tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27515143462111697782024-02-21T04:53:48.646-05:00On Campus with ross maghielseA college sports blog from The Oakland Press, dedicated to covering Michigan and Michigan State athletics as well as former Oakland County athletes at other schools.Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-31899663985165748262012-01-04T16:43:00.002-05:002012-01-04T17:08:32.858-05:00Spartans should still be strong at WR position next year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9nlobZTH7stz8vPuMhGrxZBI-tB-nDE05iiQMuK7hmzO9dcsuOGfzPtzqwZmFxadeZd2DTT1YXYrBTY_OqKSN24JoAgF8nR8NndDYGLrfch00HPjLZ4kOrVsW1BeUQj01XoXc5tJs6ub/s1600/Jim+Litke+Football_Magh.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9nlobZTH7stz8vPuMhGrxZBI-tB-nDE05iiQMuK7hmzO9dcsuOGfzPtzqwZmFxadeZd2DTT1YXYrBTY_OqKSN24JoAgF8nR8NndDYGLrfch00HPjLZ4kOrVsW1BeUQj01XoXc5tJs6ub/s320/Jim+Litke+Football_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693902082956564578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">L</span></span>osing your programs' record-holding quarterback and wide receiver, along with the other primary passing targets, usually doesn't bode well for the passing numbers the following season. In the case of the Spartans, who lose receivers B.J. Cunnigham, Keshawn Martin and Keith Nichol, the damage should be rather tame, however.<br />Michigan State still has the untapped potential of Bennie Fowler, the former multi-sport star and speedster from Birmingham Detroit Country Day. Injuries have prevented Fowler from being effective thus far in East Lansing, but if he's healthy next season he could put up big numbers in the Spartans' pro-style offense. Also returning to MSU is Tony Lippett. Lippett split time at WR and defensive back this season, but will likely be a full-time offensive player next year. The coaching staff is also very high on youngsters Juwan Caesar and Keith Mumphrey and have newcomer and four-star recruit Aaron Burbridge waiting in the wings. Usually freshman don't make an immediate impact in the upper-echelon of Division I football, but having the opportunity to see Burbrige a ton in person while he played at Farmington Hills Harrison, I think he's going to be an exception to that rule. Physically, Burbridge is already built for Big Ten play, and his conditioning should only improve. He's also got the potential to be a major playmaker, both down the field and gaining yards after the catch.<br />The wildcard, or in Michigan State's case the potential trump card, could be Saginaw native DeAnthony Arnett <span style="font-style: italic;">(pictured right)</span>, who's transferring from Tennessee after a strong freshman season with the Volunteers. Arnett has been granted his full release by Tennessee and has said he wants to transfer to either Michigan State or Michigan — he's returning to the state to be closer to his ailing father, and was upset at the initial response from UT that would have only granted him his release if he played for one of the MAC schools in the state.<br />Arnett will also likely get a waiver from the NCAA which will allow him to play immediately, wherever he ends up. Various message boards and social media posts around his situation have pointed to the fact he has a strong friendship with incumbent MSU starting quarterback Andrew Maxwell. Arnett could also be swayed to East Lansing and away from Ann Arbor based on the fact that the receiving core, in terms of experience at least, is thinner at MSU than with the Wolverines. Arnett has NFL talent and NFL aspirations, so the safe bet would be for him to choose to play in the Spartans' pro-style offense and not catch passes in a hybrid offense with Denard Robinson at quarterback at Michigan.<br />The Spartans will have to make up for the loss of both their primary tight ends (Brian Linthicum and Garrett Celek) but do have Dion Sims to step in at that position. Sims was a highly-regarded recruit coming out of Orchard Lake St. Mary's and if he lives up to his potential, and pure talent, will be a much better playmaker at that position.<br />As for the quarterback position, Cousins won't be easy to replace. I think he was the best quarterback in MSU history, and the stats back that up (my apologies to Tony Banks and Jim Miller... and yes even Jeff 'Slap my face' Smoker). Mark Dantonio said he wanted to get Maxwell more playing time this season, but a too close for comfort opener against Youngstown State and a rigorous schedule prevented that. Maxwell got in during the FAU and Central Michigan games and played fairly well given the circumstances. He'll be a work in progress next season, but as a whole the Spartans' passing attack should remain strong — if not even improve.Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-81550101690451709972012-01-03T10:29:00.002-05:002012-01-03T11:12:03.186-05:00Sugar Bowl pre-game notes: Big games have meant big results for Robinson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqQPf60v9mUZFwA_vxXntTZ2RUqPSx7onYgrtAadld26Mf78OGowIzfygvc4PcE5GbAOQxeqki-w-vOEdsWoJ18jWo4UD_xV9Xtx8D88BO4N0pWxc_Wl2s_mQcE7eM82zPtKD9Db0WQFp/s1600/Sugar+Bowl+Michigan+F_Magh.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqQPf60v9mUZFwA_vxXntTZ2RUqPSx7onYgrtAadld26Mf78OGowIzfygvc4PcE5GbAOQxeqki-w-vOEdsWoJ18jWo4UD_xV9Xtx8D88BO4N0pWxc_Wl2s_mQcE7eM82zPtKD9Db0WQFp/s320/Sugar+Bowl+Michigan+F_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693439154090002018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">S</span></span>ay what you want about Denard Robinson. He's far from perfect at the quarterback position, and at times he can even be maddeningly dreadful. Yet, tonight he'll have a chance to lead Michigan to its first BCS bowl win since Tom Brady 12 years ago in the Orange Bowl. One thing the Wolverines have to like about their chances is that their quite, easy going QB has established a track record of becoming an absolute animal in big moments this season.<br />Whether it was leading Michigan back from a 24-7 deficit in 15 minutes against Notre Dame in the first night game ever played at the Big House, or closing out the season with arguably the best performances of his career in back-t0-back weeks against Nebraska and Ohio State — Robinson has showed a flash for excelling on the big stage.<br />Robinson's season stats aren't great: He's completed 56 percent of his passes for 2,056 yards, 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He's also rushed for 1,163 yards and 16 touchdowns (with the occasional fumble mixed in).<br />But the kid who went by the nickname "Shoelace" the past few years has taken on a different name under the new Michigan regime.<br />"I would classify Denard Robinson as a pure baller," Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges told the media this week in New Orleans. "He balls. When it's time to line up and go, he goes. He's going to perform. That's what he is."<br />It's what his teammates and coaches love about him. He never loses his composure, whether it be during an interception and incompletion loaded first half against Notre Dame or Northwestern, or a post-game press conference where he's getting peppered with questions about his accuracy, he just goes about his business.<br />It's a trait he's always had, as his former high school coach in Deefield Beach, Fla. <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/bowls11/sugar/story/_/id/7411676/michigan-wolverines-qb-denard-robinson-give-fight">explained to ESPN's Adam Rittenberg</a>, Robinson just has "the look."<br />The Wolverines turnaround this season is also strongly attributed to the team's defense. The same group of players that ESPN analyst Chris Spielman said would be "a bunch of guys who would be nice little subs at Indiana," the Wolverines have become the 17th-ranked defense in the country this season under new defensive coordinator Greg Mattison.<br />Beating Virginia Tech in tonight's Sugar Bowl would serve as the ultimate validation for the job Mattison and head coach Brady Hoke have done "coaching up" a group of defensive players that they didn't recruit.<br />Defensive lineman Craig Roh and Ryan Van Bergen said the improved Wolverines defense is a credit to <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/michigan-football-enters-2012-sugar-bowl-with-a-new-attitude-on-defense/2012/01/01/gIQAPfq3UP_story.html">the approach that the new coaches brought this season</a>.<br />Adding to the intrigue of tonight's game is the fact that both Michigan and Virginia Tech have so much in common. It's not out of bounds to say that the Wolverines play more like a ACC team than a Big Ten team — which given the Big Ten's track record in bowl games might not be a bad thing. Virginia Tech has a dual threat QB as well in Logan Thomas but also has the ACC's Offensive Player of the Year in running back David Wilson. And like Michigan, the Hokies are starving for success in a BCS bowl — they were blown out by Stanford last season.<br />While Michigan's turnaround has drawn much of the national attention around this game, there's <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/bowls11/sugar/story/_/id/7416478/sugar-bowl-virginia-tech-hokies-prove-belong-college-football">also considerable pressure on Virginia Tech and coach Frank Beamer</a> to start producing wins, not appearances, at the BCS level.<br />AthlonSports.com put together a <a href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/sugar-bowl-preview-virginia-tech-vs-michigan">statistical comparison of the two teams</a>.<br />The Sugar Bowl kicks off tonight at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN.Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-66690793064211859522012-01-02T10:37:00.004-05:002012-01-02T11:14:12.962-05:00Outback Bowl pre-game notes: Cousins gets ultimate shot in spotlight<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDK3CepXDqwwo8hWMw-Mwo47I8MT6IvaSTuevtSLPlktSlWORLnqeFFhFDz3hGCy6UN78k5PwsGY0tEp0EA-FnKQg-JsUoeocapBlAKwZP9aEB7U0SrmtOI9xkEIGXTldyoRhjE3PDs_pA/s1600/Kirk+Cousins%257E+Michiga_Magh.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDK3CepXDqwwo8hWMw-Mwo47I8MT6IvaSTuevtSLPlktSlWORLnqeFFhFDz3hGCy6UN78k5PwsGY0tEp0EA-FnKQg-JsUoeocapBlAKwZP9aEB7U0SrmtOI9xkEIGXTldyoRhjE3PDs_pA/s320/Kirk+Cousins%257E+Michiga_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693068509111775218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">W</span></span>hen the lights have been brightest on the Michigan State football program, the Spartans haven't shined. Michigan State hasn't won a bowl game since 2001 (Yes, when Bobby Williams was the coach) and the Spartans were embarrassed in last year's rout against Alabama, 49-7. They also came up short in this year's conference championship game. However,<br />Michigan State is, in my opinion, hands down the best team not playing in a BCS bowl game and will be looking to prove so against Georgia today.<br />MSU quarterback Kirk Cousins will also get his moment under the national microscope, as he'll take part in Jon Gruden's QB Camp on ESPN. The segment will air approximately at 11:50 a.m. Spartans blogger Chris Vannini has a sneak peak of the segment on <a href="http://www.greenthoughtsmsu.com/2012/01/cousins-gets-his-chance-as-this-guy.html">his blog</a>.<br />The Spartans will also be trying to compete against the notion that Big Ten teams aren't fast enough to compete with the SEC. Northwestern already lost to soon-to-be SEC team Texas A&M and the Big Ten conference has never performed very well against SEC opponents, especially in bowl games.<br />MSU does have perhaps the best defense in the conference, with enough speed to match up with the Bulldogs playmakers. Pressure on Georgia QB Aaron Murray is crucial and MSU linebacker Denicos Allen said he plans on causing <a href="http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/01/michigan_state_linebacker_deni_2.html">havoc for the Bulldogs signal caller</a>. Allen leads MSU with 10 sacks this season, some of which have become known inside the Spartans locker room has "Waterboy sacks" in reference to Adam Sandler's Bobby Boucher character.<br />The Spartans will be up against a fully-loaded Georgia offense today, which will feature a convoy of receiving targets for Murray as well as a healthy Isaiah Crowell, the freshman running back who leads Georgia in rushing this season. There's also been <a href="http://news.bostonherald.com/sports/college/football/view/20120102georgia_has_extra_motivation_in_outback_bowl/srvc=home&position=recent">some speculation that Georgia coach Mark Richt could be coaching for his job today</a>. While I don't think Richt will be fired if the Bulldogs lose, a win would certainly go a long way towards improving his job security.<br />Besides getting the no bowl win moneky of his back, Dantonio is also well aware of the importance a win in this game has in terms of recruiting. With Urban Meyer now at Ohio State, Michigan back in the BCS and Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl yet again, the stakes have been raised in the Big Ten. Dantonio <a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/01/02/sports/doc4f00e5b8e6823709460373.txt">talked about the Spartans bowl losing streak</a>, which includes a loss to Georgia and Matthew Stafford in the 2007 Champs Sports Bowl. While the even keel coach is not the type to put a "must-win" label on any game, rest assured the importance of this game resonates throughout the Spartans' program.<br />Finally, there's the issue of being slighted. The Spartans are angry, and rightfully so, that they're in the Outback Bowl and Michigan is in a BCS game despite losing to MSU, playing a weaker schedule and not reaching the conference championship game. It's created a tough situation for MSU. A Spartan loss, compounded by a Michigan win over Virginia Tech could cause a considerable shift in recruiting momentum for the two programs. Oakland Press columnist Pat Caputo talked more about that very topic in a <a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/12/31/sports/doc4eff6a961cf5d854252008.txt">recent column</a>.<br />Finally for Cousins, along with teammates Jerel Worthy and B.J. Cunningham, it's an audition for the NFL. Worthy <a href="http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/01/michigan_states_mark_dantonio_31.html">said he's pretty much "50-50"</a> on whether or not he'll return to East Lansing for his senior season. Cousins expressed his desire to play professionally as well and is ranked by ESPN's Mel Kiper as a Top 5 senior quarterback in this year's draft class. Cunningham is less of a known name nationally, but a big game today followed by a strong combine could put him in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft. He has 72 receptions for 1,240 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season. I think all three will be drafted by the fourth round, but they'll need to convince NFL scouts that they're worth that early of a pick.<br />Kickoff is at 1 p.m. on ABC.Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-65634750390123637472011-12-26T12:39:00.003-05:002011-12-26T13:36:20.290-05:00Little Caesars Pizza Pizza Bowl example of unneeded excess in college football<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlR5Z4VJjLyE2zoxUvu3n_CLCHN0q8TQPoH8PaGB1_w6A_ASERu5B46qIIWCN0Q1M1Tdp6dqp5xypjTD9s1nZKodAtP0SqjXe-BxACgd9EBkgsMoPQF46-8Uq3yem_GWLRK5SMWknWLvp/s1600/Detroit+Lions--Ford+F_Magh.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlR5Z4VJjLyE2zoxUvu3n_CLCHN0q8TQPoH8PaGB1_w6A_ASERu5B46qIIWCN0Q1M1Tdp6dqp5xypjTD9s1nZKodAtP0SqjXe-BxACgd9EBkgsMoPQF46-8Uq3yem_GWLRK5SMWknWLvp/s320/Detroit+Lions--Ford+F_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690505322507977282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">D</span></span>espite all its flaws, I like the college football bowl system in Division I. Maybe not the system itself, but the games. They do a great job showcasing more teams and players, allowing more teams to finish their seasons on a high note on national TV, which improves their brand and recruiting — thus in many ways improves the quality of college football across the board. It's a March Madness feel without the playoff reality (I'm currently 6-1 in The Oakland Press office pool by the way, which is another reason for optimism).<br />Having said that, there's too many. While it's hard to convince a corporate accountant of this, just because a sponsor is willing to underwrite a game doesn't mean it should exist. Sorry, but that includes the Little Caesars Pizza Pizza Bowl in Detroit (by the way, if it must exist, it should be called the Crazy Bread Bowl). The herd needs to be thinned.<br />This year's participants, Western Michigan (7-5) and Purdue (6-6) both are below average football teams. Winning six games in a college football season is so easy Eastern Michigan can do it. I saw both the Broncos and the Boilermakers play in person this year and flashes of a few of their other games on TV. Western has a nice quarterback-to-receiver combo in Alex Carder and All-American Jordan White. That's it. Purdue can point to Drew Brees and Cliff Avril and say 'They went here'. That's it. The Broncos didn't beat a single team with an over .500 record this season. Neither did Purdue.<br />Bad football in Detroit is outdated, remember.<br />Save the argument that it's good for the downtown area. Even with two relatively nearby opponents, that crowd is going to be sparse. And I'm not just picking on the Motor City Bowl (excuse me, the Pizza Pizza Bowl. I momentarily forgot Detroit's auto companies got their financial priorities in order). It's just an example of the bowl excess in college football. I've attended one Motor City Bowl — it was in 2007 when Purdue beat Central Michigan 51-48 as quarterbacks Curtis Painter and Dan LeFevour put on an offensive show. It was without question the best game in the bowl's history. I could have lived without it. I will say LeFevour was fun to watch, and Central deserved to be in a higher bowl that year but got stuck at Ford Field for attendance and other monetary reasons. Yet, it was nothing more than two really good QBs tacking advantage of really bad defenses. In other words, mediocre to bad football.<br />At minimum, the college bowl field should be cut to 25 games (it's at 35 this year). That's the top 50 teams in the country, in theory, playing in the postseason. That's more than enough. Also playing Wednesday are Louisville and North Carolina State in the Belk Bowl (If you didn't know, Belk is a department store. It's the fourth sponsor for this game). Get your popcorn ready. Or, you could do what I'm doing and make other plans.<br /><br />Yet, for those who do care, here's a <a href="http://www.mlive.com/broncos/index.ssf/2011/12/broncos_coach_bill_cubit_feeli.html">preview of the game</a> out of KalamazooRoss Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-2597798818887238032011-12-15T13:51:00.002-05:002011-12-15T14:23:34.457-05:00Recruiting wars heating up for Wolverines<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIuO4qdA0vR0iH3pVAW4-Xk-sYzZLgAXOEaQlI4sQ64onnEvIEr5fyKkQ6lkTJfewiP00Jo5I2llO7gBFu4opN4a4c0MkV-o712D0KZwpCPdvWaABAQEz8l0Okqe8p6pBoY4-CH4BLzsm/s1600/Ohio+St+Michigan+Foot_Magh.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIuO4qdA0vR0iH3pVAW4-Xk-sYzZLgAXOEaQlI4sQ64onnEvIEr5fyKkQ6lkTJfewiP00Jo5I2llO7gBFu4opN4a4c0MkV-o712D0KZwpCPdvWaABAQEz8l0Okqe8p6pBoY4-CH4BLzsm/s320/Ohio+St+Michigan+Foot_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686437929143723634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">W</span></span>hile the Sugar Bowl against Virginia Tech is set for just after the new year, the Michigan coaching staff is also fiercely preparing to make the team better for next season.<br />Newly named Ohio State coach Urban Meyer wasted little time making a recruiting splash when he snagged star recruit Se'Von Pittman away from Michigan State this week. It's representative of something Michigan athletic director David Brandon said was unfair, in that Ohio State is currently allowed to employ two coaching staffs. The current staff led by Luke Fickell is preparing the team for its bowl game against Florida while Meyer's incoming staff is allowed to hit the recruiting trails with no other distractions. However, the Wolverines are recruiting, and recruiting well.<br />Here's some news from around the web:<br /><br />Meyer, who was Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Mattison's old boss at Florida — including when they won a national title together in 2006 — called Mattison one of the best recruiters in the country. Brady Hoke has also shared that opinion time and time again since Mattison's hire and Mattison himself said during the preseason that one major factor in him deciding to leave the Baltimore Ravens for Michigan was his love of recruiting. He also expressed full confidence in his, and the entire staff's, ability to recruit top-ranked players to Ann Arbor. Mattison declined to talk about his time working for Meyer in a recent article for <a href="http://annarbor.com/sports/um-football/michigan-defensive-coordinator-greg-mattison-stays-mum-on-prospects-of-facing-old-boss-urban-meyer/">AnnArbor.com.</a><br /><br />Three prized recruits have indicated that Michigan is at the top of their lists as Signing Day approaches in February. Top 10 recruit <span style="font-weight: bold;">Stefon Diggs</span> (Maryland), who is being recruited as an "athlete" could be in a Michigan uniform next season. Diggs has taken just one official visit, which was to California but is far from committed.<br />Cornerback <span style="font-weight: bold;">Yuri Wright</span> (New Jersey) is ranked as the third best defensive back in the country and is a 4-star recruit. Mattison's recruiting skills and system could give the Wolverines an edge in landing him. ESPN.com's recruiting page says Wright is planning on attending the Sugar Bowl.<br />Offensive tackle <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joshua Garnett</span> (Washington) has already taken an official visit to Michigan and would be another great piece to add to an already impressive incoming group of offensive lineman. Read more about these recruits and see game highlights in this article from The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/984248-michigan-football-recruiting-which-top-recruits-does-brady-hoke-need-to-land">Bleacher Report</a>.<br /><br />According to Scout.com, Michigan has the second-best recruiting class in the national already, behind only Texas. The Wolverines have 23 verbal commits and are expected to land a few more before Signing Day. See more info on Michigan's recruiting class along with additional players the Wolverines are pursing on <a href="http://recruiting.scout.com/">Scout.com's football recruiting page</a>.<br /><br />The Wolverines will look a little different when they take the field in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl Jan. 3. Michigan will unveil new uniforms for that game, which will be white-based because the Wolverines are technically the road team. The uniforms are a modified version of the legacy uniforms Michigan wore against Notre Dame and Michigan State. See a photo of the jersey's from <a href="http://www.michigandaily.com/blog/michigan-wear-special-uniforms-sugar-bowl">The Michigan Daily</a>.Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-90912046272691533122011-12-14T14:48:00.003-05:002011-12-14T15:13:02.769-05:00MSU's Worthy, Michigan's Molk named first-team All-Americans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPjqPZ5GQ6EeCDXutdowfsAPYBNJse-LjHVsWGcDDGcEW8i42rbDH2O5dhIk9_dhKzbeBesBSBPOfOmQ4Y8THqP80Lk6lWP0hcyeCmei7pWrT1JMWzhfv5LEhjNcHMmnPwREZ5tsV1oxe/s1600/Indiana+Michigan+St+F_Magh.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPjqPZ5GQ6EeCDXutdowfsAPYBNJse-LjHVsWGcDDGcEW8i42rbDH2O5dhIk9_dhKzbeBesBSBPOfOmQ4Y8THqP80Lk6lWP0hcyeCmei7pWrT1JMWzhfv5LEhjNcHMmnPwREZ5tsV1oxe/s320/Indiana+Michigan+St+F_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686079339092708498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">M</span></span>ichigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy came into the season with sky-high expectations. Michigan center David Molk had a little less fan fare (which goes with the territory of being an offensive lineman, particularly a center). However, both ended up on the Associated Press first-team All-American team today.<br />Worthy has been projected some NFL Draft experts to be as high as a first-round pick, but hasn't made a decision or announcement on whether or not he'll return to East Lansing for his senior year. Worthy said he'll make that decision after the Spartans face Georgia in the Outback Bowl Jan. 2. Worthy totaled 25 tackles and 3.5 sacks this season.<br />Molk became the first AP first-team All-American from Michigan since Jake Long in 2007. Molk as won the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation's best center. Molk and Worthy were on the only selections from Michigan or Michigan State to be named to the AP's first or second team. Western Michigan wide reciever Jordan White was named to the third team. White was placed on the third team despite leading the nation in receiving yards with 1,646 on 127 catches with 16 touchdowns.<br />Other first-team selections from the Big Ten include Wisconsin's Monte Ball (RB) and Kevin Zeitler (OG) along with Illinois' Whitney Mercilus (DE) and Penn State's Devon Still (DT).Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-62055682143283156442011-12-09T14:11:00.004-05:002011-12-09T15:03:03.944-05:00Detroit Mercy appears to be burning bridges with in-state teams<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mNlHajDbyMGvZ3eByVY1w2SvGYYHvHzqPzpgWw9vYy4f-ARBuMr__w6MzOW7wA6A96cUdPrAkW9vpsWMKzVSESNNY11dw5h4z_K-Mfcq29Se7ahZZdEdnUJZxzX_0SjdnRvHh_4PEWvJ/s1600/McCallum.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 392px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mNlHajDbyMGvZ3eByVY1w2SvGYYHvHzqPzpgWw9vYy4f-ARBuMr__w6MzOW7wA6A96cUdPrAkW9vpsWMKzVSESNNY11dw5h4z_K-Mfcq29Se7ahZZdEdnUJZxzX_0SjdnRvHh_4PEWvJ/s400/McCallum.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684221293032217362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I</span></span>f you're looking for a modern day symbol of the historical rift between the City of Detroit and its Michigan surroundings, the men's basketball program at University of Detroit Mercy might be it. It appears that either the Titans are burning bridges with in-state schools, or those schools are choosing to cast them aside.<br />Detroit beat Western Michigan 92-81 at Calihan Hall Thursday night but it will be the last time the two teams play each other for a while, as Broncos coach Steve Hawkins announced he's ending the 18-year series between the two schools. While Hawkins hasn't made specific comments on why he's opted not to renew the deal with Detroit, <a href="http://www.mlive.com/broncos/index.ssf/2011/12/detroit_coach_ray_mccallum_on.html">reports from the Kalamazoo Gazzette</a> indicate that he's upset over how current Titans Juwan Howard Jr. and LaMarcus Lowe, both former Broncos, ended up playing for McCallum and the Titans.<br />Lowe, from Flint, is now a senior at UDM after transferring there sighting mostly family reasons following the 2008-2009 season. Howard Jr., from Detroit, joined his former Bronco teammate after last season and is currently sitting out the year in Detroit. At Detroit's media day earlier this year Howard Jr. said his decision to transfer was purely about basketball and his confidence in the direction of the Titans program.<br />There's no reason not to believe that. Under the direction of McCallum, the Titans basketball program has steadily improved. Detroit was a popular preseason pick to win the Horizon League this year and despite early-season troubles, the Titans still have a strong chance of coming through on that prediction. With remolded facilities, including the newly-named Dick Vitale Court, along with a regular TV series on Fox Sports Net Detroit and some nationally televised games coming their way, everything about Titans basketball is on the upswing.<br />However, the rift with the Titans is not exclusive to WMU. There's been a long-time grudge between UDM and Oakland as well. Those issues extend long before McCallum's arrival, but they've been amplified since. The Titans were supposed to restart a series with the Golden Grizzlies last season, but opted out late in the process, angering OU coach Greg Kampe.<br />There was early speculation that because both Oakland and Detroit are part of this year's ESPN BracketBusters the Titans and Grizzlies would play this season, but <a href="http://opgrizzden.blogspot.com/2011/12/zero-chance-oakland-pairs-with-detroit.html">Kampe squashed those rumors</a> by saying he'd refuse to play at Calihan Hall.<br />"We said we won't play them if it's a BracketBuster," Kampe told Matt Pocket and Bryan Everson on WXOU's "The Greg Kampe Show" last week. "We're not playing them there. They owe us a game. They can come here and play us and everything will be all nice again, but until (then) it's not going to happen. We just said if they pair us up with Detroit, we're not going."<br />Detroit does not regularly play Michigan or Michigan State either, however there are rumors of a regular series starting between the Titans and Eastern Michigan -- now coached by Detroit native Rob Murphy.<br />Another indicator that links this issue specifically to the Detroit men's basketball program is that the school regularly plays other state schools such as Oakland and Western Michigan in other sports, including women's basketball.<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;font-family:Arial;font-size:15px;color:black;" ><br /><br /></span>Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-54465455263016053872011-12-07T11:00:00.002-05:002011-12-07T12:08:05.619-05:00Led by local talent, Wayne State has chance to shock Division II football<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmxZznR8U2z99syfgkcSx3kO0eTI6RJPvShKQZ-llXZNR3fvfuDWFCMcJmK34I3rjxPxecfNuV7f8kxqjGOyB-VO6cqoqeRqq1QhgwrHFqz-bdhOdvOtpyMOTVfKF4LaIMusD0I0a4JAD/s1600/doc4cd9dc967ee97375425433.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmxZznR8U2z99syfgkcSx3kO0eTI6RJPvShKQZ-llXZNR3fvfuDWFCMcJmK34I3rjxPxecfNuV7f8kxqjGOyB-VO6cqoqeRqq1QhgwrHFqz-bdhOdvOtpyMOTVfKF4LaIMusD0I0a4JAD/s400/doc4cd9dc967ee97375425433.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683434304946211762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">G</span></span>rand Valley State is no longer the dominant Michigan team in Division II football. The Lakers are down, and my goodness are the Wayne State Warriors ever up.<br />Wayne State is just two wins away from what would be a shocking Division II title. The Warriors (11-3) will travel to unbeaten Winston-Salem (13-0) for a semifinal game Saturday.<br />Much of the Warriors' talent has been drawn from Oakland County. In total, Wayne State has 21 players from Oakland County, several of whom have made a major impact.<br />Senior running back Josh Renel of Rochester Adams has tallied over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns this season and is a Harlon Hill Award candidate (the Division II equivalent to the Heisman Trophy). Sophomore linebacker Ed Viverette (Birmingham Brother Rice) is a key contributor on defense with 69 total tackles and 7 1/2 sacks as is former South Lyon standout and WSU cornerback Anthony Baskin, who also contributes on special teams. Senior left tackle Joe Long from nearby Lapeer East recently won the the Upshaw Award for Super Region 3, which makes him a national finalist for the award given to the best lineman in Division II.<br />The players who took a chance on a downtrodden and frankly irrelevant program just a few years ago now have a shot to reshape the Warriors' image.<br />"It really has been an emotional roller-coaster ride," Renel said. "When we finally saw our name on there (the playoff bracket), it was really a second chance."<br /><span id="_oneup" style="font-size:11px;"></span>The Warriors have made the most of that opportunity.<br />Just making the playoffs, which they barely did less than a month ago, was a first-time accomplishment for the program. Wayne State lost 43-42, in overtime, to Findlay on the last game of the year -- finishing 8-3. Somehow, the Warriors not only got into the Division II playoffs, but have since reeled off three consecutive road wins including an upset over D-II power Minnesota Duluth last week.<br />"Losing the last game (to Findlay), you're thinking it's over," said safety Jeremy Jones, who has nine interceptions on the year, three of which came in an upset playoff win over Nebraska-Kearney. "It's very surreal. It's gone by so fast."<br />Jones, from Rockford High School, was named Division II Defensive Back of the Year this season.<br />Wayne State coach Paul Winters went 4-16 in his first two seasons after taking over the program in 2004. The talent cupboard was bare and the program's brand recognition extended little further than its stadium placed awkwardly off the highway in what will never be mistaken for the entertainment district of Detroit.<br />The perception of Wayne State football will change drastically if the Warriors cap off their already improbable run with a national championship. Winters isn't looking ahead though.<br />"It's hard to talk about what we've done... We're still in the process of doing it," he said.<br />With mid-December set to arrive and the onslaught of Division I college bowl games about to kickoff, what Wayne State has been able to do in its playoff run should serve as a reminder of what Division I teams are missing.<br />The chance to do the improbable. Just lining up, winning games and staying alive for another week. That's the way it should be and that's what's happening at Wayne State right now.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Information from The Associated Press was used in this post</span><br /><br />Here's more news on the Warriors from around the web:<br /><a href="http://www2.journalnow.com/sports/2011/dec/06/wssport05-warriors-a-tough-team-on-the-road-ar-1681676/">Warriors a tough team on the road -- The Winston-Salem Journal</a><br /><br /><a href="http://wsuathletics.com/news/2011/12/2/FB_1202112555.aspx">Jones resist temptation to quite, finds success at Wayne State -- The Detroit </a>News<br /><br /><a href="http://wsuathletics.com/news/2011/11/25/FB_1125112639.aspx">Wayne State has built a football winner -- The Detroit News</a><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p>Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-13255836416521494742011-12-04T00:28:00.004-05:002011-12-04T01:38:20.977-05:00Spartans have done enough to earn national respect, but haven't demanded it<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFOJv0Lmy56gqHVis2n8G6-qzDAnLLEqFgl6-9znav2KnQDgw05jpSgznPg87w_1u4TGFYikVmiNZhe1IHT3-MrSvw073d9eMSyxmvRWxWMeIdq9bK2cNWGEBlOuLIuec1Co_HQ-huI5N/s1600/MSU+4.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFOJv0Lmy56gqHVis2n8G6-qzDAnLLEqFgl6-9znav2KnQDgw05jpSgznPg87w_1u4TGFYikVmiNZhe1IHT3-MrSvw073d9eMSyxmvRWxWMeIdq9bK2cNWGEBlOuLIuec1Co_HQ-huI5N/s400/MSU+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682158784983109154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">M</span></span>ichigan State safety Isaiah Lewis dove right underneath the leg of Wisconsin punter Brad Nortman to draw the penalty that costs MSU the game Saturday night, but in reality that kick went straight to the Spartans' gut.<br />Lewis' running into the kicker penalty, on a punt that was returned by Keshawn Martin inside the Wisconsin 10-yard line, denied MSU a Big Ten championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl. No luck this time for the Green and White.<br />It was a horrible call. While by definition Lewis did run into the kicker, that call can't be made in that circumstance. Officials should not take the fate of the game out of players' hands. Let 'em play ref. Let 'em play.<br />It's a shame, really. Michigan State outplayed Wisconsin Saturday and deserved to win that game. What's going to compound the heartbreak for the Spartans is that this game -- more specifically that penalty -- has cut the legs out from what was a program-defining season in East Lansing. Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio wants so badly to be able to change the national image of Spartan football. He also believed whole wholeheartedly that this group of players was the group that was going to accomplish that. It's the reason for the "Little Giants" play call last season against Notre Dame. The reason he showed not the slightest bit of surprise when Kirk Cousins connected with Keith Nichol on the hail mary that beat the Badgers earlier in the year and why he called a fake extra, which was successful, early in Saturday's game.<br />This team, which features a senior class that has won more games than any other in the history of MSU's program, was supposed to finish on top -- at least in the minds of everyone associated with it. Michigan State even went as far as to put Rose Bowl perihelia up around the football complex this week, including Roses in the players lockers. That's the type of confidence this team had.<br />Yet, entering Saturday's Big Ten championship game, MSU was listed as 9.5 point underdogs to Wisconsin -- despite beating the Badgers in the regular season and finishing with the best record in the Big Ten.<br />Somehow, that logic rang true. The underdog Spartans did what the "experts" said they would do. They came up short.<br />"This is a good football team. This is a good program and their tired of being disrespected," MSU radio announcer and former Spartan quarterback Jim Miller said Saturday night.<br />They've got to be getting tired of losing big games, also.<br />While a Vegas betting line might not offend the Spartans, getting left out of the BCS pool should and likely will.<br />"We are the winningest program the last four years in terms of Big Ten conference games," Dantonio said prior to the championship game. "We're 24-8. We're 14-2 in the conference the past two years, so hopefully we're changing that thought process a little bit... I think we're changing perceptions as we go."<br />That being said, there's not a BCS bowl executive or board member in the country that would rather have Michigan State in its game over a more prestigious football school -- such as Michigan. In many ways the Spartans are the equivalent to a basketball mid-major when it comes to the top ranks of college football. The only way they're going to get respect is if they demand it. If they leave no doubt. Beating Wisconsin Saturday night was an opportunity to do that. I believe Michigan State should get an at-large bid to the BCS. In my mind the Spartans are one of the top 10 teams in the country. But it's no secret that is the minority opinion.<br />Instead, the Spartans will likely end up in either the Capitol One Bowl or the Outback Bowl against either Arkansas or Georgia. Until next year at least, Michigan State is still Michigan State. And like Saturday's performance, that's just not good enough.Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-73959384225911259182011-11-28T13:34:00.004-05:002011-11-28T14:16:15.492-05:00Spartans, Wolverines now battling for BCS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7u1k1EDCnx4HEyAhLRp8ZsZdzvQxk_HMPjJIqlAZ3qN1WtKr7igHEdHha_cVdwELXJnTu1LPwJnlrhS6wGskKshPVi6jGwOiMo2Wmi31BTfw3b_g9NqRPFu192ihcc0R-aFuXAedf_VK/s1600/Michigan+St+Northwest_Magh.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7u1k1EDCnx4HEyAhLRp8ZsZdzvQxk_HMPjJIqlAZ3qN1WtKr7igHEdHha_cVdwELXJnTu1LPwJnlrhS6wGskKshPVi6jGwOiMo2Wmi31BTfw3b_g9NqRPFu192ihcc0R-aFuXAedf_VK/s320/Michigan+St+Northwest_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680127592231847490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">F</span></span>or Michigan State, the situation is simple: Beat Wisconsin in Saturday's Big Ten championship game and the Spartans are heading to the Rose Bowl. Yet, even though MSU is in control of its own destiny, Michigan might have the more favorable situation when it comes to getting a BCS bid.<br />While Michigan will have no other option than to sit and wait, a loss by MSU Saturday might propel the Wolverines into an at-large BCS invite.<br />The Spartans are ranked 13th in the latest BCS standings released Sunday night, Michigan is ranked 16th. In order to get an at-large bid to the BCS you have to be ranked in top 14. Many BCS experts from ESPN and CBS say Michigan would likely jump the loser of the Michigan State-Wisconsin game and or Georgia if it loses to LSU in the SEC championship game. Since three teams from the same conference can't get a BCS bid, that means a loss to Wisconsin will likely leave the Spartans as the odd-man out -- again.<br />Even though MSU beat Michigan in the regular season, won the Legends Division of the Big Ten and is currently ranked a full percentage point higher than the Wolverines in the BCS, the Spartans might fall victim to the flawed system of college football marketing which favors brand recognition over quality.<br />There's no question BCS sponsors would rather have Michigan than Michigan State. Michigan will draw better national TV ratings, bring more fans and flat about provide more flash.<br />As Michigan athletic director David Brandon told reporters after the Ohio State game, "We're Michigan. Everyone knows who we are and our tradition and our team."<br />Like it or not Spartan fans, that statement is undeniably true. Even MSU coach Mark Dantonio admits his program doesn't have the national recognition, yet, of the country's historically elite programs.<br />It's the same reason the Spartans were snubbed last season, even though they finished with an 11-1 regular season record.<br />The ideal scenario for this state, and the MSU-Michigan rivalry, would be for the Spartans to advance to the Rose Bowl and the Wolverines to get invited to the Sugar Bowl as an at-large team.<br />It's very possible.<br />The Spartans will either face the best team in the Pac 12 (unless Stanford or Oregon qualify for the National Championship Game) or the third team from the SEC in either the Capitol One Bowl or Outback Bowl.<br />If Michigan does get a BCS invite, they'll likely face the worst of the BCS crop in the Sugar Bowl -- probably Houston. Otherwise they'll end up in the same SEC matchup as a non-BCS Spartans team would.<br />As it stands, Michigan is the team with the best chance to win a BCS game this season -- which considering MSU had the better year and won the rivalry game in the regular season, won't sit well with Spartan fans.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dantonio, Hoke both getting consideration for Coach of the Year</span><br />The Big Ten Coach of the Year award will be announced Wednesday and it should go to either Brady Hoke or Mark Dantonio.<br />What Hoke has been able to do at Michigan in his first-season, even with a schedule padded with eight home games and a down Ohio State, is spectacular. Nobody, even the Wal-Mart Wolverine faithful, saw Michigan winning 10 games this season. 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mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]-->“It’s an extremely competitive conference,” Dantonio said in conference call Sunday, not putting forth any lobbying on his behalf to win the award. “You look around and see people winning games that they would not normally. That's a credit to our conference."<br />A third candidate would be Wisconsin's Bret Bielema, who also praised what Dantonio has done at MSU in Sunday's Big Ten conference call.<br />"I've known Mark a long time and he's a tremendous football coach. The product on the field represents what those coaches are doing every day."<br />The Spartans and Badgers kickoff just after 8 p.m. Saturday in Indianapolis in a game that will determine a lot for each program, as well as Michigan, come bowl season.<br /><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:11pt;" ></span>Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-8406106414396274632011-11-27T15:09:00.004-05:002011-11-27T15:46:42.685-05:00Izzo has Spartans back to basics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-78acDM1MDUUQEu_V_2UMJQ6kc2DT7WkY-0lCXnLCgoZKtnmNwzRDFVM66kRUtaG0ottRsfp8v8W2ls_V4XC17kajmT343OGi8xw678nJ0oBO5_tjQiBjQ4qsRDf0AZort3GaQ2LTlUcJ/s1600/Michigan+State+wants+_Magh.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-78acDM1MDUUQEu_V_2UMJQ6kc2DT7WkY-0lCXnLCgoZKtnmNwzRDFVM66kRUtaG0ottRsfp8v8W2ls_V4XC17kajmT343OGi8xw678nJ0oBO5_tjQiBjQ4qsRDf0AZort3GaQ2LTlUcJ/s320/Michigan+State+wants+_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679778566634026946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">L</span></span>ast season Michigan State coach Tom Izzo relied on talent and experience to carry his team. It didn't work. This year, the Spartans have gone back to the style of play that made them a mainstay among college basketball's elite and gave Izzo the reputation of being a rebounding and defensive genius.<br />Michigan State's most recent 72-40 victory at Eastern Michigan Sunday, its fourth in a row, wasn't easy to watch. Yet, it was identifiably Spartan basketball. MSU out rebounded the Eagles by 20 and held them to 28.6 percent shooting from the floor. EMU had just 13 points at halftime (sure MSU had just 25, but that's the formula that works in East Lansing and in the Big Ten).<br />Michigan State (4-2) has out rebounded all six of its opponents this season and is doing so by an average of 11.6 boards per game. Izzo's club is also making up for a lack of offensive ability by crashing the offensive glass -- another Spartan trademark.<br />Senior Draymond Green is leading the rebounding effort, averaging 10.8 per game. It's also no coincidence he's leading MSU in scoring with an average of 12.4 points.<br />Scoring, or the lack of it, is an issue but it won't derail the Spartans' chances of making an impact both in the Big Ten and in the NCAA tournament this season. MSU had plenty of offense last year, but without the defensive effort or team commitment, it got the Spartans only as far as a 19-15 record and a first-round exit in the NCAA tournament.<br />The points will start to come for MSU. Sophomore point guard Keith Appling will need to start looking to score and transfer shooting guard Brandon Wood needs to find his shooting touch.<br />By the time Big Ten play begins Dec. 28 at home against Indiana, I think both will.<br />Appling's offensive ability is well known. He set the MHSAA scoring record for a state championship game with his 49 point performance as a senior at Detroit Pershing. I've seen Brandon Wood play twice in person when he was at Valparaiso. Both times he scored over 30 points. He doesn't look comfortable in the MSU starting lineup just yet, but make no mistake, he can score. Freshman Brandon Dawson is another player who looks trigger shy offensively right now, but he too has a lot to offer on the offensive end.<br />What matters most for the Spartans is that the defense, rebounding and team chemistry look strong so far.<br />The Spartans don't have the depth or talent they had a year ago, but they're back to doing the dirty work that gave the program its identity during Izzo's 17-year tenure as the head coach in East Lansing.Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-78275962711061481462011-11-21T14:40:00.003-05:002011-11-21T15:25:43.495-05:00Wolverines have chance to turn the page with win over 'Ohio'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V2ckoIOSEWdx-b5RkiWxDQguBRwF0A7ZICVWSplva2LkPBp1D-2BCHK76I668ZF9dT-xjf1PzDSqVPEBPVABAH_o1VT4EHiWOMmFBrJ02kIOaqtdWK7IT6y9iwKB1jYLy64sC_fRc1BW/s1600/Nebraska+Michigan+Foo_Magh%25285%2529.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V2ckoIOSEWdx-b5RkiWxDQguBRwF0A7ZICVWSplva2LkPBp1D-2BCHK76I668ZF9dT-xjf1PzDSqVPEBPVABAH_o1VT4EHiWOMmFBrJ02kIOaqtdWK7IT6y9iwKB1jYLy64sC_fRc1BW/s320/Nebraska+Michigan+Foo_Magh%25285%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677546805032524962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">C</span></span>oming off an era of Michigan football that was so turbulent it warranted a book titled "Three and Out" to tell the story, the Wolverines now have a chance to officially start a new chapter of Michigan football. That chance is Saturday, the last in November, at high noon against the school Michigan coach Brady Hoke still won't mention by name.<br />"Beat Ohio," is all he really has to say.<br />That's been Hoke's message to his team since his first day back in Ann Arbor. It's almost fitting that Hoke refers to the school simply by the name of its state. The state that the Wolverines, and practically everyone else in our state -- whether maize and blue, green and white or somewhere in between -- universally despises.<br />We hate its cops. Hate its toll roads. Hate its cities. And for Michigan fans, that hate is compounded by not beating the Ohio State Buckeyes since 2003. Seven straight losses, most of which weren't even close.<br />Saturday, at home in the Big House, Michigan will be favored against the Buckeyes for the first time since 2004 (Wolverines are a 7.5 point favorites as of Tuesday).<br />The countdown clocks installed at Al Glick Field House have been running all season.<br />"Beat Ohio." The. Most. Important. Game. On. The. Schedule.<br />A win Saturday would give Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson something other, less-criticized pro-style quarterbacks such as Chade Henne and John Navarre never got. Robinson is coming off his most impressive game, given the circumstances, of his career with what he did against Nebraksa (11-for-18 180 yards, 2 TDs; 23 carries, 83 yards 2 TDs) this past weekend, earning him co-offensive player of the week honors. Saturday could become his best moment as a Wolverine -- a chance to end the losing streak, finish with 10 wins and potentially earn a bid to a BCS bowl.<br />"Beat Ohio," the capacity crowd at the Big House chanted as the Nebraska game came to an end.<br />At Tuesday's press conference, Hoke reiterated that the Wolverines have great respect for "that team" and "that school."<br />Respect is one thing, after all Hoke is a Kettering, Ohio native. But this game, this year, means as much as it ever has to Michigan. Because of the circumstances, it equals the stakes of the No. 1 vs. No 2. battle of 2006. It's a chance for Michigan, as a program, to move forward while at the same time stomp on its most hated rival while its down.<br />A loss Saturday derails what's been a joyride of a comeback season for Michigan. It's not only a must-win, it's a game in which the Wolverines need to make a statement.<br />It's the most important game on the schedule. It's not just the Wolverines vs. the Buckeyes. It's Michigan vs. Ohio.<br /><br />Here's some other Wolverine news from around the web:<br /><a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/11/19/sports/doc4ec8318d80555129342847.txt">Win over Nebraska was signature moment for surprisingly fast-improving program -- The Oakland Press </a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20111121/SPORTS06/111210344/Mark-Snyder-U-M-s-Hoke-can-t-wait-Ohio-State-game?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CSports">Michigan coach Brady Hoke can't wait for Ohio State game -- The Detroit Free Press</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.michigandaily.com/sports/looming-large-game-overshadows-michigans-big-win-over-nebraska">The Game overshadows Michigan's win over Nebraska -- The Michigan Daily</a><br /><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/949109-bcs-rankings-week-13-michigan-will-rise-too-high-after-defeating-huskers"><br />Why Michigan will be too hyped following win over Nebraska</a> -- The Bleacher Report<br /><br /><a href="http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/new-celebration-makes-it-clear-michigan-football-team-starving-for-a-win-against-ohio-state/">Michigan starving for win over Ohio State -- Ann Arbor.com</a>Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-33335975325806487142011-11-19T10:37:00.003-05:002011-11-19T10:56:58.431-05:00New era of Big Ten could belong to Spartans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLra9Ot4os6nBMNUnRFlnWJb9ezQGV94OXA2PGHAMuHqFqM0DN6Pa7O7C8Ze80mnzM-KrJa5CFd97EM2g21osBoI0nCyJNxCJANFAxmVDnaa4ODO_pJvNkkK4qVtZJHjDF8Imxhl9iTQ7b/s1600/Coach+Mark+Dantonio+e_Magh.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLra9Ot4os6nBMNUnRFlnWJb9ezQGV94OXA2PGHAMuHqFqM0DN6Pa7O7C8Ze80mnzM-KrJa5CFd97EM2g21osBoI0nCyJNxCJANFAxmVDnaa4ODO_pJvNkkK4qVtZJHjDF8Imxhl9iTQ7b/s320/Coach+Mark+Dantonio+e_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676736442134676450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">T</span></span>hree wins. That's all Michigan State needs to establish itself as the Big Ten's model program going forward in this new era of the conference. As of now, the Spartans are in control of their own destiny. They don't need any help -- and judging by the conversation in the Twitter world, they certainly don't want any from Michigan.<br />Today it's Indiana. Next week it's at Northwestern -- both teams MSU has a track record of beating. Should be no different this year, which would give MSU an opportunity to win the first-ever Big Ten championship game.<br />As it stands, the Big Ten at least for the immediate future is a three team race. Ohio State is a mess, even if Urban Meyer does take the job, it will take time. Iowa has become typecast as an eight-win football team. Purdue's ship has long since sailed. Michigan is still rebuilding towards becoming a championship caliber team. Who knows if Penn State will ever recover from what it's going through now. That leaves MSU, Wisconsin and Nebraska.<br />If the Spartans drop one of their final two games and allow Nebraska to face Wisconsin in the championship game, it will be a major setback. Yet, an inaugural championship game appearance -- potentially a win and Rose Bowl bid -- puts MSU at the top.<br />A win today against Indiana caps off back-to-back undefeated seasons at home for MSU. The next step will be winning its second-consecutive conference championship (this time it would be outright).<br />It's going to be a new Big Ten going forward. MSU has an opportunity to put itself in the drivers seat.<br /><br />Here's some more Spartan news from around the web:<br /><a href="http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2011/11/michigan_state_preview_stats_f.html">Michigan State-Indiana Preview: Stats and Facts -- Mlive.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.detnews.com/article/20111119/SPORTS0202/111190350/1004/sports/Mark-Dantonio%E2%80%99s-first-class-on-brink-of-another-title-for-Michigan-State">Mark Dantonio's first class on verge of leaving great legacy -- The Detroit News</a>Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-30000426220723473352011-11-17T14:09:00.003-05:002011-11-17T14:40:24.269-05:00Headset or no headset, Brady Hoke coaches Michigan football<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv10QFCXPUTAf_Ef69BuAlcNJlXzsjcepf92W5RFZpXKhsF1VLMdwf1HVvR-u9VYvavTbONg9XiSHS6FMtpJJEaIs0zdly9lBydkN5kO6RJ_kewcTWhyNrOAJtVpeobi5fLwuxqOVbwTlU/s1600/Michigan+Iowa+Footbal_Magh.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv10QFCXPUTAf_Ef69BuAlcNJlXzsjcepf92W5RFZpXKhsF1VLMdwf1HVvR-u9VYvavTbONg9XiSHS6FMtpJJEaIs0zdly9lBydkN5kO6RJ_kewcTWhyNrOAJtVpeobi5fLwuxqOVbwTlU/s320/Michigan+Iowa+Footbal_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676051847754844626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">T</span></span>he conversation started Game 1 against Western Michigan: "Hey, did you notice Brady Hoke wasn't wearing a headset?"<br />Yeah, we did. Thanks Mike Rosenberg.<br />It was more of an interesting factoid about a new coach in is first game at that point, but the discussion has been raised again recently. This time with more weight being put on it.<br />Wednesday, 97.1 FM The Ticket radio host Mike Valenti pointed to Hoke's lack of headgear as evidence that he doesn't actually coach the Wolverines on game day. Valenti insinuated Hoke was nothing more than a motivator and PR guy for Michigan. That the coordinators Greg Mattison and Al Borges actually do the coaching.<br />Good fodder for talk radio. Yet, it's a very inaccurate accusation.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Note: Hoke occasionally does put on a headset during games. See photographic evidence to the right)</span><br />True, Mattison sets up and calls in the defensive formations and Borges calls the plays. That's no different than virtually every other pro and major college football program. In fact, when a head coach actually does take over play calling -- Andy Reid in Philadelphia comes to mind -- it makes news.<br />Sure, most head coaches do wear headsets. Not sure exactly why Hoke doesn't and haven't asked him after any game. It's a non-issue.<br />All you need to do is watch one Michigan practice, or observe Hoke intently on game day to see that he no doubt coaches the Wolverines. Whether it's him lining up across from a defensive lineman on the practice field and going through drills or pulling aside Devin Gardner after one of his JaMarcus Russell-esque overthrows on third down. Or getting in the ear of Denard Robinson after one of his jackpot interception tosses. He's just as active, if not more so, than any other head football coach.<br />Michigan is 8-2 playing with the same players that struggled to finish 7-6 last season. That's coaching.<br />Yes, Mattison and Borges deserve a ton of credit for what they've done -- particularly Mattison with that defense -- but Hoke does as well.<br />He's not a figurehead. He's not a "football CEO." He's not a glorified defensive line coach like Rod Marinelli, which many threw out there on Twitter yesterday. He's a college head football coach to his core.<br />If you want to point to Joe Paterno (past tense) not wearing a headset or Birmingham Brother Rice's ancient Al Fracassa and say they're figureheads who's assistants handle game day coaching duties, fine. Brady Hoke's not in that same boat.<br /><br />Here's some more Michigan news from around the web as the Wolverines prepare for Nebraska on Saturday:<br /><a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20111117/SPORTS06/111170555/Key-U-M-s-defensive-turnaround-Tons-talking?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CSports"><br />Communication key to Michigan's defensive turnaround -- The Detroit Free Press</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/michigan-kicker-brendan-gibbons-addresses-story-behind-last-years-struggles-this-years-turnaround/">Kicker Brandon Gibbons opens up about struggles -- AnnArbor.com</a><br /><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/943140-michigans-5-most-likely-bowl-opponents#/articles/943140-michigans-5-most-likely-bowl-opponents/page/6"><br />Michigan's Five Most Likely Bowl Opponents -- BleacherReport.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.michigandaily.com/sports/notebook-robinsons-fumbling-issues-addressed-hoke-plays-quarterback">Robinson's fumbling issues addressed, Hoke plays quarterback -- The Michigan Daily</a>Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-26338932537093708162011-11-13T14:21:00.003-05:002011-11-13T15:00:32.727-05:00No need for NBA season in Detroit, plenty of basketball to go around<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lqeYu2VxV57fNTJ5OUrK74hy6lgMb-v2mqhX0KkYEefsDnLT_q8uEkLiL1vqon1VOc4bsVOl-AmstCsT3YlOOKMn1cczdG9xpKWnnThdJQQhL70SqVydWZdRCApipBMVhBKZmUklj9zz/s1600/Wayne+St+Michigan+Bas_Magh.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lqeYu2VxV57fNTJ5OUrK74hy6lgMb-v2mqhX0KkYEefsDnLT_q8uEkLiL1vqon1VOc4bsVOl-AmstCsT3YlOOKMn1cczdG9xpKWnnThdJQQhL70SqVydWZdRCApipBMVhBKZmUklj9zz/s320/Wayne+St+Michigan+Bas_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674570499063671746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A</span></span>ll indications are that the NBA Players Association is set to reject the latest offer from David Stern and the owners, which will more than likely derail any chances of having a 2011-2012 NBA season. Count me among the many that don't care.<br />I love basketball. It's my favorite sport. Yet, the NBA as a whole has been a declining product for awhile now.<br />Unless your team has one of the 5-7 true superstars, you'll be investing your time and money to watch half-speed, low-effort basketball.<br />The Pistons have been a part of some great sports memories in Detroit during their history, but there's no need for them to take the floor for another 30 win season this year.<br />You want basketball, there's plenty of it.<br />The University of Michigan may have its best team in the past decade, if not further, and has a legitimate chance to win the Big Ten and make an NCAA tournament run. We all got our first look at the Spartans Friday against No. 1-ranked North Carolina and the early impressions are promising. They too, should contend for a Big Ten title this season.<br />For those in the Detroit area, there's good basketball closer to home as well.<br />Oakland lost Keith Benson, but gained Laval Lucas-Perry and returned Reggie Hamilton for what will be an exciting, high-scoring backcourt. The Golden Grizzlies open the season Monday night at Alabama -- and unlike year's past, they've got plenty of home games this season, including Tennessee at the O'rena and Michigan at The Palace. That's good basketball being played in Rochester.<br />Detroit Mercy is also loaded this year. Without currently suspended center Eli Holman, the Titans are still a very strong team. With him -- he is expected to return at some point -- Butler's got a huge problem in the Horizon League. Led by former Birmingham Detroit Country Day star Ray McCallum Jr., the Titans are going to have a fun team to watch and should be able to pack Calihan Hall. I'm already excited for the home game against St. John's Dec. 5.<br />As always, Oakland County is also home to some of the best high school hoops in the state.<br />Throw in the fact that the Lions, Spartans and Wolverines are all relevant on the football field -- as are the Red Wings on the ice -- and truth be told, our paper at The Oakland Press would be hard-pressed finding room to cover the Pistons' mediocrity this season. They're beyond second fiddle.<br />So forget about Ben Gordon's contract, Rodney Stuckey's jump shot, Ben Wallace's age and Rip Hamilton's ego. Take a year off.<br />I'll be updating coverage of Detroit Mercy, Michigan State and Michigan as best I can on this blog and Paul Kampe will have his usual coverage of the Golden Grizzlies on his blog, <a href="http://opgrizzden.blogspot.com/">The Grizz Den</a>, and in The Oakland Press.<br />You want basketball, there's plenty of it.<br />There's also going to be meaningful football in late December this year.Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-54597429806710808472011-11-10T11:23:00.004-05:002011-11-10T11:44:00.793-05:00Spartans land Harris to complete 2012 recruiting class<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SGkbNggPpPbttcVL2GmwhWDNhyWrWt0oRZrrXwogZ7PztuWHsEXoV6wcnh8rjC3cfj015ug5smmOPZ0LE2u74reP9VBjpZ-E7NFu0tDk_xDW9hRfOeJPxIYhXG8Fsc5IsJkFAh2cMg28/s1600/Gary+Harris+visits+Mi_Magh.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SGkbNggPpPbttcVL2GmwhWDNhyWrWt0oRZrrXwogZ7PztuWHsEXoV6wcnh8rjC3cfj015ug5smmOPZ0LE2u74reP9VBjpZ-E7NFu0tDk_xDW9hRfOeJPxIYhXG8Fsc5IsJkFAh2cMg28/s320/Gary+Harris+visits+Mi_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673408726416110242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A</span></span>lthough he did not sign a National Letter of Intent with Michigan State on signing day yesterday, it appears heralded recruit Gary Harris is heading to East Lansing to play for Tom Izzo and the Spartans.<br />The Indianapolis Star reported late last night that Harris will sign with MSU.<br />"(Michigan State) recruited me for a long time," Harris told the Star. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span> "I liked the whole family atmosphere up there. I feel like I'm a part of them. It was a great environment and once I got around the players, I was really comfortable."<br />Harris (6-foot-4), from Hamilton, Ind., is ranked as the No. 2 shooting guard in the country by Scout.com. He was considering Indiana, Purdue and Kentucky, along with MSU.<br />The Spartans did get official National Letters of Intent from two other prized in-state recruits in power forward Matt Costello of Bay City Western and shooting guard Denzel Valentine of Lansing Sexton -- both of whom have been verbally committed to MSU since last year. Power forward Kenny Kaminski (6-8, 245) of Medina, Ohio also signed with MSU yesterday.<br />While that's a strong class even without Harris, adding a top-ranked national recruit such as him, particularly at a position of need, is a huge step for MSU getting back to its habit of reaching Final Fours and competing for Big Ten and national championships.<br />Costello averaged 19.8 points, 13 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game last season as he helped lead Bay City Western to the state semifinals. He's the likely front runner to win the state's Mr. Basketball Award this season. Valentine, who's father Carlton played at MSU in the 1980s and who's brother Drew currently plays at Oakland University, is a versatile wing who averaged 12.7 points and 7.9 rebounds while leading Sexton to a Class B state title last season. He's very similar is style to former Spartan Alan Anderson, with a little more athleticism.<br />Harris, assuming he does indeed sign, and Costello will be the stars of this class for MSU -- giving the Spartans a nice inside-out duo on a team that will be filled with solid role players and perhaps another star in current point guard Keith Appling.Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-20124731157795134632011-11-07T16:22:00.003-05:002011-11-07T16:58:04.420-05:00Spartans in middle of 'playoff' run<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGpUkoKLnN-9y8852wEGyYKCJROjytjEBDjJxmSCZrkYwwNTqZLQMW2dC7L5cdVQB5poJX1Jib3XRKnP44ooKJja9C5QETjFSIuJnFvd6eUvNkqWBkYTp6pp2bpNIzlLpkHxwrB4AthgE/s1600/Michigan+St+Nebraska+_Magh.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGpUkoKLnN-9y8852wEGyYKCJROjytjEBDjJxmSCZrkYwwNTqZLQMW2dC7L5cdVQB5poJX1Jib3XRKnP44ooKJja9C5QETjFSIuJnFvd6eUvNkqWBkYTp6pp2bpNIzlLpkHxwrB4AthgE/s320/Michigan+St+Nebraska+_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672376121098665538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">F</span></span>or those craving for college football playoffs, Michigan State's final three games may be as close as it gets to that atmosphere.<br />Alone in first place of the Big Ten Legends Division, the Spartans are in control of their own destiny when it comes to claiming a Big Ten championship and Rose Bowl bid. One loss, however, and things get murky.<br />Nebraska, currently tied with Michigan for second, owns the tiebreaker over MSU but the Spartans own the tie breaker over Michigan. The Wolverines and Cornhuskers play in the second-to-last game of the regular season in Ann Arbor. If Michigan wins that game, even if MSU suffers another loss, the Spartans will go to the Big Ten title game in Indianapolis.<br />Up next for MSU is a game at Iowa, the same scenario that derailed the Spartans' Rose Bowl bid last season when they suffered their first loss of the season in a blowout in Iowa City. After that comes a home game against Indiana and a game at Northwestern to close out the year. That Northwestern game is what makes this Saturday against Iowa even more important.<br />Head coach Mark Dantonio has closed off his players from the media this week, citing a need for increased focus on the Iowa game. The last time he did this was the week leading up to Ohio State, and the Spartans nearly shut out the Buckeyes en route to getting a tough road win.<br />"We've got seven wins and are 4-1 in the conference so any way you look at it we're right there," Mark Dantonio said after the Spartans win over Minnesota. "We survived one playoff game as far as I'm concerned and we advanced. That's how we have to challenge ourselves to take this."<br />Iowa, even though technically still in the race for the Big Ten Legends Division as well, is down this year. MSU should win that game. Indiana at home should be no different than playing Indiana at home any other year. It's Indiana football.<br />The Northwestern game is the scary one for MSU. The Wildcats typically play well against the Spartans, even if they don't always come away successful. Northwestern will be playing at home and for an opportunity to add another marquee win to bolster its bowl positioning. Even without quarterback Dan Persa, Northwestern remains a very dangerous team. It was backup QB Kain Colter who led the charge in the win over Nebraska this past weekend.<br />There's a chance, say if Michigan loses to Illinois and then beats Nebraska, that a loss to the Wildcats won't matter. But for MSU's sake, every game from here on out will be approached as a must win. If MSU can avoid playing down to the level of competition it will coast into the first-ever Big Ten Championship Game and face either Wisconsin or Penn State.<br />If you wanted playoffs, you've got them in East Lansing.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Here's some other news and opinions about the Spartans from around the web:</span><br /><a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/11/05/sports/doc4eb5fd931607c626850034.txt">Spartans have clear path to become Big Ten champs, now must start playing like it -- The Oakland Press</a><br /><br /><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/928727-michigan-state-football-spartans-will-exact-revenge-on-iowa">Michigan State will exact revenge on Iowa -- The Bleacher Report</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2011/11/michigan_state_spartans_know_e.html">Spartans know Rose Bowl hopes ride on Iowa game -- Mlive.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110311aac.html"><br />Elsworth emerges as key contributor -- MSUSpartans.com</a>Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-6748117278086656192011-11-01T16:46:00.002-04:002011-11-01T17:06:58.324-04:00Top hoops prospect McGary expected to choose Michigan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XxrpQW1UDbmfEsYeIq2Y3saXLLFnGkrXtbb7EHMdX9Y55oTc-hUYog8jZx-y9jh8XAU8eJSPXstk4o6-00n60bHcCqfUTlWC1VvbXghZcbSqsyfleBccn3zTQzakM4hIuoJYp5tB-ijQ/s1600/McGary.png"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XxrpQW1UDbmfEsYeIq2Y3saXLLFnGkrXtbb7EHMdX9Y55oTc-hUYog8jZx-y9jh8XAU8eJSPXstk4o6-00n60bHcCqfUTlWC1VvbXghZcbSqsyfleBccn3zTQzakM4hIuoJYp5tB-ijQ/s320/McGary.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670136765875581986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">C</span>ome Thursday evening, the future of Michigan's basketball program may get a whole lot brighter. That is when the nation's No. 2 prospect Mitch McGary is expected to make his college decision with an announcement that will air at 5 p.m. on ESPN U.<br />McGary wrote on <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/boys-basketball/post/_/id/670/mitchs-memos-eyeing-a-decision">his blog</a> that his recruiting process is over and that Michigan, along with Duke and Florida are the final three schools he's still considering. A <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/dave-telep/post?id=190&_slug_=michigan-back-in-drivers-seat-for-mitch-mcgary&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fblog%2fdave-telep%2fpost%3fid%3d190%26_slug_%3dmichigan-back-in-drivers-seat-for-mitch-mcgary">report from ESPN.com's Dave Telep</a> said Michigan is the leading destination to land the the 6-10 prospect from Chesterton, Ind.<br />Michigan's 2012 recruiting class already includes top prospects Glenn Robinson III (3-star recruit) from Indiana, the son of former NBA player Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson, and Nick Stauskas (3-star recruit) from Massachusetts. U-M's 2012 class also includes forward Max Bielfeldt from Illinois, who was sought after by several other Big Ten schools.<br />If McGary comes to Ann Arbor, the Wolverines will have perhaps the most talented team in the Big Ten for years to come.Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-41505392076353401542011-10-29T11:02:00.002-04:002011-10-29T11:26:32.090-04:00Purdue Pre-game: Why this is a must win for Michigan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidniiyXpAv0Z7zYrs9Vf3vUrKTPbhE-Gx3CugsMB1ptjFYXG-DRZ-7S6EePbwLNQUCUGaFWtDXH5sFSuKbyGRY9phAkBwDW-A61kAY_cmpIDHIEsypIFDwBwEkkEPWVQjDeyIca0uBB5CI/s1600/Michigan+Michigan+St+_Magh%25285%2529.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidniiyXpAv0Z7zYrs9Vf3vUrKTPbhE-Gx3CugsMB1ptjFYXG-DRZ-7S6EePbwLNQUCUGaFWtDXH5sFSuKbyGRY9phAkBwDW-A61kAY_cmpIDHIEsypIFDwBwEkkEPWVQjDeyIca0uBB5CI/s320/Michigan+Michigan+St+_Magh%25285%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668935812326606354" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">T</span>he past two seasons, an undefeated Michigan team lost to rival Michigan State and subsequently saw its season spiral out of control. The Spartans dealt the Wolverines their first loss again two weeks ago, setting up what is, for confidence sake at least, a must win game today for the Wolverines against Purdue (4-3, 2-1) in Ann Arbor.<br />If Michigan wins today, it will improve to 7-1 and be set up for an 8 or 9 win season. A loss, however, would leave the Wolverines 6-2 heading into back-to-back road games at Iowa and Illinois, followed by home games against Nebraska and Ohio State to finish the season.<br />That's got late-season swoon written all over it.<br />This Michigan team has more confidence than talent, and that may be enough to turn in an overachieving season in Brady Hoke's first year. Yet, if that confidence fades, at it very well could with tw0-straight losses, Hokeamania in Ann Arbor could fade into an irrelevant bowl appearance and a bitter tasting offseason.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Notes</span>:<br />Safety and defensive team leader Jordan Kovacs it out today for Michigan. He may be able to return next week at Iowa. Troy Woolfolk will start in his place... The Wolverines combined for just 82 yards rushing last game against MSU, 42 of those yards came from Denard Robinson. Look for Fitz Toussaint and Vincent Smith to get more carries today... Despite turning in the worst statistical game of his career as a starter, both passing and rushing, Robinson remains the unquestioned starter at QB for Hoke. Backup Devin Gardner may see time in certain packages, but Robinson remains Michigan's QB going forward.Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-55572160829552600222011-10-27T15:58:00.006-04:002011-10-28T13:10:53.556-04:00Michigan's Beilein shows optimism as season approaches<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiJOrkI5cSemHJydASV24MBATrdGHq9kTvZCuktnfo_rzsCNiokqPTmQ-63XEx5I2h2SlZKbPT8Hvb5s2YMFuZh93Q8vm50-fg5siB14LESDdqHoTIxxWE-7LotfskVbjfFHjsONG0fsV/s1600/Michigan+Media+Day+Ba_Magh.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiJOrkI5cSemHJydASV24MBATrdGHq9kTvZCuktnfo_rzsCNiokqPTmQ-63XEx5I2h2SlZKbPT8Hvb5s2YMFuZh93Q8vm50-fg5siB14LESDdqHoTIxxWE-7LotfskVbjfFHjsONG0fsV/s320/Michigan+Media+Day+Ba_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668272435105212642" border="0" /></a>Expectations for the University of Michigan men's basketball program are the highest they've been since 2009, when Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims returned for their final seasons in Ann Arbor. That Michigan team failed, finishing 15-17 in a dysfunctional season. The Wolverines expect a different outcome this year.<br />Michigan, ranked No. 18 in the USA Today preseason poll, not only won an NCAA Tournament game for the second straight year, but also nearly knocked off eventual champion Duke in the third round. Coach John Beilein, now in his sixth year at U-M, talked about the high expectations for his team this season at Thursday's Big Ten media day.<br />"The expectations for us in that season were very high, but Manny (Harris) never got to 100 percent (from an early-season injury), we felt. And we were probably too dependent on him and DeShawn (Sims)," Beilein said. "This team, I think, has a few more pieces and we've got great team chemistry."<br />Beilein also addressed the issue of replacing point guard Darius Morris, who left early to go to the NBA.<br />"We've got a scrimmage coming up and we've got an exhibition coming up. That will be a good time for us to figure out (who will replace Morris)," Beilein said. "Probably three or four days before our first game with Ferris State, we'll have made a decision."<br />Beilein also added: "We have an incredible team-first attitude that's been very healthy so far. I like the progress so far... we love the young men on this team."<br />The Wolverines return their second leading scorer from last season in Tim Hardaway Jr. (13.9 PPG) along with experienced guards Zack Novak and Stu Douglass. Without a lot of front court depth, Michigan will likely be a guard-oriented team. Freshman Carlton Brundidge (Southfield) could also get an opportunity to make an impact this season, as the Wolverines lack a true point guard.<br />Michigan's first test of the season will be Nov. 21, when it faces No. 9 Memphis in the Maui Invitational.<br />Beilein added about Crisler Arena, "The improvements are striking. You just feel like it's an entirely new arena when you walk into it."<br />Michigan is also two weeks or so away from the completion of a new practice facility and other basketball-specific facility improvements, which, combined with another good season, will greatly help recruiting.<br /><br />Here's some more Michigan hoops coverage from around the web:<br /><a href="http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/hanging-together-michigan-basketball-team-says-chemistry-will-help-avoid-a-familiar-collapse/">Beilein, Wolverines will rely on chemistry -- AnnArbor.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/29884776/32959490?source=rss_teams_Michigan_Wolverines&utm_source=bleacherreport.com&utm_medium=referral">No. 2 prospect Mitch McGary on verge of making decision, Michigan a possibility -- CBSSports.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20111027/SPORTS06/111027032/Jim-Delany-Big-Ten-watching-conference-realignment-content-stay-put">Big Ten watching conference expansion closely, but content to stay put for now: Detroit Free Press</a>Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-40428464340306041882011-10-21T12:23:00.003-04:002011-10-21T16:53:44.187-04:00Five keys for Michigan State against Wisconsin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbzX85n2siEdhyNslAiES0uql-lm8IX9AWFbIEk78lwYV_lqdNXpXVuhVxBssKfWO3MFl5-N-PbUCVb7f7_youV1mL0KL2st6f-i_RgP3bi1oLcWEbJ2yRzW9KThxTlIO6KgCK4yltDZY/s1600/Michigan+State%257Es+Mark_Magh.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbzX85n2siEdhyNslAiES0uql-lm8IX9AWFbIEk78lwYV_lqdNXpXVuhVxBssKfWO3MFl5-N-PbUCVb7f7_youV1mL0KL2st6f-i_RgP3bi1oLcWEbJ2yRzW9KThxTlIO6KgCK4yltDZY/s320/Michigan+State%257Es+Mark_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665995190791037666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">M</span>ichigan State knows what its up against when it faces Wisconsin Saturday night. The Badgers, ranked No. 6 in the nation, lead all FBS teams in offense, averaging 50.2 points per game. Defensively, Wisconsin is ranked third in the country, giving up just 9.7 points per game. Wisconsin, however, may not fully understand what its up against heading into East Lansing. Here's five keys for the Spartans to pull out a win Saturday:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />1. Crowd must make a difference --</span> For all of Wisconsin's accomplishment's this season, the Badgers have yet to play a road game. On the road under coach Brent Bielema, Wisconsin is 14-10. Wilson, in his two full seasons as a starter at North Carolina State, was just 3-7 in road games. Michigan State hasn't lost in Spartan Stadium since Sept. 12 2009 (when Central Michigan came from behind to pull out the upset.) Add in an 8 p.m. start with a ESPN College Gamday crowd coming off a fourth straight win over rival Michigan, and you can expect a difficult atmosphere for Wisconsin. Part of me thinks this would have been the better game to unveil the Nike Pro Combats.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Score early, and often --</span> As good as Michigan State's defense is, the Spartans are going to have to put a healthy number of points on the scoreboard to win this game. It won't be a 10-7 outcome like it was over Ohio State. MSU's defense is the best Wisconsin has faced this season and is fully capable of holding the Badgers under 40 points -- but other than that, all bets are off. Kirk Cousin, who's one win shy of becoming MSU's all-time winningest quarterback, has to turn in his best game of the season and Edwin Baker has to keep moving the chains on the ground.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Make Wilson hurt --</span> Michigan State has to continually bring pressure on Wilson, force him to make quick decisions and land hits on him throughout the game. These are all things Nebraska didn't do against the Badgers, and it lost 48-17. Not having William Gholston for this game really hurts MSU. He's the type of player that can continually get off the ball and into the backfield. Jerel Worthy is going to need to have a Ndamukong Suh-type performance.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Turnover battle --</span> The Spartans had two inexcusable fumbles last week against Michigan, which against a better team -- or Michigan on a better day -- would have costs them that game. MSU can't get away with mistakes like that against Wisconsin and will also have to create some turnovers of its own to get a short field.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Need a hero --</span> Somebody other than the Spartan poster boys is going to have to step up in this game. Whether it be sparingly-used Bennie Fowler, Keith Nichole or Nick Hill on offense or players like Marcus Rush or Isaiah Lewis on defense -- a role player is going to have to become a star Saturday. A return for a TD from Hill would like nice, wouldn't it?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Festivities galore</span><br />In addition to College Gameday making its first visit to East Lansing since 2005, the Spartan fans have reasons other than Erin Andrews to celebrate. It's also homecoming for MSU. As part of the celebration, Michigan State and National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame will jointly honor former Spartan Gene Washington.<br />Washington closed out his college career as MSU's all-time leader in receptions (before later being passed by Matt Trannon and then current Spartan B.J. Cunningham this season) and was selected to two Pro Bowls during his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings.<span style="color:white;"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:12pt;" ></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br />Here's some other reports on conversation on the game from around the web:<br /><a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/10/21/sports/college/doc4ea069fea7ebc580241118.txt">A look at the history of 'GameDay' at MSU (and it hasn't always been pretty) -- The Oakland Press</a><br /><br /><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7127370/michigan-state-quarterback-kirk-cousins-used-having-odds-stacked-him">Kirk Cousins used to being a long shot -- ESPN.com</a><br /><a href="http://host.madison.com/sports/college/football/article_057163c2-fb7b-11e0-94df-001cc4c03286.html"><br />Badgers know there's no guarantee of BCS title shot -- Madison.com </a>Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-57550926143388066452011-10-18T20:18:00.003-04:002011-10-18T20:52:05.643-04:00Inexperience will be a good thing for MSU hoops<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloItIfxL6r3V3MXKnm9I5Qs-VhUI5JawMmlxhE9je13S9UMU_PYKWsFCNfGIoRNH1PkIr_fqODhd91KutKJZMRnYUemH10Z4IXMT4UmpWp8xEfLg8ttTyckE9TCWyjJgiSejsbwXap5_D/s1600/Michigan+St+Media+Day_Kamp.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloItIfxL6r3V3MXKnm9I5Qs-VhUI5JawMmlxhE9je13S9UMU_PYKWsFCNfGIoRNH1PkIr_fqODhd91KutKJZMRnYUemH10Z4IXMT4UmpWp8xEfLg8ttTyckE9TCWyjJgiSejsbwXap5_D/s200/Michigan+St+Media+Day_Kamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664999429048610754" border="0" /></a>In wake of Michigan State's basketball media day, focus momentarily shifts away from football and to what will take place inside the Breslin Center this winter.<br />Tom Izzo said at one point in the middle of last season that his team was "trying to work our way out of hell."<br />They never really did.<br />Star players Durrell Summers and Kalin Lucas went from borderline first-round picks to scrounging for offers oversees, a quest for a third straight Final Four appearance turned into a first-round exit to UCLA and the Spartans were weighed down with injures, infighting and inconsistency as they finished 19-15, 9-9 in Big Ten play.<br />Lucas and Summers, along with Korie Lucious (who transferred mid-season after being dismissed), Delvon Roe and Garrett Sherman (transferred to Notre Dame) are all gone.<br />Returning to the Spartans this season are just two players who averaged more than 20 minutes per game last year (Draymond Green and Keith Appling) and they'll be joined by seven players who have yet to play a minute in a Spartan uniform.<br />This year will be a chance to start over and get back on track.<br />Fifth-year transfer Brandon Wood was a huge get for Izzo. Wood was a dominant scorer last season for Valpariaso and will slide in nicely to the starting backcourt along with Appling this year. He's an upgrade over Lucas. Freshman Brandon Dawson is a true talent and will likely start at the small forward spot, replacing Summers. Adreian Payne is penciled in to be the team's starting center and his athleticism and pure talent will ultimately top Roe's work ethic and toughness. Add in Green, one of the more complete frontcourt players in college basketball, and MSU has a solid starting five. Travis Rice and Brandan Kearny are two freshman guards that add depth and Derrick Nix has lost weight and apparently rededicated himself to the program.<br />The bottom line in college basketball is that talent trumps experience, and this Spartan team is talented. They'll struggle early because of their ridiculously tough non-conference schedule, but by the time Big Ten play begins, MSU will have as good of chance to win the conference as anyone else.<br />Last year was a setback, not a change of course for Spartan basketball.<br /><br />Here's some other reports from around the web:<br /><a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/10/18/sports/doc4e9df12b4d490743756845.txt?viewmode=fullstory">Wood looking to make most of 1-and-done stint -- The Oakland Press</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20111018/SPORTS07/111018048/Nix-chemistry-talks-MSU-hoops-media-day">Nix, chemistry the talk of MSU media day -- Detroit Free Press</a><br /><a href="http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111018/GW02/310150027/Izzo-says-Nix-miles-ahead-last-year?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CSports"><br />Izzo says Nix is 'miles ahead of last year' -- Lansing State Journal</a>Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-51939835633236280902011-10-16T13:18:00.002-04:002011-10-16T13:41:56.129-04:00Unlike year's past, Michigan will rebound after loss to MSU<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBydFODFv8Fdm7ECXQ4kZfIhXPN0_Zj92BvKfwu8yRvxsO8ELuA16aF227lnedRtIbnTjU_C6xWQltAa_rv9xwnAAI6nIuikim1IlZ17JxEKnvr6znAifHl38tbB_6zD4B1fItBjLU6wXs/s1600/Michigan+Michigan+St+_Magh%25284%2529.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBydFODFv8Fdm7ECXQ4kZfIhXPN0_Zj92BvKfwu8yRvxsO8ELuA16aF227lnedRtIbnTjU_C6xWQltAa_rv9xwnAAI6nIuikim1IlZ17JxEKnvr6znAifHl38tbB_6zD4B1fItBjLU6wXs/s320/Michigan+Michigan+St+_Magh%25284%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664146614159407170" border="0" /></a><br />For the third straight year, Michigan had its undefeated boat rocked by rival Michigan State. The Wolverines entered Saturday's game undefeated with a high national ranking (No.11), and yet again were humbled by MSU.<br />In 2010, Michigan came in 5-0, got blowout 34-17 and finished 7-6. In '09, the Wolverines were 4-0 and the Rich Rodriguez bandwagon was temporarily picking up steam before a 26-20 overtime loss that turned into a tailspin and a 5-7 season.<br />I don't think that will happen with Michigan this year.<br />"They need to feel this one," said Michigan coach Brady Hoke, who admitted the Wolverines were overrated in the polls. "We all need to feel this one for a while. But we'll turn the page."<br />That's the difference. Michigan will turn the page. There's a level of confidence and composure there that wasn't present under the past coaching era.<br />"I think it's easy now to say that this is the same Michigan team as the last three years, but there's no doubt in my mind that we're not," junior safety Jordan Kovacs said. "We're going to improve, learn from this, and win."<br />Saturday's loss to the Spartans wasn't a meltdown like in '09 when Tate Forcier gave the game away. It wasn't a complete embarrassment like when the Wolverines were blow out in their own house last season. It was simply a loss to a better, more physical team.<br />That won't derail Michigan's season.<br />The Wolverines no doubt have some issues. What to do with Denard Robinson remains the primary one. Robinson again struggled to throw the ball and turned in the worst game of his career statistically. If Saturday's any indication, going to backup Devin Gardner is not the solution. Gardner was held to 3-for-7 passing for 45 yards and had a -15 yards rushing on six carries.<br />Michigan doesn't have the personnel to have an efficient offense this season. That will take a couple recruiting classes to change. Robinson, however, does give Michigan big-play potential, which combined with a much improved defense will be enough to win some games -- as it already has.<br />Michigan could easily still finish the regular season 9-3 with a chance to win a bowl game. If that -- or a result close to it -- happens, Saturday's loss won't set back Hoke and the rebuilding process of Michigan's program.<br />The difference between Saturday and MSU's three previous wins over Michigan was that the Spartans beat a good Michigan team, not a bad one.<br />Look for the Wolverines to respond after their bye week with a big win over Purdue.Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-47864942281029390182011-10-15T09:53:00.002-04:002011-10-15T10:21:35.587-04:00Quick start key for Michigan in East Lansing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTa2cONmgcAYNq5WmeE9WoBZjKWynje_HqAdNiV9CTZcR7PzQ24CKElWiNo62RPpA-5m5ICsdQ-Wpj_59I6XFwaVCFobNkVlmRB2QGSxiIdDmpsOhHRE4UrcvgQfCwndvykwqiO9jQ4Uf/s1600/Davey+O%257EBrien+votes+a_Magh.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTa2cONmgcAYNq5WmeE9WoBZjKWynje_HqAdNiV9CTZcR7PzQ24CKElWiNo62RPpA-5m5ICsdQ-Wpj_59I6XFwaVCFobNkVlmRB2QGSxiIdDmpsOhHRE4UrcvgQfCwndvykwqiO9jQ4Uf/s400/Davey+O%257EBrien+votes+a_Magh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663723893533853154" border="0" /></a><br />If Michigan's going to improve to 7-0 and get a win today at Spartan Stadium, it won't be in come-from-behind fashion like its wins over Notre Dame and Northwestern. The Wolverines have to start fast and stay strong to have a chance.<br />Michigan State's defense, which outside of the Notre Dame loss hasn't given up more than seven points in a game, won't give up a lead at home. The defensive line is too strong and Michigan's lack of a trustworthy passing attack won't allow for it to happen.<br />If Denard Robinson breaks loose early, however, the Spartans could be in for a struggle. The Wolverines rushing attack has continually gotten better with the duo of Fitzgerald Toussaint and Vincent Smith -- add in Robinson's mobility and the Wolverines are plenty capable of moving the chains and killing the clock.<br />As for the Spartans, they need a good game out of Kirk Cousins today. Cousins has taken a step back this season and its not clear why. He's missed receivers and made poor decisions which have resulted in turnovers -- as he did in MSU's last game against Ohio State. That has to change today, and going forward, for MSU to stay in the Big Ten title hunt.<br />Here's some thoughts from other writers around the state:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2011/10/video_preview_spartans_defensi.html">Spartans D-line should be able to slow Robinson -- Mlive.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101511aab.html"><br />Spartans defense looks to make Michigan one dimensional -- Grinz on Green blog</a><br /><br /><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/892226-michigan-football-a-spot-in-the-big-ten-championship-is-anything-but-farfetched">Big Ten championship game for Michigan anything but farfetched -- The Bleacher Report </a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you're watching the game at home, head on over to The Oakland Press.com for a live chat with myself, Oakland Press columnist Pat Caputo and JRC college football writer Mike Larson starting at 11:45 a.m.</span>Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751514346211169778.post-82896780203965166152011-10-11T11:54:00.004-04:002011-10-11T12:35:07.376-04:00Deck stacked against Wolverines heading into East Lansing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjMKBCOfcgfW6JJOGJl2xq3f-C4IvBg03dG80tgJCPcED7TiTGshoOjiJh0j5VGjHFa6lKOCOAgAHMk0kdKSAdHdOCEiDcXu7pFj2q4yP4562j1zg_YqpF3zsEG1IoLeDbdR2ejUWJ_1W/s1600/MSU+pro+combat.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjMKBCOfcgfW6JJOGJl2xq3f-C4IvBg03dG80tgJCPcED7TiTGshoOjiJh0j5VGjHFa6lKOCOAgAHMk0kdKSAdHdOCEiDcXu7pFj2q4yP4562j1zg_YqpF3zsEG1IoLeDbdR2ejUWJ_1W/s320/MSU+pro+combat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662273161608665282" border="0" /></a>There may never be a better time to use the "perfect storm" metaphor in sports than this Saturday in East Lansing. That's exactly what the 6-0 No. 11-ranked Michigan Wolverines will be heading into when they face the Spartans (4-1) Saturday at noon.<br />Disrespected. Angry. Determined. Excited. Confident -- and throw in crazy.<br />Those words best describe Michigan State's football team for this game. They also describe the mindset of the Spartan fan base, which will be flooding into Spartan Stadium for a noon kickoff Saturday just several hours after celebrating Midnight Madness with the MSU basketball squad at the Breslin Center. That student section may be going on no sleep, but they'll be anything but tired.<br />Heck, Tom Izzo may even have his faced painted.<br />As for the players: It's a chance to show off their shiny new Nike Pro Combat uniforms; improve to 2-0 in Big Ten play; better their No. 23 ranking and beat their most emphasized rival for a fourth straight year.<br />The Spartans are also coming off of a bye week. They've had two weeks to prepare for Denard Robinson and Michigan's new packages which feature backup quarterback Devin Gardner. Two weeks to sit back and seethe over Mike Hart's ever-lasting "little brother" comment.<br />Michigan coach Brady Hoke emphatically labeled the Ohio State game at the end of the year as "The. Most. Important. Game. On . The. Schedule" in his introductory press conference -- pounding his fist with each fragment of that statement.<br />This game holds that title for MSU.<br />MSU coach Mark Dantonio will also be coaching his first game under his new lifetime contract with the school, signed last Saturday. In case there was any doubt, Dantonio won't be heading back to Columbus, Ohio -- or anywhere else -- after this season.<br />Dantonio loves being in East Lansing. And while he may respect it, he also hates the University of Michigan.<br />His players share that mindset. Just look at defensive tackle Jerel Worthy's new tattoo, which brands a Spartan stomping on the head of that fabled winged Michigan helmet. You know what the no-flash, all-business Dantonio did when asked about that tattoo? He smiled.<br />Michigan is without doubt a much improved team and one to be taken seriously again form this point on, but this version of the reborn Wolverines haven't gone up against what they're about to Saturday in East Lansing. A perfect storm.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Can't make it to the game on Saturday, be sure to join myself along with Oakland Press sports columnist Pat Caputo for a live chat during the game. Also, get all the latest sports news and breaking updates sent directly to your phone by texting the keyword "opsports" to 22700.</span><br /><br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" id="cs_player" height="330" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://eplayer.clipsyndicate.com/cs_api/get_swf/3/&pl_id=21443&wpid=10000&page_count=30&windows=1&va_id=2906768&show_title=0&version=1&auto_start=0&auto_next=1"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://eplayer.clipsyndicate.com/cs_api/get_swf/3/&pl_id=21443&wpid=10000&page_count=30&windows=1&va_id=2906768&show_title=0&version=1&auto_start=0&auto_next=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="330" width="425"></embed></object>Ross Maghielsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17851173855447156732noreply@blogger.com2