ND a 3Pt dog vs MSU
I dont know about you, but this looks like an opportunity to make some money. Watching that Florida Atlantic game--they play that game 10 times, Florida Atlantic is going to win 4 or 5. Last year ND was favored by 10.5, Floyd broke his collarbone, Claussen was in and out of the game waddling like a wounded duck, and ND still won. I dont see this one being close.
September 13th, 2010 at 9:18 AM ^
That line is set where it is to get ND faithful to take a dip in the betting pool.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:06 PM ^
Then it must also be set to get me in the betting pool.
I was very impressed by Crist, ND wins going away.
September 13th, 2010 at 9:19 AM ^
ability to shoot themselves in the foot.
I think ND wins a close one 32-28.
September 13th, 2010 at 9:20 AM ^
so vegas is saying that this game is a toss up (which is incorrect), and msu is giving 3 points for home field. i fully expect this line to change throughout the week. by saturday, ND could go from a 3 pt dog to a 3 pt favorite.
September 13th, 2010 at 1:55 PM ^
MSU will remain the favorite all week.
September 13th, 2010 at 9:21 AM ^
If Crist is healthy, I think you favor ND. If MSU can knock him out of the game, easy MSU win. Simple.
September 13th, 2010 at 10:06 AM ^
They'll definitely have a much better chance if Crist goes out but I still wouldn't call it an "easy" win for MSU. ND is frustrated over this loss and I think they're going to take it all out on the Spartans next week. If I had to guess, I'd say it's going to look more like UM-UConn than UM-ND.
September 13th, 2010 at 9:21 AM ^
You really think FAU beats MSU 4 or 5 times if they play 10?? Really??
September 13th, 2010 at 9:22 AM ^
Co-sign. Logic over kool-aid.
September 13th, 2010 at 9:26 AM ^
Obviously you guys dont get ESPNU. I can probably hook you up with a link...?
September 13th, 2010 at 9:27 AM ^
they play that game 10 times, Florida Atlantic is goint to win 4 or 5
Who is your supplier? I need me somma dat.
edit: er, yea - what winterblue75 said
September 13th, 2010 at 9:26 AM ^
I actually watched a good bit of the MSU/FAU game. FAU doesn't have enough defense to win that game 4 times..however....MSU is very, very vulnerable in the secondary. If the Domers can keep Crist upright and healthy, I think this is a very close game.
September 13th, 2010 at 9:59 AM ^
Given the total defensive breakdown that allowed Edwin Baker to waddle 80 yards for a touchdown in the third, you probably have a point.
September 13th, 2010 at 9:28 AM ^
they match up way better with MSU and don't have to dedicate players to spy or prevent a qb keeper, which will improve their secondary play. MSU's offensive line looked confused the whole FAU game and ND did a great job of containing UM's power backs. i see MSU running for less than a 120 and bombing the hell out of that secondary. ND with a 10 pt win.
MSU then plays a Baby Seal and then has a considerably difficult march should they stumble
Wisconsin
@ UM
Illinois
@ NW
@ Iowa
Minnesota
Purdue
@PSU
if they lose to ND, they very likely are 3-2 coming into Ann Arbor. if UM beats them, i don't see them doing any better than 7-5 and legitimately could be locked in at 5-7 if they fail to show up against NW and Purdue. if they stumble this year, and considering this is greg jones' last year, Cousins graduates in 2011 and that schedule is brutal, MSU fans may be looking at a couple 5-7 seasons in the coming years.
September 13th, 2010 at 11:42 AM ^
Even if Sparty goes 5-7, Dantonio will still get a pat on the back from the MSM for coaching players with "character".
September 13th, 2010 at 11:54 AM ^
Don't forget the strong cut to his jaw. It's impressive and worthy of praise
September 13th, 2010 at 2:09 PM ^
I like the cut of his jib.
September 13th, 2010 at 9:36 AM ^
Didn't Cousins miss a wide open receiver in the end zone on the play before he threw that game ending interception? I hate to defend Sparty but they should have won that game.
Take away the 06 epic fail game and MSU always plays pretty well against ND. A couple years ago, their secondary gave up almost 500 yards against the Domers and Sparty still came out with the win. (That was the game where the MSU players planted their flag on the 50 yard line at ND Stadium but then got all bent out of shape and started a brawl when Illinois planted their flag on the 50 yard line at Spartan Stadium the following year.)
I despise both teams. But I'm picking MSU by a touchdown.
September 13th, 2010 at 9:57 AM ^
that's classic Sparty-No! When they do something mind-numbingly dumb like that pretty much consistently, it can no longer be considered a fluke outlier.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:00 PM ^
Accurate post... I would say MSU is due.
September 13th, 2010 at 9:42 AM ^
a pretty darn good team this year. They left a lot of points on the board versus FAU, and easily could have hammered them. I have no doubt they can score some points on the Domers. Obviously the question is, can they prevent any?
I tend to think that they will step it up and get a W (say, 35-28). Night game at home, national TV, experienced QB. The signs are there. Of course, this is Sparty we're talking about, so there is also the chance they shit their pants and hilarity ensues. I know I am rooting for the latter, even though my head tells me the former.
September 13th, 2010 at 9:44 AM ^
Nobody knows if they are legit or not because they have played two incredibly shitty opponents.
September 13th, 2010 at 11:05 AM ^
They left a lot of points on the board versus FAU, and easily could have hammered them.
That says something. It's not like they were playing their second string either. FAU had a bunch of penalties that helped MSU out. MSU was obviously the better team, but they need to play better than they have to beat ND.
I was impressed with Notre Dame's D-line and linebackers. MSU's O-line is replacing some guys from last year so they could have some issues. As for gamplanning, the Michigan offense is so completely different that MSU can't use much of that as scouting material. They can use it to see what ND likes to do offensively, but I think ND's offense was good when Crist was in.
I like ND to beat MSU.
September 13th, 2010 at 10:00 AM ^
I have several friends that are msu fans, and think if crist is in the whole time they will get killed by ND. Just referencing how sloppy msu has played in their two easy wins
September 13th, 2010 at 10:02 AM ^
I was flipping between the FAU/MSU game and the GA/SC last saturday. From the plays I saw from the MSU game, MSU's secondary is very weak and Cousin couldn't hit the broadside of a barn. If Crist can remain healthy, ND should win comfortably.
September 13th, 2010 at 10:15 AM ^
Personally, I suspect it's because ND so often has played UM the week or two before and just doesn't have much left in the tank, but regardless, Sparty has done well, even in South Bend. I think the Spartoons are going to win this one. I hope they do, and somehow manage to beat Wisky—I want them undefeated and full of themselves coming into Michigan Stadium.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:05 PM ^
...because of UM. Please. Not everything pertains to Meeeechigan football.
I think MSU has a shot to do just that (come in undefeated), but they have to improve their overall performance. Home, national broadcast at night... the hated Irish? MSU will break out this weekend.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:43 PM ^
If you honestly think ND's players focus on MSU as much as they focus on UM, I've got a bridge I'd like to sell you. There's a reason why MSU always makes sure to schedule this game the week after we play them (it's not ND's preference).
September 13th, 2010 at 10:20 AM ^
It seems like ND usually splits the Michigan/MSU games. And this game is at Spartan Stadium, where ND almost always wins (in South Bend, not so much). So I would go with ND on this one.
September 13th, 2010 at 11:05 AM ^
... and jump all over this. ND as a 3 point dog won't last.
Sparty has no home field advantage. Don't you remember the ND comeback a few years back, in a similar night game, in the rain? Or the classic collapse against tOSU with John L screaming at halftime?
The Irish players will run through a wall for Brian Kelly Saturday.
Because if they don't win, the players will have to take turns in the HOT TUB:
September 13th, 2010 at 7:03 PM ^
Slow, weak defense, underachievers. This is a chance for Kelly to show there is a change at ND. Not this year. Sparty by 7
September 13th, 2010 at 7:25 PM ^
I just can't imagine a world where ND loses that game. MSU has played 2 high school teams so far this year, so I'm not sure they're prepared mentally. ND will come out pissed because of their loss to us.
Also, ND just has so much more talent on both sides of the ball. ND by at least 14, IMO.
However, as long as someone loses, I'm happy. And I'm very confident in that.
September 13th, 2010 at 8:03 PM ^
NDNation opines on the game:
http://ndnation.com/boards/showpost.php?b=football;pid=115217;d=this
I love it.