Saturday, March 31, 2012
Phew
What a whirlwind of a week. Knee surgery on Monday. MSU bounced from the NCAA tournament the weekend before. Spring football has started. Recruiting his heating up. Old people are tweeting like children. MADNESS. More tonight.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Oregon!
Per Joe Rexrode at: Hey Joe!
MSU will play a home and home with Oregon in 2014 and 2015. I might have to make some travel arrangements...
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State Athletics Director Mark Hollis announced Tuesday, March 20 that the Spartans have agreed in principle to a home-and-home football series with Oregon. The Spartans will kick off the two-game series with Oregon on Sept. 13, 2014, in the 54,000-seat Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. The Ducks will make the return trip to East Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 12, 2015.
Oregon replaces West Virginia on Michigan State’s 2014 and 2015 schedules. West Virginia opted out of a two-year contract to create more flexibility in its scheduling, as the Mountaineers transition from the Big East to the Big 12.
“We look forward to adding Oregon to our future football schedule,” Hollis said. “The series provides MSU alums on the West Coast with an opportunity to see the Spartans compete against one of the nation’s outstanding football programs. The relationship between the Big Ten and Pac-12 is built on common values and the Rose Bowl. We also look forward to bringing the Ducks back to Spartan Stadium, as we continue to compete for championships and national exposure.”
The MSU-Oregon all-time series is tied 2-2, as the home team has won the four previous meetings. The two teams last met under the lights in the 1999 season opener, and Michigan State rallied from a 17-7 third-quarter deficit to post a 27-20 victory over the Ducks in Spartan Stadium. The Spartans took the lead for good at 24-17 on Amp Campbell’s 85-yard fumble return for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
Michigan State has compiled a 33-20-1 record (.620) against current members of the Pac-12 Conference (3-0 vs. Arizona, 1-1 vs. Arizona State, 2-2 vs. California, 3-0 vs. Colorado, 2-2 vs. Oregon, 6-2-1 vs. Oregon State, 3-2 vs. Stanford, 3-3 vs. UCLA, 4-4 vs. USC, 1-2 vs. Washington and 5-2 vs. Washington State).
Over the last three years, Michigan State has announced home-and-home series with Alabama (2016-17), Miami-Fla. (2020-21) and Boise State (2012, 2022-23) as well as the extension of its series with Notre Dame through the 2031 season, with two-year breaks in 2014-15, 2020-21 and 2026-27.
"We’ve definitely been aggressive in our approach to non-conference scheduling, as we continue to bring the top programs in college football to our state,” Hollis said. “So with teams like Boise State, Oregon, Alabama, Miami and Notre Dame on our future schedules, our fans can look forward to a lot of special game days in Spartan Stadium.”
MSU will play a home and home with Oregon in 2014 and 2015. I might have to make some travel arrangements...
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State Athletics Director Mark Hollis announced Tuesday, March 20 that the Spartans have agreed in principle to a home-and-home football series with Oregon. The Spartans will kick off the two-game series with Oregon on Sept. 13, 2014, in the 54,000-seat Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. The Ducks will make the return trip to East Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 12, 2015.
Oregon replaces West Virginia on Michigan State’s 2014 and 2015 schedules. West Virginia opted out of a two-year contract to create more flexibility in its scheduling, as the Mountaineers transition from the Big East to the Big 12.
“We look forward to adding Oregon to our future football schedule,” Hollis said. “The series provides MSU alums on the West Coast with an opportunity to see the Spartans compete against one of the nation’s outstanding football programs. The relationship between the Big Ten and Pac-12 is built on common values and the Rose Bowl. We also look forward to bringing the Ducks back to Spartan Stadium, as we continue to compete for championships and national exposure.”
The MSU-Oregon all-time series is tied 2-2, as the home team has won the four previous meetings. The two teams last met under the lights in the 1999 season opener, and Michigan State rallied from a 17-7 third-quarter deficit to post a 27-20 victory over the Ducks in Spartan Stadium. The Spartans took the lead for good at 24-17 on Amp Campbell’s 85-yard fumble return for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
Michigan State has compiled a 33-20-1 record (.620) against current members of the Pac-12 Conference (3-0 vs. Arizona, 1-1 vs. Arizona State, 2-2 vs. California, 3-0 vs. Colorado, 2-2 vs. Oregon, 6-2-1 vs. Oregon State, 3-2 vs. Stanford, 3-3 vs. UCLA, 4-4 vs. USC, 1-2 vs. Washington and 5-2 vs. Washington State).
Over the last three years, Michigan State has announced home-and-home series with Alabama (2016-17), Miami-Fla. (2020-21) and Boise State (2012, 2022-23) as well as the extension of its series with Notre Dame through the 2031 season, with two-year breaks in 2014-15, 2020-21 and 2026-27.
"We’ve definitely been aggressive in our approach to non-conference scheduling, as we continue to bring the top programs in college football to our state,” Hollis said. “So with teams like Boise State, Oregon, Alabama, Miami and Notre Dame on our future schedules, our fans can look forward to a lot of special game days in Spartan Stadium.”
Sweet 16
So he were are again. The Sweet 16. Not a bad place to be, we could have lost in the first round, so I will take this. In the first weekend of games there were some serious upsets. Lehigh over Duke, Norfolk State over Mizzo and even UM losing. I did not have UM in the sweet 16 (I picked Temple to beat them..) But I did not expect to see Ohio beat the Wolverines. This is a good thing for UM, and it was a hell of a run for their seniors. This loss will show Beilein that they need to get the ball in the post more, Mitch McGary will certainly help that next year. The question is, is Trey Burke staying? He is better than Darius Morris was at this point and he took off. I gotta assume Trey is gonna stay. UM should be favorites to win the B1G next year.
So what can we expect from Louisville? Well, a lot of full court press, a lot of zone defense, and always running the ball. This isn't the best Louisville team in the past few years but they aren't slouches either. This is a very athletic and long team on the defensive end anchored by a 7 foot center and this team will look to get breaks and push the ball up the court. It will be interesting to see how MSU handles the half court defense. Beating a zone has not been an MSU strong suit for as long as I can remember. Were gonna need to come ready to shoot the ball. Should MSU be off from long range we will be down big early. What is encouraging is the shooting night that Appling had against Saint Louis. His three ball is still off but he shot 50% from the floor and lead both teams in the FGA. This is a huge factor in the game, how well is Keith shooting. With that, the 7 footer is going to clog up the lane unlike any previous opponent MSU has faced. This length will make it hard for Payne to get off his patented 6-foot hook/jumpshot he does. Payne has been abusing defenders with that move all season. I do not see this match up going well for Nix unless he can really use his body to create separation, but then are fouls going to be called on him? Hard to say. What Nix could end up being very devastating at is an inside out game. The two of them are going to have to run down the floor a lot and execute perfectly on the offensive end. Teams are only shooting 38% against the Cardinals - MSU needs to take care of the rock and grab boards.
On the flip side, MSU needs to play the defense they have been playing all year. Louisville starting 5 are shooting a solid 45% from the floor and a less stellar 25% from 3. What this tells you is that they are deadly from inside the arch. That 3-point % is weighing down the floor %. MSU will need to continue to hedge off the high screens and stop the entry pass into their 7-footer (Dieng). I can see Louisville trying to exploit this early and get our bigs in foul trouble. That's what I would do if I wanted to beat MSU. Our perimeter defense should be able to stay with Louisville. It is just a matter of not giving up any easy buckets.
I can see this game going either way so I wont venture a guess on the score. Tomorrow is my birthday though so MSU better win!
So what can we expect from Louisville? Well, a lot of full court press, a lot of zone defense, and always running the ball. This isn't the best Louisville team in the past few years but they aren't slouches either. This is a very athletic and long team on the defensive end anchored by a 7 foot center and this team will look to get breaks and push the ball up the court. It will be interesting to see how MSU handles the half court defense. Beating a zone has not been an MSU strong suit for as long as I can remember. Were gonna need to come ready to shoot the ball. Should MSU be off from long range we will be down big early. What is encouraging is the shooting night that Appling had against Saint Louis. His three ball is still off but he shot 50% from the floor and lead both teams in the FGA. This is a huge factor in the game, how well is Keith shooting. With that, the 7 footer is going to clog up the lane unlike any previous opponent MSU has faced. This length will make it hard for Payne to get off his patented 6-foot hook/jumpshot he does. Payne has been abusing defenders with that move all season. I do not see this match up going well for Nix unless he can really use his body to create separation, but then are fouls going to be called on him? Hard to say. What Nix could end up being very devastating at is an inside out game. The two of them are going to have to run down the floor a lot and execute perfectly on the offensive end. Teams are only shooting 38% against the Cardinals - MSU needs to take care of the rock and grab boards.
On the flip side, MSU needs to play the defense they have been playing all year. Louisville starting 5 are shooting a solid 45% from the floor and a less stellar 25% from 3. What this tells you is that they are deadly from inside the arch. That 3-point % is weighing down the floor %. MSU will need to continue to hedge off the high screens and stop the entry pass into their 7-footer (Dieng). I can see Louisville trying to exploit this early and get our bigs in foul trouble. That's what I would do if I wanted to beat MSU. Our perimeter defense should be able to stay with Louisville. It is just a matter of not giving up any easy buckets.
I can see this game going either way so I wont venture a guess on the score. Tomorrow is my birthday though so MSU better win!
(time to go old school)
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Round 3
MSU plays Saint Louis in a third round matchup with a trip to the sweet 16 on the line. This is a saint louis team that is a lot like Wisconsin Lite. MSU should win this, sorry I do not have more but I am about to go into work and have to listen to the game on the radio :( I will have a more full recap tonight as well as some thoughts on UM.
GO GREEN
GO GREEN
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Part 2
MSU vs WI. the winner goes to the finals. Kansas lost, if MSU wins the BTT outright, they might get a #1 seed. Of course I am missing this game too but I fully expect MSU to win this game. This isnt the Wisconsin team of past. They can still shoot and still rebound however. The good thing is that, MSU does these things as well, and better. I have to go participate in a Chicago version of Amazing Race.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Quick Hit
The B1G tournament isn't making it easy for anyone to watch the games. MSU plays Iowa today at noon. This is a winnable game, but Iowa can sneak up on you. The thing to watch here is how the Spartans respond after loosing a battle against OSU and seeing Branden Dawson go down with a season ending injury. (the same knee that was injured against UNC I believe). If MSU comes out and hammers Iowa that is a good sign. If we have to sneak out this win, theres no way we win the next tournament game.
Who is going to step up in Dawson's absence? Kearney will get a lot more burn now, but I don't fully trust him on offense. Bryd should also play a bit more but I don't really trust him on defense - though the last few games his shot has been pure, and falling. If Trice is finally 100% after re-aggravating his ankle in practice that will take a lot of pressure off of Appling, who can play the 2 more and concentrate more on defense as well.
The Spartans need to remember what got them to this record. Hard defense and Rebounding. Keep that up and we still have pieces to make a run.
Enjoy not watching the game everyone, unless of course you can watch it at work, or you dont have a job.
Pat any thoughts on UM?
Who is going to step up in Dawson's absence? Kearney will get a lot more burn now, but I don't fully trust him on offense. Bryd should also play a bit more but I don't really trust him on defense - though the last few games his shot has been pure, and falling. If Trice is finally 100% after re-aggravating his ankle in practice that will take a lot of pressure off of Appling, who can play the 2 more and concentrate more on defense as well.
The Spartans need to remember what got them to this record. Hard defense and Rebounding. Keep that up and we still have pieces to make a run.
Enjoy not watching the game everyone, unless of course you can watch it at work, or you dont have a job.
Pat any thoughts on UM?
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Seen it Before
When Branden Dawson went down, it looked familiar, especially the way he went off the court. It has now been confirmed. BJ has a torn left ACL. I have had this happen to me, it is an injury you can come back from fully so that's good, but not until next year. biggest thing is making sure you font over compensate and create other injuries. Quickly, this is a major blow to our NCAA title hopes.
Great season for both MSU and UM. Sucks we had to share the title, but all three teams are deserving.
More to come tomorrow night.
Great season for both MSU and UM. Sucks we had to share the title, but all three teams are deserving.
More to come tomorrow night.
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