Bleacher Report - Articles by Patrick Yore

MSU vs Kansas : It Was 30 Years Ago Today, and Magic Taught The World to Play

Patrick Yore — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:16:01 -0400

As images of grown men in short shorts throwing down monster dunks while sporting porn-star mustaches flashed on my TV late last night, the reasons why the 2008 Spartan basketball team is ready to cut down some nets in Motown became radiantly clear.

Watching the replay of the 1979 Championship taught me that this year was meant to be. These 2008 Spartans are ready for an epic battle today against defending national champion Kansas.

Today marks the 30th anniversary to the day that college basketball grew up. I don't need to rehash the game, but you should definitely watch it again on BTN if you get the chance. Greg Kelser was a monster. Mike Brkovich was the man with the ugliest name and the most beautiful pull-up and pop.

It's way too early to look beyond the Kansas game tonight (at 9:37 EST). Sure, State earlier this season put the beatdown on those birds, leading 37-18 at the half and showing the weakness of a two-man game against a multi-headed hydra of a basketball machine like MSU (see here for reference).

Just ask University of Michigan coach John Beilein and players Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims how the Spartans play against a two-man game (see here for reference).

Sure, the experts seem to think that Kansas is not the same team and has totally matured since their loss, somehow acting as though MSU has existed in a state of suspended hibernation that whole time.

Sure, the experts emphasize how young Kansas is compared to last year's national champion team, also seemingly oblivious to the equally young MSU team (Draymond Green, Delvon Roe, and Korie are all frosh, while Chris Allen, Durrell Summers, and even Big Ten Player of the Year Kalin Lucas are just wet-behind-the-ears sophs).

Michigan State has home court advantage in this one. They just played the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis, they won their 2000 National Championship in Indy, and Magic Johnson and company beat Digger Phelps' Notre Dame in the Mideast (yes, that's right, not in Dubai) Regional Final on their way to the 1979 Championship.

Plus, Indy is an easy drive for Spartans from Michigan, Ohio (many Spartans are Ohioans), Chicago, and beyond. This is Big Ten Country.

This game will be rough. Nearly 60 fouls were called in the first matchup. Izzo should be running charging drills all week. I'd line my players up and drive a Harley Davidson at them blaring some Metallica. If they move, they don't play in the game. Get Sharon, Sally, Sherry Collins (or whatever his name is) to foul out in frustration driving the lane.

Is anyone not drinking the Cole Aldrich Kool-Aid? He's a fine player, but remember his last game was against Dayton, who shot 21 percent from the field. Their biggest inside threats were guys who averaged about three points and three rebounds a game.

In a similar matchup against Robert Morris, Goran "War In Eastern Bloc Countries Can't Hold Me Down" Suton grabbed 16 rebounds, 12 in the first half alone. This Spartan senior has played in four NCAA Tournaments and was on Bosnia's national team at the age of 14 during the Bosnian War. Do you think he's ready for battle? Do you think he can dig deep in crunch time?

Kansas had their shining moment (which, for the record, I think is kind of a poof song and tradition for the Tourney) last year, and though I think it's a year early for MSU, many of the chips are falling in their favor. They remind me very much of the 1979 team.

You want motivation? Let's talk Motor City motivation. I was born in Michigan, but like many, have bolted for the sunnier climes of California. In this mess the Republicans cooked up and called an "economy," kind of like McDonald's calls some menu items "healthy," who do you think is struggling the most?

Believe me, it's not Wall Street money managers that have had income declines from seven figures to the high sixes. It's Detroit, plain and simple.

Detroit is a great city with great people, and those people would love nothing more than to welcome their green-clad boys home and give them a weekend of joy like hasn't been seen in that town for a long time. Even some Wolverine fans, deep down, would be happy.

It can act almost like a miniature Olympics a la Beijing, although I think Detroit's air quality is still better, especially this time of year. These Spartans can win these games for a lot more than just themselves.

This season has been a huge struggle for State. I can't think of a season where I've seen MSU fight so hard to win games. Some may say that shows weakness. I believe that great success can only be truly enjoyed after great effort. Izzo has kept this team on a steady incline all year.

Every game, another individual rises to the occasion and becomes that man who, by the combined hard-nosed effort of his team, reaches deeper inside himself and finds the guts and composure to ensure the win.

This steady improvement, game after game, inch by inch, and shot by shot could and should culminate and peak at the exact moment Izzo climbs the ladder in Motown. I don't expect anything from this team, I only wish them strength and power to accomplish more than they have already with composure and class.

But for now, we ought to get some rest and go about today with fire in our bellies and blood in our eyes, for tonight, Kansas dines in hell.

VISIT www.SpartyOn.com for full MSU Spartan Basketball Video Coverage

Tom Izzo Has You Right Where He Wants You.

Patrick Yore — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 06:08:57 -0500

THE STATE OF MSU BASKETBALL 2008

I've watched my Spartans play every game this season, and it really is no different than any other year in a lot of ways. Izzo is known as one of the great coaches, and his name will be remembered forever, but it's the minute details I've observed that pushes his teams to achieve their best

He uses the pre-conference games to really test his players' mental and physical abilities. He'll thrown in odd lineups to see how new players respond in tough situations. He will take an eight point win over a very average team if can mean that his entire team gets more experience.

When his players start reading and believing their own headlines, he uses an old military technique, breaking down his players, then building them back up again.

Izzo loves to fly under the radar a bit, never really wanting the spotlight until The Final Four. I think State is in a great position this year because so many people are doubting them right now, forgetting that two of their stars, Suton and Roe, have been injured most of the season so far.

Though I'm blinded by the Green light of Spartydom, I have never seen an MSU team with so much speed or depth of talent across the board.

One key factor of having a team go far into the tournament and weather a long season is depth, another is team unity. State has unbelievably talented depth, but after losing Drew Neitzel this year, their biggest challenge is gelling as a team and finding a new floor leader. Besides Morgan, look out for Grey, Roe, Summers, Green, Allen, Luscious and Suton. Also Ibok is finally showing some balls.

Do your research here : http://www.bigtennetwork.com/videos/michiganstate.asp —www.SpartyOn.com—www.SpartanZone.com

Penn State-Michigan State: Obama to Dantonio, "Yes We Can!"

Patrick Yore — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:46:52 -0500

This Saturday's matchup between the Michigan Sate Spartans (9-2) and the Penn State Nittany Lions (10-1) resembles another huge test of time and perseverance — the recent presidential election.

Like that fight, Penn State offers a heavily lauded team led by Joe Paterno, the elder statesman of college football. A man that, like John McCain to the Republicans and America, has unquestionable integrity and commitment to his chosen profession.

On the other sideline stands Mark Dantonio, scarcely two seasons into his tenure as head coach of MSU, leading a group of Spartans that have received only the slightest of backhanded praise, parceled out by tight-lipped "pros" of in-state publications and national news giants throughout the past three months.

These Spartans were not expected to be here, just like Barack Obama was not supposed to be on the presidential ballot, let alone win 'the big game'.

Surely the other teams normally perched atop the Big Ten may be asking, "who invited them?" to this final championship-deciding weekend.

But guess what, they are here, and they have a great chance of shaking up the world of college football Saturday by beating Penn State.

How did Barack do it? Go to CNN to find that out.

How will Michigan State do it? Read on...

Freedom.

MSU has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Just like Barack Obama, Michigan State is not SUPPOSED to be in the position they are in. Nobody expected they would be playing to win the Big Ten and go to The Rose Bowl. Nobody.

Not even I could have dreamt nor hoped for this opportunity. Penn State will be playing in front of 100,000 people who expect them to win but who are truly heartbroken about how the Lions blew their chance at a national title.

The pressure on them will be huge. Win one for JoePa. Make up for Iowa. Don't fall apart any further. Sure, everybody will be asking "can Michigan State win the big games?" as they have before the Northwestern game, the Michigan game, the Wisconsin game, the Notre Dame game, etc.

Now, I'm lying by saying MSU has nothing to lose, if Javon Ringer goes off and runs wild, he will be on the Heisman stage. That alone will give added momentum.

Also, look for Mark Dantonio to take chances, run some odd plays. He knows the truth that you cannot win big unless you bet big.

Unity

Just like the Democrats ran a focused, finely-tuned message-machine, Michigan State's football team is the ultimate example of a coalesced team. The German school of psychology calls this "Gestalt."

According to Webster, Gestalt is defined as: "a structure, configuration, or pattern of physical, biological, or psychological phenomena so integrated as to constitute a functional unit with properties not derivable by summation of its parts."

You may look at Michigan State on a position-by-position basis and think they don't match up with Penn State. Watch some game film.

Note how when Javon Ringer scores any of his 20 touchdowns this season, he doesn't pound his chest and prance around like a fool in heat. He hands the ball to the official and greets his linemen with thanks and class.

Watch how just when you think Mark Dell is the only option to make a first down grab, some unknown receiver streaks across the middle and burns the opposing defense for a 60-yard TD. The power of team unity is often preached, but seldom attained or harvested as it has been on the field this year by MSU.

Rest

The Spartans have enjoyed their bye week at exactly the right moment in the season. As Penn State was beating up on Indiana to make up for their less-than top-5 showing at Iowa, The Spartans were resting and watching the Nittany Lions' every move.

MSU will have its full complement of offensive and defensive weapons to choose from come game time.

Let it snow

Inclement weather is always the great equalizer in football. With the nation's leading rusher in the backfield, who has not fumbled once in 350+ rushes, The Spartans should fare just fine on the ground and open it up when needed. (Refer to QB Brian Hoyer's 60-yard connection through the air with Blair White between two receivers in last week's Purdue game). The weather is forecast to be 30 degrees and snowing.

No doubt

One of the weirdest looking written words in our fine English language is the downfall of any sportsman. Now that Penn State has been beaten, they have that incessant, creeping, clawing demon of doubt rooted in their minds. It may not be big, it may not be overwhelming, but once you know how to lose, you will lose again.

If MSU can score first or take a two-score lead, look in the Penn State players' eyes as they search the scoreboard for more time and an answer.

Key stat: Penn State was only leading 10-7 at halftime at home last week against Indiana, a team that is dead-last in the Big Ten standings, as well as defense (along with probably every other stat).

Underdog?

The Spartans could teach Rodney Dangerfield something about "No Respect." It doesn't matter how many games we win, how many opponents go down, it's never enough.

It's always "this next game will prove the old demons are finally laid to rest," "this next test will really prove if the Spartans have changed."

Guess what sportscasters, that's old, stale, tired, done, kaput. This potential 11-2 season is way more than any Spartan could have hoped for, and if the team doesn't even show up for the game on Saturday, it's been a season to remember.

Someone please take that albatross from around our green-and-white necks and shove it up the next ESPN commentator that says it.

Sorry GramPa Joe, there's a new coach in town named Dantonio leading a team who wants it more, and they will take it on Saturday.

Calling all Spartans! Be sure to join www.SpartanZone.com and post your green-and-white heart out.

Hail to the Victors: Michigan State Spartans Deliver the Goods in Ann Arbor

Patrick Yore — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:05:40 -0400

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008, Ann Arbor, Michigan

This beautiful fall day in Michigan had many sights and sounds that will be remembered and resound for a very long time. Beating a 2-5 team normally doesn't mean a whole lot, but today was special. Here are the images that will bring many a Spartan joy and haunt Wolverine fans forever...

Sparty Gets a Huge Tackle

Brian Hoyer tagged Blair White and burned UM for a 61-yard touchdown that ended with White running directly into the clutch of Sparty, Michigan State's brut mascot. Against a sea of green and white, the Spartan Marching Band was in that corner of the end zone too and were so excited they rushed to gain composure and play the fight song in celebration.

Brandon Graham Eats Dirt and His Words

With about two minutes left in the first half, Javon Ringer jumped to the outside and jumped back in the Heisman race. Javon hit the line, spun outside, and ran away from the entire UM defense for a 64-yard burn to his 15th rushing TD of the season.

UM made an inept effort to chase him down, and guess who fell flat on his face, failing to catch Ringer as he crossed into the end zone? Mr. Brandon Graham, who guaranteed a Michigan win. I wonder who had a more enjoyable view of that play: Graham with a face full of turf, or Mike Hart, his brother in BS?

Sam McGuffie Gets Welcomed to the Big Ten

First of all, no one, including me, wants to see anyone get hurt. Sam "Hopalong" McGuffie was UM's leading rusher coming into the game, averaging like 65 yards. He had 10 yards rushing today.

One run ended in a crushing fashion between three MSU defenders. Very scary to watch, this clean attack was a great example of how violent the hits are delivered by the Spartan Defense. Sam, please report back to your brothers in the Big 12 how much you enjoyed your first rivalry game against State. Please post a response to let us know if this guy's OK.

Javon Ringer rips off 10-yarders late in the fourth

The Michigan defense is normally a force to be reckoned with. Michigan was supposed to have some voodoo conditioning system that would overwhelm opponents late in the game. Watch State's last two drives, and you will see a beautiful illustration of heart, soul, teamwork, and sheer power.

Mark Dantonio's Smile

Mr. D couldn't help it. However much he tried, however much he preached that the game isn't over until it's over, he cracked a huge smile with around a minute left in the game. Maybe it was converting a 4th-and-1 to seal the victory?

Whatever he was thinking about, he wasn't smug. He wasn't waving a fist in his opponent's face. In fact, he wasn't even looking at the other sideline. He was facing his players and his assistant coaches, knowing that his team of great young men came together and did what they were asked and supposed to do all day, up and down the field marked with a huge block M.

An observation...

Much has been made about how UM has many excuses as to why they are so pitiful this year—mainly that it's Rod's first year and that they lost so many players.

The next time you give UM a free pass on these grounds, remember a few of the Spartans who are missing from the roster this year, including Devin Thomas, SirDarean Adams, Mike Bacon, Ervin Baldwin, Jehuu Caulcrick, Peter Clifford, Kellen Davis, Kaleb Thornhill, etc.

Also reflect on where MSU's program was at the end of 2006 with John L. Smith, when a new coach walked onto campus at Michigan State, then in HIS first year went 7-6, took his team to a bowl in Florida, and barely lost to the No. 10-ranked team in the country.

The Bottom Line

- The game was the 101st meeting of the two schools.

- Final score = 35 to 14. Any questions about this, refer to this article.

- Javon Ringer rushed for 194 yards and scored two TDs, including a 64-yard run. Sam McGuffie, UM's leading rusher in 2008, had 10 yards total.

- MSU's Trevor Anderson had three sacks.

- Blair White, a walk-on at MSU, had 143 yards receiving on four receptions, including a 61-yard long TD catch and run on State's first possession.

- Brian Hoyer went 17 for 29 and 282 yards, with three TDs and no interceptions. UM's Threet completed 48.1 percent for 168 yards and was intercepted three times.

Good game Wolverines, victory for MSU!

Visit www.SpartyOn.com

Rich Rodriguez Is Smarter Than You...

Patrick Yore — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:38:44 -0400

I take back everything I've said about "Ritchie" Rich Rodriguez.

He is smart and a brilliant tactician. He just signed his contract as coach for The University of Michigan Wolverines for something crazy like $15 million over six years. The big thing to note here is that he did it the day BEFORE the Michigan State game. You so smooth DickRod!

He gets paid $2.5 million for this year alone and UofM must pay him $4 million if they run him out of town on a rail in any given year. If you add in his contract buyout from WV, that means UofM has paid him 5 million dollars this year for two wins.

Link to Detroit Freep Article HERE...

Michigan State-Michigan: Are You There, God? It's Me, Sparty...

Patrick Yore — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:34:33 -0400

Sparty: Hello God. It's me, Sparty. What are we doing wrong, God? How have we displeased you? Unlike our brothers in blue to the east, we try to be humble. We don't regale ourselves in gold and too many fine German sports coupes. We are men of the earth who strive to make this gift of the world a better place.

What will it take for us to win on Saturday, God, and make those maize and blues eat their proverbial crow, o glorious one?

God: Thou must keep it simple, my Spartan son. What are the simple keys to how Michigan State can beat UM Saturday, you ask? Stick to this, and ye shall prevail. Waver far from the course, and it may be another long year. (By the way, when I said I made man in my image, I was definitely thinking of you, Sparty.)

1. Score First

Take the ball if you win the coin toss and score first. Whomever can score first will set the tone for the whole day. UM's fans have been known to turn on their own teams on a dime, and if State can score quickly and confidently, the mood will be deflated. (See Wisconsin game this year).

2. Run Up the Middle

Take it straight to them. Do it again. Then do it again.

3. Run to the Outside

Give Javon the ball off tackle. We've all seen the trap blocking in the middle that takes way too long. Let the man run wild.

4. Pressure

Put a ton of people on the line, right in Threet's face. Make him throw too soon. Put him on his back. Plug up the inside where the hoss Minor can bowl over people once he's up to speed.

5. Tackle

I'm not talking about diving for a running back's knees or pushing someone out of bounds. I'm talking about wrapping them up and driving a shoulder through to their spine on every play, every down.

6. Confuse UM's O-Line

Watch the Penn State game. It's UM's Achilles' Beer Gut.

7. Let It Rain

Michigan's Keystone Cop offense will look even more bumbling in the rain. Inclement weather always favors a team that runs well, and this can be summed up by the name Javon. (Weather report is here.)

May the best team win, my son. Just know I'll be sporting my green tunic tomorrow. The rest is up to you.

Author's Note

This game is kind of a perfect storm, a perfect setup if you will. MSU, who almost always came in as the underdog for years, is now favored. UM has become the laughingstock of the entire NCAA, their fans boo their own team off the field, and Rich "DickRod" Rodriguez is making John L. Smith look like a rootin' tootin' genius.

Which team has more to prove, or to lose, for that matter? One that can go 7-1 and finally shatter their Sisyphus complex, or another that can claim their whole season redeemed by playing spoiler to their rivals?

Luckily, last weekend's loss by MSU to OSU will give the Wolverines a false sense of hope and give the Spartans even more venom to bring to the trenches.

An offer: If State does lose, I will print out and eat any one of my Bleacher Report stories for the first UM fan that chooses one, videotape it, and post it on YouTube.

Strap it up, gentlemen—let's finally let the hitting do the talking.

Visit www.SpartyOn.com and www.SpartyOnBlog.com for more on The Michigan State University Spartans.

Michigan State Vs Ohio State : What It Means to Be Spartan

Patrick Yore — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 06:31:40 -0400

If you want stats or injury reports, look elsewhere. Here are the subjective keys to this Saturday's game for The Michigan State Spartans. Consider it advice, consider it puffery, consider it a warning. This is what we as Spartans strive for and believe:

- Give of oneself so that the entire group may thrive and succeed.

- Play with no doubt about your ability. Doubt is the players single most dangerous foe. You can win, you can overcome.

- Have no regrets.

- "With your shield or on it" A phrase that sums up the Spartan ethic of giving one's all for the fight. Translation: Come home victorious, or dead.

- Sportsmanship, Class & Method: Let your playing speak volumes, not your trash talking. When the other man has been beaten, and rests wearily on one knee after meeting you in the field of battle, that shall be your biggest reward.

- Act like you've been there before, not as if you are amazed at your achievement.
We are not actors, superstars or performers. We are brothers in arms who work together as a single unified unstoppable force shoulder to shoulder for each other.

- This is not for your mother, your friend, your fans. This is not for glory or fame. This is for the person next to you, in the trench doing the same for you. Protecting them and helping them succeed is the way to true victory.

- Do not become your enemy, o Spartan. The memory of decades of looking down the road to Ann Arbor with detest for arrogance and unfettered pride should always check any inclination to embody the same. When you lose, take responsibility and improve on those shortcomings the next contest. When you win, enjoy the moment with fellow fans, feel it to your marrow but do not parade about in self-serving glory.

"What will they learn of us? Their shovels will unearth neither brilliant palaces nor temples; their picks will prise forth no everlasting architecture or art. What will remain of the Spartans? Not monuments of marble or bronze, but this, what we do here today." ~ Spartan King Leonidas from Steven Pressfield's The Gates of Fire

This is Sparta.

www.SpartyOn.com

Time For a Big Ten Championship Game? Your Time To Chime...

Patrick Yore — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 04:50:04 -0400

www.SpartyOn.com

Year after year, it becomes more and more apparent that we need a Big Ten Championship Game, a la other conferences such as the Big 12, SEC, etc. This year is no exception with a bunch of teams log jamming the upper tier. I want to hear from all you hard-hittin' Big Ten fans out there about how and why or why not this should happen.

CHIME IN BY POSTING IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW AND HELP FIGURE OUT THIS MESS!

Here's my take : When ND is finally absorbed into the Big Televen, it will become a twelve member group that can then be divided into East and West groups.

Now, I'm sure math professors around the Midwest have shaken their collective heads for years looking at that crazy Big Ten logo with the one slipped in to somehow account for JoePa's boys, but all tradition aside, we should either cut the fat (Indiana, I'm looking in your direction) which will NEVER happen, or evolve the name.

I hereby forward the notion of "The Ass-Kickin' 12". Or how about "The Massive 12"? Maybe "The Bigger 12"? Or "The Great 12"? Better yet, "The Sturdy Dozen"?

Here is a suggested split conference :

EAST : Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan State, Indiana, Purdue, Northwestern

WEST : Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Notre Dame, Wisconsin

What Do You Think???

Michigan State-Northwestern: True Wildcats or Just Puss in Boots?

Patrick Yore — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 05:58:23 -0400

SpartyOn.com Week Seven Pregame Checkdown

Don't Believe the Hype: MSU vs. Northwestern

When it comes to the Northwestern Wildcats versus Michigan State Spartans this weekend, don't believe the hype. If you read the blogs, sports websites, and papers, the game is supposed to be a shootout between two leaders in the Big Ten.

One will be proven unworthy of their lofty perch, and I'm thinking a lot of purple-wearing people are going to be Green with envy when the clock hits zero.

We all know about NCAA rushing leader Javon Ringer and last year's offensive explosion by C.J. Bacher, but let's look at the lesser-known facts that will make the true difference...

Northwestern

- Opponents have 10 combined wins in 26 games, including Syracuse at 1-4 and Ohio at 1-5.

- Beat Duke, that perennial powerhouse, by a walloping four points.

- Northwestern's D-line has 17 sacks already this season. That's great, but MSU's offensive line has only given up only two sacks in six games—that's right, two.

- Shonn Greene had 159 yards rushing against NW and averaged 7.6 yards per carry, which bodes well for Ringer.

- Running back Tyrell Sutton did not practice Wednesday.

Michigan State

- Chicago is full of Spartan graduates, and the Northwestern stadium is definitely not an imposing place to play.

- Hoyer, Dell, and B.J. Cunningham are on track to make defenses think twice about keying on Javon every play. Confusion in a defense kills.

- MSU's defensive backs will get multiple interceptions in the game not only because of their tenacity and intelligence, but because of the newfound strength of their brothers up front like Trevor Anderson on the Spartan D-line putting pressure on QBs and forcing errors.

- When it comes to close games, a great kicker is solid gold. Enter Brett Swenson, 12 for 13 on the year.

- Don't get too excited about the Spartans being banged up. According to the official depth chart for Saturday, MSU is at full strength at every position, including Otis Wiley.

It has been two weeks since Northwestern has given or taken a real hit. Last Saturday, the "Wild" cats (on their bye weekend) sat around their dorm rooms watching MSU gel even tighter as a solid team and emerge from a knockdown street fight with a very respectable Iowa team stronger, more confident, and ready to take on all comers.

The bumps and bruises sustained in that game will only fuel Michigan State's desire to dominate in Evanston on Saturday.

Predictions

Javon goes for 200-plus, while Bacher gets sacked at least three times and is picked off twice.

MSU 37, Northwestern 21

www.SpartyOn.com

Michigan State Spartans 10-2? Here's How It Can Happen...

Patrick Yore — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:22:20 -0400

It hurts to be a Spartan fan a lot of the time. We've learned the hard way to not hope and dream too big.

Case in point, I sat in the stands of the 2006 Monsoon Bowl versus Notre Dame, barely able to watch the game because of horizontal rain, gale force gusts and John L. Smith's retreat-into-your-turtle-shell play calling in the fourth quarter.

But the first three quarters were some of the most beautiful moments in Spartan football history. If you get a chance, watch the game and turn it off at the end of 3 quarters.

Being a State fan is kind of like dating Paris Hilton as a teenager, only to find out she's waiting until marriage to give it up.

On the outside, they look great and get you excited but sometimes the love only ends in frustration. Here's why this year us Spartan fans will get our collective rocks off.

Many will say it's too early.

Ringer is taking too much of the load, Hoyer isn't playing as he should be, but I say nuts to that, I'll shimmy out on that beautifully leaved limb over the Red Cedar and detail how MSU can go 10-2 in Dantonio's second season.

Beyond individual player accolade speak of Ringer for Heisman, or Otis Wiley for whatever little statue they give out for the most ass-kicking beast of an intercepting defensive back, let's look closely at the schedule.

State was supposed to have the toughest schedule in The Big Ten and the 13th toughest Overall in the entire NCAA, but I think we are primed to do better than anyone expects...

The MSU 2008 Football Schedule :

Date	Opponent	Time/Result
Sat, Aug 30	at California	L 31-38
Sat, Sep 6	Eastern Michigan	W 42-10
Sat, Sep 13	Florida Atlantic	W 17-0
Sat, Sep 20	Notre Dame	W 23-7
Sat, Sep 27	at Indiana	12:00 pm
Sat, Oct 4	Iowa	12:00 pm
Sat, Oct 11	at Northwestern	TBA
Sat, Oct 18	(14) Ohio State	TBA
Sat, Oct 25	at Michigan	TBA
Sat, Nov 1	(9) Wisconsin	TBA
Sat, Nov 8	Purdue	TBA
Sat, Nov 22	at (12) Penn State	TBA

I see three possible losses, but I think we'll chalk up at least one of these in the W column, and if all goes well we'll win two and finish 10-2 :

1. Ohio State = In East Lansing, Beenie may be out or not 100%

2. Wisconsin = In East Lansing, we owe these cheeseballs big time after last year

3. Penn State = This game will be huge in many ways, no win expected here, and it's actually the toughest one I see on the schedule. Penn State may be playing for the Big Ten title which means knocking them off, handing them a loss in their final game at home and final game for JoePa would be truly sweet.

If we do win any of those games, we all know what big media will say about afterwards. It's never about how well MSU played, it's always about how poorly ND (Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, etc.) played.

As for Ringer, great running backs grind it out for a few yards, score TDs on unmatched second effort, take it around the corner for 8, and also break a couple of long runs during the game.

Ringer can handle 35+ touches and still be ready for more. Do not forget that the only reason Ringer didn't have more touchdowns last year was because the #5 overall touchdown leader in NCAA football came in at the end of every drive to take it in for the 2-3 yard score (Caulcrick - 21 TDs in 2007).

All this focus on the running game will only help MSU score more in the end. Brian Hoyer entered the season a pre-season Unitas award pick so any defense that keys too much on Ringer will be burned by Dell and BJ.

Can it happen? Maybe.

Is it time for it to happen? Yes.

I've got to go consult the Ephors...

www.SpartyOn.com

Michigan State-Notre Dame: Eight Great Things About State

Patrick Yore — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:40:08 -0400

by Patrick Yore at SpartyOn.com

Storming into week four of the football season on Javon Ringer's quadriceps, the 2008 Michigan State football team welcomes the Domers of Notre Dame into Spartan Stadium on Saturday with cautious eyes and an appetite for blood.

Here are eight things to know about the 2008 MSU team that has everything to prove while washing away lingering demons from the last home game vs. their piously positioned rivals from the banks of the Old Saint Joe :

1. State blanked a Florida Atlantic team 17-0 last Saturday that had scored a combined 60 points in their first two games.

2. Javon Ringer is the top running back in the NCAA this year with nine rushing touchdowns.

3. MSU traveled 2,328 miles to Cal for their first game of the season, where Brian Hoyer passed for 320 yards, they scored 31 points and had the ball with an opportunity to tie the game in the closing seconds. The end of the game was being played at 11:30 p.m. Michigan time.

4. Many members of the current team played in the infamous Sept. 23, 2006 Typhoon Bowl. It started out a celebration of the 1966 infamous "Greatest Game Ever Played" and ended in a complete disaster in front of the entire country on TV. Memories of that game will be expunged on every snap, on every hit, on every tackle.

5. MSU has beaten ND in eight of the last 11 games.

6. The State receiving corps of Deon Curry, BJ Cunningham, and Mark Dell will finally be at full strength this weekend for the first time this year.

7. 312.2 Pounds. That is the AVERAGE weight of the Spartan offensive line, which has only given up one sack in three games.

8. Mark Dantonio embodies not only the Spartans, and the University but he truly embodies Sparty himself. Not the world's largest free-standing ceramic sculpture, but the old Sparty mascot.

Not just in his always furrowed brow, nor his dark, concerned eyes that cast upon foolish linemen (I was one in high school) that jump offside at the exact wrong moment, but in his demeanor and foreboding presence.

It takes a lot to make Dani-boy smile, but then again, The Spartans are treading a precarious path of ice like a young lad on a frozen lake in wintertime.

The boy wants to enjoy every step, but he knows he can't. He must stay alert, always aware, because every step could bring shocking misfortune.

There is no cowboy-cussin' BS with Dantonio, just like the Spartans of Greece and The Spartans of East Lansing, Mich. Wouldn't it be great to see him show up on Saturday with a 5 o'clock shadow?

The team has taken on his persona, his drive and his hell-bent focus on settling for nothing but delivering the very best for the team, fans and university.

Better paint an extra layer of gold paint on those Riddels and stock up the medicine chest with Advil. This is going to hurt.

(The author runs THE Michigan State University Tailgate Website, www.SpartyOn.com, and blog at www.SpartyOnBlog.com )