An interview in Lansing: Michigan vs Michigan State

Submitted by dmac24 on
So I was approached today to do a televisioninterview for one of the local Lansing stations about the upcoming game vs MSU. So my questions to you are: What are your favorite parts of the basketball rivalry? What do you respect about MSU's program? What do you respect about Izzo? Favorite memories? What else would you talk about? P.S. First board post for me! EDIT: Please know I run a business in Lansing and do not want to alienate clients or prospective clients by coming across as rude or abrasive.

LSAClassOf2000

January 26th, 2015 at 7:26 PM ^

If we're going to talk about favorite memories of recent note, this would definitely be among them for me. It might very well stand as the one of the more amusing highlights of the 2010-2011 season, at least in my own estimation. More importantly, the swagger that emerged during this particular MSU game was very, very nice to see. They won and they seemed to know they would too. 

Also, who would dare to forget....

Canadian

January 26th, 2015 at 7:20 PM ^

Favorite memories?? Listening to stu's 3 at work and going nuts on the line. I think I asked for a piss pass and just stood at my workstation listening to game and following via gametracker.

Memory number two was watching trey pick pocket his way to a victory.

And number 3 was Nik Stauskas blowing kisses to the izzone last year.

hailtothevictors08

January 26th, 2015 at 7:20 PM ^

Remind them that Jordan Morgan went 6-2 versus them in the regular season and that they haven't won in AA since the absolutely absurd non-call on Peedi's game winning shot attempt  exactly 5 years ago to the day (yes that call still haunts me) 

 
/end interview 

Tater

January 26th, 2015 at 7:54 PM ^

The Izzo question is a tough one.  I respect the fact that he was able to leverage Michigan's troubles to have the entire state to himself in recruiting for ten years.  Other than that, I have no respect for him, especially when one considers that he shows no respect toward Michigan.

Lucky Socks

January 26th, 2015 at 8:02 PM ^

That's not entirely true.  He's been quoted saying (paraphrasing), "Do I respect Beilein.  Tremendously.  Do I respect Michigan.  Tremendously.  Do I like them?  Not one bit."

I think that's an 100% acceptable answer from a rival coach, especially considering OUR particular rivalry.  He's playing his role, we'll play ours.  It's more fun that way.  Taking off the maize and blue goggles, I like Izzo just fine to run MSU's program.  

Lucky Socks

January 26th, 2015 at 8:00 PM ^

I'll give you a serious response, since I doubt you want to take most of the advice and come across as a total a-hole on Lansing TV.

  1. I like that it's personal.  Every Michigan family has Michigan fans/grads and Michigan State fans/grads.  We all have friends from the other fanbase.  When you beat MSU, you USE the bragging rights.  Speaking for myself, and probably others, I don't spend much time around OSU fans.  The little brother thing is an example of the passion of the rivalry, but the analogy is true - it's a backyard, sibling rivalry.  
  2. I respect that they've been consistently successful.  I can't argue that they're a very strong program.  The proof is in the pudding.  An NCAA streak that rivals our now-ended bowl streak.  Final Fours and Big Ten Championships.  Can't argue with that, although we've been the stronger problem in the last 5 years (they haven't collapsed like our FB program...but can't argue with our resume stacked against theirs).
  3. I respect Izzo's passion, and I think he generally does it the "right" way.  We can make fun of his press conferences, foul and injury complaints, and sometimes sour demeanor, but he graduates most of his players, he's been loyal to the MSU community, and has a good sense of humor off the court (his commercials and Midnight Madness are proof).  And again, I can't argue with his resume.  
  4. Favorite memories....Burke's steal, Stauskas' kiss, Morris standing up to the bully, Novak's anuerysm.  Not so pleasant memories include the missed alley-oop to Sims (jersey grab?!?), and a parade of blowouts that included 360 dunks up like 30 points and "Go Green" dominating Crisler.  

I actually do have a lot of respect for MSU.  Their athletic department is extremely strong right now.  And yes, I enjoy rivalaries more when both teams are strong so I'm excited that our hoops program is 'back' and I'm hoping to see our football program rebound to match their suddenly strong program.  

MGoLesher

January 26th, 2015 at 8:09 PM ^

 

 

I also loved when Izzo was pouting last year that Michigan had won 6 out of 8 against them and was quoted saying to the media, "I guess you guys got what you asked for" (the media wanting the rivalry to be competitive). 

caliblue

January 26th, 2015 at 8:32 PM ^

What kind of question is that ? Usually I would not mention those two in the same sentence. I respect he is not as bad a jerk as Dantonio. I respect MSU basketball for not being their football team who never seems to get any respect ( if you are Dantonio ) . That being said I would respect them more if they would stop it with the injury thing. This seems to be a never ending self fulfilling conundrum: they're valiant for playing injured so they cannot be held accountable when they lose yet they are always injured .

bronxblue

January 26th, 2015 at 8:43 PM ^

Izzo runs a pretty clean program for major-college ball by all accounts, and MSU wins a bunch of games by playing the equivalent of "manball" on the court.  Beyond that, not sure how much "respect" they deserve.  

Oh, ask them why they keep doing this:

 

ThadMattasagoblin

January 26th, 2015 at 9:23 PM ^

Favorite memories: Game where we beat those guys for the first time in Breslin in a while. It was the game with the numbers on the Sparty bros chests. Also, Trey pick pocketing appling. Darius morris taking it coast to coast for the win, or Stauskas blowing kisses to the izzone. There's really a lot to chose from that will really piss of the Lansing television viewers. I respect that Izzo isn't as much of a douche as Dantonio. I guess I respect the fact that their program has gone to six final fours although they're going downhill fast and will be on route to becoming Michigan's # 2 program if they can't start beating us more regularly.

ThadMattasagoblin

January 26th, 2015 at 9:30 PM ^

What I hate about them: They think they're a blueblood when they're not. They only have 2 championships in their history and Kentucky, Duke, and UNC have done more throughout history and recently. They think they're gods gift to basketball and when they lose something was wrong with the ball, refs, etc. Izzo whining and officials giving him critically important calls over us.

Hail-Storm

January 27th, 2015 at 10:00 AM ^

ability to retain 5 star talent for 4 years by controlling every aspect of the game and ensuring that none of his players can grow and develop, meaning that they are the same players 4 years after entering college.