Spartans Bow To Their Nemesis
The second half in Iowa City last week was punctuated with the smell of 200 hog barns and a Spartan collapse. This week’s game against archrival Michigan was clearly a game of two halves once again. The Spartan machine came alive in the second half when MSU decided it was high time to run the football again, something they failed to do a week earlier in Iowa City. Unfortunately, MSU needed to run the ball and put the clock away before Michigan’s last scoring drive. MSU had 3rd and 2 on their own end of the field and failed to move the chains when it counted. A Michigan drive later, Sparty once again bowed to his Wolverine nemesis and handed over the lead. You could feel the noose get tighter and tighter as Michigan continued to work the sideline. MSU couldn’t capitalize on their last drive and watched the Maize and Blue celebrate after Hoyer’s pass on 4th and 18, fell to the ground incomplete.
This was a game to remember and the memories could have looked so much different had MSU asserted itself early. I have defended Brian Hoyer all year long and I have to say that quarterbacking was the biggest difference in today’s game. Henne made the plays when they counted and Hoyer did not. In the first half alone, Brian missed three touchdown passes. The wind may have been a factor on the deep ball that came up short to Thomas in the first half, but the others were inexcusable. Brian will look at the film and probably throw up on his shoes when he sees how open Kellen Davis and Mark Dell were on a couple of occasions. Devin Thomas is a special player, but he’d be even better if Hoyer could find another receiver in the formation. The interception was a telegraphed throw and could be looked at as the biggest difference in today’s contest.
Wolverine fans, you got lucky today. Sometimes it is truly better to be lucky. When MSU needed a crucial turnover, the Spartan defense served up the opportunity only to have Chad Henne’s fumble bounce to Mike Hart and turn into a first down run. How lucky for the Wolverines, how unfortunate for the Spartans. This Spartan / Wolverine series is loaded with crazy plays that have been game changing deciders. I will point to this particular play as the one that powered the Wolverine comeback.
There is little to say about Michigan State. I choose not to focus on the negative because it was a game that MSU could have easily won. It was a game that MSU should have won and let a golden opportunity slip away. I refuse to throw anyone under the bus only because it serves no real purpose. Michigan has more talent at almost every position on the field and made the plays when they counted. Michigan State will get over the hump; it just isn’t going to happen in Mark Dantonio’s first year at the helm.
Make no mistake about it, I am happy with the direction of this program and believed all week we would come away victorious. I like the position MSU is in and I know that our program is in capable hands. We needed this one today and it hurt my heart to see us bow down to the arrogance once again. Michigan State has a lot to sell. Kids will join the Dantonio campaign and see that the safest bet in the state of Michigan for coaching stability is Dantonio’s Spartans. Michigan will be looking for a coach at season’s end. You have to wonder whether they’ll stay in house, or make a run at a proven commodity.
So close so many times will be the theme for MSU’s 2007 season. Six wins is a must and a bowl game is deserved when you look at the effort exhibited this season. I know it is hard to be a Spartan sometimes; you have to have thick skin and be as loyal as a Labrador. I know today my heart hurts for Dantonio’s men, but in years to come victories and bowl games will be synonymous with the Michigan State Spartans. I am certain that my loyalty will not go unrewarded. I am proud of the entire Spartan Nation. This includes our players, our coaches and our fans. We are a family and we are in this together.
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