ES Previews MSU-Mild Cats

(2008 May 27)--Well, if you haven't checked out the ES preview of the Spartans-NW game, then... where you been? Go over to Lake the Posts.

MSU's QB Shuffle: Nichol Comes Home To Momma, Foles Goes Home To Momma

(2008 May 21)--In an interesting swap at Michigan State, former Oklahoma quarterback Keith Nichol has officially transferred to play at MSU. Upon hearing the news, backup Nick Foles has requested to transfer, likely back home to Texas. Nichol is originally from Lowell, MI, and his departure to Oklahoma was a big loss for incoming coach Mark Dantonio... but, he got him after all. Said Nichol, "I've been a Spartan fan all my life." Nichol will sit out this year and suit up as a MSU sophomore in 2009.

What this does leave is a hole at backup QB for MSU in 2008 -- likely filled by Kirk Cousins of Holland if Brian Hoyer goes down. Cousins is a redshirt freshman this year.

This is a bonus for MSU -- Nichol was a very highly touted QB who nearly won the starting job at perennial power Oklahoma. Although MSU loses Foles for this year, if Hoyer stays healthy (as he did in 2007) Foles likely would not have had much playing time.

So much for recruting... they all come back home to momma eventually, now don't they? GO GREEN and welcome home, KEITH!

Nichol leaves Oklahoma. IS MSU on the Radar?

(2008 May 9)--As reported by the Associated Press, top recruit Keith Nichol from Lowell, Michigan has decided to leave Oklahoma after just one year. Stated Nichol: "A lot of people are going to asume MSU is at the top, Michigan's at the top and stuff like that, and I don't know if they would want me to come play for them." OU coach Bob Stoops stated, "We understand his desire to seek an opportunity with another program."

Don't be surprised if the Doctor is on the phone and calling -- Nichol will have to sit out a year if he transfers, but he has three full years of eligibility remaining. Last year for OU, Nichol was 2-7 for 15 yards, and he ran three times for another 13 yards. But, we could use some depth at QB after this year with Hoyer leaving, and Nichol would be a great fit.

APR Count is Out: MSU No Penalties, Purdue loses scholarship; questions for NCAA

(2008 May 6)--As the ES reported last week, MSU will not be hit with any penalties for academic performance of any of its teams. The only Big Ten team to be hit with a penalty is Purdue, which had an 894 in men's basketball and will lose one scholarship. However, the NCAA has some explaining to do, as 5 Big Ten's mens teams did not make the 925 minimums, yet 4 were given waivers. Why the inconsistencies? Minny, OSU, and Indy all also were below 925 in men's hoops, and Purdue was also a 920 in football - the only team below the cutline. The NCAA in the coming days will be peppered with questions about how they determined penalties. Stay tuned.

2007-2008 Athletic Team Cohort APRs

* no penalty; no reason given
+ 1 scholarship loss

ES Preseason '08 consensus poll: Give it up for UGA/OSU

(2008 May 3)--Where is MSU? Nowhere to be seen... but, both Georgia and Ohio St at this point are the consensus 2008 top picks for the BCS title. Stuart Mandel of SI.com puts MSU in his "on the cusp" rankings... ES ranks 1-25 pts, and 26 for each team not ranked in each poll, then averages them; the rankings are from lowest score at #1 to highest score at #25. Polls considered are SI.com, NCchamps.net, ESPN.com, Scout.com, Rivals.com...

#1t, Ohio St, 2.0, (2)
#1t, Georgia, 2.0 (2)
#3, Oklahoma, 3.4
#4, S. Cal, 3.6 (1)
#5, Florida, 5.4
#6, Missouri, 5.6
#7, LSU, 6.8
#8, Texas Tech, 11.8
#9t, Clemson, 12.0
#9t, Wisconsin, 12.0
#11, W. Virginia, 12.2
#12, Texas, 12.4
#13, Kansas, 12.6
#14, Auburn, 14.0
#15, Va Tech, 14.4
#16, Tennessee, 15.0
#17t, Arizona St, 17.8
#17t, Illinois, 17.8
#17t, Penn St, 17.8
#20, BYU, 19.2
#21, Oregon, 19.6
#22, S. Florida, 23.8
#23, Virginia, 24.2
#24t, Michigan, 24.4
#24t, Oregon St, 24.4

Others receiving votes (barely): Boston Coll, S. Carolina, UConn, PItt, Alabama, Cincy, Boise St, Florida St, Wake Forest, Ball St, Fresno St

MSU slips ahead of APR cutline, gridders won't lose scholarships

(2008 May 1)--From what the ES understands, the MSU men's football team will NOT lose any NCAA scholarships, as the most recent cohort coming to school has moved the APR ahead of the 925 cutline to... 926. One less thing for the Doctor to worry about. Every Spartan team was ahead of the 925 cutline, so it won't experience any penalties (though football was the closest).

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the Big Ten and other NCAA teams fare when penalties are announced on May 6.

Lake The Posts Digs MSU

(2008 Apr 29)--I've spent so much time in school, I completely missed the OUTSTANDING WRITEUP by Lake The Posts last year on his trip following Northwestern to MSU. Of course, we helped by allowing his 'Cats to beat us Spartys. Also, it can't help to impress a guy from a city where his major college is about 25th on the sports scene (note the hard-on jealousy for the "unbiased sports reporting of the LSJ" and the MSU band's version of the NU fight song "that's how it is supposed to sound."). All in all, however, an amazingly IMPRESSIVE writeup by LTP - he rates his Mich St experience a 9 of 10.

Justin Boren: Most Loved Man in state of Michigan

(2008 Apr 24)--Wow. You knew it would happen; Rich Rodriguez is driving his Yellow Bellies away in droves. Starting offensive lineman Justin Boren has officially transferred from scUM and enrolled at Ohio State. HOORAY! If Appy State's victory over scUM wasn't enough, this is yet one more sign of the college football nation loving hating Michigan.

Congrats, Justin Boren. You are now the most loved man in Michigan. THANK YOU!

MSUAA in San Francisco Report: MSU-Cal Preview

(2008 Apr 20)--Here's a report from the MSU Alumni Chapter in San Francisco on the early excitement for the MSU-Cal game. Note that there are nearly 15,000 Spartan alumni in the Bay Area, and is should make for one helluva game out in Berkely on August 30. Let's kick some Golden Bear arse! (Thanks to Smig for sharing the emails)

"You are receiving this email because you got tickets from the first 150 that our SF Bay area Alumni Club were allocated. The tickets are gone but we hope to get another batch once we pay for these. There will be a tailgate party and pep rally for the game - more to come on these later. Our President, will be getting more details from East Lansing and sharing those with us in the coming months. Once we get the tickets, we will be mailing them out to you at the address provided to us (if you didn't put one in paypal, send it to me and I will get it on our master list). We expect the tickets to come in a few months."

Spring Game Answers

(2008 Apr 19)--There was no rain today, shoot the weatherman. Beautiful skies, 70 degrees and sunny. 27,000 estimated spring game crowd. And, that was perfect for the passing game. The defensive line stopped the run on both sides, the receivers caught lots of passes, and the Green team won, 23-21. More details? See the Q&A below. The answers:

1. Defensive backfield: Otis Wiley picked off Hoyer with a late INT. But, the defensive backs gave up 4 TDs through the air, and several long balls (including 55 and 58 yard receptions). More work needs to be done, here.

2. Linebackers: Eric Gordon led the white team with 11 tackles, 2 for loss, and a pass broken up. Greg Jones and Brandon Denson combined for 11 tackles and 2 for loss to lead the green team. And, there was only 15 yards rushing on 39 attempts by both the Green and White. The linebackers played great.

3. Wideouts: Surprisingly positive outing for the wide receiver - quarterback combinations. Mark Dell caught 6 passes for 120 yards to lead the day; Blair White caught 4 for 87 yards; BJ Cunningham caught 6 balls for 97yards and 1 TD; Chris D Rucker caught 3 passes for 90 yards and 2 TDs (the other Rucker, Chris L, caught 2 passes); Hoyer was 13-22 for 208 yards and 3 TDs; Cousins 12-19 for 196; Foles 10-15 for 102. The passing game was the biggest surprise of the day... wow, efficient and good.

4. Where is the beef? Solidly on defense. There is no beef on offense. Defensive line played well, has pressure all day in the offensive backfield; the offensive line could't run block worth a crap, with the longest run of just 9 yards by either team the whole game lone. DL = beef; OL = bust.

5. How is Trevor Anderson? He played OK; had 4 tackles. Will Nick Foles be our backup QB? Yes; he played about even as Cousins, and with his size that gives Foles the advantage. Is Greg Jones really THAT good? Damn straight, he played great. Is this BJ Cunningham kid our go-to receiver? He played better than expected, with a great 43-yard TD... but Mark Dell played even better.

Said Dantonio: "I thought, overall, it was a real good game. Both teams battled back and forth. I thought the young receivers stepped up and did a real good job, so did both of our quarterbacks. Blair White did a great job, I think people underestimate him. I think the receivers did a great job altogether... We have to continue to solidify the offensive line, get production from the wide-outs and continue to grow at the back-up quarterback position. I think we punted pretty well and we kicked pretty well. We are trying to lay a foundation here and August is around the corner and we'll assess that as we get there."

Tree Lovers Celebrate 1 Year Anniversary at Cal's Memorial Stadium

(2008 Apr 19)--However, there are also the tree-huggers who have been living in the trees alongside Memorial Stadium (Save the Oaks at the Stadium) for most of 2007 and 2008... They just celebrated their one year anniversary. The ES hopes they can make it another 5 months so we can heckle and congratulate them for their dedication when we arrive on Aug. 30. The Tennessee fans were wowed last year....

Looks like the tree lovers are winning their battle to stop the athletics expansion project and keep the old grove oaks... Athletics or trees??? You be the judge.

California vs Michigan blog?

Link here.

Your Official Spartan Spring Game Weather Forecast:
Cloudy, 69 degrees.

(2008 Apr 19)--OK, Spartan fans. It is Spring Game day.... and the potential for rain has moved to 4 pm. Leave your rain gear at home, head out to Spartan Stadium, and enjoy your Spartoonies Spring 2008 Style! Game time -- 1:30 p.m.

Top Questions for Spring Game

(2008 Apr 17)--The ES poses these questions for the Spring Game. You be the judge:

1. Will the defensive backfield be any good? REALLY? Experience doesn't translate to good... can these guys finally stop the big play?

2. Are the linebackers really that good and deep? OK, we know they are fast and young... but can they plug a hole or hit the corners?

3. Can anyone catch a pass or three?

4. Where's the beef? How is the beef? Can we pass and run block on offense/can we penetrate and make a pass rush on defense?

5. How is Trevor Anderson? Will Nick Foles be our backup QB? Is Greg Jones really THAT good? Is this BJ Cunningham kid our go-to receiver?

Forecast for Spring Game: RAIN

(2008 Apr 17)--It's been beautiful weather the past three years for the annual Spring Game, but it looks like rain this Saturday folks. Mark Dantonio will put his squad through the final workout of the 2008 spring campaign, and it has been fairly impressive so far. Bring your ponchos and watch the guys suit up and knock each other's blocks off. Game time starts in Spartan Stadium at 1:30 pm; there will be a kids clinic prior to the event, beginning at 10 am at the grass practice fields behind the Duffy; and at 11:30, there will be an autograph session with a ticket for free hot dog and drink for the kids.

Notable: the Spartan Ticket Office is selling 100 press box seats at $50 each for the Spring Game. with proceeds to the George Webster Scholarship Fund. Check out www.msuspartans.com for more info.

When the spring game concludes, mosey on over to Old College Field to see our Spartoonies take on the Yellow Bellies in a baseball doubleheader.

MSU-UNC Set for Ford Field in BigTen ACC Challenge

(2008 Apr 17)--Very cool again, MSU will play one of its regular season hoops games in Ford Field, this time against North Carolina in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. Mark Hollis fought hard to move the game from what would have been a MSU road trip (it was MSU's turn to travel to ACC country), and instead have the game at Ford Field. They'll probably have a fantastic halftime show to boot, celebrating the legacy of the two historic programs...

Spring Scrimmage #2: Defense Rules Again

(2008 Apr 13)--It's awfully quiet around East Lansing these days, as the snow melts and the rainy showers (hopefully) bring May flowers. But, other than cool baseball and softball games, the one other big event on the Big Green campus is MSU Football.

The Spartans plowed through their second scrimmage of the spring on Saturday, and they did it outside in the cold and rain. Again, the defense showed its prowess, winning 46-40 in Dantonio's modified scoring system.

But, more importantly, the defense is making the plays needed to help this team step up a notch this fall. Senior DE Brandon Long had a pair of sacks, sophomore LB Greg Jones had a team-high nine tackles, junior LB Adam Decker hae six tackles (three for loss), and converted wideout to LB Ryan Allison had nine tackles. It is DAMN GOOD TO SEE LINEBACKERS LEADING THE TEAM IN TACKLES INSTEAD OF DEFENSIVE BACKS. Speaking of DBs, Otis Wiley made a spectacular pick of a Brian Hoyer pass.

On offense, Brian Hoyer ws 10-18 for 63 yards and one INT. Our backup QB right now looks to be Nick Foles, who was 11-18 for 82 yards; Kirk Cousins of Holland, MI, was 5-8 for 28 yards. Leading the team in receiving was Mark Dell with three catches for 20 yards. And, on the ground, freshman Andre Anderson had a 97-yard TD run to lead the way (14 carries, 98 yards -- so the other 13 carries he gained one yard; sounds like a stalling offensive line to me). The offensive line right now is a work in progress -- and is missing the Big O (Roland Martin) who sprained his ankle and will sit the rest of the spring. Javon Ringer is also being held out of spring ball. He's our stud.

Notably, DB Chris Rucker is also being tried out at wide receiver; he had four catches yesterday.

If you read some of Joe Rexrode's blog, he is noting that the speed of the defense is clear and away the story of the spring. Matter of fact, the depth of our speedy LB corps may really start to pay dividends this fall. Our starting LBs today would be: EricGordon (outside), Greg Jones (middle), and Brandon Denson (outside). Add Adam Decker, Jon Misch, and Ryan Allison -- and you have depth. Also, Rexrode notes the outstanding play of the defensive backfield... with Wiley, Roderick Jenrette, Kendall Davis-Clark, and Ashton Henderson helping on run support... but, let's concentrate on having these guys turn their heads on deep balls and not getting burned! Antonio Jeremiah, Brandon Long, and Trever Anderson all were solid in rushing the passer and pitching tents in the offensive backfield.

THREE CHEERS FOR DEFENSE!

Spring Football Scrimmage: Defense Rules

(2008 Apr 6)--OK, so the ES took a bit of a break this past week, traveling to the University of Georgia and Atlanta for an academic conference. Now, getting back into the groove, the ES chimes in a bit on the first spring scrimmage of 2008. Thanks to the folks over at MSU Sports Info, the information was provided by msuspartans.com.

On April 3, the Big Green was sent through a two-hour, 94-play "controlled" scrimmage in Spartan Stadium. The Doctor's zany scoring system provided the margin of victory to the defense over the offense, 58-42. But, more importantly, how did they fare? Well, it is nice to see the defense dominate scrimmages. DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS. Period. MSU should have a fairly solid defensive backfield for the first time since Dantonio was an assistant on the MSU staff back in 2000. And, it showed in the scrimmage. It also looks like incoming Cincy transfer Trevor Anderson will be a solid contributor to wreak havoc on opposing QBs, a la Jonal St Dic in 2007....

OFFENSE

QB Brian Hoyer was 12-of-23 for 138 yards; Backups NickFoles was 4-of-11 for 71 yards, and Kirk Cousins completed 5-of-13 for 27 yards. Not exactly lighting up the scoreboard, there...

Wideout Mark Dell had a scrimmage-best four receptions for 56 yards, and 11 different receivers caught at least one pass. TE Andrew Hawken had three catches for 40 yards.

On the ground, AJ Jimmerson got the bulk of the carries in the first scrimmage, rushing 17 times for 42 yards. Leggett picked up 36 yards on eight attempts, while Andre Anderson (5-9, 188, R-Fr.) rushed 10 times for 14 yards. Stud Javon Ringer was held out of the scrimmage after undergoing minor shoulder surgery.

DEFENSE

The Spartan defense came up with stops on 13 of the first 14 possessions, including four fumbles. Safeties Roderick Jenrette and Dan Fortener each recorded eight tackles and a PBU.. Linebacker Greg Jones had six tackles, a 7-yard sack, and a fumble recovery. Incoming Cincy transfer DE Trevor Anderson had five tackles, including two sacks for 17 yards. LB Eric Gordon made five tackles, one for a 3-yard loss, and forced a fumble. Safety Otis Wiley also had two tackles and two PBUs.

Says the Doctor: "Our best players played very well today on the defensive side of the football," Dantonio said. "Both Greg Jones and Otis Wiley played extremely well. Trevor Anderson is a very good player, and he made his presence known late in the scrimmage."

"In the second scrimmage, we're going to look for improved execution, especially on the offensive side of the football. We'll continue to evaluate the back-up quarterback situation as well as solidify the offensive line (positions). We also really need to find a go-to receiver. We've got some playmakers at the position, but they need to develop some consistency in catching the ball in traffic. Obviously, we have some incoming freshmen that will challenge for playing time when they report for August camp."

The Spartans have three practices scheduled (April 6, 8 and 10) before conducting their second "closed" scrimmage on Saturday, April 12. The spring game is set for Saturday, April 19 at 1:30 p.m. in Spartan Stadium. Admission is free.

#1 Reason Why We Lost to Memphis; Hockey Moves On

(2008 Mar 27)--Why did we get our butt kicked, 92-74, by Memphis? Answer: we were OUTCLASSED. Period. Earlier today, I gave seven reasons why we would be Memphis, but the one reason MSU lost was -- Memphis played better.

However, on an up-beat note, MSU hockey crushed Colorado College tonight in Colorado, 3-1. They will play Notre Dame on Saturday night, 10 pm on ESPNU to advance to the Frozen Four!

Seven Reasons Why MSU Will Beat Memphis

(2008 Mar 27)--When I heard coach Calipari say "we're not supposed to win" today, I nearly upchucked my lunch. What a complete joke; his team is the #1 team and he shouldn't be so cryptic or just goddang understated. He's not fooling anyone, and as the top seed, Memphis is favored. So there.

But, Calipari does have a point, and that is that Memphis won't win tomorrow. The problem is that other than a suspect Tennessee team, Memphis hasn't played any team worth a crap since LAST YEAR. And if they were worth a crap, then barely. Let's have a looksie.

1. Woosie schedule. Memphis won lots of games, primarily in a weak-assed Conference USA this year. How weak was it? Well according to rpiratings.com, ConfUSA was the 10th-strongest conference, behind the BCS conferences, Atlantic 10, and Mountain Valley. And, for all you who mention "but they played a strong non-conf stint" I say BULLSHIT. Who did they play? NCAA-bound Oklahoma, UConn, Austin Peay, Gtown, Arizona, Siena, Gonzaga, and Tennessee are a combined 5-8 in the tourney, with Tennesse the only remaining team. Tennessee and Gonzaga are the only two tourney-tested teams Memphis played since January 3. Meanwhile, MSU played UCLA, BYU, Texas, Purdue, Indiana, and Wisconsin -- a combined 7-3 in the tourney, with UCLA, Texas, and Wisky still alive. Finally, teams also play well at certain times of the year; MSU has played 10 teams ranked in the top 25 the time they played them; Memphis has played only four, and only one in 2008 (Tennessee). Finally, in the tourney, MSU has played Temple and a tough Pitt team. Memphis played Texas-Arlington (??) and snaked past a Miss St team from a terrible SEC. It's quality of opponents, not quantity, here people.

2. Defense. Michigan State's defense is what really rules the day. It is their defense that allows MSU to dominate lesser opponents, or keeps them in games against top flight opponents. Excet for losses at Penn State (???) and Indiana, and a win against Missouri, each of MSU's opponents has been held to less than 80 points, and 26 out of the 35 opponents has been held to less than 70 points. Similarly, 27 out of Memphis' 36 opponents have been held to 70 points or less... which leads us back to strength of schedule. When Memphis actually plays someone decent out of conference, the opponent lights 'em up: Austin Peay (82), Gonzaga (73), Miss State (74) , Georgetown (71), Connecticut (70). Michigan State is holding opponents to 57.5 points, and 35.2 percent shooting, including 20.0 percent from 3-point range. Now that's tight.

3. Free throws. If this game comes down to free throws in the end, Memphis is screwed. Their 59.7% FT average is well documented... and it hasn't come into play as much this year because Memphis has beaten up on its woosie schedule. In their loss to Tennessee, Memphis were 8-17 from the line. Why was the game vs Miss St so close last week? Memphis hit just 6-12 from the free thorown line in the last minute, pulling Miss St from 7 down to 3 down and giving them a shot to tie as time expired. Meanwhile, MSU has hit 25 of 27 FTs in the tourney, including a perfect 9-9 last week. Yes, free throws can matter. And, if the game is within 5 points at the end, they will.

4. Depth. MSU and Memphis lineups are both 10-deep. Izzo has used his bench religiously in the tournament, as has Calipari. If either team believes they can use their bench for an advantage, their wrong. In Memphis' last game, Miss St had five players log more than 10 minutes and almost won... Memphis had seven players log 10+ (I had to go to the Mississippi State website to find this out because Memphis' website is for shit). Against both Pitt and Temple, Mich State had eight players log 10+ minutes. You won't wear MSU down.

5. Turnovers, rebounding, etc. The turnover bug for MSU is frustrating... but has been solved to some extent in the NCAA tourney. MSU is holding onto the all better, and after two games has turned it over 26 times to opponents' 20 (-6). Memphis has turned it over 17 times to opponents 22 (+5); so, while Memphis has an advantage, they have forced only two more turnovers than MSU has. The rebounding advantage is about even, with MSU at +19 and Memphis at +21. This looks to be about even here; but MSU's opponents of Temple/Pitt are better than Tex-Arlington/Miss St, so you can argue an MSU advantage.

6. The Izzo factor. Izzo is 26-9 (.743) in tourney games, fourth best among active coaches. He's #1 with 7 sweet 16 appearanes, and 4 final fours. Calipari can't match it. He's 20-8 (.714) in the ncaa tourney, with 6 sweet 16 showings.

7. Finally, Memphis' website sucks. Somebody point to me where on their website you can find individual game state? Their website design leads to stat numbers off the page; a website that sucks that bad, they can't win.

Final score: MSU 68, Memphis 66.

Alaskan Spartan Builds Karma Kegerator In Honor of MSU Sweet 16 Run

(2008 Mar 27)This is just beautiful; a full endorsement from the ES. Spartan fan Casey Ressler of Wasilla, Alaska sent this note to the ES yesterday. Click on photo to enlarge...

"ES – I’m a longtime faithful of your board, living up here in Alaska now. I thought if anyone would appreciate my latest little project, it’d be you. Check out the photo of “Sparty The Kegerator,” which sits in my garage in Wasilla , Alaska . All told, he was built to dispense golden goodness for a total of $250, including the graphics. I like to think that since the first pour of beer from Sparty was during their first round game against Temple , they continue to win in the tourney because I’m bringing them immense karma from the 49th State! It isn’t quite like sitting in Crunchy’s with your buddies, but it’s the next best thing this far away! If you are ever in the neighborhood and want to have a pull from Sparty, give me a ring!

Casey Ressler"

Note: MSU advances to its 7th Sweet 16 in the last 11 years.

MSU vs Memphis - Friday; MSU a 5-pt underdog

(2008 Mar 23)--The #5 MSU vs #1 Memphis tipoff in the Sweet 16 is scheduled for 7:10 10:00 pm EST this Friday in Houston (sorry for the err in the time). If victorious, MSU will play in the Regional Finals on Sunday at 2:40 pm EST. Caesars in Vegas lists Memphis as an early 5-pt favorite. As of Monday night, the line moved down to 4.5 pt Memphis favorite.

ICE HOCKEY VS COLO COLL

Meanwhile, the defending national champion MSU Spartan men's ice hockey team drew a #3 seed and will play #2 Colorado College in the West Region of the NCAA tournament. The game will begin at 10 pm EST on Friday. The west region is being hosted in Colorado Springs, and thus is a home game for CC. If victorious, MSU will play the winner of #1 New Hampshire and #4 Notre Dame at 10 pm EST on Saturday.

Enlightened Bracket #2

(2008 Mar 22)--OK, after getting some smack on the message board about my Big Ten Bloggers bracket, the ES figured I'll post my premier bracket... the one that has my "best shot" first; all the others are varations off it. My biggest bummer is that the ES changed from Siena to Vandy just before post time; but the ES also picked West Kentucky and Davidson; in the first round, the ES was 24-8 and has the Big Green to the Elite Eight, over Memphis...

click below to enlarge (via CBSsportsline thorugh 8 pm on Sat, Mar 22nd).

We Kicked Their Ass, 65-54... Sweet 16 AGAIN, Baby

(2008 Mar 22)--Tom Izzo certainly is a genius. If you EVER EVER don't include MSU at least in your Sweet 16 bracket, you're an idiot. MSU did it again, with an outstanding defensive team performance in a dominating, 65-54 victory over higher-rated Pitt tonight. MSU was the better team all night long, and with 21 pts from Neitzel, 14 from Suton, and 19 from Lucas, they could do no wrong, A few things: Neitzel rocked, he hit all the big shots, 5-9 from 3pt range; Lucas drove and dished, he looked amazing; and, Suton was typical tourney-Suton: just the garbage man, cleaning up and scoring ugly... but these three played GREAT defensively. just fantastic, ALL GAME LONG!

Most amazing: Drew Neitzel acting as Micahel Jordan, with a between the legs shake and bake move, step back and draining a tear-drop 3pointer with a hand in his face, in the second half. Brought a tear to the eye.

Best coaching move: was Izzo puttting in Idong Ibok for a good 15+ minutes tonight... Ibok looked like he had oven mittens on all night -- he had his hand on everything in sight, but couldn't hold the ball. But, Ibok was GREAT defensively with his big bod and long arms, completely shutting down the interior.

Add Ibok to Naymick and Pitt had no choice but to settle for long range jump shots that didn't fall. GO GREEN! Bring on the Sweet 16. Caution... we are very, very good!

#4 Pitt 3-pt fave over #5 MSU

(2008 Mar 21)--According to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Pittsburgh is favored by 3 points over the Spartans in Saturday night's regional stint in the South bracket. Also in the Big Ten: Wisconsin is favored by 5 over Kansas State, and Xavier is favored by 3.5 over Purdue. Tipoff: 9:10 pm on Saturday.

You gotta love this stat: "Under head coach Tom Izzo, Michigan State has a spectacular 11-2 record in the second game of a weekend in NCAA Tournament play. The Spartans' only two losses have come when playing a top seed in an opponent's home state, falling to No. 1 Texas at the 2003 South Region Final in San Antonio and losing to No. 1 North Carolina in the 2007 second round in Winston-Salem, N.C. "

#5 Spartans Handle #12 Temple, 72-61

(2008 Mar 20)--MSU beat Temple, 72-61, in the first round of the NCAA Tourney. It will play the winner of #4 Pitt/#13 Oral Roberts at 9 pm on Saturday. MSU took care of business today with a complete team effort and stifling defense, with Raymar Morgan's 15 points more than making up for a poor shooting day by Drew Neitzel (5 pts on 2-10 FGs). Neitzel, however, made up for his shooting woes with excellent defense and floor management.

Vegas Odds For Tourney Wins: MSU 40-1

(2008 Mar 17)--#5 MSU is a 6.5 point favorite over #12 Temple on Thursday. Also, MSU is listed as 40-1 to win the tourney, and 12-1 to win the South region. Here are all the odds out of Vegas, to win the tourney. Italics are teams MSU played in 2007-8.

Team Start Current
UCLA 9/2 9/2
North Carolina 5/1 5/1
Kansas 5/1 5/1
Memphis 6/1 6/1
Texas 10/1 10/1
Tennessee 12/1 12/1
Georgetown 12/1 12/1
Louisville 15/1 15/1
Duke 15/1 15/1
Stanford 20/1 20/1
Connecticut 30/1 30/1
Clemson 35/1 35/1
Michigan State 40/1 40/1
Pittsburgh 40/1 40/1
Wisconsin 40/1 40/1
Southern California 50/1 50/1
Notre Dame 60/1 60/1
Xavier 60/1 60/1
Washington State 60/1 60/1
West Virginia 80/1 80/1
Marquette 80/1 80/1
Vanderbilt 100/1 100/1
Purdue 125/1 125/1
Miami-Florida 150/1 150/1
Indiana 150/1 150/1
Butler 150/1 150/1
Davidson College 200/1 200/1
Kansas State 200/1 200/1
Mississippi State 200/1 200/1
Drake 250/1 250/1
Saint Josephs-Pennsylvania 250/1 250/1
Oklahoma 250/1 250/1
Texas A&M 250/1 250/1
Oregon 300/1 300/1
Arizona 300/1 300/1
Gonzaga 300/1 300/1
Kentucky 400/1 400/1
Arkansas 400/1 400/1
Kent State 500/1 500/1
Georgia 500/1 500/1
UNLV 500/1 500/1
Villanova 600/1 600/1
Temple 600/1 600/1
Brigham Young 600/1 600/1
George Mason 800/1 800/1
Baylor 800/1 800/1
Saint Marys College-California 800/1 800/1
South Alabama 1000/1 1000/1
Western Kentucky 1000/1 1000/1
California State-Fullerton 1000/1 1000/1
San Diego 1200/1 1200/1
Oral Roberts 1200/1 1200/1
Siena College 1500/1 1500/1
Winthrop 1500/1 1500/1
Boise State 1500/1 1500/1
Austin Peay state 3000/1 3000/1
Cornell 3000/1 3000/1
Maryland-Baltimore County 3000/1 3000/1
Belmont 4000/1 4000/1
American 4000/1 4000/1
Coppin State 5000/1 5000/1
Mississippi Valley State 5000/1 5000/1
Mount Saint Marys 5000/1 5000/1
Texas-Arlington 5000/1 5000/1
Portland St 5000/1 5000/1

IT'S FOOTBALL SEASON

(2008 Mar 17)---If you were in Ann Arbor or Columbus, the joke is that PIGSKIN is all that is on your mind. We in Spartanland can say "nah-ne-nah-ne-na-nah" and laugh down South as our men's hoops team dances over the next month. Still, Pigskin is ALWAYS on the mind of the ES, and that said.... it is FOOTBALL SEASON as Spring Ball is underway in East Lansing. The Spring Game notably, is slated for April 19.

DANTONIO SKINNY
Highlights from the Doctor (www.msuspartans.com), per ES' scissors:

"I think it's a huge spring for our freshmen group, those guys that played some as true freshmen: Mark Dell, Aaron Bates, Antonio Jeremiah, Greg Jones and Oren Wilson. But also the guys who have not played and that were redshirted last year, I think it's a big opportunity for them to see where they're at in the big scheme of things and to really get their feet in pretty deep in terms of what we're doing out on the football field.We want to critique and master what we do fundamentally, whether it's defensive back or offensive tackle. We want to get better fundamentally. The game is played I think at a ground roots level. The game is played from the ground up with bent knees, power positions, catching the ball, blocking and tackling. We need to continue to work towards this and mastering those fundamentals."

QBs: "Connor will not participate in spring drills because of a shoulder injury. We'll have Hoyer, Nick Foles and Kirk Cousins. We'll look to see how Cousins and Foles have raised their game."

DL: "Trevor Anderson (a transfer from Cincinnati) will be playing for the first time. He's an outstanding player. Tyler Hoover is going to have immediate playing time. He's a guy that's going to step on the field and become a part of what we do on a regular basis right off the bat. Brandon Long, Tyler Hoover and Trevor Anderson, those are probably are three defensive ends heading into spring ball. Our young players - Oren Oren Wilson, Antonio Jeremiah and Ryan Wheat - need to be involved in that playing rotation."

Freshmen: "At wide receiver, we have two guys. B.J. Cunningham is an outstanding jumper. He only played two years in high school and also one in college. He's a big-bodied wide receiver that can really go up and get the football. Chris D. Rucker is another guy who redshirted. He's a 10.5 100-meter guy and can play a variety of positions for us. On the offensive line, Joel Foreman is a guy that you'll see playing and getting involved, as well as Jared McGaha.... On the defensive side of the ball, we really didn't redshirt hardly anybody. Ryan Wheat redshirted, as well as Kevin Pickelman. Kevin is going to be a very good football player. Ryan has a tremendous upside as well."

RECRUITING NEWS

Treadwell commits
Don Treadwell -- Spartans' offensive coordinator -- had his kid give a verbal commit to MSU over the weekend. Blake Treadwell (6-3, 261-lbs) will be a nice addition to the OL. However, the ES remembers seeing this kid 5 years ago shooting hoops three houses down when they lived in EL - it is AMAZING this kid is that big!

Spartan Pride's Skinny
SpartanPride, the frequent ES poster, also has provided a skinny on other potential Spartan commits as we head into Spring Ball. Foremost among them are:

RB Hersey Jackson of Allendale (6-0, 210-lbs, 4.5-40). Ohio St, JoePa, Wisky, Va Tech are all asking for his services...

LB Chad Setterbo (6-3, 195-lbs) of Spring Lake, MI. Setterbo runs a 4.7-40 and is also considering Iowa, Illiniois, Indiana, and every Division I team in Michigan.

DB Shamari Benton (6-0, 171-lbs) of Birmingham Brother Rice. He is quick and is considered one of the top DBs/safeties in the midwest.

#5 South Seeded Spartans NCAA Tourney Skinny

(2008 Mar 16)---MSU (25-8) is a #5 seed in the South region and will play #12 seeded Temple (21-12) on Thursday (time TBA). The winner of that matchup will play the winner of #4 Pittsburgh (26-9)/#13 Oral Roberts (24-8) to advance to the Sweet 16.

The MSU Spartans, fresh off a difficult last second loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten semis, look to avenge it with one of the more interesting brackets; Pittsburgh is one of the hottest teams in the nation...

CBS Sportsline Game Log Rakes Big Ten Officials Over Coals in MSU loss to Wisky

(2008 Mar 15)---ALL the posters at The Glog at CBSsportsline.com were fuming at the one-sided nature of refereeing by Big Ten officials:

"Great comeback by Wisconsin. It's hard to stand a chance if you're the Spartans when all 4 big men foul out, but Wisconsin still had to make the shots"

"Great effort MSU. I feel really bad that they did not get a fair shake today. 4 guys foul out to Wiscy's none, and just too much to overcome if game is called that tightly... unfortunately, called tightly on one side of the court. Have to shake this off (again) and focus on NCAA now..."

"Well...it was as ugly as can be, but a win is a win. The refs called this too closely, especially for a Big 10 game, but it is what it is."

"If NCAA games are called fairly. unlike this game, then Wiscy won't go past Sweet 16."

OUCH. That hurt, MSU falls on final shot, 65-63 to Wisky

(2008 Mar 15)---The bugaboo is still there. MSU lost, 65-63, to Wisconsin after dominating for the first 35 minutes. However, all of MSU's leading big players -- Drew Naymick, Goran Suton, Raymar Morgan, and Idong Ibok -- fouled out (too bad they don't call fouls both ways)... yet, MSU still managed to have the last shot to win; Neitzel missed a 3 pointer with seconds left. Tom Izzo was as disappointed as he has been in years. His team fought hard, especially defensively, all game long. They left it all on the floor but just came up short. "I'm really proud of these guys," said Izzo. "I won't forget about this today, or tomorrow, but I will by Monday." Give Wisconsin credit, they are a solid team and had a great game plan going deep into the low post as the game wore on. But, MSU played just as well today... but not well enough when it mattered to win.

The ES figures this team has a LONG tourney run in them. Wisconsin is an excellent team and MSU had this team on the ropes for the most part... if you don't have MSU in your long-term field of vision for the bracket, you're just a fool and not paying any attention. Go GREEN! On to the tourney and OUT of the Big Ten (thank GOD).

Wisky a 3.5 pt fave over MSU; Sparty investigated for steroid use

(2008 Mar 14)---After the pair of dominating wins by MSU and Wisky, the two foes matchup tomorrow at 1:40 pm, right after my kids birthday party ends at Chuck E Cheese. How convenient! Wisky is favored by 3 1/2 at this point...

You have to love Michael Capel's article on Sparty's use of steroids in the Spartan Weekly.

Neitzel GOES OFF

(2008 Mar 14)--- Drew Neitzel had his best offensive game of the year for MSU today, scoring 28 points en route to a 67-60 knockout of Ohio State. Next up: Wisky.

Big Ten Tourney Odds

(2008 Mar 14)--- MSU is favored by 4 1/2 over Ohio State today; Wisky by 13 over scUM; Purdue by 5 over Illini; and Indy by 5 over Minny...

ES Big Ten Hoops Blog Poll: Final Week - 10

(2008 Mar 10)--This is perverse, but the ES still picks the Boilers as his Big Ten Champs solely because of their sweeping the Badgers. Indiana losing to JoePa keeps the top 4 AS IS. Ohio State is on the outside looking in at the NCAAs... they will need to win a few in the Big Ten tourney to advance.

1. Purdue 15-3/24-7.
2. Wisconsin 16-2/26-4.
3. Michigan St. 12-6/24-7.
4. Indiana 14-4/25-6.
------------
5. Ohio St. 10-8/19-12.
6. Minnesota 8-10/18-12.
7. Joe Pa. 7-11/15-15.
8. Iowa 6-12/13-18.
9. Illinois 5-13/13-18.
10. Michigan 5-13/9-21.
11. Northwestern 1-17/8-21.

Oooops, we did it again; MSU falls flat late on road

(2008 Mar 10)--In what has become a predictible pattern, MSU fell flat late on the road again, this time at Ohio State in a regular season ending, 63-54 loss. 17 more turnovers in this loss - the bugaboo reared its ugly head again on Sunday... Let's get out of road games, and onto tourney and neutral courts where MSU will fare better; on other teams courts, MSU has been a disaster the past two years...

ES Big Ten Tourney Picks

After witnessing the absurd refereeing yesterday, I refuse to update this graph.

(2008 Mar 10)--- ES picks in Black cursive. ES figures MSU will get their shit together in a whole game for once, for twice, for thrice. And, the neutral court has been good to Sparty this year. Big surprise will be Minny bouncing Indy early...

Buckeyes/Sparty Even on Sunday

(2008 Mar 8)--The spread for the MSU at Ohio St game is near even through a variety of Vegas bookies late Saturday.LVSC Open lists MSU as a 2-pt favorite; Wynn lists the game even, after starting at a Sparty 1-pt favorite; Both Caesars and Golden Nugget lists the game as even; Palms and Stratosphere each have Ohio State as 1-pt favorites.

Does it really matter? Both teams will meet again next week in the Big Ten tourney.

Duffy Expansion Photos

(2008 Mar 7)--The Duffy Daugherty Football expansion project is taking shape nicely. Link below to access the Duffy expansion photo archive, and larger photos.

Neitzel, Suton, Naymick Shut Door on Illini

(2008 Mar 6)--That's right, the three uglies for MSU -- Drew Neitzel, Goran Suton, and Drew Naymick -- were all keys in helping #15 MSU shut down Illinois and hit key shots en route to a 59-51 victory. The three combined for 39 of MSU's 59 points. The Spartans hit 5-of-12 three pointers, and 10-of-11 free throws to help themselves to victory.

MSU slight favorite over Illini in Big Ten Stint

(2008 Mar 6)--According to LVSC Open Line from Las Vegas, MSU is a 2 point favorite over Illinois in tonight's men's hoops clash; Caesar's Palace started out with MSU as a 1-point favorite, but now the line is even. The Over/Under is 110 points, FYI... Tip off 9 pm on ESPN2.

MSU Football Recruiting Update: Five early commits 2009

(2008 Mar 6)--While there is no news on the gridiron recruiting front for the class of 2008, there is substantial progress for the Doctor reigning in home talent for 2009... you wonder if Rich Rodriguez getting acclamated at scUMland has opened up a window for the Doctor to reel in these solid recruits; I believe at this time last year, the Doctor had just one early recruit for 2008. Now, we have five for 2009. Four of the early recruits are on offense, and one on defense... Leading the pack is Larry Caper, a 5-11, 210-lb RB out of Battle Creek, MI. Another RB is Edwin Baker, 5-10, 1950lbs out of Oak Park. Both run 4.4-40 yard dashes. Andrew Maxwell (6-3, 180-lbs, Midland, MI), who led Midland Hight to the Division 2 finals last year, seems to be one of the leading high school quarterbacks this fall, and he has committed to MSU for 2009. Wideout Donald Spencer, standing 6-2, weighing 185-lbs, from Ypsilanti has committed to MSU. And, LB Chris Norman (6-2, 219-lbs) from Detroit will also play for the Green and White.

Notably, at this time, Michigan has just one verbal commitment for 2009, although a bit one: DT William Campbell (6-4, 327) out of Detroit.

Think any of these kids will change their minds? Naaaah.... They'd never do that!

ES Big Ten Hoops Blog Poll: Week 9

(2008 Mar 4)--OK, MSU gets its butt kicked at Wisky, kicks Indy's butt at the Breslin. So, who knows what? It's a jumbled mess on top...

1. Purdue 14-2/23-6.
2. Wisconsin 14-2/24-4.
3. Michigan St. 11-5/23-6.
4. Indiana 13-3/24-5.
------------
5. Minnesota 8-8/18-10.
6. Ohio St. 8-8/17-12.
7. Joe Pa. 6-10/14-14.
8. Iowa 5-12/12-18.
9. Illinois 4-12/12-17.
10. Michigan 5-12/9-20.
11. Northwestern 1-15/8-19.

We Kicked Their Ass, 103-74.

click on photo to enlarge

(2008 Mar 2)--We kicked #12 Indiana's ass all over the place today. My God, what more do you have to say other than smothering defense and the best shooting performance of the year by MSU? MSU took its season long underperforming frustrations out on Indiana today and kicked their tails up and down, left and right, and square in the middle. Finally, the fake dish and layup by Lucas that smoked all of the Hoosiers midway in the second half is something out of the Magic Man's playbook... arguably the play of the year in the Big Ten. MSU, 103-74, kicking the Indiana Hoosier's ass! Indy's Eric Gordon was smothered and got taught a few good lessons, and wore the road shoes of Drew Neitzel for a night, for once. Goran Suton was a big man, with 17 pts and 9 rebs; Raymar Morgan broke out for 20 points; Travis Walton had 11 assists... A total of 103 points??? MSU had 59 by half and was up by 32 points. MSU only had 9 turnovers, and had 28 assists on 37 baskets. MSU shot 61% to 44% and hit 13 of 24 three pointers. The Big Green hit on 16-of-20 free throws (80%). Wow; MSU finished the season undefeated, 17-0 at home.

Pictures below by ES. Click on them to enlarge...

Drew Neitzel kissing the S...

Neitzel hitting a 3 with crowd support..

MSU 5.5-pt fave over Indy; MSU #7 in Big10 spring football preview

(2008 Mar 2)--After playing Wisky tough for most of the last game but not hitting the broadside of the barn, the pundits must be thinking that Sparty chemistry + Senior day = Indy defeat. They've got MSU as a 5.5 point fave over Indy on Sunday. As Tom Izzo said after the last game, "we did everything we planned on: we limited turnovers and we kept them from the foul line... but we just couldn't hit our shots..." The game tips off at the Breslin at 2 pm. The ES will be there to watch the Spartan victory. Notably, Joe Lunardi has MSU listed as a six seed and falling in his Bracketology.

Also, while purusing the ESPN site, the ES got a wind of an early Big Ten football spring preview. It has a power ranking of Big Ten teams, with the Yellow Bellies at #5 and MSU at #7. Says ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg: "What we know: Javon Ringer joins quarterback Brian Hoyer in the backfield after rushing for 1,447 yards as a junior.
What we don't know: How the offensive and defensive lines will shape up without standouts like offensive tackle Pete Clifford and defensive end Jonal Saint-Dic.
How the Spartans can win the league title: By filling a plethora of holes on both sides of the ball, namely along the defensive line." Who does he pick as #1, 2, 3: Ohio State, Wisky, Joe Pa. Go figure...

MSU Runs Out of Gas at Wisky

(2008 Feb 29)--As the ES predicted, the MSU 42-57 loss at Wisky certainly demonstrated the weaknesses of MSU: (1) a lack of three point shooting which doomed the Spartans; and, (2) inconsistent play from the Bigs. (1) Drew Neitzel was hounded all game long by Wisconsin guard Michael Flowers -- Neitzel scored just 3 points on 1-10 shooting. (2) MSU had the best game of the year out of Suton (14 pts, 15 rebs), and an admirable defensive performance by Drew Naymick (4 pts, 2 rebs, 3 blks)... but Raymar Morgan (7 pts, 7 rebs) and Marquise Gray (0 pts) were invisible for the most part on the offensive end. And, although MSU turned the ball over just six times -- Wisky had a team record, with only one turnover all game long. Amazing. MSU's defense was stifling for the better part of the game, but every time they had a chance to make a bucket in the second half, they missed. Many open misses all night long, even by Neitzel on the rare occassion. Eventually, MSU ran out of gas and while Sparty shots continued to clank off the rim, Wisky's shots finally went in. Give Wisky credit for outlasting MSU last night.

I'd love to get another crack at Wisky. These teams were in a defensive battle, and MSU's shots just didn't fall. I'm guessing on a neutral court, in the Big Ten tourney, MSU has an even or better shot at taking out Wisky...

Wisconsin a 6-pt favorite over MSU

(2008 Feb 28)--Tonight's matchup vs Wisconsin at 9 pm has the potential to be a genesis for MSU as they spring into the postseason. Wisky is favored by 6 pts by Caesars Casino in Vegas. A victory, and MSU is primed for a long run... a loss, and well, it would be a predictable MSU outcome. Keys to the game: (all offense) -- 3-pt shots by Neitzel and Lucas, solid (and not inconsistent) inside play by the Bigs, and 12 turnovers or less.

ES Big Ten Hoops Blog Poll: Week 8

(2008 Feb 24)--Now, the ES travels along to Washington DC through Wednesday. Thus, no indepth analysis here, other than my weekly picks. MSU seemingly has picked it up a notch, but against bottom feeders JoePa and Iowa. This week will see if they get their mojo back, for real, with a stint at Wisky and home vs. Indy.

1. Indiana 12-2/23-4. Sacked their coach, then beat Purdue and NW.
2. Purdue 12-2/21-6. Lost to Indy, but they beat the Badgers twice this year.
3. Wisconsin 13-2/23-4. Beat OSU, beat Illini.
4. Michigan St. 10-4/22-5. Sparty takes it out on the poor: Joe Pa and Iowa.
5. Ohio St. 8-6/17-10. Officially a non-factor.
6. Minnesota 6-7/16-9. An also ran.
7. Michigan 5-10/9-18. Anyone to toss a pigskin? Won 4 of 5.
8. Joe Pa. 4-9/12-13. Football season? Lost 4 of 5.
9. Iowa 5-10/12-16. Football season? Lost 4 of 5.
10. Illinois 3-12/11-17. Football season? Lost 4 of 5.
11. Northwestern 0-14/7-18. Open season? Thank god for Chicago State and Texas Pan Am on the schedule.

MSU Teaches scUM a lesson, 5-2, in hockeyland

This Yellow Belly was having absoloutely no fun at Munn yesterday, taunted by the crowd and watching his goalie get peppered like a T-Bone steak (click to enlarge).

(2008 Feb 23)--The ES was at Munn Ice Arena and was screaming as MSU crushed the Wolvies, 5-2. The Spartans gave up many chances in the second period after an aggressive first period, and entered the final stanza, 2-1. But, then the floodgates opened, and MSU crushed UM behind not only great goaltending by Jeff Lerg, but a solid mix on the attack. For most of the game, scUM sat there, was aggrressive but failed to cover their goal with defensemen in adequate positions, and left their defense open -- when MSU took advantage.

Clearly, MSU is one of the best teams in the nation when it plays inspired. Tonight, there were at least five violent, crushing hits by MSU that would make any true hockey fan proud. MSU not only beat Michigan's ass on the scoreboard, but we outcoached them and we beat their ass on the ice. 5-2? The M-woosies are lucky it wasn't 8-0.

scUM goalie Billy Sauer representing what the Yellow Bellies do best: ON YOUR KNEES. MSU on the rush for the umpteenth time in Friday's 5-2 victory.

MSU Crushes Joe Pa, 86-49.

(2008 Feb 21)--Complete annihilation last night. End of story. Too bad Magic doesn't live around here; we could have used his pep talk speech a week ago.

ES Big Ten Hoops Blog Poll: Week 7

(2008 Feb 18)--Here it is. Need to head to Alpena by noon tomorrow. From EL, that means out the door by 7 am. OUCH. MSU may be falling like a rock, but so is OSU... thus, solidifying Sparty's fourth place.

1. Purdue 12-1/21-5
2. Indiana 10-2/21-4
3. Wisconsin 11-2/21-4
4. Michigan St. 8-4/20-5
5. Ohio St. 8-5/17-9
6. Minnesota 5-7/15-9
7. Penn St. 4-8/12-12
8. Michigan 4-9/8-17
9. Iowa 4-9/11-15
10. Illinois 3-10/11-15
11. Northwestern 0-12/7-16

Spartan Hoops Sinking Fast

(2008 Feb 16)--Wow, MSU gets its butt kicked, embarrassed at embattled Indiana. The Spartans right now just aren't a good basketball team. They are average. MSU turned the ball over stupidly countless times; with DJ White injured you think that the Spartans would take advantage of the situation with our big guys inside... but instead they pissed it away. The big guys inside did NOTHING but play awful. Raymar Morgan, Goran Suton, and Marquise Gray collectively played like SHIT -- brain dead, not thinking... with the best interior player on the IU bench MSU couldn't do anything right. And, yet another team burns MSUwith their hot shooting with no answer by the Spartans. We have no good consistent long distance shooters.

Go figure. Just a bad, bad peformance. Overrated MSU? Indeed. Izzo needs to figure this out. MSU just is playing terrible.

Indy favored by 5 over MSU

(2008 Feb 16)--The Big Green are 5 point underdogs at Indiana this evening in a huge Big Ten matchup that will be broadcast on ESPN tonight. ES will be watching intently, maybe at the Spartan Sports Cafe or Champs.... While the ES was wrong last time, he won't be this time around: watch MSU pick up a W, with Neitzel picking up his game and a Spartan team playing more focused as they are against-the-wall. MSU just needs the game more and the timing is good after a very strong second half at Purdue. It would also be very difficult to see MSU losing 3 of 4 games.

Big Matchup: MSU Even vs Purdue

(2008 Feb 12)--The oddsmakers have an even-up game vs MSU or Purdue; it's a pick 'em, there is no spread. ES figures that tonight's stint vs Purdue will be decided once again by the worst refereeing crew in the country -- from the Big Ten. Expect at least 60 free throws in a choppy game that the refs will want to control. Four players will foul out and the game will last seemingly forever... 2 1/2 hours.

The key for MSU: it is critical for Suton and Gray to get out of their funk and be solid contributors tonight - Suton for 20 minutes, Gray for 10+. An inside presence, and combined 14 boards out of these two would lead to victory. Neitzel needs to score at least 15 points; if Lucas is limited because of his sore knee, Neitzel will need to play the whole way and score 20; and we'll need 10 from Allen. We may see Dahlman in a relief role some time today if Allen is off his game. This is all plausible, not impossible.

It will happen, the Boilers are due for a loss and MSU is due for a big win on the road. The cream rises to the top. MSU 72, Purdue 68.

ES Big Ten Bloggers Hoops Poll: Week 6 - MSU now #9

(2008 Feb 12)--The ES chimes in on week 6 Big Ten Bloggers Poll... The referees still suck.

1. Purdue. 10-1/19-5. Beat JoePa, Beat Wisky. Due for a loss. Up next vs Sparty, NW.
2. Indiana. 9-1/20-3. Beat Illinois, Beat Ohio St. Also due for a loss. Up next triple homesteader vs Wisky, Sparty, Boilers.
3. Michigan St. 8-2/20-3. Beat NW. Time to put up or shut up. Up next at Boilers, at Indy.
4. Wisconsin. 9-2/19-4. Beat Iowa, Lost to Purdue. Up next at Indy, vs Minny.
5. Ohio St. 7-4/16-8. Beat scUM, Lost to Indy. Up next at NW, at scUM.
6. Minnesota 5-5/15-7. Beat NW, Beat Iowa. Next up vs Illini, at Wisky.
7. Iowa 4-8/11-14. Lose to Wisky, Lose at Minny. Up next vs scUM, NW.
8. Illinois 2-9/10-12. Lose to Indy. Up next at Minny, at JoePa.
9. Penn St. 3-8/11-12. Lose to Purdue, Lose to scUM. Up next vs Illini, at Sparty.
10. Michigan 2-9/6-17. Lose to Ohio St, Lose to JoePa. Up next at Iowa, vs Ohio St.
11. Northwestern 0-10/7-14. Lose to Minny, Lose to Sparty. Up next vs Ohio St, vs Purdue.

MSU Outlasts NW, 70-55; Can MSU be the next Wofford?

(2008 Feb 10)--Behind a season-high 21 points from Drew Neitzel, Michigan State (20-3/8-2) defeated Northwestern at home, 70-55, in a war of attrition. Joining Neitzel as Spartan stars of the game was another all-around, outstanding performance from the big red-head, Drew Naymick,, who had 10 points, 8 rebounds and a career-high 6 blocks. The third star of the night was Purdue, who helped MSU's cause by defeating Wisky in Madison last night. MSU travels to both Purdue (Feb 12) and Indy (Feb 16) this week and has destiny in its own hands to climb alone on top of the conference race.

OK - guess what was Purdue's only loss at home this year? That's right folks, a 69-66 loss to Wofford on December 19. The ES will come out with his Big Ten blogger standings later today...

By the way, MSU hockey (18-8-5, 14-5-3) was SWEPT this weekend at Northern Michigan. Wow, what a shocker after its outstanding effort vs Michigan two weeks ago. This is an up-and-down hockey team, folks...

All Verbals Sign LOI; Whitner Reportedly Doesn't Clear Grades

(2008 Feb 6)--Today, the MSU Spartans unveil their 2008 recruiting class, and all reports are that MSU will sign a class of 21-22 (see recruits); the previous report of Dawawn Whitner joining the Big Green still may be the case, but reportedly he has to clear academic hurdles first. Last minute VHTs to break for other schools were Nick Perry choosing Southern Cal over MSU, and Mark Ingram chose Alabama over MSU -- you can't blame them for going to warmer weather...

National LOI Recruiting Day Is Here!

(2008 Feb 6)--Today, the MSU Spartans will unveil their first football recruits who have signed national letters of intent for 2008. Most pundits believe MSU will snag 23-25 recruits; 21 have verbally committed as of February 5. While other players can commit in the coming months, the bulk of the commitments will be announced today. Stay tuned throughout the day for updates and for the Doctor's official announcement of the 2008 recruiting class.

Again, to reiterate from an earlier ES post -- it matters most how these players compete and how MD coaches than the raw talent via the recruiting services... taking a look at MSU vs scUM, our comparative recruiting classes since 2002, as ranked by Rivals.com:

ES Big Ten Bloggers Hoops Poll: Week 5- MSU now #11

(2008 Feb 4)--Here is the ES' Big Ten Bloggers Hoops poll for week 5. Mind you, he ES thinks Izzo will get MSU's ship straightened... but maybe not before tourney time. Season's start Izzo predicted 14-4 record is what it would take to win Big Ten. MSU still on track - but no room for error with road stints at Purdue, Wisky, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio St. The ES maintains this is the worst refereeing season ever in Big Ten history; any game with a 51-21 edge in FTs surely demonstrates happy whistles and a home edge by refs.

1. Purdue. 8-1/17-5. Beat Iowa, Beat Illinois. Enjoy it now, Boilers, you won't be here at season's end. This time next week, 9-2: at JoePa (win), at Wisky (loss).
2. Wisconsin. 8-1/18-3. Beat Indy, Beat Minny. Wisky has best chance to Big Ten title. This time next week, 9-2: at Iowa (loss), Purdue (win).
3. Indiana. 7-1/18-3. Lose to Wisky, Beat NW. Indy weaknesses exposed, but there is time to correct... This time next week, 9-2: at Illinois (loss), at Ohio St. (win).
4. Michigan St. 7-2/19-3. Beat Illinois, Lose to JoePa. Puzzling losses doom MSU in run to title. This time next week, 8-2: NW (win).
5. Ohio St. 6-3/15-7. Beat JoePa, Lose to Iowa. Good home team, bad road team. This time next week, 7-4: scUM (win), Indy (loss).
6. Iowa 4-6/11-12. Lose to Purdue, Beat Ohio State. Schizophrenic sizzlers. This time next week, 5-7: Wisky (win), at Minny (loss).
7. Penn St. 3-6/11-10. Lose to Ohio St, Beat Mich St. Surprise! JoePa gets a woody with 51-21 FT advantage in win over MSU. This time next week, 4-7: at Purdue (loss), at scUM (win).
8. Minnesota 3-5/13-7. Beat scUM, Lose to Wisky. Tubby town in 1-4 slump. This time next week, 5-5: at NW (win), Iowa (win).
9. Illinois 2-8/10-11. Lose to Mich St, Lose to Purdue. Weber all but gone on 2-11 losing streak; deceiving team plays better than its record. This time next week, 3-8: Indy (win).
10. Michigan 1-8/5-16. Lose to Minny. Yellow Bellies unfortunately have NW on schedule just twice. This time next week, 1-10: at Ohio St (loss), JoePa (loss).
11. Northwestern 0-8/7-12. Beat Texas Pan-Am, Lose to Indy. Cats could pounce on Tubby this week... maybe... This time next week, 0-10: Minny (loss), at Mich St (loss).

MSU M-Hoops Falls to #9 RPI, Adds OL Hueter

(2008 Feb 3)--The Big Green fell to #9 in the RPI poll after losing to Joe Pa. Notably, Wisconsin is #14, Ohio State #26, Indiana #38, and Purdue #51. And, Joe Lunardi's Bracketology puts MSU #3 out West vs Cornell/BYU/UConn.

And, the Big Green Touchdown Machine picked up another OL recruit, but one completely off the major program recruiting screens with this Zach Hueter kid out of North Branch. Hueter also was considering WMU, EMU, and CMU.

Spartans Fall to Joe Pa??? In Hoops, 85-76??

(2008 Feb 3)--Spartans fall on the road to another one of the worst teams in the Big Ten, to JoePa, 85-76. MSU did not execute defensively, giving up 9 three pointers and a season-high 85 points allowed. JoePa had 30 more free throw attempts, and 4 Spartans fouled out. Amazingly, MSU had only 10 turnovers. But, Drew Neitzel scored just six points on 2-10 shooting. MSU certainly doesn't have its game together, but give credit to JoePa for hitting the shots as well. Still, great teams don't lose by nine to average or poor teams. Said Izzo, "it's hard to complain about anything (else) with the job I did coaching, because that team of ours was not ready to play from the opening seconds. "When I get home there will be a lot of blame for Michigan State, but the credit should go to Penn State and how they played. That was a monumental effort by a team that's been beaten down and beaten up by a lot of people."

Duffy Daugherty Expansion

(2008 Feb 2)--Here is a photo the ES took walking to the MSU demolition of scUM men's basketball on Jan. 27. Things are moving along swimmingly... You can see a few more photos dating back to groundbreaking last year at the Duffy Expansion archive.

LB, DL Committs - Doctor Nabs 14 so far on defense

(2008 Jan 29)--While all the recruiting services are noting the verbal commitment from LB Steve Gardiner of Ohio and DL Cameron Jude from Manchester, Virginia, there also looks to be an impending verbal commitment from DT Dawawn Whitner of Cleveland (OH) Glenville according to lots of board chatter. At this point, the recruiting count looks this way:

14 DEF: 4 DBs, 4 LBs, 5 DLs.
7 OFF: 2 OLs, 3 WRs, 2 RBs

Whitner is 6-3, 300-lbs (