Just win the State Championship...
February 27th, 2011 at 3:29 PM ^
Don't think it's that simple but our at-large hopes will be torpedoed if we lose. Therefore, BEAT SPARTY.
February 27th, 2011 at 4:27 PM ^
I would rather beat state and sweep the series this year and not get into the tournament than lose and somehow get in. It would signal that a young Michigan team may be finally moving past Sparty. Hopefully recruits see this.
Besides, it is even sweater to think that we sweeped State and simultaneously got us into the tournament at their expense.
February 27th, 2011 at 4:35 PM ^
This screams "little brother" to me. Beating Sparty is more important than getting into the dance? Nonsense.
February 27th, 2011 at 6:53 PM ^
We've been Sparty's little brother since the day we received those sanctions. If we can sweep the series this year and get the upperhand in in-state recruting, then maybe we can finally claim to be big bro again after 15 years.
February 27th, 2011 at 9:01 PM ^
We are NEVER EVER EVER EVER State's little brother. EVER!!!!
February 27th, 2011 at 9:21 PM ^
arrogant much!
February 27th, 2011 at 11:11 PM ^
could have added more evers.
February 27th, 2011 at 7:38 PM ^
It is much different when it's still rooting for Michigan. Rooting for some other random team to beat MSU even though that would knock us out of the tournament is lame.
I can't imagine any scenario where I would ever root for Michigan to lose a game.
February 27th, 2011 at 8:52 PM ^
your comment screams that you don't really know what you are talking about. We are their little brother in BBall and everything, from the record to recruiting shows this. Besides, I have never said anything about rooting against Michigan
February 27th, 2011 at 9:20 PM ^
Michigan actually leads the all-time record against MSU in basketball 91-71 (though the Fab 5 victories no longer count). Also, even if MSU has a better basketball program right now, that doesn't mean Michigan is "little brother" at all. "Little brother" refers to the inferiority complex that MSU shows towards Michigan, which applies towards everything MSU does (yes, that includes basketball).
February 27th, 2011 at 9:35 PM ^
little brother also reflects the superiority complex that UM fans hold. Seriously, why can't people acknowledge the fact that MSU bball has been better then us since the fab five, which has been what 18 years.
February 28th, 2011 at 1:44 PM ^
He did just acknowledge that.
February 27th, 2011 at 8:22 PM ^
If anyone is looking for tickets to the game, this pair is up for grab at an online charity auction that supports undergrad scholarships at UofM.
Here's the link: http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/Item.action?id=127264376
February 27th, 2011 at 3:30 PM ^
RCMB's in nuclear mode if anyone needs a laugh! "scUM" references for everybody! Happy days!
February 27th, 2011 at 5:30 PM ^
what is RCMB
February 27th, 2011 at 5:51 PM ^
think it's Red Cedar Message board (MSU blog site?) I don't really concern myself with that school though, i just did a quick google search and got that far.
February 27th, 2011 at 5:57 PM ^
This is correct. It is the main board for MSU blogs. It is also an accurate representation of what Michigan fans generally view the MSU fanbase as being (ie. moronic).
Peruse the board a bit and it will explain why some users here are so anal about keeping this board intelligent and somewhat high-functioning.
February 27th, 2011 at 6:25 PM ^
never again.
February 27th, 2011 at 6:45 PM ^
What's the kinkiest thing you've ever done? How many times have you done it with an animal? What's the most flammable type of couch? Would you ever eat chicken that someone else has farted on?
Get all these topics and more at the RCMB!
February 27th, 2011 at 7:19 PM ^
Yes
.
yes
.
February 27th, 2011 at 10:14 PM ^
I don't know how you can characterize RCMB as moronic. Boiling down the essence of the University of Michigan to the simple euphemism of "scUM" belies a sophisticated and creative intellect.
Bunch of clever lads over there, they are....
February 27th, 2011 at 11:04 PM ^
Not to mention referring to UM fans as Walverines.
See it's a "clever" play on words between our mascot and the preconception that many Wolverine fans are "Walmart Wolverines", a negative connotation used to define the sizeable portion of the UM fanbase that did not attend the school.
Well played Sparty. Well played.
February 27th, 2011 at 3:39 PM ^
Ventured over to RCMB for a good laugh. Lot's of blame being tossed. Gotta love some good infighting.
I'm just scared that Sparty comes in and beats us. Given the stakes, that will end up completely overshadowing our win in East Lansing.
February 27th, 2011 at 3:42 PM ^
Yeah, unfortunately the difference between 9-9 and 8-10 is a lot bigger in the eyes of observers then just 1 game. There's definitely a lot of purists out there who feel that a sub-.500 conference record automatically precludes a team from being in tournament consideration.
I think that being at home, if we play the way we have down the stretch as does Sparty then it's a win. But I'm not going to feel comfortable about it until the game ends.
February 27th, 2011 at 3:44 PM ^
Would Michigan and MSU both be better off losing this game?
February 27th, 2011 at 3:52 PM ^
This is going to be one nerve-wracking game.
Make your free throws, Blue. Let's not have another Wisconsin game.
February 27th, 2011 at 4:53 PM ^
What's strange is that our FT problems are essentially at home only (NW, IU, Wisc). In our last two road games we've shot 19-24 and 8-9, respectively.
February 27th, 2011 at 3:58 PM ^
February 27th, 2011 at 4:01 PM ^
Does Kenpom still favor us by 4 against MSU?
February 27th, 2011 at 6:51 PM ^
Kenpom is predicting a 64-61 win (in 61 possessions) for M.
February 27th, 2011 at 4:01 PM ^
I think MSU wins because they HAVE to win. To the point of "OH DEAR GOD WE HAVE TO WIN AND IF WE DONT MY HEAD WILL ASPLODE!" All the pressure is on them because if we lose and miss the tourney it will be disappointing, but remember this was supposed to be a rebuiliding year. If they lose and miss the tourney it will be catastrophic failure and embarrassment.
February 27th, 2011 at 4:08 PM ^
It seems like MSU is out of steam. Maybe they'll be able to get up for one last push against Michigan, I guess the Iowa game will be telling, but Michigan seems to be excited and have a sense of urgancy about their play lately which will translate extremely well against such a lack-luster MSU team.
Seeing how this Michigan team is finally slowing down their game and effectively bringing the ball into the paint instead of relying on 3's makes my balls tingle when I think of next season.
February 27th, 2011 at 4:14 PM ^
Basically, you're just saying Sparty wants to win more than we do.
That's retarded.
February 27th, 2011 at 4:16 PM ^
It's also based on the assumption that Sparty actually has a clue what they're doing this year which is just not the case.
Pre-season expectations aside, don't for a second think this team will be satisfied at this point going to the NIT. They're close to the dance, they don't want to miss out now.
February 27th, 2011 at 4:23 PM ^
Plus, this will be the last home game for our seniors so you know they'll wat to end with a W.
Oh wait...
February 27th, 2011 at 6:59 PM ^
AH, I see what you did there.
Sources at the Free Press have reported that Reed Baker, Kelvin Grady, and Jerret Smith (remembering the 3 classes that weren't) are being honored at the half. I'm waiting for confirmation from competant beings to claim this as official news.
February 27th, 2011 at 8:43 PM ^
Don't know how you understood that I think MSU wants to win more than Michigan. Lack-luster has usually meant no zeal, bored and over all just not great in my book. Michigan playing with urgancy and being excited sure must mean that they don't care about the next game. Maybe next time read a little slower, so you're brain can keep up.
February 27th, 2011 at 10:58 PM ^
You might notice I was not replying to your comment. I agree with you. BTW it's "your" brain, not "you're" brain...
February 28th, 2011 at 10:44 AM ^
My bad, still getting the hang of posting.
February 27th, 2011 at 4:46 PM ^
That may be the perception of the fans and the analysts, but I seriously doubt the guys on the team are any less invested in this game as the MSU players. Remember Novak's in-game emotions at Breslin? And the team came into that game with a poor record and not much to look forward to. Now they have something even more than just the rivalry to play for.
February 27th, 2011 at 4:54 PM ^
That is why I thought we would win the football game against Sparty and boy was I wrong.
February 27th, 2011 at 7:22 PM ^
I agree. The perceived "intangibles" are the biggest fallacy in sports. I'll take statistics as for why certain teams win.
February 27th, 2011 at 4:11 PM ^
Go Blue!
Beat Sparty!
February 27th, 2011 at 4:37 PM ^
will be John Beilein's first victory over the Spartans at Crisler Arena. Our last victory over them at home was in the 2006-07 season under Amaker, his final season here.
If ever there was an opportune time to put Sparty out of his misery, it's now. There's dissension on the MSU team, key players aren't performing up to their potential, Izzo is pissed, and the Spartoon fans are melting down. You don't get very many opportunities to hugely advance your own fortunes while simultaneously killing those of your biggest rival, but that's what the team has on their plate.
To paraphrase George Orwell:
"If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a Spartan face—forever."
February 27th, 2011 at 4:56 PM ^
We didn't play them at home in 2008, and lost at Crisler in 2009 and 2010.
February 27th, 2011 at 5:31 PM ^
One of my favorite memories from that game was being in the tunnel after the game and watching Little Sister walk off the court, some of them with eyes welling up with tears.
February 27th, 2011 at 4:42 PM ^
Michigan is at home. Michigan is the better team ( feels damn good to type that). Just need to take care of business.
Darius stated that it was the State game that showed this team what type of intensity level they need to play at to be successful in this conference. I have no doubt this team will come out ready and prepared to win.
I like our chances.
February 27th, 2011 at 6:36 PM ^
Some dude named "Grandchamp" on UMhoops says Kenpom predicts a 62% chance Michigan kicks some tatooed felon arse on Saturday(not his exact words). Can anyone confirm or deny?
February 27th, 2011 at 8:02 PM ^
the timing gives Coach Beilein and staff a week of watching film that includes two MSU games showing its recent performances. Gotta make sure to study film and execute on game day. Do all the little things like eating and sleeping well too. Be ready b/c Sparty will plan to play physically (i.e. reckless fouls or play) when desperate (an Iowa loss especially would make them go "extreme-style" rebounding in Crisler).
[EDIT:
"Izzo-ism: “We need to move on [from the Purdue loss tonight] but we need to learn from getting punched in the mouth and not responding, as well. I just thought the physical nature of their team - I would’ve really enjoyed it if I wasn’t coaching against it. They just did a good job walling you inside, and bumping and banging, and I mean that in a very positive way."
Also, BTN is highlighting DMo on The Journey too right now at 7pm CST.]
So much to play for here. GO BLUE!!!! I gotta agree that Michigan is the better TEAM. Little Brother has all the talent on paper (#2 preseason remember) but this here's a TEAM GAME.
February 27th, 2011 at 10:17 PM ^
Yes, 62%. Here's KenPom's site:
http://www.kenpom.com/team.php?team=Michigan
We're favored because we're at home against a roughly comparable opponent. BTW, when he updates the numbers tomorrow, our percentage will likely increase.