Michigan State Falls Hard

The fact Michigan State lost to Iowa Saturday didn’t surprise me. What did surprise me was that the game was over in the first half.

Michigan State came into the game the most disrespected undefeated team in the country. Turns out, the Spartans proved the doubters right.

For the Spartans, Saturday was a train wreck. Michigan State looked scared, tight and flat all on the same day. The Spartans gave the game away with their turnovers. Quarterback Kirk Cousins had a rough game with interceptions and not being able to move the offense. Michigan State should have never left East Lansing.

And despite all its troubles, Michigan State played a team that was just angry. The Hawkeyes suffered a bitter loss to Wisconsin the week before and the home team came out focused. The Hawkeyes were world beaters Saturday.

So you add the Spartans’ woes and Iowa highs and it translates into one word: ROUT.

Michigan State is now the most disrespected one-loss team in the country. The Spartans dropped to 16th and 15th (AP and coaches respectively) in the polls this week. Last week, they were No. 5.

There is also now a log jam at the top of the Big Ten standings. Four teams have one loss. Two of the contenders, Ohio State and Iowa, play Nov. 20 in Iowa City.

What do you think about the Michigan State fall?

Michigan State has Golden Opportunity Saturday

Michigan State opposes Iowa Saturday in Iowa City. The Spartans are hoping to keep alive their undefeated season, Big Ten title hopes and a national championship.

The fifth- ranked Spartans (8-0 overall, 4-0) will battle an angry Hawkeye team. Iowa lost to Wisconsin 31-30 last week at home which put a serious hurt on its Big Ten championship hopes. Another Iowa loss would be a crusher.

This will be probably become Michigan State’s toughest game to date. Many so called experts are picking Iowa. The Hawkeyes beat the Spartans in the closing moments last season and seem to defeat the Spartans regularly lately. Iowa is 8-4 in its last 12 games against Michigan State.

But don’t count the Spartans out. They seem to cherish the underdog roll. Even in the top five nationally, few people discuss the success of the Spartans. Is it because another team in that state grabs all the ink whether Michigan wins or loses?

Michigan State will run the ball on Saturday and try to pound the once feared-Iowa defense. Wisconsin proved last week that teams can score big on the Iowa defense. So again this weekend: it’s prove your manhood in the Big Ten.

Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins is also an interesting story in this game. The junior quarterback has ties to Iowa. His grandfather played for the Iowa and Cousins wanted to be a Hawkeye too. Therefore, Cousins has extra motivation Saturday.

Look for a close game as Michigan State hopes to make a statement. The Spartans want to prove that they do belong with the nation’s elite.

Who do you think wins this game?

Big Game in the Big Ten

Any year the Michigan-Michigan State football game is a big one especially in the motor state. But Saturday’s game is a big, big one.

Michigan State travels to Ann Arbor and puts its 5-0 mark up against Michigan’s 5-0 record. Both teams have had hiccups, but have moved beyond them. Now, we will see what team has real chops.

The Spartan’s main story has been the heart health of coach Mark Dantonio. He plans to be in the press box on Saturday. Michigan’s main story is quarterback Denard Robinson. This guy is lighting up college football. The question is can this youngster keep it up. This game should provide a stern test.

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez’s job is probably safe with the Wolverine’s undefeated start. His offensive style of play with the multiple-style quarterback is finally clicking. Just don’t tell the old Michigan traditionalists.

My Michigan relatives are huge Wolverine fans, but I’m cheering for the visitors in this one. It’s hard not to like Michigan State with the Dantonio story and a class act quarterback in Kirk Cousins.

Who is your favorite?