um was punchless. The game wasn't really interesting outside of a few drives and seeing what um could do without Denard. um fans will be pleased to know that Robinson will be the starter this weekend.
-To close out the game, Maxwell made one great pass after another and Bell was able to bounce around for 4-6 yard gains. I think that our receivers may have finally turned a corner. There was no Burbridge in this game, but that's OK. Fowler is the man, and he showed it at times in this game. Also, Lippet showed why I have been so high on him, from his sky high grab to his juke to the one yard line. Personally, I really enjoyed seeing Thomas get some open field to run in. A fumble certainly wasn't pleasant, but man, I would not want to tackle him. The defense was really stout in this game as well. MSU was able to hold Wisconsin to 19 yards rushing (net) and 190 yards total. Gholston finally had a game that MSU has needed all year with 4.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Along with that, one hit knocked Wisconsin quarterback Joel Stave out of for the season with a broken clavicle.
This play below, I remember seeing and screaming at the T.V. It did not get called.
(mary langenfeld, uspresswire. via twitter of chris vannini)
Next week MSU has Nebraska at home. A game I will be at. Maybe I can get some pictures from the game and any sort of EL related activities I do on here. Sound good?
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Singing Tough - A Prediction
As Pat noted in the comments, I forgot to get my preview up. Blame it on the rain. Or staying out way later than anticipated. Today MSU is playing in a game labeled as a rivalry. However, MSU and Wisconsin will not meet again for 4 years, unless they are in the B1G championship game.
OFFENSE: Same story different day. Just like every game I say, MSU needs to get the ball early and score on that first drive. The crowd in Wisconsin is gonna be as loud as they have been all year. Halloween weekend. I do not see Bell having a good game in this one. But MSU will look to get him going early and too often. MSU will need to go airborne to win this game and score points. I like the matchups our receivers have against the Wisconsin secondary. Wisconsin has not been too impressive defensively and Maxwell should look to get Sims going early. Can our re-re-re-re-re-revamped line hang tough?
(the new starting offensive line)
OFFENSE: Same story different day. Just like every game I say, MSU needs to get the ball early and score on that first drive. The crowd in Wisconsin is gonna be as loud as they have been all year. Halloween weekend. I do not see Bell having a good game in this one. But MSU will look to get him going early and too often. MSU will need to go airborne to win this game and score points. I like the matchups our receivers have against the Wisconsin secondary. Wisconsin has not been too impressive defensively and Maxwell should look to get Sims going early. Can our re-re-re-re-re-revamped line hang tough?
(the new starting offensive line)
DEFENSE: L-I-V-I-N that's what our defense needs to do. Just keep on keeping on. Whatever else you can say. There have been some writings about the defense, that there is potential for a divided locker room. With the defense playing so well and the offense playing so poorly. I don't see that happening, and I don't see the defense letting up. Gholston will play his best game of the year and our defense will do a good job of limiting Montee Ball.
PREDICTION: The story here isn't how well our defense can play it's how many points can our offense score? Right now, there is no reason to believe they will score any points. Call it 20-13 Wisconsin.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Links for Zelda
Sorry, I couldnt think of a better way to name this post. Still not in the mood for a full post, but expect my Wiscon prediction tomorrow. Here are some MSU related links:
Recruiting: Ex-Michigan commit David Dawson likely to visit Michigan State
-Seems like a solid recruit, would be nice if he came to MSU. Pat, do you have any insight as to why he decommitted?
Michigan State 'better be ready to play every game' to reach a bowl
-My sentiments exactly.
Michigan State, Wisconsin rivalry still strong
-Would we call this a rivalry at this point? Will it still be one if they thump us by 2 scores?
Michigan State hope Dion Sims can lift struggling offense From The Detroit News
-We could have used Dion last week. We did look a lot better throwing the ball without him though.
MSU's Max Bullough nominated for Butkus Award as nation's top linebacker From The Detroit News:
-I still cannot believe he played for Traverse City St. Francis. I know Pat wants him to leave early.
Game Week Q&A: Bucky's 5th Quarter
-Chris Vannini and TOC have a little Q&A with their partner Wisconsin blog.
Enjoy your Thursday everyone, hopefully the Tigers even it up tonight.
Recruiting: Ex-Michigan commit David Dawson likely to visit Michigan State
-Seems like a solid recruit, would be nice if he came to MSU. Pat, do you have any insight as to why he decommitted?
Michigan State 'better be ready to play every game' to reach a bowl
-My sentiments exactly.
Michigan State, Wisconsin rivalry still strong
-Would we call this a rivalry at this point? Will it still be one if they thump us by 2 scores?
Michigan State hope Dion Sims can lift struggling offense From The Detroit News
-We could have used Dion last week. We did look a lot better throwing the ball without him though.
MSU's Max Bullough nominated for Butkus Award as nation's top linebacker From The Detroit News:
-I still cannot believe he played for Traverse City St. Francis. I know Pat wants him to leave early.
Game Week Q&A: Bucky's 5th Quarter
-Chris Vannini and TOC have a little Q&A with their partner Wisconsin blog.
Enjoy your Thursday everyone, hopefully the Tigers even it up tonight.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Recalibrate
Often times following a football game a few sayings get thrown around. The game may have been "closer than the final score" or "not as close as the score indicated". Michigan's 12-10 victory was exactly as ugly and hard fought as the score indicated. Both teams had chances to win and Michigan made the plays in the last five minutes to win the game. Heading into the season we reviewed these teams as being very evenly matched and coming out of their showdown it appears they were evenly matched indeed. Michigan State's defense has what it takes to hold down Denard Robinson but this season Denard hard what it took to do just enough to win the ballgame.
Some game wrapping thoughts:
Our esteemed commenter Trivialstuff made this little comment:
This rivalry should only continue to heat up from here for the next few seasons. There aren't any blowouts on the horizon in the near future.
Other than ending the Spartans season in October, this victory means a lot for Michigan for the rest of the 2012. Heading into the season most pundits had Michigan State pegged as the favorites to win the Big Ten championship. Following Michigan's 12-10 victory on Saturday those expectations are recalibrated and the Wolverines are now the clear favorites to win the Legends division. (Wisconsin is probably the Vegas favorite to win the B1G as they are virtually already locked into the title game) Michigan moves on to a game in Lincoln this week that will be extremely tough while the Spartans have to travel to Madison to face a rapidly improving Badger squad. The Spartans will be trying to right the ship and move a game closer to becoming bowl eligible while the Wolverines will be looking to take a commanding position in the Legends race. It's another big weekend in college football.
After 8 weeks here's how things stand in the B1G:
1. Ohio State - I'm tempted to move them down after they keep squeaking by marginal teams. It's going to catch up with them soon with a loss. Their defense appears to be extremely down from Ohio State defenses of old.
2. Michigan - The leader of the Legends. Undefeated in B1G play. This week may be the last obstacle to get by to ensure a trip to Indy.
3. Penn State - I won't ignore you any longer Nittany Lions. Impressive beatdown of the Hawkeyes at Kinnick. Hosting OSU this week in what promises to be their best chance for a statement victory in 2012.
4. Nebraska - Can vault up to #2 on this list with a victory at home on Saturday. Taylor Martinez is playing well (especially at home) but the Blackshirt defenses is a sieve. If they could stop anyone they could be the class of the B1G.
5. Wisconsin - All of a sudden the loss to Oregon State doesn't look so bad. Maybe Wisconsin played the Big Ten's 2nd toughest non conference schedule. Badgers are back in familiar territory leading the Leaders division. They'll be trying to improve each week before their inevitable Rose Bowl play-in game in Indianapolis.
6. Northwestern - Led by double digits in the 4th quarter in losses to Penn State and Nebraska. This team will be in a battle in every game they play.
7. Michigan State - Sitting at 4-4 it's difficult to find a place for the Spartans but their only truly disappointing loss was at home to Iowa. Otherwise they have suffered heartbreaking close losses to good teams. ND is #5. OSU in the top 15 and Michigan moving up the BCS standings. A pretty good team with a much worse record than the last two seasons.
8. Iowa - I don't think these guys are very good, especially without Mark Weisman.
9. Minneosta - Will be clawing to win a couple games for a bowl berth in year 2 of the Jerry Kill era.
10. Purdue - Wasn't this team a supposed B1G title contender 3 weeks ago?
11. Indiana - Much improved from last year but not improved enough to beat any B1G teams yet.
12. Illinois - You fire Ron Zook and appear to be a more poorly coached team the following season. Not a good time to be an Illini fan.
 |
| This is Michigan. |
- Is Max Bullough getting NFL buzz yet? Meaning, can he please leave for the NFL after this season? Despite the hype surrounding William Gholston and Johnny Adams coming into the season, Bullough is clearly the best player on the Michigan State defense.
- Burbridge, as a true freshman, is one of the most dangerous wideouts in the B1G. I'm terrified of what he's going to do the next two seasons before he's off to the NFL after his junior year.
- Great call on the fake punt by Dantonio. Michigan never does much on punt returns anyway so there's really no excuse for giving up 40 yards there.
- 900 wins. 641 wins. You can guess the programs those belong to.
- Jake Ryan is better than William Gholston. In fact, this needs its own section...
Our esteemed commenter Trivialstuff made this little comment:
"Gholston needs to be more consistent, but UM doesn't have a guy with his ability to be disruptive when he is playing up to his potential". - Trivalstuff in AugustBeing a little more bullish on one particular Michigan defender I responded:
"I think Jake Ryan has the ability to as disruptive as Gholston. In fact I think they have had very similar careers to this point. Inconsistent seasons in 2011 culminating in a big performance in a bowl victory". - Pat in AugustAnd Tbone concluded:
"He may have the ability to be as disruptive at some point in his college life. but to this point they are very different. And even last year they were very different. Gholston has 70 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 5 sacks last year versus Ryan's 37 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. The big difference there is the total tackles. Gholston can get to the sideline and extend the Dline better than any defense end in the B1G.Would you trade the two straight up now? In this game Ryan had 10 tackles (8 solo), a forced fumble (MSU recovered) and a sack. I certainly would not trade Ryan for Gholston.
I would not trade the two straight up." - Tbone in August
This rivalry should only continue to heat up from here for the next few seasons. There aren't any blowouts on the horizon in the near future.
Other than ending the Spartans season in October, this victory means a lot for Michigan for the rest of the 2012. Heading into the season most pundits had Michigan State pegged as the favorites to win the Big Ten championship. Following Michigan's 12-10 victory on Saturday those expectations are recalibrated and the Wolverines are now the clear favorites to win the Legends division. (Wisconsin is probably the Vegas favorite to win the B1G as they are virtually already locked into the title game) Michigan moves on to a game in Lincoln this week that will be extremely tough while the Spartans have to travel to Madison to face a rapidly improving Badger squad. The Spartans will be trying to right the ship and move a game closer to becoming bowl eligible while the Wolverines will be looking to take a commanding position in the Legends race. It's another big weekend in college football.
After 8 weeks here's how things stand in the B1G:
1. Ohio State - I'm tempted to move them down after they keep squeaking by marginal teams. It's going to catch up with them soon with a loss. Their defense appears to be extremely down from Ohio State defenses of old.
2. Michigan - The leader of the Legends. Undefeated in B1G play. This week may be the last obstacle to get by to ensure a trip to Indy.
3. Penn State - I won't ignore you any longer Nittany Lions. Impressive beatdown of the Hawkeyes at Kinnick. Hosting OSU this week in what promises to be their best chance for a statement victory in 2012.
4. Nebraska - Can vault up to #2 on this list with a victory at home on Saturday. Taylor Martinez is playing well (especially at home) but the Blackshirt defenses is a sieve. If they could stop anyone they could be the class of the B1G.
5. Wisconsin - All of a sudden the loss to Oregon State doesn't look so bad. Maybe Wisconsin played the Big Ten's 2nd toughest non conference schedule. Badgers are back in familiar territory leading the Leaders division. They'll be trying to improve each week before their inevitable Rose Bowl play-in game in Indianapolis.
6. Northwestern - Led by double digits in the 4th quarter in losses to Penn State and Nebraska. This team will be in a battle in every game they play.
7. Michigan State - Sitting at 4-4 it's difficult to find a place for the Spartans but their only truly disappointing loss was at home to Iowa. Otherwise they have suffered heartbreaking close losses to good teams. ND is #5. OSU in the top 15 and Michigan moving up the BCS standings. A pretty good team with a much worse record than the last two seasons.
8. Iowa - I don't think these guys are very good, especially without Mark Weisman.
9. Minneosta - Will be clawing to win a couple games for a bowl berth in year 2 of the Jerry Kill era.
10. Purdue - Wasn't this team a supposed B1G title contender 3 weeks ago?
11. Indiana - Much improved from last year but not improved enough to beat any B1G teams yet.
12. Illinois - You fire Ron Zook and appear to be a more poorly coached team the following season. Not a good time to be an Illini fan.
Monday, October 22, 2012
The State of State
Right now, I cannot even pretend to have anything to be happy about for the Spartans. OK...OK, I can be happy about the defense. We have the best defense in the B1G. We hold the Michigan offense without a touchdown, and lose though. This makes me very sad. So where are our Spartans right now?
Well, to cover the obvious stuff, MSU is 4-4 overall and 1-3 in the conference. Winning out would put MSU at 8-4 and 5-3 in the conference. After the first half of the season ended, I projected this is where we would end up.
Right now, the offense is playing like a team that's uneven. At times our running game looks good, at time our passing game looks good, at times our blocking looks good. Rarely do they all synch up together. I will contribute a lot of this to the injured offensive line. The lack of continuity has made it hard to develop a pattern and trust in the trenches. I has been great at developing younger players though. So look out 2013! The line play dictates a lot of what you can do in the run game, Bell has managed a solid season with some highlight reel plays. He seems to get three yards every time he touches the ball. The problem is, he has not been gashing defenses for HUGE chunks of yards. This could be a product of being used too much. After injuring his knee against UM, Bell called to come out, he did not, got the ball for the next carry, and promptly stumbled after the handoff. We need Caper to get the ball sometimes. Lastly for offense, once the receivers starting dropping the ball nothing good could happen. Now that they are catching the ball and making athletic plays doing it, we might finally see some points scored.
A lot has been said about the defense and their inability to close out games. But when you hold teams to 12, 19, 16, you need to win those games. I don't care if you gave up one last drive at the end, you stopped plenty more before that. The worst thing I can see from this is that defense gives up its edge. MSU can rely on it's defense for only so long. I cannot find a lot of words for our defense, they have done a great job all year. A few more turnovers would be nice, but I will take so few touchdowns allowed.
Right now, MSU has a huge game looming against Wisconsin. This is the game where blocking, running and passing need to link up and show some muscle. After that we have Nebraska at home (which I will be at). Go 2-0 over these games and get to the bye (off?) week. To me, MSU is still a bowl team, it would be a real shame to not make one. So that is where MSU is right now, a lot of unbalanced performances from the offense, solid play from the defense, and a deflated blogger.
Well, to cover the obvious stuff, MSU is 4-4 overall and 1-3 in the conference. Winning out would put MSU at 8-4 and 5-3 in the conference. After the first half of the season ended, I projected this is where we would end up.
Right now, the offense is playing like a team that's uneven. At times our running game looks good, at time our passing game looks good, at times our blocking looks good. Rarely do they all synch up together. I will contribute a lot of this to the injured offensive line. The lack of continuity has made it hard to develop a pattern and trust in the trenches. I has been great at developing younger players though. So look out 2013! The line play dictates a lot of what you can do in the run game, Bell has managed a solid season with some highlight reel plays. He seems to get three yards every time he touches the ball. The problem is, he has not been gashing defenses for HUGE chunks of yards. This could be a product of being used too much. After injuring his knee against UM, Bell called to come out, he did not, got the ball for the next carry, and promptly stumbled after the handoff. We need Caper to get the ball sometimes. Lastly for offense, once the receivers starting dropping the ball nothing good could happen. Now that they are catching the ball and making athletic plays doing it, we might finally see some points scored.
A lot has been said about the defense and their inability to close out games. But when you hold teams to 12, 19, 16, you need to win those games. I don't care if you gave up one last drive at the end, you stopped plenty more before that. The worst thing I can see from this is that defense gives up its edge. MSU can rely on it's defense for only so long. I cannot find a lot of words for our defense, they have done a great job all year. A few more turnovers would be nice, but I will take so few touchdowns allowed.
Right now, MSU has a huge game looming against Wisconsin. This is the game where blocking, running and passing need to link up and show some muscle. After that we have Nebraska at home (which I will be at). Go 2-0 over these games and get to the bye (off?) week. To me, MSU is still a bowl team, it would be a real shame to not make one. So that is where MSU is right now, a lot of unbalanced performances from the offense, solid play from the defense, and a deflated blogger.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
It Was Time
Boop.
There's always basketball season 'lil bro...
Might have some real thoughts when it's not 2:30 in the morning but for now let's enjoy the Brendan Gibbons background and the sweet taste of victory washed down with Spartan tears.
There's always basketball season 'lil bro...
Might have some real thoughts when it's not 2:30 in the morning but for now let's enjoy the Brendan Gibbons background and the sweet taste of victory washed down with Spartan tears.
Friday, October 19, 2012
MSU/um Prediction
So here we are. The Apex of hate week, or is this the down fall? Or is the game the Apex? I'm not sure, regardless tomorrow, tomorrow is the day. House vs. House. Brother vs. Sister. Blogger vs. Blogger. After Saturday, there will be a new background here on the blog as Pat and I have an going wager that the blogger winner gets to pick the new background. I don't want to lose this.
OFFENSE: Well, where to begin. First of all, we need to score. That is probably the biggest thing for MSU, but how do we get there? Bell needs to get going and he needs to get going early. MSU has no room for error early in the game. This um fan base is rabid for a win over MSU, that way they can wave it in our face and say things in an East Coast accent. The whole of the MSU offense needs to have a stellar game. The offensive line needs to block, the receivers to need to be crisp and fast, and our running backs need to be bruising. Up front is where this game will be decided. The MSU line is depleted and has been performing that way. um will look to get in and attack Maxwell, so the line needs to perform. With that, I do expect MSU to put together some drives to start, with Burbridge coming ready and Caper providing a nice option for Maxwell in the pass game out of the backfield.
DEFENSE: So far, the MSU defense has played well. If our offense kicks a field goal in the games against OSU and Iowa, we likely win. The last two games against michigan, the MSU defense has been able to limit Denard. Pat calls them the worst games Denard has ever played. I guess he forgets about Notre Dame and Alabama this year. However, that is the key to beat um. Limit the plays the Denard is making. In the past, Norman has been very successful in beating Denard to the edge and, when needed, getting into coverage across the middle. This year, Norman appears to have bulked up and lost a step, losing a lot of playing time to Taiwan Jones. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but is still the key. We need our outside linebackers to be able to bottle up the rushers and defend against those short passes that make a drive. Opportunities for Denard to throw the ball down field will be there, it would be foolish for this offense to not take its chances. The front 7 needs to make Denard uncomfortable in the pocket, keep him guessing as to where to run, where to throw. Like the offense, the Defense needs to be flawless. If there is an opportunity for the interception, there cannot be a drop. When tackling, an arm tackle will not work.
PREDICTION: So far, I have predicted MSU to win every game this year. Do you see a pattern? I like our chances, in this game, but I like our chances in every game. With this defense how could you not like our chances? However, with this offense how can you ever pick for us? Currently michigan is a 10 point favorite. Is that too high? I fully expect the um offense and defense to come hyped for this game. michigan will likely have its first lively crowd since 90's. As I mentioned, MSU needs to get into this early. Now is the time to shake off the slow starts and silence this um crowd. Let our friends over in ann arbor know that we own this State now. Look for these teams to throw a few punches early before settling into a groove. However, this MSU offense is not nearly good enough to score enough points to win. I am gonna call this one: 24-20 um.
OFFENSE: Well, where to begin. First of all, we need to score. That is probably the biggest thing for MSU, but how do we get there? Bell needs to get going and he needs to get going early. MSU has no room for error early in the game. This um fan base is rabid for a win over MSU, that way they can wave it in our face and say things in an East Coast accent. The whole of the MSU offense needs to have a stellar game. The offensive line needs to block, the receivers to need to be crisp and fast, and our running backs need to be bruising. Up front is where this game will be decided. The MSU line is depleted and has been performing that way. um will look to get in and attack Maxwell, so the line needs to perform. With that, I do expect MSU to put together some drives to start, with Burbridge coming ready and Caper providing a nice option for Maxwell in the pass game out of the backfield.
DEFENSE: So far, the MSU defense has played well. If our offense kicks a field goal in the games against OSU and Iowa, we likely win. The last two games against michigan, the MSU defense has been able to limit Denard. Pat calls them the worst games Denard has ever played. I guess he forgets about Notre Dame and Alabama this year. However, that is the key to beat um. Limit the plays the Denard is making. In the past, Norman has been very successful in beating Denard to the edge and, when needed, getting into coverage across the middle. This year, Norman appears to have bulked up and lost a step, losing a lot of playing time to Taiwan Jones. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but is still the key. We need our outside linebackers to be able to bottle up the rushers and defend against those short passes that make a drive. Opportunities for Denard to throw the ball down field will be there, it would be foolish for this offense to not take its chances. The front 7 needs to make Denard uncomfortable in the pocket, keep him guessing as to where to run, where to throw. Like the offense, the Defense needs to be flawless. If there is an opportunity for the interception, there cannot be a drop. When tackling, an arm tackle will not work.
PREDICTION: So far, I have predicted MSU to win every game this year. Do you see a pattern? I like our chances, in this game, but I like our chances in every game. With this defense how could you not like our chances? However, with this offense how can you ever pick for us? Currently michigan is a 10 point favorite. Is that too high? I fully expect the um offense and defense to come hyped for this game. michigan will likely have its first lively crowd since 90's. As I mentioned, MSU needs to get into this early. Now is the time to shake off the slow starts and silence this um crowd. Let our friends over in ann arbor know that we own this State now. Look for these teams to throw a few punches early before settling into a groove. However, this MSU offense is not nearly good enough to score enough points to win. I am gonna call this one: 24-20 um.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Q/A with Chris Vannini
Pat learned so much in school at Michigan that I have to post for him.
Here is a Q/A with Chris Vannini, the managing editor of the MSU blog The Only Colors. You can follow Chris on twitter at @chrisvannini
Below, Pat's questions for Chris will be in bold/blue.
5 serious questions concerning Saturday:
1. Last season Michigan State had some injury issues on the offensive line and I believe ended up starting either former walk-ons or guys who recently switched over from the defensive line. While the line had some issues early in the season things seemed to really come together as the year went on (especially in the Michigan game) I went into the game last year thinking MSU's Oline was a train wreck only to watch them dominate the line of scrimmage against a pretty stout Michigan defensive line. Can they do that again or are the issues this season much worse than last year?
Here is a Q/A with Chris Vannini, the managing editor of the MSU blog The Only Colors. You can follow Chris on twitter at @chrisvannini
Below, Pat's questions for Chris will be in bold/blue.
5 serious questions concerning Saturday:
1. Last season Michigan State had some injury issues on the offensive line and I believe ended up starting either former walk-ons or guys who recently switched over from the defensive line. While the line had some issues early in the season things seemed to really come together as the year went on (especially in the Michigan game) I went into the game last year thinking MSU's Oline was a train wreck only to watch them dominate the line of scrimmage against a pretty stout Michigan defensive line. Can they do that again or are the issues this season much worse than last year?
It's hard to tell. This year's team has lost the
top two linemen in center Travis Jackson and right tackle Fou Fonoti,
and struggled mightily against Notre Dame and Ohio State. They even had
problems against Eastern Michigan and Indiana. They seem to be getting a
little bit better overall, having a decent, but not great, performance
against Iowa. Based on what I've seen, Michigan's defensive line has
gotten close to where it was last year, while the linebackers are a lot
better. If MSU wants to spring any big runs, they're going to need to
get some blocks in the second level, something they've struggled to do
this year.
2. The Spartans have faced Denard Robinson as the starter twice in his career and twice he has played arguably his worst game of the season against Michigan State. For all his stats and accomplishments, is Denard Robinson overrated?
2. The Spartans have faced Denard Robinson as the starter twice in his career and twice he has played arguably his worst game of the season against Michigan State. For all his stats and accomplishments, is Denard Robinson overrated?
He's not overrated, at least not in my opinion. That
may be because I haven't considered him a legitimate Heisman candidate
outside of the start in 2010. That said, he is what makes college
football great. So many different schemes, types of players and whatnot.
The NFL is basically the same bland stuff (which is why Michael Vick is
overrated). College football is full of variety, and it's always fun to
see competing ideals and strategies face off. Denard Robinson won't be a
quarterback in the NFL. That doesn't mean he's not a good college
quarterback. He picks up yards and wins games (mostly without any help).
Yeah, he has struggled against most of the best opponents he has
played, but that's the case with many players. MSU rarely runs the ball
well in its big games. He is what he is. He's electrifying,
he's frustrating, but he's what college football is all about.
3. Other than the emphasis placed on the rivalry by the coaching staff, is there a schematic reason Dantonio has been so successful against Michigan? And as a follow up to question #2, is there a schematic (or other) reason that Pat Narduzzi's defense has owned Denard and Michigan's offense the previous two seasons?
3. Other than the emphasis placed on the rivalry by the coaching staff, is there a schematic reason Dantonio has been so successful against Michigan? And as a follow up to question #2, is there a schematic (or other) reason that Pat Narduzzi's defense has owned Denard and Michigan's offense the previous two seasons?
The blueprints to stop Denard Robinson are there,
but only a few teams have the personnel to get away with them. Alabama
sat back and let Denard use his arm, while MSU puts him under tremendous
pressure. It's schematic, but only because they have the players to do
it. Most teams can't get away with what MSU or Alabama do on defense.
Pat Narduzzi's first few defenses at MSU were really bad, but once he
got his players in, they fit the bill, and the schemes that seemed so
bad now seem so good. There certainly are weakness. There are no perfect
defenses, but with a limited offense like Michigan's, you can cover up
the holes easier.
4. Cracks in the D...while the overall numbers look good it seems like MSU's defense has had difficulties making the key play or stop in the 4th quarter. While there might be a few explanations (maybe they are on the field longer and for more possessions due to the offensive ineptitude?) is there an issue with the defense? As it pertains to this Saturday, do you believe MSU's defense is better, the same, or worse than the version last season that faced the Wolverines?
4. Cracks in the D...while the overall numbers look good it seems like MSU's defense has had difficulties making the key play or stop in the 4th quarter. While there might be a few explanations (maybe they are on the field longer and for more possessions due to the offensive ineptitude?) is there an issue with the defense? As it pertains to this Saturday, do you believe MSU's defense is better, the same, or worse than the version last season that faced the Wolverines?
I'm in the camp that isn't putting much heat on this
group. They're actually giving up fewer yards and points than a year
ago, although obviously the opposition is weaker. They've given up
second-half leads to Ohio State and Iowa, but allowing 17 and 13 points
in regulation, respectively, should be enough to win. If MSU has just an
average offense, the few mistakes on defense aren't as noticed.
The defense isn't as good as last year, no. It's for
a variety of reasons (and I don't think "press clippings" are one of
them). Other teams have figured out how to scheme against Narduzzi (like
you would with anything you see every year), the pass rush isn't nearly
as good, and the blitzes are getting picked up more. The rush from the
line has been slow to develop, as Jerel Worthy isn't there to blow up a
play before it starts. Still, this is a top-10 defense in the country.
That's plenty good enough. They need help.
5. Is MSU is capable of beating Michigan on Saturday if they don't win the turnover battle?
Sure, as long as it's a close difference. If one of the
turnovers is in your own red zone or a pick-six or something, that
obviously will go a long way toward a victory. They can win without a
turnover edge, but they just can't be crippling turnovers. I don't think
it will be a high-scoring one. Iowa's turnover last week on their side
of the field lead to a TD, while MSU's turnover ended the game. So it's
all about the context. That seems like a simple answer, because it is.
And 3 fun questions about the rivalry in general:
1. Throughout your Spartan fandom and when it comes to playing Michigan, which loss was the most crushing?
3. Would you trade winning the B1G for beating Michigan? Or put another way, how much does the success of every season hinge on the game with the Wolverines?
No way. Times have changed. The days of a win over U-M making
the season are long gone. That's because the expectations have changed.
MSU expects to make a good bowl game, expects to compete for the Big Ten
championship and expects to be right there with Michigan every year.
It's certainly treated unlike any other game, but in the last two years,
you celebrate the win, then move on and continue fighting for a Big Ten
championship. Their hopes of winning the Big Ten are all but dashed
this year, but the U-M game can still be a turning point toward a decent
season. A win Saturday wouldn't make up for the three losses already,
but the hope is it would help right the ship.
5. Is MSU is capable of beating Michigan on Saturday if they don't win the turnover battle?
And 3 fun questions about the rivalry in general:
1. Throughout your Spartan fandom and when it comes to playing Michigan, which loss was the most crushing?
I have to admit, I was a U-M fan growing up until
high school. I didn't have a real reason for it, but I grew up in
suburban Detroit, and that's just what everyone was back then. I started
to switch when I realized I wanted to go into writing, and U-M didn't
have a journalism school. To my surprise, U-M didn't admit me anyway,
and that made my college choice much easier. (Long story as to why I
wasn't admitted, but I don't need to get into it. Ended up being the
best thing to happen to me). So my choices on this are limited to one
game: 2007, my freshman year.
That had been a frustrating year with all the close
losses, an you began to wonder how much different the Mark Dantonio era
would be from JLS. We obviously all know what happened that night. After
MSU went up by 10, I told the guy in front of me to double Mario
Manningham all night. Don't let him pull a Braylon. He sorta did, and
then all the stuff afterward. After not getting into the school (even if
I wasn't going to go anyway), it was a punch in the gut. I had some U-M
friends, they let me have it, and that might have been my christening
as a Spartan fan. Still the worst loss I've gone through. What Mark
Dantonio had to say in the next few days showed me that things weren't
going to continue the way they were. And he was right.
2. Which Victory over the Wolverines has tasted the sweetest?
2. Which Victory over the Wolverines has tasted the sweetest?
It's
close between 2008 and 2010, but I'm going to go with 2010 because of
the hype leading up to it. Breaking the losing streak in 08 was more a
sense of relief than anything. In 2010, with the Denard Robinson Heisman
talk and the "Michigan's back" blah blah blah stuff, shutting people up
was definitely the sweetest victory. I was sitting next to a major
douchebag at that one, and when he left after the third quarter, the
party began. We were surrounded by mostly MSU fans, so we had some fun
with cheers and taunts and everything. An old lady called me the best
fan of the game. So that was cool.
3. Would you trade winning the B1G for beating Michigan? Or put another way, how much does the success of every season hinge on the game with the Wolverines?
Michigan Wins
Because:
- This is Michigan fergodsakes
- Big brothers everywhere will not stand for five in a row
- Sparty No!
- Michigan tradition > MSU "tradition" Just saying the phrase MSU tradition is lol comical.
- Michigan fans > Moo U fans. Call us Walmart all you like but at least we will attend games.
- Aggies ha
- Winged helmets, The Victors and The Big House vs. a cartoon mascot and the movie 300.
- Mark Dantonio embodies the Sparty inferiority complex
- Brady Hoke is a true Michigan man and those dudes stomp Sparty skulls
- Finally Kirk Cousins is gone, maybe the greatest Spartan football player of my lifetime and a guy who was very difficult to dislike. Now it's guys like William Golston leading those thugs. He's the anti-Cousins. Easy to hate that guy.
- Taylor Lewan owned Golston last year anyway.
- If we have tornado winds in the Big House this year there won't be trash flying all over the place because Michigan's stadium isn't a landfill like Spartan Stadium. Crazy that so few fans can produce so much trash. Srsly Spartans, go to WALMART and buy some trash bags you slobs.
- Ann Arbor > East Lansing
- Menna's takes too long to deliver at 2:30am
- Arrogance is a learned behavior that emanates from being the winningest program of all time. Bitching about the arrogance of your big brother is a conditioned response to losing so damn much.
- Even our basketball program is ranked higher than yours HALOL
- How many Michigan graduates were accepted to MSU? Answer: all that applied.
- Oh yeah it's a football game we're talking about. We are better at football than you this year.
- Your defense was overrated coming into the season.
- Your offense was MASSIVELY overrated coming into the season. Your offensive line is like Indiana level bad.
- You lost at home to Iowa. They lost at home to Central Michigan.
- We have the best runner in the BIG. Mr Denard Robinson.
- Jake Ryan is the best defensive player in the game.
- >100,000 is no big deal to us but Maxwell might pee.
- It is time.
24-13 Michigan
- This is Michigan fergodsakes
- Big brothers everywhere will not stand for five in a row
- Sparty No!
- Michigan tradition > MSU "tradition" Just saying the phrase MSU tradition is lol comical.
- Michigan fans > Moo U fans. Call us Walmart all you like but at least we will attend games.
- Aggies ha
- Winged helmets, The Victors and The Big House vs. a cartoon mascot and the movie 300.
- Mark Dantonio embodies the Sparty inferiority complex
- Brady Hoke is a true Michigan man and those dudes stomp Sparty skulls
- Finally Kirk Cousins is gone, maybe the greatest Spartan football player of my lifetime and a guy who was very difficult to dislike. Now it's guys like William Golston leading those thugs. He's the anti-Cousins. Easy to hate that guy.
- Taylor Lewan owned Golston last year anyway.
- If we have tornado winds in the Big House this year there won't be trash flying all over the place because Michigan's stadium isn't a landfill like Spartan Stadium. Crazy that so few fans can produce so much trash. Srsly Spartans, go to WALMART and buy some trash bags you slobs.
- Ann Arbor > East Lansing
- Menna's takes too long to deliver at 2:30am
- Arrogance is a learned behavior that emanates from being the winningest program of all time. Bitching about the arrogance of your big brother is a conditioned response to losing so damn much.
- Even our basketball program is ranked higher than yours HALOL
- How many Michigan graduates were accepted to MSU? Answer: all that applied.
- Oh yeah it's a football game we're talking about. We are better at football than you this year.
- Your defense was overrated coming into the season.
- Your offense was MASSIVELY overrated coming into the season. Your offensive line is like Indiana level bad.
- You lost at home to Iowa. They lost at home to Central Michigan.
- We have the best runner in the BIG. Mr Denard Robinson.
- Jake Ryan is the best defensive player in the game.
- >100,000 is no big deal to us but Maxwell might pee.
- It is time.
24-13 Michigan
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
The Facts: Statistics
Michigan's Season to Date
4-2
vs Alabama 41-14 L
vs Air Force 31-25 W
vs Massachusetts 63-13 W
@Notre Dame 13-6 L
@Purdue 44-13 W
vs Illinois 45-0 W
Michigan State's Season to Date
4-3
vs Boise State 17-13 W
@Central Michigan 41-7 W
vs Notre Dame 20-3 L
vs Eastern Michigan 23-7 W
vs Ohio State 17-16 L
@Indiana 31-27 W
vs Iowa 19-16 L
Offense
Rushing O
Michigan: 17th (233)
Michigan State: 84th (144)
Passing O
Michigan: 104th (186)
Michigan State: 59th (236th)
Turnovers Lost
Michigan: 13
Michigan State: 8
Total O
Michigan: 55th (419)
Michigan State: 80th (380)
Scoring O
Michigan: 37th (34 points per game)
Michigan State: 102nd (21)
Defense
Rushing D
Michigan: 55th (148)
Michigan State: 8th (91)
Passing D
Michigan: 3rd (135)
Michigan State: 17th (179)
Turnovers Gained
Michigan: 10
Michigan State: 10
Total D
Michigan: 10th (283)
Michigan State: 7th (270)
Scoring D
Michigan: 23rd (18)
Michigan State: 14th (16)
When Michigan has the ball:
The #55 offense will be facing the #7th defense. This will be a battle of strength on strength as the #8 rush defense attempts to slow down the #17 rushing offense. MSU appears slightly more susceptible through the air while Michigan's offensive numbers in the passing game don't look so hot. Sparty hasn't been able to create many turnovers on D this year (10 in 7 games) while Denard gave Notre Dame the ball 5 times in one contest. This statistical battle points to the Spartans defense having an edge over the Wolverine offense.
When Michigan State has the ball:
The #80 offense will be facing the #10 defense. Michigan's defense boasts gaudy numbers in pass defense (probably helped playing Air Force who rarely threw the football) while the MSU offense is surprisingly worse in the run game (84th) than in the pass game (59th). Michigan has also been poor at creating turnovers on defense this year (only 10 through 6 games) and the Michigan State offense has done a relatively good job in this area only turning the ball over 8 times. This comparison shows a big advantage for the Michigan defense against the struggling Spartan offense.
Thoughts:
These stats look pretty good to a Michigan fan. The defenses appear to be about on the same level and Michigan's offense is clearly better statistically than the Sparty O. Turnovers are my biggest worry for Saturday. It's difficult to envision Michigan creating more than 1 or 2 and Denard scares me versus good defenses. If we get good Denard, the version who takes care of the football and doesn't try to make a play on every play, the guy who runs and runs and only throws it to wide open receivers, I don't see many scenarios working in the Spartans favor. Denard, however, hasn't proven that he can do this very consistently and thus we wait with bated breath.
4-2
vs Alabama 41-14 L
vs Air Force 31-25 W
vs Massachusetts 63-13 W
@Notre Dame 13-6 L
@Purdue 44-13 W
vs Illinois 45-0 W
Michigan State's Season to Date
4-3
vs Boise State 17-13 W
@Central Michigan 41-7 W
vs Notre Dame 20-3 L
vs Eastern Michigan 23-7 W
vs Ohio State 17-16 L
@Indiana 31-27 W
vs Iowa 19-16 L
Offense
Rushing O
Michigan: 17th (233)
Michigan State: 84th (144)
Passing O
Michigan: 104th (186)
Michigan State: 59th (236th)
Turnovers Lost
Michigan: 13
Michigan State: 8
Total O
Michigan: 55th (419)
Michigan State: 80th (380)
Scoring O
Michigan: 37th (34 points per game)
Michigan State: 102nd (21)
Defense
Rushing D
Michigan: 55th (148)
Michigan State: 8th (91)
Passing D
Michigan: 3rd (135)
Michigan State: 17th (179)
Turnovers Gained
Michigan: 10
Michigan State: 10
Total D
Michigan: 10th (283)
Michigan State: 7th (270)
Scoring D
Michigan: 23rd (18)
Michigan State: 14th (16)
When Michigan has the ball:
The #55 offense will be facing the #7th defense. This will be a battle of strength on strength as the #8 rush defense attempts to slow down the #17 rushing offense. MSU appears slightly more susceptible through the air while Michigan's offensive numbers in the passing game don't look so hot. Sparty hasn't been able to create many turnovers on D this year (10 in 7 games) while Denard gave Notre Dame the ball 5 times in one contest. This statistical battle points to the Spartans defense having an edge over the Wolverine offense.
When Michigan State has the ball:
The #80 offense will be facing the #10 defense. Michigan's defense boasts gaudy numbers in pass defense (probably helped playing Air Force who rarely threw the football) while the MSU offense is surprisingly worse in the run game (84th) than in the pass game (59th). Michigan has also been poor at creating turnovers on defense this year (only 10 through 6 games) and the Michigan State offense has done a relatively good job in this area only turning the ball over 8 times. This comparison shows a big advantage for the Michigan defense against the struggling Spartan offense.
Thoughts:
These stats look pretty good to a Michigan fan. The defenses appear to be about on the same level and Michigan's offense is clearly better statistically than the Sparty O. Turnovers are my biggest worry for Saturday. It's difficult to envision Michigan creating more than 1 or 2 and Denard scares me versus good defenses. If we get good Denard, the version who takes care of the football and doesn't try to make a play on every play, the guy who runs and runs and only throws it to wide open receivers, I don't see many scenarios working in the Spartans favor. Denard, however, hasn't proven that he can do this very consistently and thus we wait with bated breath.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Weekend Recap
So I didn't watch as much college football as I normally would with the Tigers playoff game against the Yankees. I did catch all of the Spartan game and did watch a portion of the UM game, until you know, it was apparent that game wasn't turning around for the Illini
- The Wolverines certainly appear to be the team to beat in Legends division. The offense is firing on all cylinders at this point after games against Purdue and Illinois. Even though those are not the strongest teams in the conference, these are the games you need to put points up in and get all the mojo going. Those previous two weeks were the perfect games leading up to the MSU game. Toussaint finally got going along with Robinson the pass game game looked solid enough and the confidence could not be higher for the Wolverines.
- On the other end of the spectrum are my Spartans. In a rain soaked game the Spartans managed a measly 16 points against an exceptionally mediocre, though leading the Legends division, Iowa Hawkeye team (back handed compliment of the week). I don't really have a lot to say but I will. Early on, Bell got moving pretty well, the defense looked like they were ready to play and the Spartan's appeared to be on their way to rolling the Hawkeyes. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Maxwell missed a few passes, one in particular was sailed over Burbridge in the endzone. Burbridge maybe could have done more to wiggle open, but without a doubt, had Maxwell thrown that ball into his body, that was a touchdown. Of course, there was the end of the first half botched field goal. After a couple nice plays to get the ball into FG range, all things brokw down. Players were running on the field, some were running off, Bell tried to clock the ball, then the half was over. In a way, that play has summarized the Spartans play so far this year. Some great plays, followed by a mess, and then hoping Bell can carry us.
Getting to a bowl game at this point looks like it will be a struggle. I have to imagine the MSU team is very deflated coming into UM and there is no doubt that the Wolverines are ready. Right now, that looks like it will end up being an ugly game. I said we should go 4-2 for the secong half, already we are are 0-1. We need this win against UM.
- The Wolverines certainly appear to be the team to beat in Legends division. The offense is firing on all cylinders at this point after games against Purdue and Illinois. Even though those are not the strongest teams in the conference, these are the games you need to put points up in and get all the mojo going. Those previous two weeks were the perfect games leading up to the MSU game. Toussaint finally got going along with Robinson the pass game game looked solid enough and the confidence could not be higher for the Wolverines.
- On the other end of the spectrum are my Spartans. In a rain soaked game the Spartans managed a measly 16 points against an exceptionally mediocre, though leading the Legends division, Iowa Hawkeye team (back handed compliment of the week). I don't really have a lot to say but I will. Early on, Bell got moving pretty well, the defense looked like they were ready to play and the Spartan's appeared to be on their way to rolling the Hawkeyes. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Maxwell missed a few passes, one in particular was sailed over Burbridge in the endzone. Burbridge maybe could have done more to wiggle open, but without a doubt, had Maxwell thrown that ball into his body, that was a touchdown. Of course, there was the end of the first half botched field goal. After a couple nice plays to get the ball into FG range, all things brokw down. Players were running on the field, some were running off, Bell tried to clock the ball, then the half was over. In a way, that play has summarized the Spartans play so far this year. Some great plays, followed by a mess, and then hoping Bell can carry us.
Getting to a bowl game at this point looks like it will be a struggle. I have to imagine the MSU team is very deflated coming into UM and there is no doubt that the Wolverines are ready. Right now, that looks like it will end up being an ugly game. I said we should go 4-2 for the secong half, already we are are 0-1. We need this win against UM.
(Just because its hate week. Bite me.)
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Worst Student Section
This is via Matt Charboneau's Twitter. MSU has the worst fans in the B1G. I do not care if it is raining.
Friday, October 12, 2012
MSU vs. Iowa re: Abortion or not?
So here we are, the halfway point. MSU has gone 4-2 (1-1) up to this point. I think that finishing the second half at 4-2 would equal a satisfactory season. Especially if one of those 4s was over UM. But up next? MSU has their old? nemesis. One of the best games I have ever been to at Spartan Stadium was 2009 against Iowa. That was the first college football game I took my dad to. I am not sure he knew what to expect. It was a night game and a sold out crowd of 75,000. We entered Spartan Stadium a bit early to see the band and the team enter. About 2 minutes in he yelled that there was so much energy, I responded with "WHAT?!?". That was a fun/loud game.
OFFENSE: Burbridge had a coming out party last week to the tune of 134 yards. Burbridge very well could be the saviour of this passing offense, this week could establish that. However, the Iowa defense has been coming along lately and they seem to have a team that was built to stop our offense. Up front, they can take the blows of a big back like Bell. So what should we look for? Well I think the MSU team is going to look to establish the run as they always do. Off of that they will run some juke plays off of a run formation. This offense has been so predictable it is necessary to run some flea flickers, half back option passes, double fakes. Anything to create a little wrinkle, but not too much because we want this next week:
OFFENSE: Burbridge had a coming out party last week to the tune of 134 yards. Burbridge very well could be the saviour of this passing offense, this week could establish that. However, the Iowa defense has been coming along lately and they seem to have a team that was built to stop our offense. Up front, they can take the blows of a big back like Bell. So what should we look for? Well I think the MSU team is going to look to establish the run as they always do. Off of that they will run some juke plays off of a run formation. This offense has been so predictable it is necessary to run some flea flickers, half back option passes, double fakes. Anything to create a little wrinkle, but not too much because we want this next week:
DEFENSE: They need to continue what they have been doing. Williamson showed a lot of speed as a safety and could be the guy from here on out. Anything that helps the corners over top. On too many pass plays this year, a safety has blown a read and left the corners way too isolated. That wont happen this week. Another change has been Taiwan Jones over Chris Norman. Norman, right now is more of a bruising presence. In past years he has shown more speed, as I wrote about in our position breakdowns. Now Jones is stepping up and showing that speed. This position will depend on the team. I expect Norman to get more PT against the big RB that Iowa has. Right now Gholston needs to flip a switch and I fully expect that. Look for two sacks from Gholston and a hand-full of plays in the backfield.
On the whole, this is a game MSU has to win or it could be a season we need to abort. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Sometimes you make mistakes and you need to correct those. I hope that all the flaws MSU has shown they are learning from. They certainly showed some fire in the second half against Indiana. There cannot be any player expecting to roll from here on out. Personally, I feel fairly optimistic about this game and that is mostly due to Brubridge. I am a huge wide reciever fan and believe they dictate a game more than any other skill position. He could be our guy. If he is, we win. Look for a Burbridge touchdown in the rain along with a lot of power from Bell. Call it 24-14 MSU.
(you're welcome Pat for the title)
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Tbone and I did a comparison in the preseason breaking down the individual units of each team and made some predictions. With the big rivalry game only a couple weeks away we now have a lot more information about where our predictions stack up.
Summary:
QB: Michigan (Big)
2012 Statistics:
Total Offense:
MSU: 79th, 389 ypg
UM: 73rd 397 ypg
Scoring Offense:
MSU:98th, 22 ppg
UM: 48th, 32 ppg
Summary:
DT: PUSH (both teams have unknowns here)
2012 Statistics:
Total Defense:
MSU: 8th, 272 yards per game
Michigan: 19th, 312 yards per game
Scoring Defense:
MSU: 15th, 15 ppg
Michigan: 37th, 21 ppg
Projecting the Future
Both of our squads have underachieved so far in 2012. Michigan has done so by getting trounced by Alabama and having far too many turnovers in their other games while MSU has just plain struggled offensively. The struggles have taken off a little luster from the matchup on October 20th but the game will still likely determine who heads to Indy to represent the Legends division. Looking at the breakdown above it looks like a game that will be closely contested. We will find out a little more this week and then get down to making some predictions next week.
I hope the Wolverine's don't have a letdown against Illinois on Saturday because they are looking ahead to the Spartans. A a blogger I don't have to worry about that so I am free to look ahead to the game with the Spartans and man I'm getting excited...
Looking Back
The Comparison: Offense
QB: Michigan (Big)
- Despite Denard's major issues in South Bend this prediction appears true. Maxwell has looked pretty solid and appears to have major upside but Robinson has been dominant on the ground in all of Michigan's wins. Let's say this prediction was accurate though maybe we should erase that (big).
- Ha. Le'veon Bell has proven himself to be the best back in the B1G while Fitz Toussaint hasn't really gotten going yet this season. This is a big advantage for the Spartans through the first half of the season.
- Dion Sims dominance and Aaron Burbridge's emergence notwithstanding this comparison solidly goes to the Wolverines so far. Jeremy Gallon has proven to be a legitimate go-to slot, Devin Gardner has emerged as a big play WR and Devin Funchess has exploded onto the scene as an absolute mismatch.
- MSU has been ravaged by injuries along the offensive line. This is probably the single most disappointing unit for the Spartans thus far in 2012. Michigan's offensive line is coming off a dominant performance against Purdue which followed up an impressive 2nd half against the Fighting Irish.
2012 Statistics:
Total Offense:
MSU: 79th, 389 ypg
UM: 73rd 397 ypg
Scoring Offense:
MSU:98th, 22 ppg
UM: 48th, 32 ppg
The Comparison: Defense
DT: PUSH (both teams have unknowns here)
- This is interesting. Through the first three weeks of the season I would have easily said Michigan State has been better in this category but Michigan's defensive line has made massive improvements against Notre Dame and Purdue. Their play has me very encouraged. I haven't seen every snap for the Spartans but I'm going to say small edge MSU here.
- While the Gholston hype hasn't translated to the field much, Marcus Rush has played well. Michigan hasn't gotten a ton of statistical production from their defensive ends but they have gotten solid play from Craig Roh. This is closer to a push than we thought in the preseason.
- Jake Ryan has been an all-B1G performer and the best player on Michigan's defense. After a slow start, Kenny Demens and Desmond Morgan have come on in recent weeks (due in no small part to the improvements with the defensive tackles). I believe that MSU has the best linebacker unit in the conference but Michigan's backers are much improved over recent years. We got this one about right and both have very good units here.
- I have no idea how the Sparty safeties have played this season. I like Jordan Kovacs and Thomas Gordon has been solid throughout the year.
- Blake Countess went down very early in the season and the depth we spoke of came into play immediately. Johnny Adams has had some ups and downs so far this season. To date I'd say this has been a small edge for MSU but I could be persuaded otherwise.
2012 Statistics:
Total Defense:
MSU: 8th, 272 yards per game
Michigan: 19th, 312 yards per game
Scoring Defense:
MSU: 15th, 15 ppg
Michigan: 37th, 21 ppg
Projecting the Future
Both of our squads have underachieved so far in 2012. Michigan has done so by getting trounced by Alabama and having far too many turnovers in their other games while MSU has just plain struggled offensively. The struggles have taken off a little luster from the matchup on October 20th but the game will still likely determine who heads to Indy to represent the Legends division. Looking at the breakdown above it looks like a game that will be closely contested. We will find out a little more this week and then get down to making some predictions next week.
I hope the Wolverine's don't have a letdown against Illinois on Saturday because they are looking ahead to the Spartans. A a blogger I don't have to worry about that so I am free to look ahead to the game with the Spartans and man I'm getting excited...
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