Friday night’s college basketball game between North Carolina and Michigan State on the navy carrier ship was a great night for America. It was a fitting occasion to celebrate Veteran’s Day with many servicemen and servicewomen in attendance.
Our country has gone through a lot in recent years, but it was great to step aside from the problems and celebrate America and the men and women’s service for this great nation. It reminded me of July 4th in the middle of November.
It was one of the few times I have ever watched a basketball game and concluded that there were no losers. Yes, the Tar Heels did defeat the Spartans on the scoreboard, but both teams were winners on this night. I imagine Michigan State was disappointed in the loss, but what an experience for all the players and staff involved.
Sounds like this might become an annual event playing a college basketball game on Veteran’s Day. I think that would be awesome.
We never have too many opportunities to celebrate this great nation and the sacrifices of our military personnel. Playing college basketball on Veteran’s Day is a fitting tribute.
Showing posts with label Spartans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spartans. Show all posts
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Friday, October 29, 2010
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?
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?
Thursday, October 7, 2010
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?
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?
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Talking Final Four
My heart says Butler, Butler and Butler in the opening semifinal NCAA game Saturday. However, my head says Michigan State, Michigan State and Michigan State.
The Butler Bulldogs are the darlings of the Final Four. It's a mid-major, undefeated team playing in college basketball biggest event in the Bulldogs' home city of Indianapolis. It's the new kid against the standing invitation-type in Michigan State. Butler will no double experience nerves, the Spartans will look at the game as another step on the journey. They will leave their nerves in the locker room.
America will favor Butler. Michigan State will rally around the 'us against the world" theme. Tom Izzo is a master motivator and will use anything in the rah-rah line to gain an advantage.
I look for Butler's magic slipper to drop in a competitive game.
In the second game, my head says Duke, Duke, Duke. My heart says I don't care, I don't care and I don't care.
Maybe West Virginia is a nice story playing in its first Final Four since the 50s. But I doubt if I will watch much of this game. This eastern battle brings me no anticipated excitement.
So, I'm looking for Michigan State to play Duke in the final Monday night.
What excites you about this year's Final Four?
The Butler Bulldogs are the darlings of the Final Four. It's a mid-major, undefeated team playing in college basketball biggest event in the Bulldogs' home city of Indianapolis. It's the new kid against the standing invitation-type in Michigan State. Butler will no double experience nerves, the Spartans will look at the game as another step on the journey. They will leave their nerves in the locker room.
America will favor Butler. Michigan State will rally around the 'us against the world" theme. Tom Izzo is a master motivator and will use anything in the rah-rah line to gain an advantage.
I look for Butler's magic slipper to drop in a competitive game.
In the second game, my head says Duke, Duke, Duke. My heart says I don't care, I don't care and I don't care.
Maybe West Virginia is a nice story playing in its first Final Four since the 50s. But I doubt if I will watch much of this game. This eastern battle brings me no anticipated excitement.
So, I'm looking for Michigan State to play Duke in the final Monday night.
What excites you about this year's Final Four?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Izzo and Oregon
Media reports say that Oregon wants Tom Izzo to become its new coach. And the Ducks are apparently willing to pay a boat load of money (Insert Nike founder Phil Knight here)to lure the Michigan State coach.
Why would Izzo ever consider going to Oregon? Would it be the money? Even if he would become the highest paid coach, how long would that last? Would it be for the challenge? Is Izzo getting tired of competing for national championships at Michigan State? Is he tired of the Big Ten Conference? He is already leader of the pack among Big Ten coaches. It would be a step down to be at the top of the PAC-10 Conference coaches. His recruiting lines are well established. Doesn't he want retire at Michigan State?
I wouldn't think Oregon poses as an attractive job for a coaching giant such as Izzo. Oregon has a media relations problem and its not the Ducks' fault. They live on the west coast--bad for publicity. People in the Midwest, East and South rarely watch their games (because of the late start) or know anything about the team. Case-in-point, who was Oregon's center or point guard this past season? I sure cannot tell you those answers. How about fellow PAC-10 Oregon's State's overall record? You get the point.
Working essentially for Knight could become good and bad. The good is that resources are plentiful. The bad is there could be a problem with intervention.
And think about the important things such as school colors. Michigan State offers a dark green. Oregon offers electric green and yellow. Couldn't you just see it the conservative Izzo wearing an electric yellow sport coat on the sidelines?
I will be very surprised if this marriage happens. But again, stranger things have happened.
Do you think Izzo leaves Michigan State?
Why would Izzo ever consider going to Oregon? Would it be the money? Even if he would become the highest paid coach, how long would that last? Would it be for the challenge? Is Izzo getting tired of competing for national championships at Michigan State? Is he tired of the Big Ten Conference? He is already leader of the pack among Big Ten coaches. It would be a step down to be at the top of the PAC-10 Conference coaches. His recruiting lines are well established. Doesn't he want retire at Michigan State?
I wouldn't think Oregon poses as an attractive job for a coaching giant such as Izzo. Oregon has a media relations problem and its not the Ducks' fault. They live on the west coast--bad for publicity. People in the Midwest, East and South rarely watch their games (because of the late start) or know anything about the team. Case-in-point, who was Oregon's center or point guard this past season? I sure cannot tell you those answers. How about fellow PAC-10 Oregon's State's overall record? You get the point.
Working essentially for Knight could become good and bad. The good is that resources are plentiful. The bad is there could be a problem with intervention.
And think about the important things such as school colors. Michigan State offers a dark green. Oregon offers electric green and yellow. Couldn't you just see it the conservative Izzo wearing an electric yellow sport coat on the sidelines?
I will be very surprised if this marriage happens. But again, stranger things have happened.
Do you think Izzo leaves Michigan State?
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The Slipper Falls Off
Northern Iowa's fun run through the NCAA tourney is over. And it feels like someone punched me in the gut.
When the reality of 59-52 Michigan State set in last night, it was sad.
The dream was over for the Panthers. There will be no Final Four appearance or national championship in 2010. The UNLV and Kansas victories were really longtime memories now.
Things looked promising in the first half as the Panthers took a 29-22 halftime lead.
But in the second half, the sky came down. Northern Iowa couldn't connect on shots including the three ball. Northern Iowa scored just 23 second-half points.
The Panthers finished the game 17-for-44 from the field for just 38.6 per cent. Usual sharp-shooter Ali Farokhmanesh was a mirror of Northern Iowa's problems. He went 2-9 and just 1-6 from the three-point ark. The Panthers normal excellent free throw shooting also left them. They were only 14-21 from the free area.
The Spartans put it into high gear in the second half. They were able to score points from the inside and outside. Plus, they connected on the free throw line. They also benefited from Northern Iowa's turnovers. The Spartan do possess great athletes and it showed in the second half.
So Michigan State goes on to its familiar push for the Final Four. Northern Iowa has memories of what it accomplished in this historic season.
What do you think of the Panther's year?
When the reality of 59-52 Michigan State set in last night, it was sad.
The dream was over for the Panthers. There will be no Final Four appearance or national championship in 2010. The UNLV and Kansas victories were really longtime memories now.
Things looked promising in the first half as the Panthers took a 29-22 halftime lead.
But in the second half, the sky came down. Northern Iowa couldn't connect on shots including the three ball. Northern Iowa scored just 23 second-half points.
The Panthers finished the game 17-for-44 from the field for just 38.6 per cent. Usual sharp-shooter Ali Farokhmanesh was a mirror of Northern Iowa's problems. He went 2-9 and just 1-6 from the three-point ark. The Panthers normal excellent free throw shooting also left them. They were only 14-21 from the free area.
The Spartans put it into high gear in the second half. They were able to score points from the inside and outside. Plus, they connected on the free throw line. They also benefited from Northern Iowa's turnovers. The Spartan do possess great athletes and it showed in the second half.
So Michigan State goes on to its familiar push for the Final Four. Northern Iowa has memories of what it accomplished in this historic season.
What do you think of the Panther's year?
Friday, March 26, 2010
Norfthern Iowa Returns 'Home'
Northern Iowa loves playing in St. Louis. And tonight's Sweet 16 match up against Michigan State just happens to be in the Gateway to the West city.
The Panthers have won the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in St. Louis the last two years. It's really their home away from home. Even though this game is played in a different venue (the Edward Jones Dome), Northern Iowa will appreciate the familiarity of St. Louis
The fans enjoy it too because they are within driving distance. Look for a huge Panther gathering tonight.
I look for Northern Iowa to perform well. This veteran, no-nonsense club will be ready. The Panthers need to control the pace because Michigan State will want to run them out of the arena. The Spartans will also try to pressure them to submission. Northern Iowa needs to withstand that and get the basketball in their half-court offense.
The Panthers strength is their defense. But they must play outstanding offense too. They need sold three-point shooting and their usual success at the free throw line.
Northern Iowa wants to have a chance for the victory near the end of the game. This tilt promises to be a war against a tournament-tested Big Ten opponent.
And the Panthers need to seize the opportunity. With two victories already in the tourney, they hope to continue to surprise the expects. This Northern Iowa team is going where no other Panther squad has been before and there is no reason to interrupt the march now.
The whole state of Iowa is cheering for the Panthers. I sense most of America will support them too.
Can the Panthers really beat Michigan State?
The Panthers have won the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in St. Louis the last two years. It's really their home away from home. Even though this game is played in a different venue (the Edward Jones Dome), Northern Iowa will appreciate the familiarity of St. Louis
The fans enjoy it too because they are within driving distance. Look for a huge Panther gathering tonight.
I look for Northern Iowa to perform well. This veteran, no-nonsense club will be ready. The Panthers need to control the pace because Michigan State will want to run them out of the arena. The Spartans will also try to pressure them to submission. Northern Iowa needs to withstand that and get the basketball in their half-court offense.
The Panthers strength is their defense. But they must play outstanding offense too. They need sold three-point shooting and their usual success at the free throw line.
Northern Iowa wants to have a chance for the victory near the end of the game. This tilt promises to be a war against a tournament-tested Big Ten opponent.
And the Panthers need to seize the opportunity. With two victories already in the tourney, they hope to continue to surprise the expects. This Northern Iowa team is going where no other Panther squad has been before and there is no reason to interrupt the march now.
The whole state of Iowa is cheering for the Panthers. I sense most of America will support them too.
Can the Panthers really beat Michigan State?
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Beware of Michigan State
The Michigan State Spartans are entering Friday night's Sweet 16 match up against Northern Iowa with a wounded squad. They best player, Kalin Lucas, was injured in the second round Maryland win.
But don't feel too sorry for the Spartans because coach Tom Izzo is still the reason Michigan State wins games. And you know for that reason, the Spartans will be difficult to beat Friday.
Izzo has had plenty of success in the NCAA tourney and he's not just happy to make an appearance in the Sweet 16. Izzo has taken the Spartans to five Final Four appearances in 11 years. He garnered one national championship. Last season, the Spartans lost to North Carolina in the championship game.
When it's tournament time, Izzo's squads put it into high gear. They peak at the right time. The Spartans are not a fun team to play in March/April. They live for the NCAA tourney.
So it will become another day at the NCAA tournament office for Michigan State. The Spartans will be ready. Expect full-court pressure defense. Expect Michigan State to run, run, run and run more. Expect a full 40-minute game and maybe more. Expect a war.
The Spartans will not overlook Northern Iowa. They are on their usual mission: go to the Final Four.
But don't feel too sorry for the Spartans because coach Tom Izzo is still the reason Michigan State wins games. And you know for that reason, the Spartans will be difficult to beat Friday.
Izzo has had plenty of success in the NCAA tourney and he's not just happy to make an appearance in the Sweet 16. Izzo has taken the Spartans to five Final Four appearances in 11 years. He garnered one national championship. Last season, the Spartans lost to North Carolina in the championship game.
When it's tournament time, Izzo's squads put it into high gear. They peak at the right time. The Spartans are not a fun team to play in March/April. They live for the NCAA tourney.
So it will become another day at the NCAA tournament office for Michigan State. The Spartans will be ready. Expect full-court pressure defense. Expect Michigan State to run, run, run and run more. Expect a full 40-minute game and maybe more. Expect a war.
The Spartans will not overlook Northern Iowa. They are on their usual mission: go to the Final Four.
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