This is the perfect comparison. Like Crisler was, Munn is badly in need of a facelift/updating.
It's my understading that this is in the works and will be completed in a couple years.
While it has been a down year for the B1G Ten, I'm hoping that with the BTN, that hockey is on the upswing. Would be great if we could add a couple more programs.
I'm not posting to comment on the jabs at MSU (I actually like our recruiting class a bunch), but I really LOVE the old Tyson highlights. If you watch the second slow motion replay, it's amazing that the guy's head is still connected to his body. Tyson gets his entire body into that punch. He was such an electric fighter to watch before he went to prison. The ultimate intimidator.
I'm not posting to comment on the jabs at MSU (I actually like our recruiting class a bunch), but I really LOVE the old Tyson highlights. If you watch the second slow motion replay, it's amazing that the guy's head is still connected to his body. Tyson gets his entire body into that punch. He was such an electric fighter to watch before he went to prison. The ultimate intimidator.
Yes, I am just hearing these Narduzzi things. Hope he stays obviously. Hope we pay him.
As for Hicks, he will be in the mix for the vacant FS job, but I think he is behind the other two guys. It will one of the few defensive jobs up for competition in the spring
There is no question that the largest question marks heading into 2012 will be replacing Cousins and our WRs.
ANDREW MAXWELL - Barring an injury or something shocking, Maxwell will be our starting QB. He was a highly regarded recruit (Elite 11 QB finalist) and will be a redshirt junior with 4 years in the system come fall. With change, comes uncertainty. However, many believe Maxwell is more talented than Cousins and like any fanbase, there was a small percentage of whackos that were clammoring for Maxwell to start over Cousins this year. No matter how talented and "practiced up" you cannot replace game experience. Therfore, I expect there to be a learning curve with Maxwell and he will make bonehead mistakes that you expect from a first time starting QB. With that said, we aren't trotting out some true freshman and he doesn't have to carry the team, just play smart football and ease into the position.
At WR's, we lose everyone. No way to sugarcoat it. We need 3 players to step up. Likely candidates are Arnett (assuming he recieves NCAA waiver), Burbridge (true freshman stud recruit), Bennie Fowler (had promising RS Frosh year in 2010 but was plagued by foot injury in 2011) and Tony Lippett. There are others, but these are the most likely. I personally feel that WRs and RBs are the easiest postions to replace. It's still hard, but I think young WRs and RBs can make an impact easier than say a young OLineman.
The Oline was a huge concern in 2011. They were awful in the non-conference, but turned into a competent Oline by the end of the year. We return 4 0f 5 starters and expect them to move from competent to good next year. We return all of our RBs.
Offense is a question mark, but I don't think it is crazy to think we can still be in the top half of B1G Ten offenses next year.
Not a perfect comparison, but Pickelman like RVB is often lost in the shadow of Jerel Worthy (Mike Martin).
Both had humble beginings (Pick's were very humble (a MAC TE)) and have developed into extremely valuable cogs in the middle of their respective defenses. Hard work and minimal pub. The definition of football players.
As an aside, last night was crushing, but it was not a SpartyNo. Our kids played a great game and had a great season. No reason to hang their heads at all.
As the poster above said, I would not trade UM's season for ours.
Congrats on the Sugar (sincerely), but MSU will not be mourning.
I honestly don't really have any desire to play K-State in the Sugar Bowl. Being that close to the Rose Bowl, everything else feels like a let down.
Also, I will be pulling for the B1G Ten in bowl games. We need to represent.....
Wiscy is famous for bombing out bad teams. Minny has improved on offense with Gray, but Wiscy OLine will wear out Minny and put up A TON of points. Bielema loves tacking on too. I could see a 50-17 type score.
Then put the Cap One game at 8:30. I'd still watch. Or stagger the start time so there is some overlap, but having all three kickoff at 1:00pm is just awful IMO.
No clue what to expect out of the good guys (that's MSU) this year. We will probably get bombed by Duke and UNC in the non-conference, as always, and then rally for the big 10 season. HOWEVER, the Big Ten is going to be TOUGH top to bottom.
Personally, I am just very happy to never have to watch Durrell Summers moap around anymore. I "like" the guys personalities on our team which makes it more fun to follow.
I still can't get too fired up for basketball, while football is on though.
I can only speak for myself. I really place a high value on treating visitors with respect. Despite the running joke on this board, I think the majority of MSU fans especially alumni feel the same way. I'm not saying we are Nebraska (we're not), but I would guess that visitors from other Big Ten schools get treated better at MSU than Michigan fans do due to the rivalry. I wish we could have a respectable rivalry, but we don't. I've been to UM for the MSU game and don't think that UM fans don't taunt MSU folks. It goes both ways. Just look at how I get trashed on this board by "some" posters. It's very easy to use a wide paint brush.
Not sure if I answered the question, but "yes", I would be embarassed if I saw an MSU alumni acted inappropriately. I don't think there is anything wrong with some good natured ribbing/trashtalk, but there is a line that everyone should know.
17? I think your defense is greatly improved, but your offense hasn't scored more points than last year. This also goes along with my prediction of MSU winning the game. If UM wins, they will score more.
Also, I think it is the style of play. I think both coaches will be conservative in the 1st half and I see a low scoring game.
We'll see......It's just a prediction, not the gospel.
1. I said good "compared to the tackles". Flat out our OLIne has not been good as a unit. No sugarcoating it. I don't think we will have a man ball OLine all year. I think best case scenario is to be average running the ball and throw it more.
2. It is maddening, but I think it comes back to the inability to run the ball and some bad decisions/play calls.
3. Roushar has earned a "C". A lot of people feel we miss Treadwell. The jury is still out. Not sure if it is the arrows or the indian. Treadwell being OC would not improve our OLine. With that said, Roushar got an "F" in the NDame. He really tried to be too smart. We ran the unbalanced formation and trick plays and never settled into our normal offense.
But you need to drop the MMartin chop block thing. If you recall, Molk was called for a chop block in that game as well. It is regrettable, but MSU DOES NOT have a history or reputation for chop blocking. Watch the tape of all the MSU/UM games under Dantonio and you will not find a pattern.
Again, it is regrettable, but it is not a normal tactic.
But in an attempt to provide you some info, just avoid the "tennis courts" tailgating area. That is where its the craziest party atmosphere. Anywhere in the old part of campus is a more relaxed family friendly/alumni area. I work park by the MSU Auditorium area. Get there early to secure a spot.
I feel very confident saying our defense is good. How good? We will see on Saturday.
You won't hear me saying that FAU or CMU have good offenses, but even though they stink, the stunk the worst against us.
Same thing with OSU. Their offense sucks (and is anemic with Bauserman), but they stunk far worse against us (with Braxton Miller) at home than they did at Nebraska.
As for Notre Dame, their point total was bloated because of a special teams TD and an INT that got returned to our 5 yard line or something like that. Yardage wise, we held them to their fewest output.
I read this board frequently and few posters give MSU any credit. I think the MSU D did a nice job of "containing" Denard last year and capitalizing on his mistakes. To me, that is the key. Limit the giant plays and make Denard string 10-15 plays together without making a mistake. Eventually, he will throw a bad pass and you have to be there to capitalize.
Will it happen? We'll find out on Saturday.
Our OLine also is a running joke on this board. No doubt it has been far from stellar, but it has actually improved since the ND game and we ran the ball decent enough to keep the OSU defense honest. I don't think our OLine has to dominate Michigan's DLine to be successful. Just hold up enough to give Kirk time to throw.
Again, we'll see. To me, that is the barometer of this game. Can MSU's Oline hold up and Can MSU's Defense contain Denard and prevent big plays.
Not that he needs defending, but Izzo gives a ton of money to the Jimmy V fund (donated $250,000 last year) and he also does endless hours of charity work not to mention supporting the troops in the Middle East. But heaven forbid he donate to MSU.
Also, I think if he didn't take the salary the money would be preserved to the general fund. This way, he gets to direct where it goes.
1. He hasn't played that bad. Yes, he looked like a fool when the ball slipped out of his hand and looked like a bigger fool when he couldn't fall on it, but that happens in crap weather. The pick to Sims in the endzone was well thrown, Sims just slipped and couldn't jump. I think the expecatations are very high and he isn't meeting them.
2. Is it a trend? I'm hoping he can right the ship. He still has time and plenty of tough games to prove himself. I think he is capable.
3. HOWEVER, Kirk's greatest weakness is the ability to deal with rush pressure. Unfortunately, this weakness is exploited by our inexperienced and injured OLine. If we win the Legends it will be because the OLine gels and Kirk plays well. If we don't, it will be because our OLine stinks and Kirk can't overcome it.
However, bashing Maxwell because he hasn't overtaken Cousins is a stretch. Stars don't matter when you get to college and Cousins is an above average college QB. He will very likely be 1st or 2nd team All Big Ten next year.
Maxwell shined at Elite 11 and all reports are that he is on track to be the heir apparent.
I don't think he ends up at MSU. It is very rare for a lifelong UM fan to end up at MSU. It is one thing to not go to UM, but another to commit to MSU.
He was really the least exciting 4-star recruit of all time. Maxwell was just one year ahead of him and did really well at the Elite 11 camp. Joe went to the same camp the following year and didn't fare so well.
I do think it is too early to say "he sucks". I think he just saw writing on the wall:
2011: Cousins
2012-2013: Maxwell
That would leave him with one year as a starter assuming he held off younger guys.
I wish him the best. Kid was classy with the way he handled his exit....contrast that with Mr. Forcier (not flaming.....just pointing out my preference for maturity).
"It is in my best interest that I have decided to leave the Michigan State football program," Boisture said. "I love the university, my teammates, the medical staff and most of all Coach Dantonio. Coach D truly cares about me and all of his players off the field as well as on the field.
"I have the utmost respect for him as a coach and person and wish him and the Spartans nothing but success."
FWIW, He says that he has spoken to Hoke and OL Coach. He is not committed to Michigan, but they are still very much in it. He says all four schools are equal.
Buzz on MSU site from Mod that conducted interview is that he will still end up Blue.
We'll see. His parents did go on the trip to MSU which shows he at least took the trip seriously.
Deanthony Arnett (who I agree is a primadonna, but would still like to have him) turned down the all-star games because he plays on the basketball team.
I'm sure I am in the minority here, but I really think it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if Denard transfered.
Yes, I'm sure Hoke/Borgess will try to incorporate some spread stuff, but they are not going to run a read option spread to keep Denard. Therefore, Denard will have to be a pocket passer first and a runner 2nd. From what I observed this year, Denard was a spectacular runner and also hit many big plays when his primary reciever was wide open due to his threat of the runner. However, when D-Rob was forced to read the defense and go to his 2nd or 3rd option it often resulted in INTs.
As an opponent, I would much rather face D-Rob in a pro-style offense than Garder.
Just one Spartan's opinion.
Now, of course Hoke should try to keep Denard on the team, but what if he convinces D-Rob to stay but then Gardner beats him out and Hoke asks D-Rob to change positions. This could be a touchy spot. I know Denard is a great kid, but he may feel like the rug had been pulled out from under him.
It will be interesting to follow, but if Denard transfers I don't think it would be doom and gloom.
p.s. Was anyone else waiting for Hoke to take a guitar and smash it over Drew Sharp's head like Bluto from Animal House.?
Recent Comments
This is the perfect comparison. Like Crisler was, Munn is badly in need of a facelift/updating.
It's my understading that this is in the works and will be completed in a couple years.
While it has been a down year for the B1G Ten, I'm hoping that with the BTN, that hockey is on the upswing. Would be great if we could add a couple more programs.
I'm not saying we will win the B1G Ten or even finish 2nd or 3rd, but you name your price about us going to NIT.
That will be the easiest money I've made in years.
I'm not posting to comment on the jabs at MSU (I actually like our recruiting class a bunch), but I really LOVE the old Tyson highlights. If you watch the second slow motion replay, it's amazing that the guy's head is still connected to his body. Tyson gets his entire body into that punch. He was such an electric fighter to watch before he went to prison. The ultimate intimidator.
I'm not posting to comment on the jabs at MSU (I actually like our recruiting class a bunch), but I really LOVE the old Tyson highlights. If you watch the second slow motion replay, it's amazing that the guy's head is still connected to his body. Tyson gets his entire body into that punch. He was such an electric fighter to watch before he went to prison. The ultimate intimidator.
Yes, I am just hearing these Narduzzi things. Hope he stays obviously. Hope we pay him.
As for Hicks, he will be in the mix for the vacant FS job, but I think he is behind the other two guys. It will one of the few defensive jobs up for competition in the spring
I don't think he leaves. Are there any HC openings besides Penn State (which he is not a candidate)?
He was under consideration for some head coaching jobs, but didn't get them. I don't think he would leave to be a coordinator somewhere else.
There is no question that the largest question marks heading into 2012 will be replacing Cousins and our WRs.
ANDREW MAXWELL - Barring an injury or something shocking, Maxwell will be our starting QB. He was a highly regarded recruit (Elite 11 QB finalist) and will be a redshirt junior with 4 years in the system come fall. With change, comes uncertainty. However, many believe Maxwell is more talented than Cousins and like any fanbase, there was a small percentage of whackos that were clammoring for Maxwell to start over Cousins this year. No matter how talented and "practiced up" you cannot replace game experience. Therfore, I expect there to be a learning curve with Maxwell and he will make bonehead mistakes that you expect from a first time starting QB. With that said, we aren't trotting out some true freshman and he doesn't have to carry the team, just play smart football and ease into the position.
At WR's, we lose everyone. No way to sugarcoat it. We need 3 players to step up. Likely candidates are Arnett (assuming he recieves NCAA waiver), Burbridge (true freshman stud recruit), Bennie Fowler (had promising RS Frosh year in 2010 but was plagued by foot injury in 2011) and Tony Lippett. There are others, but these are the most likely. I personally feel that WRs and RBs are the easiest postions to replace. It's still hard, but I think young WRs and RBs can make an impact easier than say a young OLineman.
The Oline was a huge concern in 2011. They were awful in the non-conference, but turned into a competent Oline by the end of the year. We return 4 0f 5 starters and expect them to move from competent to good next year. We return all of our RBs.
Offense is a question mark, but I don't think it is crazy to think we can still be in the top half of B1G Ten offenses next year.
And I mean that as a HUGE compliment.
Not a perfect comparison, but Pickelman like RVB is often lost in the shadow of Jerel Worthy (Mike Martin).
Both had humble beginings (Pick's were very humble (a MAC TE)) and have developed into extremely valuable cogs in the middle of their respective defenses. Hard work and minimal pub. The definition of football players.
I'm asking these questions as a college football fan. I'm not upset about BCS. We had our crack at the Rose and lost. At least we had our shot.
I also understand fully that the BCS "non championship games" are not based on finding the best two teams, but rather on $$$.
I agree with this 100%.
As an aside, last night was crushing, but it was not a SpartyNo. Our kids played a great game and had a great season. No reason to hang their heads at all.
As the poster above said, I would not trade UM's season for ours.
Congrats on the Sugar (sincerely), but MSU will not be mourning.
I honestly don't really have any desire to play K-State in the Sugar Bowl. Being that close to the Rose Bowl, everything else feels like a let down.
Also, I will be pulling for the B1G Ten in bowl games. We need to represent.....
I think MSU will have a good showing. It is not uncommon (even in the SEC) for tickets to go for below face value in championship games.
Here is a link.
http://www.indystar.com/article/20111130/SPORTS/111300368/Big-Ten-football-championship-game-Game-lacks-buzz-sellers?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|IndyStar.com|s
Small correction though. We will have a first year starting QB, but he will be a redshirt junior. We expect big things from Andrew Maxwell.
Hope both teams are undefeated when they meet.
Figured the board would be in good spirits tonight......guess not.
At the conclusion of a long regular season, I think both state schools should be proud. Nothing wrong with that IMO.
I think most pundits had you guys anywhere from 6 on the low end and 9 on the high end with most in the 8-4 range right?
Great year. Great job by Hoke and his staff.
Wiscy is famous for bombing out bad teams. Minny has improved on offense with Gray, but Wiscy OLine will wear out Minny and put up A TON of points. Bielema loves tacking on too. I could see a 50-17 type score.
We have a petition going on the MSU board I particpate on. I figure the more Big Ten fans that can get to Delaney the better.
Then put the Cap One game at 8:30. I'd still watch. Or stagger the start time so there is some overlap, but having all three kickoff at 1:00pm is just awful IMO.
I would hope that most businesses close for Jan. 2nd. With New Years Eve and Day falling on the weekend, but yeah, that sucks.
No clue what to expect out of the good guys (that's MSU) this year. We will probably get bombed by Duke and UNC in the non-conference, as always, and then rally for the big 10 season. HOWEVER, the Big Ten is going to be TOUGH top to bottom.
Personally, I am just very happy to never have to watch Durrell Summers moap around anymore. I "like" the guys personalities on our team which makes it more fun to follow.
I still can't get too fired up for basketball, while football is on though.
I can only speak for myself. I really place a high value on treating visitors with respect. Despite the running joke on this board, I think the majority of MSU fans especially alumni feel the same way. I'm not saying we are Nebraska (we're not), but I would guess that visitors from other Big Ten schools get treated better at MSU than Michigan fans do due to the rivalry. I wish we could have a respectable rivalry, but we don't. I've been to UM for the MSU game and don't think that UM fans don't taunt MSU folks. It goes both ways. Just look at how I get trashed on this board by "some" posters. It's very easy to use a wide paint brush.
Not sure if I answered the question, but "yes", I would be embarassed if I saw an MSU alumni acted inappropriately. I don't think there is anything wrong with some good natured ribbing/trashtalk, but there is a line that everyone should know.
Kirk Cousins is a bad kid. No parent would want their son to turn out like Kirk Cousins.
Can you imagine if your child were quoted for 4 years as often as Kirk has been?
Overall, I think he does a pretty good job.
Plus, I know from personal experience that the kid does more for other children than 99% of us.
But you don't like his rivalry quote.
He looks like Gargamel (spelling?) from the smurfs!!
Something all Wolverines and Spartans can agree on.
9:00am at the latest.
17? I think your defense is greatly improved, but your offense hasn't scored more points than last year. This also goes along with my prediction of MSU winning the game. If UM wins, they will score more.
Also, I think it is the style of play. I think both coaches will be conservative in the 1st half and I see a low scoring game.
We'll see......It's just a prediction, not the gospel.
1. I said good "compared to the tackles". Flat out our OLIne has not been good as a unit. No sugarcoating it. I don't think we will have a man ball OLine all year. I think best case scenario is to be average running the ball and throw it more.
2. It is maddening, but I think it comes back to the inability to run the ball and some bad decisions/play calls.
3. Roushar has earned a "C". A lot of people feel we miss Treadwell. The jury is still out. Not sure if it is the arrows or the indian. Treadwell being OC would not improve our OLine. With that said, Roushar got an "F" in the NDame. He really tried to be too smart. We ran the unbalanced formation and trick plays and never settled into our normal offense.
But you need to drop the MMartin chop block thing. If you recall, Molk was called for a chop block in that game as well. It is regrettable, but MSU DOES NOT have a history or reputation for chop blocking. Watch the tape of all the MSU/UM games under Dantonio and you will not find a pattern.
Again, it is regrettable, but it is not a normal tactic.
But in an attempt to provide you some info, just avoid the "tennis courts" tailgating area. That is where its the craziest party atmosphere. Anywhere in the old part of campus is a more relaxed family friendly/alumni area. I work park by the MSU Auditorium area. Get there early to secure a spot.
To the OP. I would wager a large sum of money that UM doesn't score 38 points.
Both teams will attempt to run the ball and the way this game normally gets played, I don't expect a lot of scoring in the 1st. half.
I will come back an eat crow, but even if UM wins, I don't expect their point total to be in the 30's.
I feel very confident saying our defense is good. How good? We will see on Saturday.
You won't hear me saying that FAU or CMU have good offenses, but even though they stink, the stunk the worst against us.
Same thing with OSU. Their offense sucks (and is anemic with Bauserman), but they stunk far worse against us (with Braxton Miller) at home than they did at Nebraska.
As for Notre Dame, their point total was bloated because of a special teams TD and an INT that got returned to our 5 yard line or something like that. Yardage wise, we held them to their fewest output.
I read this board frequently and few posters give MSU any credit. I think the MSU D did a nice job of "containing" Denard last year and capitalizing on his mistakes. To me, that is the key. Limit the giant plays and make Denard string 10-15 plays together without making a mistake. Eventually, he will throw a bad pass and you have to be there to capitalize.
Will it happen? We'll find out on Saturday.
Our OLine also is a running joke on this board. No doubt it has been far from stellar, but it has actually improved since the ND game and we ran the ball decent enough to keep the OSU defense honest. I don't think our OLine has to dominate Michigan's DLine to be successful. Just hold up enough to give Kirk time to throw.
Again, we'll see. To me, that is the barometer of this game. Can MSU's Oline hold up and Can MSU's Defense contain Denard and prevent big plays.
My prediction?
MSU 24-UM 14
Not that he needs defending, but Izzo gives a ton of money to the Jimmy V fund (donated $250,000 last year) and he also does endless hours of charity work not to mention supporting the troops in the Middle East. But heaven forbid he donate to MSU.
Also, I think if he didn't take the salary the money would be preserved to the general fund. This way, he gets to direct where it goes.
Man o man
Most coaches look pretty good when you only highlight their losses.
3-2 Notre Dame
3-1 Michigan
I'm sure he has winning records against the rest of the Big Ten teams you don't list and he took over a shit show.
Do you think Beilien is a good coach?
Who has had more sucess Beilen or Dantonio?
How did I miss that? I was focusing on Persa. Thought maybe they took a cheap shot at his injury.
What am I missing in the "Stay Classy Illinois" video?
Is someone taking a cheap shot at Persa? I'm a blind Spartan so bear with me.
My overall sentiment is "Who gives a $h!t".
Will you sleep better at night if you get a bunch of victories from the 1910's-1940's?
Michigan historically has a better football program than MSU. Everyone with half a brain knows that.
We've beaten you three times in a row. I hope we make it four.
That is all.
Do you want me to post the YouTube Videos of Denard's 3 INTs against MSU last year?
For the record, Keyshawn Martin broke off his route in that ND INT. Watch the video.
A few thoughts.
1. He hasn't played that bad. Yes, he looked like a fool when the ball slipped out of his hand and looked like a bigger fool when he couldn't fall on it, but that happens in crap weather. The pick to Sims in the endzone was well thrown, Sims just slipped and couldn't jump. I think the expecatations are very high and he isn't meeting them.
2. Is it a trend? I'm hoping he can right the ship. He still has time and plenty of tough games to prove himself. I think he is capable.
3. HOWEVER, Kirk's greatest weakness is the ability to deal with rush pressure. Unfortunately, this weakness is exploited by our inexperienced and injured OLine. If we win the Legends it will be because the OLine gels and Kirk plays well. If we don't, it will be because our OLine stinks and Kirk can't overcome it.
My two cents.
Those seem like very logical predictions by you :-)
Man Does Brandy look Young and Skinnier.
To me, this guy will always be the rich kid from Pee Wee's big adventure that wants Pee Wee's bike.
We are the underdog, because in my previous ratings....don't you follow all of my posts :-).....MSU had only a 15% chance.
We are making a charge down the homestrech.
Your point is well taken re: Nichol and Boisture.
However, bashing Maxwell because he hasn't overtaken Cousins is a stretch. Stars don't matter when you get to college and Cousins is an above average college QB. He will very likely be 1st or 2nd team All Big Ten next year.
Maxwell shined at Elite 11 and all reports are that he is on track to be the heir apparent.
No rumblings on what the next step for joe is at this point.
That is exactly what i was trying to do by using that choice of words. No reason to rip on the kid. We'll see what happens.
There is a small chance he gives up football. Notice he thanked the medical staff. He has been dealing with back problems.
I don't think he ends up at MSU. It is very rare for a lifelong UM fan to end up at MSU. It is one thing to not go to UM, but another to commit to MSU.
Reminds me of Zettel recruitment.
I would put odds at:
Oregon 30/Florida 30/Mich 25/MSU 15
He was really the least exciting 4-star recruit of all time. Maxwell was just one year ahead of him and did really well at the Elite 11 camp. Joe went to the same camp the following year and didn't fare so well.
I do think it is too early to say "he sucks". I think he just saw writing on the wall:
2011: Cousins
2012-2013: Maxwell
That would leave him with one year as a starter assuming he held off younger guys.
I wish him the best. Kid was classy with the way he handled his exit....contrast that with Mr. Forcier (not flaming.....just pointing out my preference for maturity).
"It is in my best interest that I have decided to leave the Michigan State football program," Boisture said. "I love the university, my teammates, the medical staff and most of all Coach Dantonio. Coach D truly cares about me and all of his players off the field as well as on the field.
"I have the utmost respect for him as a coach and person and wish him and the Spartans nothing but success."
FWIW, He says that he has spoken to Hoke and OL Coach. He is not committed to Michigan, but they are still very much in it. He says all four schools are equal.
Buzz on MSU site from Mod that conducted interview is that he will still end up Blue.
We'll see. His parents did go on the trip to MSU which shows he at least took the trip seriously.
LT played in the Under Armor game.
Deanthony Arnett (who I agree is a primadonna, but would still like to have him) turned down the all-star games because he plays on the basketball team.
I hate that MHSAA rule
I'm sure I am in the minority here, but I really think it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if Denard transfered.
Yes, I'm sure Hoke/Borgess will try to incorporate some spread stuff, but they are not going to run a read option spread to keep Denard. Therefore, Denard will have to be a pocket passer first and a runner 2nd. From what I observed this year, Denard was a spectacular runner and also hit many big plays when his primary reciever was wide open due to his threat of the runner. However, when D-Rob was forced to read the defense and go to his 2nd or 3rd option it often resulted in INTs.
As an opponent, I would much rather face D-Rob in a pro-style offense than Garder.
Just one Spartan's opinion.
Now, of course Hoke should try to keep Denard on the team, but what if he convinces D-Rob to stay but then Gardner beats him out and Hoke asks D-Rob to change positions. This could be a touchy spot. I know Denard is a great kid, but he may feel like the rug had been pulled out from under him.
It will be interesting to follow, but if Denard transfers I don't think it would be doom and gloom.
p.s. Was anyone else waiting for Hoke to take a guitar and smash it over Drew Sharp's head like Bluto from Animal House.?
Exactly :-)