Answering your Michigan State Football Questions and Emails…

Answering your Michigan State Football Questions and Emails… I am always disappointed when fans leave the game early but I was even more disturbed by the

Answering your Michigan State Football Questions and Emails…

I am always disappointed when fans leave the game early but I was even more disturbed by the huge number of Ohio State fans that managed to get tickets to this game. I am not talking about those who came with family or friends either. There were far too many Buckeyes not sitting with Spartans. Do you think the anonymity of Stub Hub allowed this to happen? I also do not understand Spartans buying season tickets and not using them themselves or ensuring that the seats are occupied by Spartans. Sandy Peterson

First, let me say that I know of Buckeye fans who bought tickets through the MSU ticket office and I’m not talking upper corner seats. I am talking excellent seats. Of course, some are sold on the secondary markets, but MSU can’t lose money. If the demand from Spartan fans for whatever reason is not there, anyone can buy the tickets. I know of one couple that simply can’t attend 8 PM games. They are in their early 70’s and that isn’t possible with travel and additional cold. They have superior seats on the fifty. They offered them to the best client of their business who took them. They are some of the best seats in the building. I understand your frustration, but it is the reality of the situation. Big time college football is a business; a business built on the emotions of its fans. That is why FAN is the root of FANatic.

Hondo, as I looked at Spartan Stadium on TV Saturday it really hit home that Hollis needs to expand Spartan Stadium. If UM holds 107,000 seats, then he should build 108,000. We are at a fundamental disadvantage playing elite teams like Ohio State. When they come from a 100K plus size stadium, Spartan Stadium has no effect. What do you think? Mike in Big Rapids

I think you should buy season tickets. The Spartans have been a very solid football program under Mark Dantonio and can’t sell out what they have. Why expand to 108,000 when you can’t fill 75,000 with any regularity? A big step would be for fans like you to buy season tickets and increase demand before that happens. Hope to see you in two weeks vs. Rutgers.

Will we ever have chance to win a national championship under the Dantonio "coach up" formula? Reality seems to be: even a good team that plays great can't beat a great team that plays like one. (Went to the Oregon game. This one hurt worse. Felt more like the Alabama whipping.) Rick S.

It did feel like the Alabama whipping. I don’t want to address this too much because hopefully you are writing still in the haze of the emotion of the loss. Dantonio can win a title. I do think there needs to be some tweaks systemically, but I have zero concerns about his ability to lead. Again, Spartan football does needs systemically some adjustments, but very confident in Mark.

It was somewhat ironic that Max was the honorary captain for the OSU game. I think we really missed Max's leadership and calls. We have outstanding linebacker athletes and they're trying to do a great job but I wonder if they don't have the instincts that Max had. Jim Christophersen

Asking if players have the instincts of Max Bullough is like the Chicago Bulls saying, “If we could just find another player like Michael Jordan.” Think about how great Greg Jones was. He is lost in the shadow of Bullough because Max was a once in a generation type leader. If you are looking for another Max, I suggest you stop looking. You won’t find another Clinton Jones, Bubba Smith, Kirk Gibson, Lorenzo White, or George Webster. It is unfair to ask anyone to be another. I just can’t wait until we get the next…We shall see.

Hondo, I am a big fan of Max Bullough. I bought his jersey for my son and I think his contribution to Spartan football was fantastic. I have read you telling the fans numerous times that Max did not break any laws and an answer on what he did is not necessary. I am not being argumentative. I simply want you to understand that this email is not from a hater. I just think it is disrespectful to the fans for Dantonio to go silent, Max to go silent, have his behavior (whatever it was) keep him out of the biggest game in 50 years of MSU football, and then turn around the next year, still no explanation, and make him an honorary team captain. I love Max. I love Coach, but I also have my own brain and to do that was in my own words telling us to like it and kiss off. That came off wrong to me. Melissa in Utah

I can tell you this Melissa. I heard from a lot of people that shared your sentiments. Some that did not, but frankly most on the side you said. I do not think Max owes you any explanation, but I do see your side. I think you are being reasonable even if I disagree.

Hondo, I love our Spartans. I am sure those kids are good kids who want to win far more than we want them to. I expected us to be far more effective in stopping OSU with two weeks to prepare. What happened? Why was their offense so much better than our defense? If we win out, 10 wins is a good season (disappointing, but good). Scott L.

Think about your last sentence. How far has Dantonio brought Spartan football? Almost unanimously people feel a double digit win season would be a disappointment. I agree by the way, but it puts in perspective how amazing Coach D has been.

Hondo, if we struggled last year to have any kind of a crowd for the Minnesota game with a Rose Bowl on the line and a Big Ten title, what can we expect for a crowd against Rutgers? Chris K.

I expect a terrible crowd. Bad opponent, no Big Ten title or playoff chance, and even with a double digit win possibility I expect a very poor attendance.

There you go everyone. That is your weekly MSU football questions and answers article. Make sure you send your questions to SpartanNationMail@yahoo.com and put in the subject line Football Q/A. Thank you.