SpartyMSU

Spartan Teams are Families....

John Opie — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:47:39 GMT

Not being an MSU insider … I was impressed recently with the Family / Team support that the MSU Basketball team showed to one of its own. I am sure that that they do this for all, and with other teams as well....

During the 2008 Commencement ceremonies, Coach Tom Izzo and Staff with the Entire Team came and sat in the Breslin to watch a fellow Spartan graduate. They sat through the ceremony in the seats with all of the other Family, Friends, and other Alumnus all supporting the Graduates in this important achievement. Coach Izzo was actually in my Row…

How Cool and Prideful is that..... supporting their Team as a Family. I respect MSU Culture More and More !

Below is a link to the article from MSU on the Graduation of MSU Spartans this year !

Neitzel and Ibok Receive Bachelor's Degrees
MSU Spring 2008 Commencement is May 2-4.
http://msuspartans.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/050208aaa.html

Sparty ON !!

The State of Michigan State Football

John Opie — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:04:47 GMT

Last night was a chance for me to first hand get a glimpse into the future and direction of MSU athletics and the Football Program.

The MSU Alumni Club of Oakland County had a get together with Head Football Coach Mark Dantonio and MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis., Mr. Kaleb Thornhill, and other coaches and staff. This Alumni Association is a fine organization, and I look forward to joining again, just not this specific group……

I had a chance to talk with Kaleb, the impressive son of late Charlie, who played on Michigan State's back-to-back Big Ten championship teams in 1965-66. What a great ambassador MSU has in this young man! He impressed me as a extremely articulate, intelligent asset for MSU. Great young man with a great future Glad to see he has a career with the University in the AD’s office.

All of the Spartan staff talked the same unified message. Its one that I like to hear, and is slowing bearing fruit.

They spoke of change and Success being driven by the Top down, and began with Ron Mason, and continue with Mark Hollis.

Spoke of the process of reestablishing MSU Athletics and especially Football to the national stage. We all know that Coach Tom Izzo and Spartan Basketball, along with Spartan Ice hockey has been a bright spot for years, Frankly carrying the Football program. Yes some advances were made in the Under John L, but not everything and the exact direction that we needed. So the Spartan Nation Loves to see the Steps forward.. and The Process under way....

In his Second Year, Dantonio is Still the man we need, and a Bright spot for MSU football. He exceeded our expectations last year, and since the process is continuing, I have no doubt he will continue the Steps Forward. I was Giddy to get my Photo taken with him, the Leader of the Football Program. Thanks Coach ! Giddy, sounds like a School Girl, but between Izzo and Dantonio, these guys are on a Pedestal for me….. Can you say Man Crush…… You can see where I spilled my Beer just trying to get over to the guy.....

Can’t Freek’in wait for August 30th and the Cal game in Berkley…

Anyways… I have heard the message before, but what was different is that the staff from MSU showed it, they seem to live it…. And that makes it real.

The entire Staff Drove it home like a 2 Penny Nail in a piece of Balsa with a 20LB sledge… things like Faith, Family, Integrity, Community, Team, and Taking Steps Forward.

How Family members of Staff Students, fans and Players are critical to the Organizations and to individuals.. Family is Key,

The Program will allow everyone to express an important aspect of everyone’s life: Faith. Coach has a strong faith and allows and expects others to be free to express theirs…

Community.. Support the community we live and work in. Through works, volunteering, etc.
Personal integrity.. Doing what you can, and what is right.. Not necessarily the easy route for everyone, but one that everyone should take. In my opinion many other Programs on the Dishonest side, cheaters this is not the route MSU will take.

Team… Nothing is individual.. we impact others by everything we do, say, express. Take care of yourself, others.

We already have seen changes in MSU with the Dantonio Process, The Respect and credibility of the program has successfully been reestablished in the First Year, with those who count (Staff, Players, Fans, Cheer leaders,etc..) and We all look forward to the process continuing. Sure a couple steps backward here and there, but Steps Forward is Key.

I Liked what I Heard and Saw…

Read earlier Opinions on Last Season….

Sparty On !!!!!

We're Baaaack....

John Opie — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:49:25 GMT

We’re Baaaaaack…! Took a break due to Business travel.. but am back and the Group is getting together this week to begin the Pre-Season consensus for the Spartans 2008 Football Season…

Have a couple cases of Oberon, Bottles of Jack, Crown… ready for the boys to show up to discuss the year ahead. Gav, Andy, Dave, and Mike should at my place soon to start the Summer ritual…

The matrix is attached, will put our picks up against The Enlightened Spartan again, and see how we fare against our on line Sparty Hero Scott., plus a coin toss.

Click on the Link to see the matrix Prior to our Predictions Startin glater this week.

Prediction Matrix

So far, the Coin toss has the Spartans going 6 – 6, and 4 -4 in the Big Ten… (whats with the 50 - 50 Crap... How'd that happen...) Naw.. don’t think so.. Its Early to predict, but I think 7 – 5 or better. Maybe 8 - 4......

We’ll see when we pluck down the predications starting next week.

Sparty On…. !!!

Spartans are #2 in Preseaon Picks Already !!!

John Opie — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:16:28 GMT

Hope this isn’t the Kiss of Death for the 2008 – 2009 Izzo Season….
Preseason Fox Sports Top 25…..

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/8083026/Preseason-Top-25:-UNC,-Michigan-look-good-for-'08-'09?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=99

#2 Spartans
#9 Purdue
#25 Wisconsin
Buckeyes a possible contender….

Jeff Goodman’s Comments on Fox:

2007-08 Resume: 27-9, lost to Memphis in Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament
Declared: None
Likely Early Departure: None

The Spartans will lose guard Drew Neitzel and big man Drew Naymick, but Tom Izzo has plenty coming back and also will add one of the nation's most talented freshmen in athletic forward Delvon Roe. Guards Kalin Lucas, Travis Walton and Chris Allen all return, as does forward Raymar Morgan and big guys Goran Suton and Marquise Gray. Izzo will also have athletic wing Durrell Summers in the mix.

Where is scUM ??? Do the Wolver-weenies show up on any Power List... Oh that’s right.. Too bad they hired the entire West Vagina University Athletic Program and transplanted them in AnnArbor…. They won’t be a threat for many years to come… Maybe they'll rename the Schembechler Hall to Mountaineers West Campus.... But this is another discussion for another Entry.....

#2 Preseason Spartans !!!! Can't Wait for the Season to Begin !!

Sparty On !!!

BTB Round Table

John Opie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:11:45 GMT

Mike at Black Shoe Diaries has asked several good questions of the Big Ten Bloggers…. Thanks Mike !!!! I’ll briefly look and respond to his questions, If anyone else has Spartan observations or comments, I’d welcome them…..

1. I love spring. Flowers blooming. Birds chirping. Bones breaking. ACL’s tearing. List the injuries your team sustained and describe their impact on 2008.

Spartans escaped without significant injury… Ringer is still healing from Shoulder surgery. And expected to be ready to go come fall… Roland Martin is out on the Front Line.. He should be ready… Oren Wilson (DT) injury in practices, but will be ok, Did see #40 Jenrette limping around the back field….

But, no huge season questioning injuries or losses, all of them were already unknown, not new…

2. Break down the major position battles going on with your offense. (See Below....)
3. You knew this was coming. Break down the major position battles on defense.
Only Position battle is for Back up Quarterback.. I like Nick Foles over Kirk Cousins, but, Connor Dixon might emerge as well. If Brian Hoyer lays an egg (Like he did in the Champs Sports Bowl) or gets hurt, I expect to see 6’5” Foles in and taking over… But… But… There is talented Cousins and then Dixion in the shadows…

4. Who are the unknown kids on your team that will be household names come December?
These guys listed below will have break out defining seasons… And they will all be around for another 3 Years….
#6 Mark Dell WR (Tall and great Hands….)
#43 Eric Gordon LB (Pain Train commin Baby…..)
#5 Johnny Adams CB (Flys to the Ball…)
#91 Tyler Hoover DE (“Tree Trunks for Legs…Stud !
#21 Otis (My Man….) Wiley - (Senior).. Will teach the young kids…

5. How would you describe the general mood around your program? Are you gearing up the tailgate party for a conference title run or do you get the impression there are going to be a lot of empty seats in your stadium this year?

Mood: Uplifting… Looking Forward… Focused… Excited about the New Year… No Cross player blame or Excuses… The BS from the Smith era is gone ! Ever since Dantonio arrived, he has worked to transform the team.. and The Spartans Nation is very pleased ! Can’t wait to get to AA to kick some Wolver-weenie little brother ass !

I know more people looking for tickets.. a Waiting list is growing… I sent my check in already…

Our TailGates are listed on SpartyMSU.com… Every Game… Rain, Sleet, Sun and Snow… We will Be there ! And this year, don’t know if we’re in a title run, but, I have no doubt the Spartans will be on the National Stage again !

Sparty ON !!!!!

Another Beautiful Day for Football !!!

John Opie — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:46:03 GMT

Stopped off at the Peanut Barrel for an Olive Burger and a couple of Brews, and polished it off with a Shot O’ Crown a Go'in Down…… then headed off to cross the Red Cedar and on to the High Cathedral of Spartan Football. Good to be Back in East Lansing on such a Glorious Day !

April 19th, 70 Degrees and Blue Skys.. the place was Rock’in…. For the Green and White Game. White was favored going into the game.. But, Green seemed to be more intense... Giving them the Win...

Spartan Stadium was packed with an estimated 30K of my closest Friends….

If only all games had such great weather….

I liked what I saw.. there is reason to continue the Spartan Optimism in the Program. Dantonio’s message seems to be Sinking in.. He stood in the Backfield watching the plays and players intensely. At one point yelling at the White team for being to lax, and not wearing their hats on the sidelines.. His discipline was successfully on display…The Program is headed up….

Hoyer looked OK… But, I liked both of the backups Cousins and Foles. Cousins (12 for 19) lead the Green Team, and Hoyer (13 for 22) the White.. While Foles (10 for 15) spent time behind Center for both Green and White teams. From where I was sitting, Hoyer starred down the receiver, looked to me like he was picking his first option, not checking off, and telegraphing his throw… Maybe not….

But maybe the lack of running game was due to the suspectness of the “O” line.. This is where I worry…. Good thing we have 3 QBs, if they can’t protect Hoyer come September, we will need the option to rotate in fresh Generals. Hope Roland Martin is Healthy come August… He is needed to help out Cironi, Nitchman, and crew….

Look’in Good: Mark Dell (6 for 120) and/or Cunningham ( 6 for 205) might step in for Devin Thomas who will be the #1 WR taken in this years Draft… Ringer was on IR for the game.. Question lingers: who will fill Caulcrick’s shoes ???

Otis Wiley Clutch interception on Hoyer to give Green the win.. “Otis… My Man…. “

The “D” Line will be strong this year… No Doubt. Love to see the “D” be so Dominant… The lack of running game was more due to the strength of the “D” than the weakness of the backs…

Brandon Long… Johnny Adams.. More Defensive strength…

Tyler Hoover: Yeah.. Glad he’s on Campus and suited up… Stud ! Hell.. He will still get a High School Year book and a MSU one… Nice he graduated early to help out the team ! DE is getting stronger.. Give him 1 year to learn,, then look out !

Several Penalties, from face masks to several false starts.. Coach needs to get a handle on this quickly…

Bottom Line: Spartans continue to make strides forward !

Tough Schedule for the Spartans this year.. Starting off At Cal. In Berkley August 30… Then Home against EMU, Florida Atlantic, and Fat Charlie ‘s Golden Domers… But, as usual a bigger test awaits with OSU, at scUM, Whisky, and Finish the season visiting JoePa… Not an easy task… Too bad we don’t play Zook’s Crooks or Minney this year…

Can’t wait for the season to kick off.. Already have hotel rooms and working on my flights for the Season start in California August 30.. Can’t wait…

Sparty On !!!!!

A Beautiful Day for Football !!!

John Opie — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:52:41 GMT

Photos from Saturday's Green and White Game.

Seaons Ending Power Poll..... BTBPP

John Opie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:58:39 GMT

The Season is Over for Spartan Basketball March 28th…... I finally emerged from my coma induced by the ass whippin from Memphis… in the Sweet 16… At least we got to the Sweet 16... Beating a Good Pitt Team... And we eventualy Lost to the a Team who was in the Finals.. Not a just a poser team...

That was the single worst performance From a Spartan team since I was an undergrad in the 80s. The Horror.. The Horror… Down by 30 points at the Half.. Holy Crap… WHat the Hell Happened....??? I got nothing to say… The Spartans were a Good Team.. Not a Great one this year… A Final ranking in the Teens is appropriate.
Summary:

Drew and Drew are the only Seniors to depart the team this year... I think the mix of skilled freshman from this year (Summers, Allen, and Kalin) with the addition of Delvon Roe at Forward, Korie Lucious at guard, and Green at Forward.. And toss into the Soup Suton, Raymar, Walton, Herzog (Needs another 20 Lbs on his frame), and Quise… Next year is shaping up to be a Bumper Crop of Victories…. Rivals.com has them predicted at 18 to start the season next year already.. Might be a little low.. but, I’d rather surprise than underachieve.

We’ll talk more about BBall later on in the Summer…. Unless the Memphis Loss hits me like an 80s flashback.. And I have to vent again...

Sparty On !!!

MSU Spartans vs. Memphis Tigers.. Sweet 16

John Opie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:58:11 GMT

vs

Spartans in the Sweet 16……Game Day fast approaches.. ..

The Fridge is loaded up for Friday night in anticipation for a Spartan Victory…

Photos From MSU Website....

Here I show it plays out…. MSU gets the first bucket a Dazzling 3 pointer from Drew… then the game goes in to Up and Down mode.. Lead changes every 3 – 5 minutes of play time. Suton on Douglas – Roberts (DR s 6’7”, – has been shooting 55%, and 68% from the Charity Stripe) Raymar on Rose (6’3” – has shot 47% and 69% FTs).. Need to limit their production, and everyone is saying they can’t hit free throws, but even Dozier (6”9” / 215 Lb linebacker…) hits 69%...

These are the guys we want to stop, and they can put the Rock in the hole… Yes, Free throws are important, but the guys with the ball usually in the game make their shots. Spartans and the Tigers both are in Foul trouble by the end of the Firsts Half… But the Spartans have a stronger Bench… Spartans maintain the Freshest legs and eventually Win.. This will be the toughest game in the Tournament for both teams… MSU 78 Memphis 69…

It will be a fast game.. Drew will be doubled, and Lucas will get no easy looks. We though we got our nose bloodied against Pitt… Our 5 bigs make a Herculean effort...!!! This one will be a fight. Spartan Strength is the Bench. If Ibok, Gray, Summers step up as they have shown they can.. this is what will be the difference maker.

So settle in for a Good Game.. Grab an Ice cold Beer Glass… and filler up.. and join the Trip off with a cold shot of Ouzo….

SpartyMSU will be ready to go on to a Game against Texas…

Sparty On !!!

NCAA Brackets up in Flames....

John Opie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:57:40 GMT

I don't know about the reset of you, But... SpartyMSU couldn't have picked his NCAA Bracket any worse.. Its Sooooo bad.. that my LapTop burst into Flames when I checked it online.....

Whats that Old Saying.. You can Pick you Friends, Pick you seat, Pick your Nose... but you can't pick the Winners in the NCAA Brackets...

My Picks are blown up.. Big TIME !!

We did great with the Football season.. and even the Sparty Basketball Season.. Even pick up a few Pesos......Just not this time ...

I do have the Spartans Headed to the Final 4.. So far so good there...

Theres more Red Ink on my sheet than on the Bear Stearns Collapse...

Hope you guys are doing better...

Sparty ON !!!!

http://www.ballhype.com

What a Weekend for Spartans !

John Opie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:57:09 GMT

What a Weekend for Spartan BasketBall…

65 – 54 Thrashing of Pitt… The Spartans Rule, they worked as a TEAM, They played like SPARTANS !!! Most thought Pitt would be too much for the Spartans… But not the Faithfull..

It was a Tremendous Game ! Lucas, Neitzel, Suton were Studs. Shooting for 19, 21 and 14 points, Total between the 3 guys 54 points… Drew was 5 for 8 from 3 point land… Suton, the SPARTYMSU player of the game, had 14 points and 9 Rebounds… Izzo went deep into the Bench, 10 players saw action. Idong had 13 rough minutes and 3 offensive rebounds, Travis played 23 minutes and had 4 rebounds… Other Big Guy, Mr. PhD Candidate, the RedHeaded White Guy: Naymick 7 Rebounds....

Everyone that hit the Hardwood Saturday Night played with Heart, Focus and Passion. 'Quise’s 5 minute contribution was stellar the way he defended Young !!

The concern is the 15 turnovers… This has been an issue all year and cannot be an issue against Memphis, since we all expect to be in the Elite 8 after this Friday’s Game….

How about One of Our Biggest Fans: Dicky V…
“ My Friends I told you that I thought Michigan State would beat Pittsburgh. I’m Telling you now, the party is over for Memphis. Michigan State is physical, they’re tough…I’m telling you they go right now to the Elite Eight”

Right On Dicky V !!

How about a little Izzo Man crush….

2007 – 2008 is Izzo’s 13th year as Spartan Head Coach. Of those years, the last 11 straight he has gone to the NCAA tourney. Of those 11, 7 years (or 64% of the time, including this year) He has gone to the Sweet 16 or Higher… He has been to the Great 8 (5) times, Final 4 (4) times, and NCCA Champs in 2000. And this season will only add to his record…!!!

Any Spartan player that has stayed (4) years has made it to a Final 4 Appearance…

Izzo is the Best Coach in the State of Michigan, and Arguably the Best in the Nation…

Other important Facts…
By winning percentage, our Big TEN leads all conferences with multiple entries in the Tournament….
Big Ten (4 teams Started the NCAA Tourney, 2 on to Sweet 16 play; Record of Games played: 5-2 )

Pac-10 (6, 3 left; 6-3)
Big East (8, 3 left; 10-5) Can you say Over Rated ??
Big 12 (6, 2 left; 7-4)
Atlantic Coast (4, 1 left; 4-3) Another Overrated Conferences…
Atlantic 10 (3, 1 left; 3-3);
Southeastern (6, 1 left; 4-5) Still Another Overrated Conference…
Sun Belt (2, 1 left; 2-1)
West Coast (3, 0 left; 1-3)
Mountain West (2, 0 left; 1-2).

On to Houston to Take on Memphis…. This Friday Night, March 28......

Sparty ON !!!

http://www.ballhype.com
http://www.EnlightenedSpartan.com

MSU Takes on Pitt

John Opie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:56:33 GMT

Great Opening Win for the Spartans.. Great preparation from Izzo and the Seniors to prepare the Freshman for the “One and Done” style of play for the Tournament….

Unfortunately, with the Mishaps in Mexico I didn’t get to see the game.. But have finally read about it… I was stuck nursing my Bohemia and Padron all night…. In an unlit / No electricity Mexican Cantina…. Only to wonder how the team was doing… SpartyMSU could only fidget and order more from Juan the Bar Tender....

My Head was pounding with anticipation (Or it was the remnants of the Padron … I hate Cotton Mouth with a hint of Cactus….) of getting Thursday Results, a News Paper in Houston

Great Job Spartans.. Now On to Pitt…

Tougher Game coming up.... The numbers favor Pitt, but, the Spartans are much deeper, and are better Coached... This is a Better test on the way to the Final 4… Looks like this will be a very Physical game.. If it was in played in the Big Ten.. Chances are that Izzo would have 4 Bigs foul out again.. But, since we are away from the Big Ten crappy Refs., Good Chance the Boys can play… Winner of this Game gets to play in the Sweet 16 !!

With a great TEAM effort against Temple (So says the papers…) I hope that they carry that on the Mo to Saturday..... And get Neitzel more looks and hope he gets HOT.. Drew has got to get more than the 5 points he had against Temple... Morgan had 15 (Team High), Big White Red Head had 10 points, Allen 8 points (Go Freshman !), Lucas 8, Walton and Goran 6 each, 9 Rebounds for Suton. .. What a TEAM win...

Plan to watch The Pitt game ... back in the Good’Ol US of A.

BEAT PITT !!

Sparty On !!!

Sparty On in Mexico

John Opie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:56:01 GMT

100th Post on Blog.SpartyMSU.com

While on a Biznass trip, SpartyMSU is stuck in Mexico, after a wind storm destroyed my sweet ride...
A Bill Board blew over.....

Hope the Spartans Luck is better than my own...

So, Since I have some time on my hands lets look at the match up with the Temple Owls...
From info from: http://statsheet.com/mcb/teams/compare?norank=1&t1-season=2007-2008&t1=michigan-state&t2=temple

On Paper, I think they can beat the Owls, but, they have been suspect all year, clearly underachieving....

Depends on what team show up...

Drew has to come off strong picks, and we cannot have 4 big guys foul out against Temple. The kid Christmas concerns me.

Hopefully I'll be somewhere I can see the game by Thursday.... Until then, Its "Cerveza, por favor...."

Sparty On !!!

Big Ten Tourney and NCAA Big Dance

John Opie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:54:39 GMT

NCAA and the Big Ten Tourney…

I can’t believe how bad the REFS are in the Big Ten.. I hate to sound like sour grapes, but maybe it’s a good thing The Spartans are headed out west, and away from the Big Ten…

Is there any training for these guys, I wonder how the Big Ten treats them, compensation, etc…??? Are we getting what the Big Ten Empire pays for ?? Or are these guys just not as good, or focused... Or do they get such little compensation that this is a hobby for them ????

The Big Ten Bracket: Mine was Blown out of the water.. I could’t have picked it any worse…. Bo Ryan and his team are good, but not that good… they got help from the Pro Wrestling formatted refereeing decisions… Wisky is ranked as a 2 seed, lets see how they do… Don’t get me wrong, I Love my Badger Brothers, but… in a close game like Spartans vx. Whiskey, I expect better foul control or just let the boys play….

NCAA Bracket:
Sparty is in Denver at 10:30 am Game (Local time)

All I care about is the Spartan and the South regional… they start this Thursday against the Temple Owls..

I think they have a good chance to get to the Sweet 16, depending on what team shows up…. If Drew is Hot, the Freshman play with desire, Jeffery Raymar Morgan keeps his head in the game, we’ll be unstoppable.

Drew is shooting 40% for 3’s,and 40% for 2’s… Raymar is 56% for 2 point attempts, and only 28% for 3 pointers…. Interesting that “K” is shootin a little above Drew for 2 point attempts at 43% for 2 pointers but 38% for 3 pointers….

For the game against Temple...
Templ Shooting Stats

http://statsheet.com/mcb/teams/Michigan-state

Interesting match up for this Thursday… Data is from http://statsheet.com/ Great Website !!!

Spartans head to the Sweet 16... Dicky V Agrees...

Sparty On !!!!

Day 2 of BTTT (Big Ten Tourny Time)

John Opie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:54:11 GMT

Sparty Plays in a couple hours, but already I have 2 Upsets in our Bracket.... Damn.. Maybe too much Ouzo when we did our Picks...

Still Stickin with the Spartans to Cut the Net Down Sunday....

Sparty ON !!!

Big Ten Tourny Time (BTTT)

John Opie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:53:41 GMT

Its Time regular Season is Over... And I have to admit.. The Spartans Under Achieved... But, they have the talent and Coaching to get them where they belong... Champions !

Give me another Slug of that Green Kool-Ade.. Pass the Shot Glass...

After a long meeting this week, reflecting on teh season and drinking waaaaay too much Crown... We concluded the Truth, The Light, and the Facts...

There is Hope.. This is the time of the season they Shine Brightest.... They are a Easy Pick to win the Tourney and get at least a 2 seed for March Madness...

Sparty On !!!!

SpartyMSU still in Maui

John Opie — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:01:35 GMT

SpartyMSU has decided to stay another week in Maui....

Will be back to start Blogging for the Big Ten Tourny.

Great Win agains Indy... But, WHY.. oh Why can't they win on the Road like that ????

Sparty On !!!!!

Which way will Sparty Go ??

John Opie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:53:03 GMT

WTF… From a Final 4 contender to the possibility of Average Joe low seed in March Madness…

SpartyMSU has been is a tail Spin.. A Daze… A Haze… Put on 15 Lbs due to excessive Beer consumption due to the Conundrum that Izzo is in… Hell... The Crown Royal supply at the Local Party Store is depleted due to the Puzzlement we all have been under…. Better turn the USS Breslin around ASAP...

Izzo has got to try to work it out… We have an extremely highly talented TEAM … The Best Coach in the Big Ten… New Locker Room… but a deep lack of focus on the court... Call MD.. Coach Dantonio .. 911 !!!

And I am sick of the "Who Me.." look from Raymar... when hes pegged for a foul....

Which way will the Spartans Go for the Remainder of the year… Its anyone’s guess…
Someone on the team has to step up…

I thought it would be the Stud Senior Drew… Our Big Toe... Sergeant Drew Hulka.. Guess not…

My God.. The Spartans have more turn overs than the Wolver-weenies…
14.9 to Meeechigans 12.5… Come on Spartans!!

Great Web Site with BBAll Stats !
http://statsheet.com/mcb/teams/Michigan-state

I got to Believe at the End of the Season Spartans will get their shit together and end up on top of the Big Ten… But the Time is running out.. and I’m not sure they even control their own destiny anymore…

Some HELP.. Gimme a Shot of the Green Kool-Ade… I need an ElAzteco Fix… Did a Wolver-weenie secretly stick some AnnArbor Kryptonite in the Breslin.. Sparty.. HELP !!!

Sparty ON !!!

SpartyMSU Big Ten PowerPoll: Feb. 4, 2008

John Opie — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:06:05 GMT

SpartyMSU internal voting poll is in Turmoil.. couple of the guys put Purdue first, others MSU, we argued over Beers until 11:30 Monday night at the Red OX in Rochester…. But, here is are our internal numbers… Good thing the other guys don’t send in votes to the BTB Power Poll….

Can it be… Can the Freshman of Purdue really be on top ?.. Data speaks for it self… They did break in to the AP Poll at 24 this week…So by virtue of Wins and Losses they are #1 in the Big Ten…. It won’t last… If it does I will send Off The Tracks ( http://boilermakerfootballblog.blogspot.com/ ) Congratulations and I’ll send them an IOU for Beer at Nine Irish Brothers, or Chumley's or Knickerbocker or Hunter's…. No Problem, they will deserve it… they’re Hot.. and I'll make it for when I can buy in person....

I Believe They do not have the maturity as a group to maintain it. We’re not Diss’in the guys, its our Opinion….. The Hoosiers' Gordon and White will over power them, and with up coming game with Whisky: Hughes, Big Boy Butch, and Landry, doubt they will catch them sleeping again… time will tell…

Baby Boilers only play Indiana once this year… they have Whisky again, MSU, and the Hoosiers coming up. This does bode will for them, they do look good, and have a strong future, if they can prove that they are as good as Week 5 impressions are….

Spartans have a more difficult upcoming schedule, they really have their own destiny in thier hands now. Meat Grinder games: At Indiana, At Purdue, at Wisconsin, at Ohio State… Izzo and the boys need to figure out Whos on first, and play like they should be playing. Drew is Coming aroung, Walton looks better, maybe they’ll kick it into gear.

SpartyMSU could very well put the glass of Green Kool-Aid down, eat crow… But I don’t think so. I think Sparty will be eating Badger and Hoosier steaks.. (What the Hell is a Hoosier..??) …

Sparty On !!!!

SpartyMSU Big Ten Basketball Rankings: Jan 27, 2008

John Opie — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:03:07 GMT

Sparty Beats up on scUM, the Wolver-weenies of AnnArbor...
Score by Periods                1st 2nd   Total
Michigan......................   27   35 -   62
Michigan State................   35   42 -   77

But before we get to that... The weekly Rankings...

The SpartyMSU Weekly Power Rankings are in.. and there’s a Shake up at the Top… The Brew Crews ballots were collected, tabulated and are now posted….

Since the Hoosiers couldn’t protect the home court, and Whisky lost to the Baby Boilers… Sparty is once again on Top of the Big Ten….

I think this is a sign that Drew Neitzel is beginning to hit his stride…. His shot is looking smooth… I like the Spartans chances in the Big Ten…. They control their own future...!!!

The Match ups that will sort out the Men from the Boys are coming up…
1/31 Indy @ Whisky
2/12 MSU @ Purdue
2/13 Whisky @ Indy
2/16 MSU @ Indy

Spartans Spanked the other Team from the State of Michigan... The Wolver-weenies...
MSU beat them Handily... Gave them a lesson in how to play Round Ball.... Since they decided to not play the Spartans twice this year...Pussies..... New scuM Coach doesn't want to get embarrassed locally, On their biased Media market of Detroit..... Our Spartans toyed with them at the Breslin... and will continue to do it for years to come.....

Marquise is starting to come around again.. the Team is starting to jell.. thanks to the Big Toe... Sarg. Drew...

HOME TEAM: Michigan State 18-2, 6-1
                          TOT-FG 3-PT         REBOUNDS
## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN
02 Morgan, Raymar...... * 6-9    0-1    1-4    2 3 5   3 13 2 3 0 0 28
05 Walton, Travis...... * 0-1    0-0    1-2    1 4 5   2   1 8 2 0 2 28
11 Neitzel, Drew....... * 7-13   4-10   0-0    2 5 7   1 18 7 2 0 2 35
14 Suton, Goran........ * 3-6    0-0    1-2    1 6 7   1   7 3 0 1 1 28
34 Naymick, Drew....... * 2-3    0-0    0-0    1 3 4   4   4 1 0 2 0 19
00 Ibok, Idong.........    0-0    0-0    0-0    0 0 0   0   0 0 0 0 0   1
01 Lucas, Kalin........    6-11   0-2    6-6    0 0 0   1 18 3 3 0 1 25
03 Allen, Chris........    1-4    1-4    0-0    0 0 0   0   3 1 0 0 0 11
15 Summers, Durrell....    2-2    1-1    0-0    0 0 0   2   5 0 1 0 0   7
22 Dahlman, Isaiah.....    0-0    0-0    0-0    0 1 1   0   0 0 1 0 0   2
40 Herzog, Tom.........    0-0    0-0    0-0    0 0 0   0   0 0 0 0 0   2
41 Gray, Marquise......    4-4    0-0    0-2    0 4 4   1   8 0 3 0 1 14
   Team................                            3 3             1
   Totals..............   31-53   6-18   9-16   7 29 36 15 77 25 16 3 7 200

TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 15-31 48.4%   2nd Half: 16-22 72.7%   Game: 58.5% DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 4-12 33.3%   2nd Half: 2-6 33.3%   Game: 33.3%   REBS
F Throw % 1st Half: 1-1 100 %   2nd Half: 8-15 53.3%   Game: 56.3%    3

Destiny is in our own hands...

Sparty On !!!

Big Ten SpartyMSU Basketball Rankings

John Opie — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:07:28 GMT

Sarg. Drew Neitzel.....
For Drew's Comments Click Above....

SparyMSU has been in Mexico for Business… Did get to see some games this week, and collect the Ballots for The SpartyMSU internal Poll…. It includes the Big Ten Bloggers Power Rankings and other data as well…

SpartyMSU is Sensing something with the Spartans.. May just be Beer Gas from Last night, but…….This week Concerns me for the Spartans… With the loss to Iowa, they showed too many weaknesses.. Yes they beat OSU in Breslin, but.. a Better test, is this week against Tubby.. If they can win there, then I will relax a little.. The Win over OSU was Great.. but, not convincing…

Spartans have the Talent, Have the Skills, Have the Coaching.. Just are… just… just… Well, Something’s missing… With Paul Davis.. you could perceive (Rightly or Wrongly) lack of Fire in his Eyes and Enthusiasm… I clearly see Fire / Desire in some of the players this year but…… the Big Toe.. The Leader.. Our Sergeant Hulka… Drew Neitzel… …. Drew's 13 over OSU was Great ! But, something doesn’t feel right…. As the ALL American.. The Stud Senior.. He must kick the team into Gear… He's our Big Toe !

Drew’s the one, Their Mateen… He has to get them on track, and not accept mediocrity… Yes their ranked High, Yes they have Quality Wins, yes pieces are working… But, The Jello isn’t solid yet.. Its still setting up and needs to be Rock Hard… They are just a Smidge from being Great.... They are Very Good.. And could be Great.. Drews can push them to the NEXT Level....

SpartyMSU believes they are destined for Better… For the Final 4 this year.
Sergeant Drew.. Take it to Tubby and Beyond… The Spartan Nation is behind you !

SPARTY ON !!!!

The Horror of it all : Sparty Looses to Iowa....

John Opie — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:10:01 GMT

The Basketball world was turned upside Down… Welcome to Crazy town….
What a Twisted Saturday…

Purdue Beat Ohio State…
Michigan Beat NorthWestern…
Texas lost to Missouri…..
Oral Roberts snuck by Oakland's Golden Grizzlies….
Cincinnati beat Villanova…..
And …. The worst result of the night….
Iowa Beat The Spartans…. 43 – 36   (Can you believe it…?)

You know that old Saying..   How fast to have to run if your chased by a Bear.. Only faster than the next guy… Iowa didn’t play a great game.. just better than the Spartans… And thats all it took....

The Spartans played Lethargic, shots were off Balance, Rebounds were weak, Basic Layups were off the Mark, they were traveling, Giving the Ball Away.... it was the worst game I have seen them play since last March…. no Focus, Concentration, or Playing with Intention….

The Horror.. The Horror…

Spartans shot only 16 for 52…, made 18 turnovers… Neitzel was 4 – 14, Lucas was 0 – 8, Morgan was 5 – 12… Iowa was just as bad… Are they playing to the level of their competition ??? The Beer was the only thing keeping me from throwing a Brick through the TV..... Damn, they were BAD...

Score by Periods                1st 2nd   Total
Michigan State................   18   18 -   36
Iowa Hawkeyes.................   20   23 -   43

VISITORS: Michigan State 14-2 (2-1)
                          TOT-FG 3-PT         REBOUNDS
## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN
02 Morgan, Raymar...... f 5-12   0-1    0-2    1 3 4   4 10 0 4 0 2 30
34 Naymick, Drew....... f 0-1    0-0    0-0    2 2 4   3   0 0 0 1 0 19
14 Suton, Goran........ c 4-9    0-0    1-2    4 7 11   3   9 1 4 0 0 31
05 Walton, Travis...... g 0-1    0-0    0-0    0 1 1   3   0 3 3 0 0 25
11 Neitzel, Drew....... g 4-14   2-8    0-0    0 4 4   2 10 6 1 0 4 31
00 Ibok, Idong.........    1-1    0-0    0-0    1 1 2   2   2 0 2 0 0   4
01 Lucas, Kalin........    0-8    0-1    0-0    0 1 1   4   0 1 1 0 0 20
03 Allen, Chris........    1-2    1-2    0-0    0 0 0   1   3 0 0 0 0 12
15 Summers, Durrell....    1-3    0-0    0-0    1 0 1   0   2 0 1 1 0 10
22 Dahlman, Isaiah.....    0-0    0-0    0-0    0 0 0   0   0 0 0 0 0 0+
41 Gray, Marquise......    0-1    0-0    0-0    1 7 8   3   0 0 2 0 0 18
   Team................                         3 1 4
   Totals..............   16-52   3-12   1-4   13 27 40 25 36 11 18 2 6 200
TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 8-26 30.8%   2nd Half: 8-26 30.8%   Game: 30.8% DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 2-5 40.0%   2nd Half: 1-7 14.3%   Game: 25.0%   REBS
F Throw % 1st Half: 0-2   0.0%   2nd Half: 1-2 50.0%   Game: 25.0%    0

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOME TEAM: Iowa Hawkeyes 8-9 (1-3)
                          TOT-FG 3-PT         REBOUNDS
## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN
44 Tate, Cyrus......... f 2-3    0-0    5-12   3 4 7   2   9 0 0 0 2 28
53 Gorney, Seth........ f 0-2    0-0    0-0    0 6 6   2   0 1 0 2 1 31
11 Freeman, Tony....... g 5-12   5-9    7-9    0 2 2   2 22 3 4 0 4 38
24 Johnson, Justin..... g 1-11   0-7    0-0    2 4 6   2   2 2 0 1 0 34
32 Kelly, Jake......... g 0-5    0-3    1-2    1 3 4   0   1 0 2 0 0 34
15 Bohall, Dan.........    0-0    0-0    0-0    0 0 0   0   0 0 0 0 0   1
30 Peterson, Jeff......    0-2    0-2    0-0    0 1 1   1   0 2 2 0 0 12
52 Looby, Kurt.........    3-5    0-0    3-6    3 5 8   1   9 1 0 0 0 22
   TEAM................                            1 1             2
   Totals..............   11-40   5-21 16-29   9 26 35 10 43 9 10 3 7 200
TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 5-23 21.7%   2nd Half: 6-17 35.3%   Game: 27.5% DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 3-14 21.4%   2nd Half: 2-7 28.6%   Game: 23.8%   REBS
F Throw % 1st Half: 7-9 77.8%   2nd Half: 9-20 45.0%   Game: 55.2%    6

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officials: Ed Hightower; Glenn Mayborg; John Yorkovich
Technical fouls: Michigan State-None. Iowa Hawkeyes-None.

And it didn’t help that the refs were Homers… They down right sucked..

This is a Wake up Call Sparty.. Drew time to get out of your Funk… Time to be the Leader…. The last games they have not played to their potential.. Time to wake up and run the Table…

Sparty On !!!!

SpartyMSU Big Ten Basketball Rankings

John Opie — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:15:46 GMT

Big Ten BasketBall Rankings are in for the SpartyMSU Brew Crew.. and the Big Ten Bloggers...

The Big Ten Bloggers have put together 1st annual Big Ten Bloggers Basketball Power Poll (BTBBBPP). This is coordinated and Tabulated by the Herculean efforts of our Friends at the Blog Site: The Gopher Nation ....Thanks Tom ! Contributors are:

Big Ten Chronicle	B10
Hoopraker	B10
Hoosier Report	Ind
Black Heart Gold Pants	Iowa
Maize n Brew	Mich
MSU Sparty	Mich St
Enlightened Spartan	Mich St
Gopher Nation	Minn
PJS	Minn
Lake the Posts	NU
Eleven Warriors	Ohio St
Black Shoes Diary	Penn St.
Off the Tracks	Pur
Hooser Fun Ball	Ind

The BTBBPP will be included in the Sparty MSU Crew Poll… You know who we are....

The combination of Data gives a good look into where the World and SpartyMSU Believes each of the Big Ten Teams Rank with respect to the Big Ten and NCAA....

This coming week will give a better picture… The Last 2 weeks of the Season will be a meat grinder for our Spartans… If Drew can get on track, and Lucas, Morgan and Suton continue to shine with the Deeeeeep Bench.. Sparty will end the season Still ON Top…

Plus we’re adding the Status of Oakland University Golden Grizzlies.. They are a Good Team and Deserve to be in the Big Dance in March !

Sparty On !!!

Big Ten BBall Opener.. Tubby Comes to Town...

John Opie — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:15:13 GMT

To Open the Big Ten Season.. Spartans take on the Golden Gophers…

First off.. I have to say why would a Semi-Sober Student body have a Rodent for a Mascot.. These critters are shot and eaten.. they are Not fierce, Not scary, Not Masculine….. The Choice of this Mascot Kind of reminds me of the Banana Slugs of UC Santa Cruz.. or the Big Green Pine trees of Stanford.. or the Delta State University Fighting Okra. Goldie Gopher on the Football field side lines was about a worth wile as the Fighting Pickles of North Carolina School of the Arts. Frankly.. Goldie looks more like the Might Mouse Cartoon than a Gopher.. in any case.. Poor Choice... But, must have been from a era gone by…

Mighty Gopher Mouse…..

Hope Tubby’s Boys do better than the Mighty Gopher Mouse Football team this year… I pick them to end up somewhere between 4 – 6 in the Big Ten….

We can go over the stats real quick.. I’m not sure what to say… Tier 1 Big Ten team playing a Tier 2…

Sparty: Record 12 – 1
Minny Golden Gophers: 10 :2

Sparty: RPI 12
Minny: RPI 49

Sparty SOS: 51
Minny: 200

AP Poll / Coaches Poll
Sparty: 7 / 7
Minny: Not so Much….

Home game for Sparty…

How is Minny going to match up with the Spartans.. Really shouldn’t have to look too hard.. But….

Whos guarding Drew ? Suton ? How will Tubby handle the Depth of the Spartan Bench ?

Frankly, with the Rebounding advantages of Suton and Morgan, which is better than Minny’s Coleman… and Shooting percentages of Morgan and Neitzel better than both Coleman or McKenzi… How they gunna match up ? ...... And don’t tell me about Freshman blues.... ‘cause that’s not an excuse..

I think we’ll ask a Big Ten Blogger Buddy out of Minnesota… Charlie from…

The WebSite: Paging Jim Shikenjanski.... at pagingjimshikenjanski.blogspot.com/

Help me out Charlie.. whats the word from the Great White North… ?? You see them going better than 4th to 6th place ?

Sparty On.!!!

Big Ten BBall rankings

John Opie — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:14:43 GMT

SpartyMSU Weekly Big Ten Votes are in.....End of the Pre-Season...

The Pre-Season is OVER…!!! (A couple meaning less games to go.. ..)

Now comes the Big Ten Conference Play.. The Conference is clearly divided into 3 groups…

1) They're the ones that will get the 1 – 6 seeds in the Big Dance, and will beat each other up all season Long… The Spartans, Badgers, and Hoosiers….

2) The Teams that will make a run for the Dance, could challenge the Top 3 Big Ten Teams: The Buckeyes, Illini, Minny, and the BoilerMakers. If we squint hard enough, the selection committee migh choose a couple of them….

3) The next group has the NIT as a wet dream…. Penn State, WildCats, Iowa, and Meeechigan… These guys are the Definition of Suck… Maybe Next year fellas... Oakland University Golden Grizzlies is better than these guys.. By a long shot...

To finish out the Pre-Season… The top 3 teams were not afraid to play tough schedules, and win… Except the Hoosiers who only played Top 20 Team Xavier.. they spent the rest of the time beating up on Mid Majors… With the talent they have, why would they puss out and not schedule the big boys.. ??? Afraid ???

Spartans and the Badgers both beat Highly Ranked Texas away from their Home courts.. IMPRESSIVE !

All top 3 teams are loaded with talent, and bench scoring… The Spartans have some Super Freshman who have made a quick and clean transition into Big Ten play and who are working smoothly with their upperclassmen on the team,….. Hoosiers have a seasoned Bench, they have a balanced team of 5 Seniors and 5 Freshmen… Wisky is a team of 5 Srs., 5 Freshmen 2 Sophs and a few Jrs… They will only improve as the season goes on as well… The Big Ten Championship will be between these 2 of these 3 teams…

Ohio State and Minnesota are the only ones who have a shot at the Top…. Though they are decidedly better than the other second and third tier teams.. They might not have enough this year to try to challenge the Big Boys… Even without Oden, Thad has the Buckeyes ready for the Big Ten.. Tubby has Coleman scoring 15 points per game.. but they are a little weak on the boards…

The end of the Season is a Meat Grinder for the Spartans… In the last 7 games they play Indiana twice, at Wisconsin, at Ohio State, and at Illinnois.. Now.. that’s a Toughie… Need more Shots and Beer for this time of the Season...

The rest of the teams… They will pad the stat sheets of the guys above… Maybe win a couple.. Maybe just suck...

The Best Games to watch for this season are:
Wed 01/02/08 Penn State @ Northwestern: Game of Losers.. Fun to Watch...
Thu 01/10/08 Illinois @ Wisconsin: Lets see how good Illini might or Might not be...
Sun 01/20/08 Michigan State @ Minnesota: Spartans meet up with Tubby in the Barn..
Sun 01/27/08 Michigan @ Michigan State: this will be an Ass Whipp'in on the Wolver-weenies...
Thu 01/31/08 Indiana @ Wisconsin: Great test for the Hoosiers...
Tue 02/05/08 Michigan @ Ohio State: scUm got Ass kicked in Football.. Now in BBall too…
Wed 02/13/08 Wisconsin @ Indiana: This will be a highlight reel game..
Tue 02/19/08 Northwestern @ Iowa: Whos a suckier team..? Maybe Meeechigan..
Sat 02/23/08 Wisconsin @ Ohio State: Lets see what Thad has up his Sleeve..
Watch any of the Spartan's last 7 games.. all will be good Contests...

Fun to watch the Season develop.. Follow the Big Ten Weekly Rankings at http://Blog.SpartyMSU.com

Sparty On !!!

2007 Champs Sports Bowl Prediction

John Opie — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:14:06 GMT

Hot Damn.. Thank you Dantonio !.. Spartys’ First Bowl in a while.. Lets make it a good one… The Homeboys were hoping to see a Game in Detroit at the Motor City Bowl… But, No Soap… So Its on to Orlando.. in the Same Stadium where Meeeechigan will get Annihilated by Tim Tebow and Crew 4 days later….on January 1…

Sparty is Getting ready to open a Can O’ Whoop-Ass on the Eagles…. And after seeing what they can bring to the Grid-Iron.. I believe they will.. Sure.,. Sparty had some losses.. But, never lost by more than a touch down.. in every game… Only Caught BC on TV…

BC has a talented QB Matt Ryan.. he was the ACC player of the year and a Heisman Finalist.. He passed for 4258 yrds., 28 TDs, had 18 pics… He was sacked 19 times this year.. BC only ran the ball 93 times in the last 6 games.. they rely on Ryan’s arm…. He throws over 50 passes a game… Wow..… but can he dance… We’ll find out when Baldwin comes rushing in trying to pressure his throws……Wooops… This brings us to another topic…

Jonal Saint Dic, Sir Darean Adams, TJ Williams and Terry Love will not be playing due to a combination of academic reasons and breaking team rules… I support Coach Dantonio 125%... Sometimes Tough Love is needed to turn around a Team.. and lay the foundation for the future.. I hate to see these Student Athletes let their Co-Players, Fellow Students, Staff and Fans down… but, MD’s rule is Law…

Still think they have a shot at it though…

If they can pressure Ryan and let him miss TD passes, yeah.. he’ll air it out a bunch.. Spartan Rush defense will push him to the air… So Pressure on the BC QB is Key….

As for the Spartan Attack.. Hoyer will need to have a good Game…He will bringing a well balanced plan, with rushing pounding the Green, and putting it in the air to Thomas, Dell, and Davis.. Caulcrick and Ringer should be able to gain decent yardage.. allowing for an Air attack.. the Balance is Important… Thunder and Lighting will pounding it out all Game long…

If they can keep the attitude and focus they had with Purdue and JoPa they should be Golden… and win a Tight Ball Game…

Prediction:
Spartans 38 – BC Eaglets 32

Sparty On !!!

Oakland on a High

John Opie — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:17:38 GMT

Score by Periods                1st 2nd   Total
Oregon........................   26   36 -   62
Oakland.......................   37   31 -   68

Oakland is on High…We’re all on a High.. I Celebrated with Double Crown Royal Shots at the Red OX…. Congratulations Coach Kampe….

. They are better than they think they were… Finally the Grizzlies are realizing what a talented bunch of guys they are… How working together and following the Kampe Lesson Plans lead to Success…

Beating #23 Texas was a Signature win.. what a great way to fill out the Resume for the March Madness Dance… we’re all Behind you guys… Your not only limited to Rochester Hills now.. Eyes are open and watching nation wide… This is who you are.. this is who you Roll with…

Now with 3 straight games away for the “O” Rena… its time to heat it up… Derick Nelson, Kangas, Jones, Brandon… Keep it up guys… Your RPI is rising quick.. Lets win the Summit…!!

Up Next:
At Toledo (Non Summit)
At S. Dakota (Summit)
At N. Dakota (Summit)

HOME TEAM: Oakland 6-6
                          TOT-FG 3-PT         REBOUNDS
## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN
01 NELSON, Derick......    5-11   1-2   11-17   2 7 9   2 22 1 3 0 2 35
04 HUDSON, Will........    0-0    0-0    0-0    0 1 1   0   0 0 0 1 0   5
12 CASSISE, Brandon....    2-5    1-3    2-3    0 1 1   2   7 2 1 0 1 24
20 LAWAL, Shane........    2-2    0-0    1-3    3 1 4   0   5 0 0 0 0 15
23 JONES, Johnathon....    3-11   2-3    4-4    0 0 0   3 12 8 4 0 0 29
30 KANGAS, Erik........    4-14   4-8    0-0    1 1 2   0 12 2 1 0 1 27
33 WILLIAMS, Tim.......    0-1    0-0    0-0    1 1 2   0   0 0 0 0 0   6
34 BENSON, Keith.......    2-3    0-0    0-0    0 0 0   1   4 0 0 2 0 11
44 McCLOSKEY, Patrick..    0-2    0-0    0-0    2 2 4   2   0 0 0 0 0 14
45 WATERSTRADT, Dan....    3-7    0-0    0-0    3 5 8   3   6 0 0 0 0 34
   TEAM................                         1 2 3
   Totals..............   21-56   8-16 18-27 13 21 34 13 68 13 9 3 4 200

TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 13-30 43.3%   2nd Half: 8-26 30.8%   Game: 37.5% DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 7-12 58.3%   2nd Half: 1-4 25.0%   Game: 50.0%   REBS
F Throw % 1st Half: 4-8 50.0%   2nd Half: 14-19 73.7%   Game: 66.7%    8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officials: John Yorkovich, Jim Ferrari, Quinn Crozier
Technical fouls: Oregon-None. Oakland-None.
Attendance: 22076

2007 Capital One Bowl Prediction

John Opie — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:13:13 GMT

This prediction was the easiest one we discussed all day… No Brainer… And what makes it even simpler of a choice… Was Florida Soph. QB Tim Tebow’s Girl Friend makes the choice even simpler…. She is Like... Super Nova Hot.... You Go Timmy..! Mike.. you gotta come see this one.... If she's not his girl friend.. she should be.. Hope its not another Web false rumor....

Michigan’s Head Coach Lloyd Carr quit… After a Fiasco - Disfunctional - Embarasment of a Replacement search.. they hire The WV Mountaineer’s Head Coach Rich Rodriguez.. ...Note: they also hired the WV Basketball Coach last year….. and Rumor has it that are looking at the Volleyball and Tennis coaches… Rumor.. just rumor...

Lloyd Carr says he’ll coach the Bowl Game.. .But, Coach Rod fires all of the Michigan Assistant coaches less than a week before the game…These are the same coaches that are supposed to coach the Bowl game..…… Daily, It just gets better and better in AnnArbor …… As a Fellow Big Ten Blogger said… “Wolverines, Take a Swig of Draino and flush your Head Down the Toilet… yur Toast…”

To Start the year Michigan was 7 to 2 odds to win the BCS championship, only behind USC… Again…. Vegas got that Dead Wrong… Michigan’s Back to Back losses in the “Big House” to start the season to National Champ Application State.. then Oregon brought out the Annual and true Overrated colors of the Wolverine team….

Now.. take this UofM debacle and go play Florida in a Bowl Game .. In Florida.. Plus, Florida is the Current National Champ.. So Michigan could be the first team in History to get beat by 2 National Champs the same year…. Go Blue .. Huh..????

This group of Michigan Seniors has never beaten Ohio State or won a Bowl game… To add to that, Under Carr, Michigan has lost four consecutive bowl games, this will be the Fifth… They have been loosing Bowls ever since these Michiagn Seniors were still in High School…

Butt, Before we go any further.. lets pop the top on another Oberon, fill the Sparty Shot glass with Crown and look at some important Stats….

RPI: Michigan: 80.41, Florida: 90.22, Vegas odds: Michigan 10 point dog….

Tim Tebow, Soph QB at Florida, Heisman Trophy winner, and has a Super HOT girl Friend…. Threw for 3132 yds, rushed for 838. Chad Henne threw for 1565 and leading rusher Mike (Little Brother) Hart ran for 1232.

Florida has scored 517 points, and their opponents 290. Michigan has scored 313 and their opponents 243. Michigan QB was sacked 25 times, Florida QB sacked 12. Florida has 4 receivers at 500 yrds. And greater, Harvin 781, Caldwell 721, Murphy 544, and Ingram 491 (Almost 500yrds). Michigan has only 2 with similar yardage, Manningham 1096, and Arrington 729 yrds…

Michigan Rushing yardage 2346, Florida 2372. Passing yardage for Florida 3172, Michigan 2489. We could go on.. and on.. and on.. …

Another example: Filed Goals.. Florida was 10 for 13.. Michigan was 12 for 19.. all the data looks the same… Florida over Michigan is almost every category.. The Big one that counts is Girl Friend Hottness Factor.. And Tim Tebow take the cake (or Pie…) on that one too…

Florida 37 – Michigan 13

Sparty On..!!!!!

2007 Rose Bowl Predictions

John Opie — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:12:45 GMT

Zook’s Crooks… Whats the old Saying.. Some times its better to be lucky than good… Well Zookers has got lucky to make it to the Rose Bowl… But his luck is about to run out…. We just don’t think the Illini are that good…. Lucky....yes.. but Good …questionable….

Whats more critical to these 2 teams this year.. .Illinois beating Wisconsin and Ohio State.. ? or The Trojans loosing to Stanford at home, but win the last 4, and the PAC title… On top of that.... the that Rose Bowl is a Home game for USC….

Sure Juice is fun to watch.. just not as talented as The JD Booty-man…

Lets Crack open another beer and some stats…
RPI: Zook: 82.10, Pete Carol’s Crew 88.29, Vegas has USC favored by 13.5 points… (WOW…!)…..

USC has scored 375 points while holding opponents to 191…. Sacked opponents 40 times, while getting sacked 15. Illini: Scored 345 and allowing opponents to score 234…. Sacked Opposing QB 38 times.. while getting sacked 11…

Strength of Schedule:Illini 72.71 (43rd), USC 73.72 (32nd)….. Zook’s win over Ohio State I consider “Right Place.. .Right Time…” We have 100% Consensus .. we all agree that they got lucky and aren’t that good of a team…. Sure Rashard Mendenhall is a good back… the Soph QB Juice is getting better... but USC is a Stingy Defense… And they won't put up the points needed....

Juice put up 1498 yrds passing, Mendenhall had 1526 yrds rushing… For USC… JD Booty had 2106 passing and Washington had 894 rushing… Sure if the Zooker can stop the pass or get enough pressure on Booty to pressure him… they might stand a chance.. but with the “O” Line USC has… Illini don’t stand a chance…

Plus the Defense of USC.. one of the best units in the Country (Along with my MSU Spartans….) they Rank 4th in the nation on Rush defense.. and 7th on pass defense… and 4th over all…..Illini’s defense is ranked 44th over all…..

Best thing about the Game… is the USC Cheerleaders…

USC 45 - Illinois 17

Sparty On….!!!!

Dec 21 2007: Big Ten SpartyMSU BBall Rankings

John Opie — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:12:15 GMT

The SpartyMSU Crew Votes are in for the Week.....