The Enlightened Spartan

(12/22/03)--Man I, hope MSU kicks Nebraska's tail all over the field on the 29th. With the exception of Michigan and Notre Dame, it doesn't matter who would play the Little Red Punks from Lincoln -- the ES would be rooting for anyone to hammer Nebraska. Thank god The Big Green has the opportunity to whip their ass and teach 'em a lesson.

Let's start with the facts. Nebraskans are as stupid as they are rabid about their football. This is a team, a school, a state, that cans its coach after a 9-3 year. Wait, 9-3 is bad? Jeez, Michigan State has had just two nine win seasons (1999: 10-2; 1987: 9-2-1) since the ES was born in 1968. Methinks the Nebbies are a little skewed in reality. Heck, even the Wolverines have kept Lloyd Carr around after the past several 8-4/9-3 seasons since those ugly Wolvies last won a share of the title in 1997. Nebraskans have poor perspective (the ES has word that coke-bottle glasses are selling like hotcakes down on the farm in Cowtown, NE) and, better yet... who do they think they can hire to make them an annual 11-1/12-0 team? Don't fire a successful coach until you can find one who can be more successful. It's like fixing something that ain't broke. Just dumb. Who are they gonna hire? Bum Phillips?

Nebraskans then vote in football coaching legend Tom Osborn as their Congressman. This guy is on the sidelines for 40 years, and retires only to find out that he is holier than The Man Almighty? In Nebraska, if you've been canonized on the Gridiron, you can be elected to the Hill. You don't need any experience in government in Huskerville; football will trump that any time. And, forget the part-time unicameral state house or the menial governorship... If your name rhymes with the Land of Oz, you may as well go for the big cheese in DC. There's no corn in DC, and the Osborns and lobbyists eat plenty of Grade A steak while discussing how to use tax dollars from 99% of the non-farming public to subsidize Nebraskan cattle. Why stop at Congress... why not Osborn for President (better yet, for Pope?). Surely, he'd have one state in his corner.

Finally, the NCAA isn't good enough for Nebraska. Although the NCAA is a membership organization run by college presidents, Nebraskans figure their football and their university deserve to stand above all others. Take in point the Nebraska law which states: "football players at Nebraska may be granted a stipend, the amount of which shall be determined by the university." It also allows the university to grant a stipend to players in other sports, and says that instead of granting a stipend, the university can also limit the amount of hours an athlete spends participating in his sport {my god, they are even entitled to workers' comp for crissakes!!!!}. Hold the phone, ladies and gentlemen -- is a scholarship free? Is it worth anything (ok - maybe an education in Nebraska ain't worth a cow dung)? Are Nebraska footballers having a gun put to their head to don the Red and White and play football? Hey, if you don't like it, then join the 99% of the rest of college students. Finally, forget the fact that NCAA rules (which prohibit stipends to student athletes) need be approved by a majority vote of its membership. Nebraskans are above democratic rule.

So, for once and for all, it would be a beautiful thing to teach these holier-than-thou, All-Mighty, knicker-wearin', corn-fed, righteous, fat-assed farm punks a lesson. The ES will be right there, screaming for the Spartans to kick the shit out of Nebraska. They deserve it more than most.

(12/18/03)--MSU athletics marketing guru Mark Hollis is at it again... the ES has received word of "discussion" in the Spartan athletic department about possibly holding an NCAA-record attendance at Michigan International Sppedway (MIS) in Brooklyn. The race course, home to NASCAR's Michigan 400 among other races, played host to a track record 136,384 seated persons in 2000 (as printed on the MIS Media Guide downloadable at www.mispeedway.com). The grandstand seating capacity is 136,373. Brooklyn, Mich., home to MIS, is 55 miles from Lansing, 38 miles from Ann Arbor, and 67 miles southwest of Detroit.

Take a look at that infield! That's 150 acres! This feat being considered can easily be accomplished (easier than putting a field on the USS Nimitz), plopping down the field in the middle of MIS and adding another 20,000 or more seats (or bringing in bleachers) around the field. The track is a 2-mile D-shaped oval, with a 3,600-foot frontstretch and a 2,242-foot backstretch... a football field stretches 360 feet, so the main problem of this event would be seating in the grandstands too far away from the playing field that you may as well be watching at home.

The ES figures the most probable scenario is for a MSU-Michigan game, MSU-Notre Dame, or MSU-Ohio State game at MIS. Most likely it would be scheduled in replace of an MSU home game: in 2005/2007 vs. Michigan or 2006 vs. Notre Dame or Ohio State. Problem with 2005 is MSU will be christening its own newly renovated stadium... The NCAA attendance record was set earlier this year in Ann Arbor, when Michigan hosted Ohio State before 112,118 football fans.

This comes on the heels of the recent announcement that Michigan Tech will square off on the gridiron against two-time NCAA Division II national champion Grand Valley State at Michigan Stadium next fall to break the D2 attendance mark of 61,000.

(12/6/03)--It's official. After years of luck and teams falling out of the BCS picture on a timely basis, the BCS will not be able to satisfy college football in 2003. The national championship should be decided in the Sugar Bowl between LSU and USC, but it is likely Oklahoma will get the nod over Southern Cal. Yet, the Sooners don't deserve it. There needs to be a playoff after this BCS expires next year.

Oklahoma was thoroughly outplayed and got its ass kicked, 35-7, by Kansas State last night in the Big 12 championship. That leaves three teams in the hunt with one loss: LSU at 12-1, USC at 11-1 and Oklahoma at 12-1. Southern Cal will likely be ranked #1 in both polls... but, it is highly likely USC's weaker schedule (note yesterday's losses by Notre Dame and Hawaii, both of which USC defeated earlier in the season) will not be favorable to the computer, thus placing Oklahoma and LSU into the title tilt over the Trojans. And, it is likely that the BCS may crown a champion between LSU and Oklahoma, yet the AP Poll still select USC anyways... thus, causing a split championship which the BCS was supposed to solve.

Now, the ES feels Oklahoma doesn't deserve a shot... for at least four reasons: 1. it didn't even win its own conference (KSU won); 2. it isn't playing the best ball at the end of the year (both LSU and USC are on long winning streaks and have crushed their opponents in recent weeks); 3. both the sports writers and coaches likely will place the Sooners 3rd in the nation and the top two teams should get the shot; 4. why reward a team that gets trounced on its final regular season game with a shot at the title?

This is now the clarion call for a national playoff. The BCS can be used to pick the top eight teams in a national playoff. If that were the case, the following teams would be in: USC (Pac 10), LSU (SEC), Oklahoma (at large), Kansas State (Big 12), Michigan (Big 10), Ohio State (at large), Florida State (ACC), Miami-Florida (Big East). Round robin each season with different bowls: four bowls in week one, two bowls in week two, and the national championship in a bowl in week three. The money for such a series would go through the roof... but, would the money have to be shared across all NCAA D1 or not?

All other NCAA divisions have playoffs, but D1-A doesn't have it because the presidents in the BCS conferences have essentially veto power over the rest of Division I and are unwilling to give up the lucrative multiple-millions of dollars that the BCS ensures to the top six conferences (Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, Big East, Pac 10, and ACC). With revenue sharing agreements in some of the BCS power conferences, it ensures that every school get a large piece of the BCS money, regardless if their football program is or is not worth a shit. For instance, Indiana stands to make millions because both Michigan and Ohio State earned BCS bids on behalf of the Big Ten conference. By the way, using the "need to study" argument against a playoff does not wash: again, the other Divisions have a month-long playoff, and there are far more student athletes affected in the other divisions than in D1A.

It is a shame that NCAA-member presidents put their own self-serving interests ($$$ for their schools) before the requests of the student-athletes and the fans, as well as for the future good of the cause (college football). Let's hope the BCS just becomes a mess and forces the hand. The ES is rooting for LSU to kick the shit out of Oklahoma, and for USC to beat the hell out of Michigan -- it will force a split championship and the masses will scream for a playoff. Unfortunately, the NCAA likely will turn a deaf ear and continue to operate with its blinders on.

(12/5/03)--The ES is in mourning today, after learning that his famed tailgating spot just behind Morrill Hall on the north side of campus will be turned into a six-story parking lot beginning Spring 2005. The parking ramp will cost $12 million and be built to blend in with the campus surroundings (as opposed to East Lansing's habitrail across the street). It will accomdate 700 vehicles.

Thus, the next fall campaign will be a swan song behind Morrill. The ES will miss the location and will have to find a new area to 'gate. The proximity was perfect: the beauty of old campus, you can run into Morrill to use the head (or warm up on super cold days), and you could jump over to the Peanut Barrel in a flash. The ES weeps.

Morrill Hall can't have too much longer either; although no official word has come down from MSU administration, the building's 120+ year history will come to an end in the next decade or so. The foundation is built of timber and cannot be renovated... unlike the other buildings in north campus.

(12/4/03)--It wasn't pretty, and Tom Izzo had his worst coaching performance in years. When Duke hammered MSU last night, it was like watching the sinking of the Titanic. Nothing went right, and the Spartans played so poorly that only the coaches are to blame. It was as if they only needed to show up to compete... poor effort + poor game plan = big loss.

Torch the silver jerseys... they didn't do us any good. Matter of fact, why did Izzo break them out for this game and not for the season opener vs. Bucknell?... this was yet another indication that the coaching staff put more pressure on the players than they should have.

Chris Hill has looked lost on the court all year long, and he should be benched; Paul Davis hasn't looked much better, but at least he's not throwing the ball into the third row on a consistent basis. And, Kelvin Torbert is invisible on offense. The bright spot for MSU so far is Shannon Brown... he needs the starting nod.

The nice thing is that Izzo's track record speaks for itself. Over the past eight years, only Duke can match MSU's winning record for the last 10 regular season games in each season. MSU has its ups and downs early in the season, but when it really counts, Izzo consistently has had his players prepared. Last year, the wheels fell off, we lost to Toledo. MSU finished in the Elite Eight. Even when MSU won the title, it lost to Wright State. MSU may enter the Big 10 season with a 7-5 record, or worse, but don't worry... they should make a deep run into the NCAA tournament by seasons end. It may be painful getting there, a la 2001-2 and 2002-3, but we'll get there. Why? Because Izzo won't allow it otherwise, and his track record speaks for itself. Could be worse... we could be Michigan.

Spartans need to add some history in its renovation -- time to build a Sports History Center on campus

(11/29/03)--Joe DeLameilleure said it when he came back for induction into the MSU Hall of Fame. Tim Staudt mentioned it on his radio show. Even John L. has alluded to it from time to time. The Spartans need to find a way to enhance its recognition of former Green & White gridders, cagers, and all other former athletes. The MSU Hall of Fame in the Smith Student Athlete Academic Center is beautiful, but much too small and only dedicated to those exceptional athletes. John. L. Smith has stated that the Spartan facilities need major improvement, and this includes our "Wall of Fame" in the Daugherty complex...

Tim Staudt mentioned levelling Dem Hall and building in its place a "Spartan History Center." The ES digs this idea... include interactive exhibits to some extent a la the College Football or NFL Hall of Fames to enhance the attraction and get kids involved. But, this needs to be expanded to all Spartan sports and focus on all MSU athletes. What a recruiting magnet, to know that your feats would (or could) be permanently recorded and displayed at this historical center! Records and props from each sport can be on display, and a variety of different video and audio footage of all the different sports could be rotated. Different rooms can focus on different sports or individuals. And, it can also be used as a banquet facility for all sorts of alumni functions... what a great idea. Location would also be ideal. This should be a long-term priority for Spartan athletics.

Another idea in the Spartan stadium renovation would be to think of Yankee Stadium or Cowboy Stadium or Kaline Korner or just look at the Breslin Center for that matter... a wall of fame or a ring of fame that is visible inside the stadium to all of the fans during a game, as well as visible to television to focus with close ups, to honor the most outstanding Spartan gridders in history. It leads to enhanced recognition of what it means to be a Spartan, and also would lend a hand to recruiting.

Joe DeLameilleure, former MSU gridder, All-American and recent inductee of the MSU Hall of Fame stated on his return for induction to the MSU Hall of Fame, that he was disappointed at how little attention former Spartan athletes received. This can be extrapolated to the few athletes who have actually given back to the University -- what ever happened to all the campus visits by Kirk Gibson, Steve Garvey, Bubba Smith, etc. Their visits are few and far between, although they are filled with green Spartan blood. We need to reach out to these sports legends of ours, wrap them in a blanket with their Spartan student-athlete brethren, and honor ALL OF THEM. It would be great for visits and great for recruiting... for all sports.

(11/16/03)--John L. Smith gets his first "F" as Spartan head coach. The Spartans were not prepared at all heading into the Wisconsin game, the coaching staff had a poor game plan on offense and defense, failed to make any adjustments throughout the game, and did not reduce the penalty bug that has plagued them all season. Result -- Wisconsin blew out MSU, 56-21, in Madison.

MSU gave up the fourth most yards in team history, 630, to Wisconsin. From the opening kickoff, MSU couldn't stop the Badgers. Yet, what is puzzling, is MSU not playing bump and run on Wisconsin All-American Lee Evans from the beginning. Why give this guy a head of steam and the ability to get off the line of scrimmage without being touched? The coaching staff should have double covered him from the start, with a bump at the line before he released down the field. At the very least, it would have given the d-line another split second to get to Wisky QB Sorgi, or throw off the timing of the routes. Result -- Evans torched MSU for five TDs and 250 yards receiving. Why not make an adjustment, even at halftime? Puzzling. It couldn't have hurt - MSU was getting torched anyways, so at the very least you would have had the same result... so why not at least try? Poor, poor planning by MSU defensive coordinator Chris Smeland.

On offense, MSU continued to shoot itself in the foot by committing stupid penalties, and missing easy blocking assigments with only three or four Wisky rushers (read: no blitz), resulting in the Spartans inability to move the ball and keep its defense off the field. Penalties kept the Spartans out of the game from the beginning... these guys never gave themselves a chance. Add in Jeff Smoker's worst game of the season (although he had little time, he still made some poor reads and rushed throws from time to time), and you get a blowout.

Finally, MSU just didn't look ready. There was no fire, they played out of position on defense, and plenty of mistakes. This last game looks like BW's Spartans all over again. John L. takes the blame for this one. If they are not careful, MSU will lose to Penn State at home... the ES will call this a toss up at this point. Will John L. earn his money for the last game of the season? Let's see...

MSU's best chance of a bowl game at this point is either the Sun (El Paso, TX) or Alamo (San Antonio, TX) bowls. No Florida this year, Spartan fans. Assuming Purdue defeats Indiana this week, the best MSU can finish is at 5-3... tied for fourth with Minnesota and either Wisconsin or Iowa (Wisky and Iowa play each other this week). That would give MSU the #4, 5,or 6 bowl (4-Alamo, 5-Sun, 6-Music City). With a loss against Penn State, MSU can finish as low as sixth (6-Music City, 7-Motor City, or at large), tied with the loser of Wisconsin-Iowa and even possibly Northwestern (if they defeat Illinois).

(11/12/03)--The ES is impressed with the job John L has done, even though the Big Green has come up on the short end the past two weeks. MSU has played competitive ball, and even has had the chance to pull out a win in the final minutes of the Michigan and Ohio State games, regardless of the fact that the Spartans were outplayed in both games. We've come a LONG way from the days of Bobby Williams for sure. Remember, these are the SAME players that BW coached last year, and instead this year MSU has had completely different results. Interestingly enough, John L Smith continues his streak of NEVER having a losing conference record throughout his 15-year coaching career. Impressive.

MSU MVP - Jeff Smoker. This is a no-brainer. Smoke has played awesome and has proven he is NFL-stock material. He's the top QB in the Big Ten, and one of the best in the nation. He'll go in the third round of the NFL draft... if not sooner.

MSU Surprise Player(s) - Agim Shabaj and Eric Smith. Shabaj struggled with injuries last season, but has proven he is an All-Conference caliber player. Shabaj reminds the ES of that little Iowa punk, Tim Dwight... small, speedy, shifty, and great hands. Eric Smith has come on to prove he is a big time hitter with solid tackling skills and decent pass reads. This sophomore can only improve and will be a big bonus as his career progresses... Smith reminds the ES of current Purdue standout Stuart Schweigert.

MSU Best Surprise Weapon - Brandon Fields. Expectations were to have an average punt game at best this season. Fields has exceeded those expectations by booming punt after punt (his only poor kick, unfortunately, was the blunder last week vs. Ohio State). When MSU's offense sputters, Fields has been able to boom kicks to ensure the opponent doesn't have good field position. It's been critical all year long, and has kept MSU in games.

BEST MSU Win - The 22-16 win at Notre Dame set the tone for the season. Coming off an embarassing loss to La Tech and going into TD Jesus' house, the Spartans needed to play strong and did. We didn't know at the time how bad ND would be, and at the time it was a HUGE upset. Plus, anytime you beat the Irish is special.

MSU Biggest Disappointment - This has to be LB Seth Mitchell. He's been injured from time to time this season and has missed some significant playing time in key situations this year. Mitchell, when healthy, has shown he can wallop opponents and play good run defense. But, he's just hardly ever been 100%... right when we needed him to be. Injuries are not his fault, but this is reality.

Grading John L Smith - B. The ES would have to give coach John L a "B" for the season. John L. has inspired the Big Green to play hard and competitive football. The only reason why John L doesn't get an "A" is: the stumble vs. La Tech; the lack of adjustment to run blitz more often against Michigan; way too many penalties. But, he has exceeded the expectations of every Spartan and every national pundit. Three more wins (including a bowl win) and this jumps considerably; two more wins (inlcuding a bowl win) and this jumps to a B+. Only one more win or no more wins and this falls to a B-/C+.

Best E-mail to the ES: On Nov. 3, the ES got an e-mail from Michigan booster Ned G. Here's what it stated: "I am a huge Michigan fan but must tell you what a great article you wrote about being an M fan. While you were wrong about your prediction your right on about our attitude. I grew up in Michigan and spent a lot of time by the Red Cedar. I know it is tough being the little brother but I know I love to see MSU win except for 1 week end a year. Thanks for the great prose! -- Ned" This confirms what the ES has said all along... Michigan's arrogant to the point that it has lost touch of all reality! (see 10/29 column below).

Best Stadium Story: Going to the Michigan game and watching Sloth and his sister show up half way through the first quarter. Sis didn't last ten minutes, as she puked her guts out all over the blanket of the lady in front (and part of her jacket). ES claimed not even to know the pair; Sloth & sis split before security could kick them out and they didn't even make the end of the first quarter. Shoulda sold them tickets, Sloth for $500 a piece! ES forgot to take a pic of the projectile vomit with his digital cam... damn, that would have made the highlight reel!

Final ES Predictions: The ES predicts MSU will win vs. Wisconsin and home vs. Penn State to wind up tied for third place with Purdue at 9-3/6-2. It will play in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1 vs. Georgia or Ole Miss... Rose Bowl #1 - Ohio State vs. Washington State. Capital One Bowl #2 - Michigan vs. Florida. Alamo Bowl #4 - Purdue vs. Nebraska. Sun Bowl #5 - Iowa vs. Oregon St. Music City Bowl #6 - Minnesota vs. Auburn; Motor City Bowl #7 - Wisconsin vs. Miami-Ohio.

(10/29/03)--Why is Michigan seen as being so arrogant? Because UM wins all the time. The Wolvies have been on the winning end more than any other team in NCAA history – and they let you know it. They think they should always win. Win at all costs. The “no, wait, this is MICHIGAN” Wolvie fans are so consumed with winning that they have lost all sense of reality. There are 117 teams in D1-A, and only a handful win 10 games in any given season. Yet, Michigan fans expect their team to be among that group EVERY YEAR. That is just not reality. Reality is understanding that eight wins a year is acceptable and an outstanding year. Why do they expect to win 10 games every year: “BECAUSE THIS IS MICHIGAN FOOTBALL.” Excuse me while I puke. It’s gonna take the Spartans to knock you back to your senses.

The greatest thing about being a Spartan is that we have an opportunity to kick Michigan’s ass every year. Just having them on the schedule, it’s circled in red. As long as Michigan keeps looking ahead to Ohio State every year, the Big Green will take joy in knocking the Blue Meanies off the pedestal. Go ahead, beat the Buckeyes… but we’ll be the ones to ruin your season.

What would be more beautiful than MSU beating Michigan? Yes, fans, there is one more thing. It would be a thing of beauty for Michigan to then lose to Ohio State, and hopefully lose in their Bowl Game. That would bring the Mighty Maize back down to reality with an 8-5 record (including a win at Northwestern). 8-5 is a great season, Michigan fans. Heck, us Spartans would take 8-5 every year. But, we have 37 years of reality to lean back on… dating back to our 1966 National Championship. You Wolvies have lost that touch of reality.

Remember, what comes around goes around. Every dog has its day. Methinks it is high-time for the Mighty Spartan Nation to rise and pound the Wolverines into submission. 37 years is a long time… longer than the ES has been alive. Its time for MSU to take over the football dominance in this state.

Spartan domination starts Saturday. Watch the Big Green hurt the Blue Meanies and make them cry. And, Spartan fans, this is only the beginning of great things to come.

PS -- Lloyd Carr doesn’t help Michigan’s public relations. Carr looks constipated all the time. Sometimes, you’ll see a smile. But most of the time, he just displays his personality right on his face – the personality of a fence post.

(10/12/03)--OK, Spartan fans, what a wild ride so far in 2003! We’ve gotten our money’s worth when we paid to ride the John L. Smith bandwagon… but we expected more of a rollercoaster ride a this point than a hot-rod race, didn’t we? The Spartans have been on fire out of the gate, and except for a blown engine against Louisiana Tech, they’ve excelled mid-way down the runway as we head into the most dangerous part of the ride. MSU is 6-1, and “bowl-eligible”… the ES says – “Bowl eligible is BS! Don’t settle for less or that’s what you’ll get! Keep the engines running!”

John L has lulled us into a sense of security that we Spartan fans haven’t seen since 1988, the year after we won the Rose Bowl. Sure, we missed an early turn against Rutgers that season, but the Spartans quickly righted themselves to finish the next three seasons in bowl games, including a share of the 1990 Big Ten crown. John L. has this team curiously focused with its hands on the throttle, something we haven’t witnessed since the Perles glory years. With the exception of the Bayou Techies (that was a learning experience, a la Bowling Green defeating Purdue and UNLV beating Wisconsin), MSU has beaten the teams it was supposed to beat, and even put the peddle to the metal to pull out mild upsets at Notre Dame and home against Iowa.

Now comes the hard part. This ride hasn’t seen anything yet. Dangerous curves lie ahead and the Spartans will need to remain on course if they are to make it to the finish line in one piece. The combined record of the 15th-ranked Spartans’ opponents through the first seven games is 18-25 (.419); Iowa leads the pack at 5-1 (WMU 3-3, Rutgers 3-3, LTU 3-3, ND 2-3, Indiana 1-6, Illinois 1-6). With Smoker at the controls, he needs to fire the engines against four favored, ranked teams (three on the road) with a combined record of 23-11 (.676) -- #19 Minnesota is 6-1, #12 Wisconsin is 6-1, #17 Michigan is 4-2, #8 Ohio State is 5-1, and JoePa is 2-5. This John L.-mobile isn’t expected to speed past these motor mouths unscathed.

But, isn’t the most fun part of a ride the most dangerous? Isn’t the best part when the ride goes where you think it can’t… surprising you with even faster speed than you thought it had? Maybe a right turn where you thought there was a left? The Spartans, who expected to ride a broken-down jalopy into 2003, have instead surprised the nation by sporting a 440-supercharged engine under the hood to sprint into a tie atop the Big Ten leaderboard after three games. And, with Smoker, they’ve got a driver who has ample experience but didn’t expect to make it behind the wheel.

Be patient. Focus on each turn as they come. Minny is the first test of this twisted road, and John L. has demonstrated he can keep things on course… despite the Spartan’s penchant for disaster. But, this Minny team is hungry and disappointed after taking a page out of Spartan history books by snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory Friday vs. Meechigan. Gopher coach Glen Mason pissed the game away in the 4th quarter by shutting down the defense and allowing Michigan to open it up when the Wolvies needed to the most; and, by passing on offense in desperation when the Gophers had run all over the Wolvies all day long. Expect Minny to throw out an oil slick to spin the Spartan ride out of control, but this is a good matchup. Minny has the #2-ranked rushing game in the nation, and MSU has the #7-rushing defense in the nation. Something has to give. If the Spartans can hold Minny to under 200 yards on the ground, cause a few turnovers and force the Gophers to the air… it has a chance to pass the Gophers to make it 7-1 overall heading into a two-week pit stop in preparation for the Michigan curve. Keep the boys focused on the road ahead, John L., and you’ll win this test.

John L. – thanks for the memories so far. It’s been a fun ride, plenty of speed, a bump here and there and we’re feeling the pressure in our gut mount as we’ve hit third gear. But, what’s past is past and those memories are just that… memories. The ES can see the finish line, and he’s thrilled that the Spartans know how to drive this hot rod with an ample leader and a disciplined coach. The ES is confident that there will be treasure waiting as we ride the John L. jalopy through the dangerous curves to the finish line.

(10/11/03)--Nearly half the teams in the top 25 suffered losses on Saturday, including #3 Ohio State losing for the first time in 20 tries to Wisconsin, 17-10. This bodes well for MSU, which should move up to around #17/18 in the nation after its whitewashing of Illinois this weekend. Other losses: #5 Florida State, #6 LSU, #7 Nebraska, #8 Arkansas, #11 Texas, #13 Minnesota, #14 Tenessee, #16 Pittsburgh, #21 Kansas State, #24 Virginia... Wow!

MSU nabbed yet another recruit, with TB/DB Tony Howard (6-0, 190-lbs) out of Garfield Heights, Ohio, joining the green and white in 2004. He is rated two stars by Rivals.com and is rated the #34 recruit in Ohio. He runs a 4.41-40 yard dash. Howard earned honorable mention all-state honors last year in Division II. Tony also was named to the first team All-North East Lakes district squad as a junior. SpartansInsider.com rates him three-stars and as the #42 CB in the nation. Rushed for 1,223 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2002. Link here for bio.

Michigan got lucky... poor coaching by Minnesota's Glen Mason (going to a STUPID prevent defense to allow Michigan back in the game the entire 4th quarter, and then passing the ball late in the game when it ran all over Michigan all game long) gave Michigan the victory. Bastard Wolverines.

Also, Boston College will officially be offered an invite on Sunday to join the ACC and make it a 12-team league. That's one more team out of the Big Least, with the eastern Catholics joining Va Tech and the Canes.

(9/30/03): The ES dropped off his four year old this morning for preschool and was headed to work when he was stopped dead in his tracks. It was about 45 degrees outside, you can smell the rain off the roads. Dead ahead is the old moniker, “Michigan State College,” slightly black from years of wear and tear from the elements. But, the leaves are turning yellow on the tree above. Rain, cold, yellow leaves, and is homecoming week. Ahh, the beauty of living in East Lansing. The ES took a deep breath of stale, rain-stinkin’ air and took a quick pic of the MSC sign and began to daydream…

“It’s 4th and Goal for the Spartans… this play can make or break what has to be one of the biggest surprise stories in recent college football history,” says George Blaha. “Michigan State, at 7-1, can vault alone into the Big Ten lead with a score here on the last play of the game. Two seconds left on the clock. Smoker is set under center, he’s got four wideouts and Dortch moves slot right. Shabaj in motion. Smoker steps back, throws over the middle…. TOUCHDOWN SPARTANS! SPARTANS WIN! SPARTANS WIN! Shabaj gives the Spartans the win on the last play over their arch-rival from that sickly, uppity sister city of Ann Arbor.”
Wow. What a year that would make. 8-1/5-0 and MSU in the drivers seat in the Big Ten race????
Now, back to reality. The ES wakes up from his daydream, having nearly creamed his pants from visions of Spartan victories dancing in his head, and again views the intersection of Abbott and Grand River. It’s 8:45 am, and about time to get to work, but its tough to leave this vision of beauty. Just 15 years ago, the ES woke up from the floor of some nearby house (pick a house, it could be any of them), still buzzed from the binge drinking and beer bongs of the night before but always happy to be a Spartan no matter how healthy. If the ES could only bottle the feeling he has in 2003, still living in EL, still a Spartan, and share it with the current students… well, wouldn’t they want to stick around and contribute to this lovely city forever? Should the ES talk to this chick – obviously a student -- with a cup of Beaners coffee in her hand and a backpack and tell her how lovely this place is, this East Lansing. “Are you gonna go to the parade?”
Whatever, back to reality. It would be more fun to bottle 15 years ago and bring it to the present. The ES should ask if her if she’s gonna gig tonight, slug back a few beers and maybe slam dance to a local act at a house party. Boat race followed by a few Cuervo shots. Now, that’s more like it. That’s East Lansing. Homecoming week… Autumn, Football, East Lansing, and memories of puking your guts out at house parties. And, always making it for kickoff on Saturdays in Spartan Stadium to catch the Big Green Mothers… win or lose.
Keep up the tradition, Spartans… go State and party!

(9/22/03)--Quote from Javier Martell, chock's work buddy and an avid Florida Gator fan: "Any loss for ND is a win for mankind."

(9/23/03): So we're out of the preseason/non-conference schedule. Yet again, we've kicked Notre Dame's ass but managed to lose to a team we should've beat easily (LaTech). All in all, though, 3-1 ain't bad considering. A solid thumbs-up to JLS so far on his handling of a pretty brow-beaten bunch of Spartoons.

Now comes Iowa. The Big 11 season-opener. Some of these Big 11 teams, I just don't give a shat about. Indiana comes to mind. So does Minnesota. There's just not much to get riled up about. The Hoosiers? Well, sure I hate their goddamned basketball team, and I prayed every time that Randel-El kid touched the ball. But fer cryin' out loud, the Hoosiers suck. Bad. It's a team without an identity - no mascot to bitch about, no marquee players, no coach, etc.
Same with Minny. Jesus, they don't even have a football stadium. Our game at Minny this year will prolly be played at the Roseau County State Fairground or something. Maybe The Judds or Mickey Gilley will make an appearance at halftime, and some of the Spartoon marching band can kick ass at the 4-H Cattle Roundup and Milk-off. We are, after all, a land-grant and ag-tech kinda school.

But not Iowa. I hate those corn-farming hillbillies. Maybe it started when Dave Yarema threw that INT to cost us that game way back when. Maybe it's just the nagging image of Hayden Frye on the sidelines. Chuck Long? That NFL-flop of an RB that died his hair all blond, you know the one who looked like Cisqo or whatever the hell that R&B singer's name is? Tim Dwight? Last year's drubbing? The season they beat us when they couldn't beat anybody?

All of that adds to the fire. But the reason I really hate the Hawkeyes is simple - I hate their mascot. That good-fer-nothing-no-meat-on-his-wings-skinny-ass-POS just flat-out grates my nerves. That chickenhawk-lookin' dork just sits there with his 250 pound head flapping his wimpy little wings - and I wanna run down the stairs of Spartan Stadium, jump onto the field, chase him down and just pummel him. Sure, Sparty and the male cheerleaders will prolly run that faux Hawk into the uprights this weekend and act like they're beating him down, but that won't be enough. They need to pluck all those fake feathers off that dude, tear off that fake 250 pound head, and then put him out of his own and our collective misery. It pains me even more everytime I see that Capital One Mascot Challenge ad with that assclown fake Hawk sitting around the fireplace with the Georgia Bulldog or whoever - and there's no Sparty to be seen.

F their cheesy mascot. F their Under The Rainbow/Wizard of Oz/Oompa-Loompa running back. F their corn. And when they show the obligatory shot of Hayden Frye this weekend, I hope it's at least footage of him crying.

I thought we looked pretty good on Saturday. Smoker struggled mightily, but I s'pose that's to be expected with a bum toe and 0 practice time during the week. Hayes continues to look good running the ball, too, and the run defense looks to be for real.

Iowa will be a good test for JLS - the Hawks' don't have the same passing game that they had with Banks or whoever last year, and have to rely on Russell and the running game. we should compete pretty well against teams like Iowa, PSU and Wisky who rely heavily on their running game. it's kinda maddening to watch, because these are the same players that under BW were giving up 300 yards rushing a game

I think once JLS gets a couple of years to recruit the db's he needs for his system, we're going to be a pretty solid Big 11 team.

my prediction this week? if we play as well on D as we did against the Catholics: MSU 23 Iowa 20... if we turn the ball over and/or don't stop Russell: Iowa 31 MSU 17

(09/18/03) -- The ES hates Notre Dame. Not as much as Michigan, but the Irish are #2 on the ES' hit list. They are both from the same mold - Michigan is the ugly bully down the road whose ass you always wanted to kick as a kid. Notre Dame is the prissy girl down the road who whines whenever she doesn't get what she demands. These schools praise the virtues of academics, yet when it comes to the all-mighty gridiron, they are pompous, self-righteous, holier-than-thou with their pigskin sqauds. These schools think their shit don't stink. Sorry, boys and girls, but your attitude stinks so bad that even us cow-pie eating aggies up in Spartanland have to roll down the window and get some fresh air when we're even in your vicinity.

Now, the ES has demonstrated the justifiable hatred of these schools by selling t-shirts that pontificate what the masses already know: UM and ND stink. Go ahead, join the cause. Buy a t-shirt. You hate UM: "KICK MICHIGAN's ASS" is just for you. Or, just let everyone know that "I HATE MICHIGAN" ... tell it like it is!
Better yet, let's get to the core of the Irish. Let's get their ire. Come on, Irish. You wimps. Bring it on. Let's see if you can take it. From the tone of many ND alumni contacting the ES via email, it's a JUSTIFIABLE FACT that you are a bunch of fairies and can't take an insult.

Spartan fans, buy up these shirts and let them know who you really hate. "KILL THE IRISH" says it plain and simple... but, let's get naughty and let's get offensive. The ES prefers "WHIP THE GODDAM CATHOLICS". That really tells it like it is. ND fans are pissed off at the ES, yet t-shirt sales are soaring... You Golden Domers are on such a high pedestal and your head is so far up your arse that you can't see straight! The ES is an EQUAL OFFENDING bigot when it comes to Spartan opponents. Don't think you are alone... the ES will sell you a "SCALP THE ILLINI" t-shirt, or a "GUT THE GOPHERS" shirt, or maybe even a "STONE THE QUAKERS" shirt if the Spartans ever played Pennsylvania. Gimme a break and have a little fun, you South Bend sissies.

So, go to the ES site Spartan fans, buy up your shirts, and tell it like it is... display your hatred on your chest. The ES does. And, as always, GO SPARTANS! BEAT THE GODDAM IRISH!!!!

Smoker questionable for ND; Big Ten odds for Saturday. Why didn't QB receive treatment?

(9/15/03): MSU quarterback Jeff Smoker remains questionable for Saturday's contest against Notre Dame. He will have x-rays taken today to determine the nature and extent of his toe injury. The ES says... if Smoker was hurt, why was he walking around on the sidelines instead of receiving immediate treatment? Without Smoker, MSU is doomed for 2003... that was readily apparent on Saturday, with Dowdell completely inept and confused on offense in the second half against a mediocre-at-best La Tech defense.

In week 4, MSU-ND is not listed until Smoker's status is confirmed. Wisconsin-N. Carolina is also not listed due to questionable status of Davis at RB. Nortwestern at Duke is off the board due to the questionable status of the Wildcats QB Basanez; Michigan is favored by 7 1/2 at Oregon; Kentucky is favored by 9 at Indiana; Iowa is favored by 10 at home against Arizona State; Minnesota is a 32 1/2 point home fave over Lafayette; Penn State is favored by 25 at home over Kent; Ohio State by 15 1/2 at home over Bowling Green; Illinois by 4 1/2 at home over Cal; Purdue favored by 24 at home over Arizona... FYI, the ES took week 3 off of his prognostications to regroups after a miserable week 2.

S.O.S.: Same Old Spartans snatch defeat from jaws of victory to fall, 20-19, to LTU

(9/14/03): New coach, Same Old Spartans. You could feel it the minute Jeff Smoker didn't take the field in the second half, that MSU may give this game away (mind you, this game was decided over the entire second half... and just not the last LTU drive of the game). MSU was ripped through the air all day long, but the bend-but-don't break defense finally broke on the next-to-last play of the game, giving LTU a 20-19 victory over the Spartans. All 30,000 of you who left early: shame on yourselves. You should know by now that nearly anything can happen to MSU with any time left on the clock. Look to the right for the official writeup from MSU Media Relations, followed by some quotes.

MSU had this game won, and had a 5-0 edge in turnovers. Yet, the Spartans failed to capitalize on each of these opportunities, and missed three of seven FGs for the afternoon (7 field goals!@#@!!!). MSU gave up 436 yards on 61 passes and was torched all afternoon. However, the defense forced turnovers consistently to squash the LTU offense. The blame here gets set on an inept second half coaching scheme by John L. and poor execution by the Spartan offense. With all those turnovers, and just six points in the second half??? It seemed that when Smoker was injured and failed to return for the second half (he has a toe injury), MSU was content to just "run the clock out". Damon Dowdell was PATHETIC at quarterback, and seemed confused for much of the game. He failed to make proper reads, and made poor decisions on the field the entire second half. Example #1: on a roll out in the 4th quarter, instead of running for 10 yards (he had a clear lane), he decided to throw the ball deep and couldn't hit the broadside of a barn; it stopped the clock -- giving valuable time to LTU for the improbable comeback. Example #2: in the third quarter, running BACKWARD an extra 10 yards when being rushed, forcing MSU out of field goal range!!!! There are too many other examples to mention of his failure to execute. The coaching staff needs to take some heat here, as well, for not having Dowdell or Stanton even in back-up ready mode. They have a LONG WAY to go and the coaching staff needs to put an emphasis on getting a backup some reps. It was painfully obvious Dowdell was getting little-to-no reps in practice.

But, the coaching staff seemed reluctant to use the same game plan and kept running the ball, instead of mixing up the plays. The offense ground to a halt in the second half. MSU only had five first downs in the final three quarters (this is a trend continuing from the BW years: poor third down conversions; 3-of-16 for the game). Both teams had TDs taken away by stupid penalties (Shabaj brilliant TD catch & run came back on an illegal formation; LTU long pass on a holding call). But, after each turnover by LTU, MSU would gain a few yards, take some time off the clock, and try long field goals... not the way to win games, John L.

The ES isn't too upset by the fumbled onside kick by Stanton and the facemask by Taplin in the game's final minute. MSU never should have been in that position in the first place. It was poor coaching decisions, and poor execution by the offense that put MSU in jeopardy.

Finally, if Smoker's toe was injured... why was he not receiving treatment on the sidelines? He stood there, walking around and jumping up and down the entire second half... what gives? That's just plain stupid.

Yesterday's game goes down as yet another "snatch defeat from the jaws of victory" disappointment in the long annals of MSU football. John L. Smith needs to be informed that he is continuing a trend that just frustrates irate MSU fans. Here's the official tally dating back to 1990 of last-minute losses by the Spartans (* denotes ES in attendance):

However, MSU wasn't the only team that lost on Saturday. Could have been worse: Wisconsin was smoked at home by UNLV, 23-5; and Notre Dame was shellacked, 38-0, by Michigan.

Hey, maybe we actually have a chance at Notre Dame. Only if Smoker plays. Otherwise, say goodbye to 2003 and hello to basketball season.

ES a big fan of LSJ's Todd Schulz

(09/13/03)--It goes without saying that finally, the Lansing State Journal has scored a coup with local Chippewa writer Todd Schulz covering the Spartans. This guy is a gem, and keeps the ES roaring with every article. Jack Ebling is a Spartan through and through, but his style of writing always annoyed the ES (subject and essence of the sentence followed by a comma and then some other descriptive phrase out of nowhere that was interesting but didn't belong in the same sentence) and there was little humor -- albeit very factual. Schulz is a breath of fresh air and has a creative flair not seen in these parts since the days of Fred Stabley, Jr.

Earlier this week, Schulz started a column on the Spartans with: "the circus is coming to town." Who wouldn't want to read that? Now, today, Schulz has portrayed Spartan head coach with a gem of a paragraph: "Smith is a modern coach with a modern offense, and, oh yeah, a modern-pay check. But there's a goofy, old-school part of him wrapped up in a coonskin coat and waving a pennant, like the fans you see cheering Red Grange in those old black-and-white highlight reels." Earlier this fall, he had a whole article on why he is NOT former Spartan QB Todd Shultz. That kept the ES roaring. Keep up the good work, Todd!

BC to join the Big 10?

(09/12/03)--On Will Teeman's "This Week In College Football" (why Mr. Teeman continues his foray into college athletics is beyond me. He is just a terrible, terrible announcer... even if he is a Spartan) radio broadcast, the Freep's Drew Sharp stated "my sources tell me that the Big 10 is secretly looking into expansion... If Plan A doesn't work and Notre Dame doesn't join, the conference will seek plan B -- Boston College is being considered because of its strength academically and athletically in football and basketball, and Boston is the seventh largest media market... The Big 10 is concerned that the ACC will become another Big 12 -- dominant in football and basketball -- and does not want to be left behind."

The ES says... WHATEVER DREW. Give us some news. Your "source" probably didn't tell you that the Big 10 would also look to Pittsburgh or other schools if need be. This is the same old crap we've heard since ND nixed the Big10 back in 1998. Big Ten commish Jim Delaney has gone on record saying the Big10 isn't planning on any expansion anytime soon. So what if the Big Ten is making contingency plans... when would they make the offer for a 12th squad... 2008... 2009... come on, Drew, give us some news, man. Pathetic. Hey, Drew, did you know that there are going to be five Spartans suspended for Saturday's game? Gimme the ES a call and he'll give you the skinny...

The ES puts his money where his mouth is; John L's debut a grape

(9/04/03)--The ES loves the criticism regarding his picks against the spread, and his self-promotion... "you think you're some kind of Jimmy the Greek or something."; "You make yourself out like a Vegas bookie"; "ES -- Who the hell do you think you are?" Well, last week, the ES was in Lake Tahoe and CHock told him: "put your money where your mouth is."

So, the ES took Chock up on his offer (see left, click on ticket to enlarge) and laid down $20 on the Big Green Machine -- $10 to win vs. the spread, and $10 in a 3-way parlay with Ohio State and Cal vs. the spread. Now, you say, "ES -- but you picked Western against the spread on your website?" But, alas, when the ES was confronted with the option of picking with his wallet or his heart, the ES couldn't NOT pick MSU. The ES' bleeds green in his wallet as well as his blood. So, the ES picked MSU and was a LOSER in Tahoe, even though he covered with Ohio State and Cal. As the ES left the casino, however, he put $1 in the slot machine and hit a $50 winner. The ES quit the big money, and ended up playing nickel slots all night long (again, coming out about $9 ahead), and made a nice $39 profit in his gambling debut.

FYI -- Every week since the ES has been up and running, he's picked major college games against the spread -- and at just above .500 over two full seasons (532-520, .506)... So far, 2003 looks to be the same, with an 18-14 record in Week 1.

GO TO THE TAPE - DEBUT'S A GRAPE

So, the ES missed the season opener to stand up in a wedding (and handed Smig an ES "I HATE MICHIGAN" t-shirt, beautifully received by Smig's scUM loving family at breakfast on the morning of the wedding). But, alas the ES has reviewed the tape today and offers the following assessment of John L's debut: it was no cherry (A-grade), it wasn't crap (F), it wasn't an apple, either (B). The ES would say John L's debut was a grape, deserving of a C+. CHock had a pretty good analysis, but here is the ES' take on the game:

First off, good thing MSU wasn't playing Notre Dame or it would have gotten killed. But, WMU was a decent enough opponent to begin to work the kinks out.

Game-ball winners: 1. Clifford Dukes, Greg Taplin, and Matthias Askew kept the heat on the WMU backfield all day, recording five sacks and giving up under 10 yards rushing. Geez -- a wonder that John L. could do in one game what BW couldn't do in three years. 2. Paul Harker looked very good on the offensive line -- he showed his experience by being in the right place at the right time, and his quick feet showed in pulling to make critical blocks to open up decent holes for the MSU running game. Good pass blocking by Harker as well. 3. Jeff Smoker looked good; his two INTs were overshadowed by a solid overall performance and good field command throughout the contest. 4. Good blocking and running-after-the-catch by the receiving corps.

Improvement necessary: 1. Like last year, too many penalties. Seemed like BW reincarnated at times. 2. 3-for-12 on third down is BW-esque. It will be a long season if we can't convert on at least 35% of third downs consistently. 3. The receiving corps -- specifically Trannon -- needs to hold onto the ball and not drop passes. 4. The defensive backfield needs work in stopping the crossing slants and post patterns. Too much run-after-the-catch by WMU receivers. 5. The offensive line as a whole needs to improve its run-blocking techniques to add another dimension to the offense; there were too many times the running backs were caught behind the line of scrimmage to kill drives.

The greatest improvement is usually between the first and second games. Rutgers was also a winner last week, over lowly U-Buffalo. The ES expects the Big Green to ramp it up and unload the ugly stick on the Scarlet Knights on Saturday. The ES will be loaded hisself to witness the carnage.

Chock: Spartans to finish 6-6/3-5

Chock provided his picks to the ES on Aug. 30... For once, the ES and CHock agree on the Big Green at 6-6 overall, and 3-5 in the conference....

(09/11/03)--While we don’t have the leaves falling off the trees and the crisp fall air here, don’t underestimate the prediction prowess of c hock out here on the west coast. Walking distance to the Kezar Pub, a beautiful institution with as many TVs tuned to games as they have microbrews on tap, helps keep c in the loop and his liver in practice.

So, without any further ado, here are my predictions for this year:

1. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES, 11-1 overall, 7-1 Big Ten
2. MICHIGAN WOLVERINES, 9-3 overall, 6-2 Big Ten
2. PURDUE BOILERMAKERS, 10-2 overall, 6-2 Big Ten
4. MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS, 9-3 overall, 5-3 Big Ten
4. WISCONSIN BADGERS, 9-3 overall, 5-3 Big Ten
6. ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI, 6-6 overall, 4-4 Big Ten
8. MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS, 6-6 overall, 3-5 Big Ten
7. PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS, 4-8 overall, 2-6 Big Ten
9. INDIANA HOOSIERS, 2-10 overall, 1-7 Big Ten
10. IOWA HAWKEYES, 4-8 overall, 1-8 Big Ten
11. NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS, 2-10 overall, 0-8 Big Ten

"Gridiron at Sea": MSU fball to battle Navy aboard USS Nimitz in 2008

(05/30/03)--The Enlightened Spartan has learned from inside sources that the "BasketBowl" planned by MSU Asst. AD Mark Hollis and head coach Tom Izzo is just the tip of the iceberg. You can read more about BasketBowl below, but get a load of this:

Next week, possibly by Monday, MSU Athletics Director Ron Mason along with head football coach John L. Smith, will announce that the MSU football team has initially scheduled a contest in 2008 at the Naval Academy aboard the USS Nimitz, probably the season opener on August 30.

The Nimitz will be docked in Annapolis, Maryland, for the game: the ship will not be under sail, due to obvious logistical and safety concerns. Artifical turf will be laid, with enough room for 5,000 bleacher seats surrounding the turf. Another 15,000 bleacher seats will be constructed on the deck adjoining the pier where the Nimitz is to be docked. Although seating only 20,000 for the game, it will be billed as "Gridiron at Sea."

The Nimitz's flight deck, at 252 feet wide, and an overall length of 1,092 feet, can easily accomodate the playing surface (NCAA regulations of 160 feet wide by 360 feet long) and the crowd. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime event," stated Mason. "Who would have thought playing football on an aircraft carrier was possible? It is simply unbelievable. But, having an opportunity to do something patriotic like this, to promote our armed forces and have the university involved; well, it is a win-win situation for everybody."

Head coach John L. Smith stated: "we are extremely excited about this opportunity. We just want to make sure that, if a kick sails out of bounds, that the players don't jump overboard after it. They'd get killed by the fall itself. At least we're playing the Naval Academy, so we've got a decent chance against them."

Mason stated that details are still being worked out between the Department of Defense, the Secretary of the Navy, and the NCAA. "But, we've got five years to figure this out, so there is plenty of time."

More details to follow.

This announcement comes on the heels of yesterday's announcement for "BasketBowl" at Ford Field on December 13. The ES just can't get over the fact that MSU's Mark Hollis is a marketing genius, a giant among ants in the world of college athetics. Here's our assistant AD, pulling off yet another coup -- getting the Spartans to play the Kentucky Wildcats at Ford Field on December 13. That's similar to the Pistons playing the Celtics at the Silverdome in the late 80s (of which the ES was in attendance), but with higher attendance. The intent is similar to the Cold War -- to break the world attendance record, this time for basketball. Expect over 75,000 to attend this game to break the record... Don't worry, both are basketball powerhouses, and however many seats they can cram in there, each one will be bought. And that includes a few tickets by the ES hisself.

A few facts courtesy of MSU Sports Info:

The world basketball attendance record is 75,000 set on Aug. 21, 1951, during a Harlem Globetrotters exhibition game played in the Berlin Olympic Stadium. The largest crowd ever to watch an NCAA basketball game saw 68,112 fans watch LSU defeat Notre Dame, 87-64, on Jan. 20, 1990, in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, La. That game also stands as the North American attendance record, the competitive game world record and the indoor game world record. The largest crowd ever to watch a Michigan State basketball game was 45,406 at the 2001 Final Four, when Michigan State played Arizona on March 31, 2001, at the HHH Metrodome in Minneapolis. Should "The BasketBowl" set a world attendance record, Michigan State will own the world record for both basketball and hockey attendance. On Oct. 6, 2001, "The Cold War" hockey game between Michigan State and Michigan drew 74,554 fans to Spartan Stadium. Tickets for "The Cold War" were suspended after nine business days.

(03/24/03)--Following last night's embarassing 68-46 defeat of Florida in men's basketball, the Michigan State University athetic administration and the University of Florida have made a long-term arrangement to have Florida and MSU meet in basketball and football on an annual basis, beginning in fall 2003. Spartan Athletic Director Ron Mason stated: "We'd be foolish not to play Florida in as many sports as possible at least once a year." Mason stated Michigan State is immediately beginning plans to develop a water polo team and to return the men's gymnastics team to the school to take advantage of the opportunity of playing the Gators.

Mason referred to the statistical fact that, in recent years, Michigan State has soundly defeated the Gators repeatedly in both football and basketball. This follows last night's sound whippping of Florida on the hardwood. "Heck, we've played Florida five times since 2000, won the Outback Bowl, an NCAA championship in basketball, and now crushed them yet again in basketball," stated Mason. "Why shouldn't we play them as much as possible?"

Florida athletic department officials would not comment officially on the details; however, sources within the school acknowledged the program's inferiority and its "need to be taught a lesson on an annual basis, if not more frequently."

The Spartan basketball team has advanced to its fifth Sweet 16 bid in the past six years as a result of its annihilation of Florida last night. Florida head coach Billy Donovan stated, after the game: "Yes, it is true, we will schedule to play the Spartans at least once a year. We want to take our program to the elite level, so we need to play the best -- the best being Michigan State. Our program is so little compared to the Spartans; I think you saw that on the floor tonight. We just got our asses kicked and need to play them more frequently to really feel the pain."

In another related development, the University of Florida has decided to change its name to Florida University. This, in vulgar attempt to inform the Spartan nation "F-You".

(Chock takes the pulse of Spartan fans out in the land of fruits and nuts. He's a big-time Spartan fan ('89 alum), and wuz pretty upset at us getting whipped by the Illini. He's got some good points here, but the ES thinks we still can make the NCAAs....)

(02/22/03)--Halftime – MSU vs. Illinois - AAAAAAhhhhhhhhhhhh stop it! stop IT! STOP IT!!!! Thow in the towel TOM. PLEASE! I’m begging you. Stop this madness. Stop this embarrassment immediately. When the announcer says ”this is an absolute embarrassment” you know it’s not good. Tom, we know you’re not going to read this until after the game, but here are some ideas that you should consider to avoid putting yourself or any other Spartan through anything as embarrassing as this again:

- Put in 5 of those guys sitting down at the end of the bench who haven’t taken off the sweats all year. Who cares if they lose by 40, they’re expected to lose by 40.

- Sit on the ball. Take all 40 seconds of the shot clock holding on to the ball until the clock expires with all of your possessions. The guys will be all be rested for some defense and you will have burned at least 10 minutes per half where the other team would have been scoring on you at will and making you look bad.

- Throw in the towel. Just simply don’t play. Rather than supplying ESPN with clips galore of the opponent stealing the ball and dunking at will, they only get one clip – a white towel hitting the floor.

- Don’t go in the first place. For example, don’t go to Ohio State on Mar 8. We all know the outcome – why waste the school’s money, take kids off their studies, and go through all that hassle to travel. Just simply don’t go.

- Don’t come out at half-time. Really, was there any reason for the team to leave the locker room after the half?

- Don’t call timeouts when you down 39 points with 4:47 remaining. The idea is to get the game over as quickly as possible – not prolong the agony. Remember, while you’re in the huddle during the timeout ESPN is glaring the Illinois 84 – MSU 22 score (or something like that) for all to see.

- Decline the NIT bid. Stay home and concentrate on recruiting a couple of point guards.

If you do decide, for what ever reason, not to take the advice above, PLEASE have the players take the damn State jerseys off their backs. No one on that floor deserved to wear green.

(02/19/03)--First off... what an ugly display on the hardwood at Illinois last night. But, don't worry Spartan fans. With MSU in a solid 6th place, with four of last five games at home (including a match vs. #17 Syracuse), with the Big Ten tournament ahead, and with Michigan ineligible for post-season play, MSU would be the fifth team to be selected for the NCAAs (assuming they go 2-2 in conference down the stretch and post an even 8-8 conference record, win a Big Ten tournament game, and finish the season no worse than 17-14). The NCAA has selected at least five Big10 teams for the big dance every year in recent memory. And, MSU has some quality wins this season (#3 Kentucky, #15 Illinois) and their losses (excepting last night) have all been well documented as competitive to the final minutes (losses to #5 Oklahoma, #15 Illinois, #16 Oklahoma State, #24 Purdue). MSU's schedule strength is rated 17th nationally, another plus. And, its RPI rating is #37 (Michigan, by contrast, is #55 RPI). This is a realistic conclusion to the season... we shall see. The ES remains positive...

(2/6/03)--Take a little sweat, some testosterone, passing grades, lots of steak and eggs, some propaganda, more propaganda, a dynamic/fast talking coach, and lots of promises... and what do you have? A college recruiting class.

Where does this recipe leave MSU this upcoming fall? A little short on the spices, for sure, but it is not exactly mud pie, either. Coach John L. was able to coax a few top-notch players our way, with four wideouts and three RBs adding some depth to the mix. But, the Spartans' recipe for success hasn't been made with this class. What this recipe needs is BEEF.

Under the BW regime, the Spartans' offensive and defensive lines have been woefully inadequate -- slow, out of position, and undisciplined. We can't run the ball, and we can't stop the run; and no pass rush. That's no way to win ball games. With this class, Joe Toth and John Masters seem to have some talent for the spread offense, but nothing glaring. And on defense, only speed rusher Darryl Melvin has joined the squad... that's it. Our defensive woes aren't over yet folks. And, with the two QBs he picked up... well, they aren't exactly poster-boy material. Don't expect Stanton to be knocked out of the rotation by rookies Reaves and Clayton.

That being said, I'm impressed that coach John L. actually found 20 guys willing to come up to this frozen tundra. He had a month and a half to find some recruits, and he did an adequate job, under the circumstances. Next year will be the telling tale for recruiting; this year couldn't be counted on for much.

Now the real work begins. Coach John L. will install a completely different wide-out offensive scheme on a team used to the predictable, unimaginative schemes of Mo Watts. And, defensively, coach John L. has to find a way to plug the holes. His first order of business should be to sit down with Ken Mannie and figure out why we are so weak up front and get these guys to start eating creatine by the bucket and pumping iron round the clock.

But, more than anything, coach John L. needs to install a new attitude on this team. Not an attitude of complacency, but rather an aggressive, mean attitude dedicated to winning. We need to see some blood, man.

Criticism is easy folks while you are sitting on your sofa at home. But, John L. is being paid handsomely to find a way to bring home some Ws to the Spartan Nation. Good luck this year, John L... the ES is behind you. But, remember, the ES will keep a keen eye on you... if you win, we'll praise you; if you lose, we'll have 1.65 million reasons a year to haze you.

(1/4/03)--John L. Smith is the right guy to coach at Michigan State. But even if you think he isn't, it doesn't matter. So, all you Smith-naysayers, shut down your offensive websites and shut your trap and be a supporting Spartan. With $1.625 million a year for six years, he's gonna stay a while.

We've all complained about the lack of the Spartans' innovation on offense over the years... many years dating back to the Muddy Waters. Maybe we'd have the talent to hide our neanderthal schemes in certain years, but overall it has been average at best. John L. Smith will fix that with the same wide-open, spread offense now operating with efficiency at Purdue. The ball will be flying all over the place. One wonders if that is why he took away the scholarship from Marcus Woods -- do we need more receivers and less running backs?

On defense, our main problem has been a pathetic defensive line presence. You've got to wonder what Ken Mannie has been doing with the strength and conditioning of these guys in the off-season. The Spartan defense has been run over for three straight years, and the Spartans have had the WORST pass rush the ES has ever seen. An overhaul with an agressive, strong defensive line is a PRIORITY.

Finally, watching that national title game last night made you realize where the toughest football games are really won: along the offensive and defensive lines, with a strong field-position kicking game, and by forcing turnovers. All of which, Ohio State was superior in and why they deserved to win the national title. They won the national title game in double overtime the way they had won all year long: defense, field position, forcing turnovers, and just enough offense to get the job done.

Which leads back to Michigan State. For the past few years, we've had the talent at the skill positions (WR, QB, RB, DB)... but have been horribly deficient in the kicking game (poor field goal kicking, blocked kicks, long returns against us) and absoloutely horrendous in the trenches. What coach Tressel has done so well at Ohio State is what MSU needs to do: build the interior lines first, and develop the talent around them. You win in the trenches. It's ugly, but you can't expect a star quarterback (Dorsey) or a star running back (McGahee) to be effective if a brutal defensive line (Ohio State) is in your face all night. Michigan State needs to get a serious weight training program on its interior line and needs to recruit some sensational talent... not just big and fat; rather, talented with the opportunity to develop good techniques and understand assignments. Right now, MSU is woeful along the lines.

Coach John L.'s success won't only be measured on the field, but also in the weight room. That's readily apparent. We hope he knows that and has a handle on that already when he's out scouting.