Spartans Hope to "Saddle Up" Against Western Michigan

The 2009 Spartan Football season has been one of tremendous triumphs, and heart-breaking shortcomings. Crowning moments and gut wrenching let downs have been the trademark of this topsy turvy season, as the Spartans continue to ponder the ultimate question "What in the heck happened?"

The upcoming season was highly anticipated with hope and excitement. The Spartans were on a mission to prove that 9-3 wasn't a fluke, and they were bound and determined to continue their success under Mark Dantonio.

A 1-3 start was not what State had in mind, but they bounced back after dropping nail biters with Central and Notre Dame. It would appear to many of us in Spartan nation, that the theme song for our beloved team this year is "Give it away", by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The loss at the hands of the Wisconsin Badgers is the only loss that most Spartan fans are willing to accept. The Badgers laid it on Sparty 38-17, and it wasn't until late in the 4th quarter that their offense came alive. Michigan State managed to conjure up 13 points, but it was already over by then. The score may not have portraid a lop sided affair, but ask those who watched the game, they'll tell you that it was ugly.

Michigan State then took their 1-3 show on the road to Ann Arbor, a must win, not only for the season, but for the well being of the program.

The Spartans got up quickly, a game in which they dominated for 3 1/2 quarters, but Michigan found their way back into the thick of it. The Wolverines made it a game, and with Tate Forcier's 4th quarter heroics, the game was sent into overtime. "Not again" ran through the mind of EVERY Spartan fan. The Michigan - Michigan State rivalry wouldn't be what it is today without games like these, bad for us, great for the rivalry. Sparty pulled it off thanks to Larry Caper's game winning scamper.... the Spartans were back!

State ended up on the good end of the score against Illinois and Northwestern (Homecoming), then they went to Iowa City. The Iowa loss will forever linger in our minds as one of the most dissappointing losses in recent history.

The Spartans have a chance for redemption and bowl eligibility against Western Michigan. A win against Western would ease the stress of having to beat Purdue AND Penn State to become bowl-worthy. It would seem that State has this one in the bag, but we know not take any game for granted at this point.

Western Michigan is 4-5, but they feature one of the better quarterbacks in the MAC in Tim Hiller. Hiller has thrown for 2,500 + yards on the year, 17 touchdowns, and 8 picks. Michigan State knows first hand how an opposing quarterback of Hiller's stature can change the complexion of the game. Lefevoure, Clausen, enough said.

In order for the Spartans to get back on the saddle, they MUST beat Western. Sparty has had too many MUST wins this year, but this time is different.

To take the Broncos lightly would be a gross mistake, for this game IS the game that will make or break State's chances to achieve bowl status.

Kirk Cousins will have to be the leader we all know he's capable of in order to get to the .500 mark.

With just three games left, it's no secret that the Western game is beyond huge. Purdue is another team that's been known to upset, and Penn State will present challenge (that's an understatement). Winning two of the final three games is crucial in order to become bowl eligible, and boy, do the Spartans need this one Saturday.