Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Michigan State has nothing left to prove against Michigan; Spartans can compete with anyone
Michigan State has nothing left to prove against Michigan; Spartans can compete with anyone
Saturday, October 09, 2010, 10:12 PM
David Mayo | The Grand Rapids Press David Mayo | The Grand Rapids Press
ANN ARBOR -- Denard Robinson hung his head, something not seen around here this season until dusk began to fall over Michigan Stadium early Saturday evening. His Heisman Trophy hopes took a kick in the ribs. The infallibility of his Michigan Wolverines vanished over the course of less than three hours.
And the State of the State became clearer than ever.
Whether Michigan State finally has transformed into a dominant college football program remains to be seen.
Whether it has transformed into the dominant team within state boundaries has not.
The Spartans’ celebration after a 34-17 victory was surprisingly muted. They didn’t sprint en masse to their tiny sliver of fans in the southwest corner of Michigan Stadium for a round of sing-song praise. They didn’t toss helmets into the night sky. They didn’t, for sure, seem particularly surprised by the events of the day.
It is a team that has grown up, in a program that isn’t far behind, and they emptied the arsenal.
They intercepted two passes in the end zone and three on the day. They did not allow Robinson to run behind their defense a single time. They ran one play in which quarterback Kirk Cousins, on an end around from a Wildcat formation with Keshawn Martin taking the snap, threw a completion that covered half the field and set up a score. They ran the ball, then ran it some more.
And when the game ended, they reunited in the locker room with their head coach, Mark Dantonio, who worked from the press box three weeks after a heart attack, and Edwin Baker said he never had seen the boss so happy.
Baker, who rushed for 147 yards, said something else, too. He said the Spartans intended to show the whole world they were going to run the football, play Big Ten football, play championship-caliber football. Then, they did. His team is 6-0. The college football world is still theirs to seize.
“When you’re a little kid, you dream of playing games like this,” Baker said. “Today, we did that, and we had fun doing it. It’s a great feeling.”
For the third consecutive year, the Spartans handled the Wolverines, the first time they achieved such a feat since 1965-67, during the final vestiges of their last era of true national prominence.
But this time was different than the last two.
The game wasn’t close. There was no substantive Michigan rally, none of that gnawing feeling that Michigan State fans get in their gut -- the one bred into their lot, a virtual DNA strand unto itself, whenever these two teams meet -- that innately tells them to await the dropping of the other shoe.
That never happened because Michigan left points on the field. Plenty of them. Just about enough to make the difference in the game.
It never happened because Michigan State took those points away, forced Robinson to beat them with his arm, then discovered what others suspected, that if you can manage all of that, the sophomore dynamo isn’t consistent enough to win just with his arm.
Michigan was gallant. For much of the first half, it controlled the action. But it couldn’t stop the long play -- Michigan State had gains of 34, 61, 41, 41, 42 and 44 yards -- and it couldn’t win on Robinson’s heroics alone.
Three years ago, after Michigan pulled out an unlikely victory in this game, Mike Hart uttered his now-regrettable remark that spotting a lead to MSU, then coming from behind to win, was kind of like toying your little brother in basketball.
Michigan hasn’t beaten Michigan State in either football or men’s basketball since then.
“My freshman year, that was probably the worst feeling, being up in the game, then losing, and the comments after the game,” Greg Jones, Michigan State’s star linebacker, said. “I don’t understand. It was probably one of the worst feelings to have. I don’t think anybody wanted to have that feeling again.”
In a matchup of undefeated and nationally ranked teams, the Spartans responded with the biggest win in this series during the Dantonio era. They underscored that they are potentially a very, very good team with a balanced offense, the capability to make timely defensive plays, and outstanding special teams.
They have built a complete team capable of competing with anyone, nationally.
Whether they actually do so, they still have a half-season, plus a bowl game, to prove.
Whether they can do so with Michigan, debate no more.
MSU's 536 yards give Michigan a reality check
MSU's 536 yards give Michigan a reality check
BY MARK SNYDER
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
Michigan State fans slapped the edge of the Michigan Stadium bowl, drawing attention to their location.
Then, as fans filed through the concourse after the Spartans’ 34-17 win over U-M on Saturday, the MSU faithful unfurled a green-and-white banner: “Little brother beat your a—again”
With the win marking three straight for the Spartans for the first time since 1965-67, there was more than the usual first-loss pain among the Wolverines.
“It does count a little bit more than one because it is Michigan State,” Michigan junior receiver Darryl Stonum said. “To us, it counts more than one, but on the record board it still counts as one. We’re still in the hunt for the Big Ten championship, and our goals are still alive.”
After Saturday, though, those goals may have to be re-evaluated.
Reality struck hard for the vaunted U-M offense and QB Denard Robinson.
The sophomore Heisman candidate exceeded his season’s total of mistakes, with three interceptions, little of his patented running burst and more than a few poor throws that cost potential touchdowns.
Adding to his receivers’ drops and lack of sustained tailback production, the season’s safety valve — a steamroller offense — wasn’t there.
“We made too many mistakes against a good team to win today,” coach Rich Rodriguez said. “We were just a little bit off, not only in the pass game, but the run game as well. Sometimes that happens and you’ve got to be able to overcome it with another big play offensively or a big play on special teams or a turnover on defense.
Something like that. (But) none of those things occurred today.”
The defense was as destructive as ever, allowing 536 yards of offense, the fifth-worst single-game performance in program history.
But this wasn’t even the methodical pounding put on by previous opponents. The big play scorched these Wolverines (5-1, 1-1 Big Ten).
They allowed five plays of more than 40 yards, including two rushing touchdowns (one for 61 yards, one for 41) and three passes (a 41-yarder that burned freshman Cullen Christian, then a 43-yard flea-flicker that set up their fourth touchdown midway through the fourth quarter and a 45-yarder to Mark Dell, getting to the Michigan 2).
The question now: How will the Wolverines react?
A close loss in East Lansing started last year’s downward spiral in the Big Ten season. This year’s decisive loss, with Iowa coming to Ann Arbor next week, puts U-M in a tenuous position.
“It’s very hard, it’s my last year, I don’t get another chance,” U-M tight end Martell Webb said. “You can’t dwell on the past. You’ve got to focus on Iowa.”
MSU won at point of attack
MSU won at point of attack
BY DREW SHARP
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
This will not sit well in Ann Arbor.
And it shouldn’t.
Michigan State has surpassed Michigan in football.
The indisputable evidence of this stunning transition lies in the tread marks stretched across the backs of a Michigan team not just humbled Saturday, but pummeled.
Had the Spartans survived a high-flying, scoreboard-tiring shootout on the game’s final drive, it might be more easily acceptable as a memorable classic that somebody had to lose. But this was a philosophy that triumphed.
Daring is necessary. Speed is an absolute in football, but nothing can replace the basic credo of physically winning at the point of attack.
Michigan got a harsh reminder that it cannot sustain success in the Big Ten through finesse. There inevitably comes a time when either you smack the guy lined up across from you in the mouth or you stand there and get smacked yourself.
Michigan exhibited a glass chin Saturday.
Don’t talk to me about the last 30 years. All that matters are the three years under Rich Rodriguez, and he’s now 0-3 against the Spartans. It’s the first time that the Spartans have won three straight against their primary rival since 1967 in the closing years of the Bump Elliott era when the Wolverines often played before a half-empty Michigan Stadium.
Sparty rules the state for the time being.
One of the MSU assistant coaches told me following the game that it was as though destiny had smiled upon this team considering the tribulations they’ve endured the last three weeks. They’ve played at an incredibly high level since head coach Mark Dantonio’s mild heart attack following the Notre Dame overtime victory.
The stakes increase for them now. They travel to Iowa in two weeks in the game that will determine Ohio State’s most serious challenger for the Big Ten championship.
The Spartans are now officially bowl eligible at 6-0. They’ve guaranteed themselves a trip to Ford Field and the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl at the very least already, but nothing short of nine wins now is acceptable considering what they’ve accomplished and the fact that their schedule doesn’t include the soon-to-be No. 1 ranked Buckeyes.
Dantonio always preached that he envisioned a program that would intimidate instead of being the intimidated.
It was Michigan that looked scared Saturday, a feeling never more accurately applied than when Rodriguez opted to punt the ball trailing 17 points with around six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
It made no sense trusting a defense that had proven itself incapable of standing up to Michigan State’s dominating offensive line. Rodriguez acknowledged afterward that he probably made a mistake in not trusting his team’s lone strength – its offense.
The Wolverines’ season is far from over although they’re probably the unhappiest 5-1 team in the country because they believed the national hype that Superman was their quarterback. But Michigan State just gave every future Michigan opponent the blueprint for defending Denard Robinson – a physical defensive front and linebackers who smartly didn’t over-pursue Robinson, staying in their lanes and waiting for him to come to them.
This loss will sting for awhile. Someone draped a banner outside Michigan Stadium following the game that read “Little Brother Just Kicked Your (Butt) Again.”
Little brother hasn’t just grown up. It’s passed big brother.
BY DREW SHARP
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
And it shouldn’t.
Michigan State has surpassed Michigan in football.
The indisputable evidence of this stunning transition lies in the tread marks stretched across the backs of a Michigan team not just humbled Saturday, but pummeled.
Had the Spartans survived a high-flying, scoreboard-tiring shootout on the game’s final drive, it might be more easily acceptable as a memorable classic that somebody had to lose. But this was a philosophy that triumphed.
Daring is necessary. Speed is an absolute in football, but nothing can replace the basic credo of physically winning at the point of attack.
Michigan got a harsh reminder that it cannot sustain success in the Big Ten through finesse. There inevitably comes a time when either you smack the guy lined up across from you in the mouth or you stand there and get smacked yourself.
Michigan exhibited a glass chin Saturday.
Don’t talk to me about the last 30 years. All that matters are the three years under Rich Rodriguez, and he’s now 0-3 against the Spartans. It’s the first time that the Spartans have won three straight against their primary rival since 1967 in the closing years of the Bump Elliott era when the Wolverines often played before a half-empty Michigan Stadium.
Sparty rules the state for the time being.
One of the MSU assistant coaches told me following the game that it was as though destiny had smiled upon this team considering the tribulations they’ve endured the last three weeks. They’ve played at an incredibly high level since head coach Mark Dantonio’s mild heart attack following the Notre Dame overtime victory.
The stakes increase for them now. They travel to Iowa in two weeks in the game that will determine Ohio State’s most serious challenger for the Big Ten championship.
The Spartans are now officially bowl eligible at 6-0. They’ve guaranteed themselves a trip to Ford Field and the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl at the very least already, but nothing short of nine wins now is acceptable considering what they’ve accomplished and the fact that their schedule doesn’t include the soon-to-be No. 1 ranked Buckeyes.Dantonio always preached that he envisioned a program that would intimidate instead of being the intimidated.
It was Michigan that looked scared Saturday, a feeling never more accurately applied than when Rodriguez opted to punt the ball trailing 17 points with around six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
It made no sense trusting a defense that had proven itself incapable of standing up to Michigan State’s dominating offensive line. Rodriguez acknowledged afterward that he probably made a mistake in not trusting his team’s lone strength – its offense.
The Wolverines’ season is far from over although they’re probably the unhappiest 5-1 team in the country because they believed the national hype that Superman was their quarterback. But Michigan State just gave every future Michigan opponent the blueprint for defending Denard Robinson – a physical defensive front and linebackers who smartly didn’t over-pursue Robinson, staying in their lanes and waiting for him to come to them.
This loss will sting for awhile. Someone draped a banner outside Michigan Stadium following the game that read “Little Brother Just Kicked Your (Butt) Again.”
Little brother hasn’t just grown up. It’s passed big brother.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Fake field goal in overtime gives Spartans classic victory
Fake field goal in overtime gives Spartans classic victory
MATT CHARBONEAU - The Detroit News
East Lansing -- Another night game, another classic at Spartan Stadium.
The latest entry in the tradition of Michigan State-Notre Dame shockers went the Spartans' way Saturday night when punter Aaron Bates threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to tight end Charlie Gantt on a fake field goal for a 34-31 overtime victory.
As expected, the outcome produced emotions that ran the gamut.
"Wow, what a football game," Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said. "We made a great play at the end of the game. But it was a big night for the Spartans."
And in the Notre Dame locker room, the feelings were the exact opposite.
"Words can't really explain it right now," Notre Dame safety Zeke Motta said. "It's just an awful taste in your mouth."
Before the final play, things were looking pretty grim for the Spartans (3-0). They had stopped the Fighting Irish on a key third-and-2 and forced a 33-yard field goal during Notre Dame's first possession of overtime.
But when the Spartans got the ball, they had trouble moving. Edwin Baker was dropped for a 2-yard loss and quarterback Kirk Cousins scrambled for 7 yards on second down. On third-and-5, Cousins took a sack, losing 9 yards and setting up what appeared to be a 46-yard field-goal attempt by sophomore kicker Dan Conroy.
"When he sacked the quarterback," Dantonio said. "I looked at him and said, 'Little Giants.' That's the name of the play."
What was the reaction from Bates? A confident nod and a simple, "OK."
"We practiced that play all week," said Bates, a senior captain. "Coach D loves running fakes, especially ones he draws up. He wanted to run it a couple other times during the game but the opportunity didn't come up.
"We had it on the right hash and they were running the defense we wanted them to run. Originally the play was made for Le'Veon (Bell), but they kind of got twisted up, which was what we wanted to happen. Charlie cleared up and I threw it out there. I knew he would make the catch."
While Gantt wasn't surprised to see the ball coming his way, it wasn't exactly how things had gone during practice.
"All through the week of practice I never got the ball once," the senior tight end said. "Le'Veon would shoot up the middle and catch it. Aaron did a great job of reading it, Le'Veon was covered and jammed two people. I got open and caught the ball."
And as the ball soared through the night sky, what was going through Gantt's mind?
"Just catch it, do not drop the ball," he said. "Once I caught it and knew I was going to score, the next thing I thought was, 'Don't get dragged to the bottom of the pile.' Last year against Michigan I was on the bottom of the pile and it was the worst feeling of my life. I just made sure to stay on my feet and celebrate with my teammates. It was the most incredible feeling of my life. In my entire life, it was the most amazing feeling ever."
The start of the game was not an accurate predictor to what was to come. Only 14 points were scored in the first half, which ended in a 7-7 tie.
Notre Dame's spread offense was in full force on its first scoring drive, 80 yards in nine plays capped by a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dayne Crist to Michael Floyd to put Notre Dame up 7-0. A roughing the passer penalty on linebacker John Misch helped get the Fighting Irish to the Michigan State 7-yard-line before the scoring play.
The Spartans marched down on their next drive, but quarterback Kirk Cousins threw an interception in the end zone. It was the second straight week he's been picked off in the end zone.
"Maybe I'm playing a little too tight, I don't know," said Cousins, who finished 23-for-33 for 245 yards and two touchdowns. "I made some mistakes at times, but my teammates picked me up and we got the win."He bounced back on the Spartans' next drive, however, connecting with Keshawn Martin from 6 yards out to tie the score at 7 late in the second quarter. The Spartans went 94 yards on seven plays after cornerback Johnny Adams intercepted a pass from Crist.
While the first half was lacking in scoring, it didn't take long to realize the big plays would starting coming in the third quarter.
Michigan State running back Edwin Baker, who had just 17 yards in the first half, got things going when he went 56 yards on Michigan State's second play of the third quarter to put the Spartans in front for the first time, 14-7.
Cousins connected with B.J. Cunningham for 18 yards on the first play, setting up Baker's run.
Notre Dame bounced right back, going 74 yards in six plays and only 1:46. Crist hit tight end Kyle Rudolph from 10 yards out to tie the score again.
Bell then got rolling. The freshman running back scored on a 16-yard run and went over the 100-yard mark for the second time in three games. But it was his run on a screen pass on third-and-12 that people will be talking about.
Bell was hit near the line of scrimmage and looked like he was going to go down for no gain. But he spun out of the tackle, regained his balance and carried another tackler to pick up 12 yards and the first down. On the next play, he barreled into the end zone to put MSU up 21-14.
"It was definitely exciting for me," said Bell, who finished with 114 yards on 17 carries. "When I first ran out of the tunnel, it's a night game and all of these people just yelling. But at the same time, I was nervous."
Notre Dame came right back again, going 77 yards in 11 plays, finishing it off with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Theo Riddick. The drive was kept alive when Adams was flagged for holding on third-and-16 from the 37-yard-line.
After Michigan State went three-and-out, Crist continued to pick apart the Spartans, hitting Floyd on a 24-yard touchdown pass to put the Fighting Irish back in front, 28-21.
But the Spartans fought back, forcing Notre Dame to punt for the first time in the second half. The offense then went 56 yards on four plays to tie the score at 28 with 7:43 to play.
On second-and-12 from the Notre Dame 24, Cousins scrambled from pressure, rolled to his right and hit Cunningham for the score.
Crist had a huge night for the Irish (1-2), going 32-for-55 for 369 yards and four touchdowns. Riddick had 10 catches for 128 yards while Rudolph had eight grabs for 80 yards and Floyd had six catches for 81.
None of it, however, was consolation to the Irish."It hurts," Rudolph said. "When you go out like that you've just got to come together as a team and believe in each other and come back on Monday."
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Can You feel it?
Football in all of it's idiotic, sweaty glory is almost here. I'd like to offer some thoughts to those that are sick of watching their baseball teams squander their chances for greatness on a nightly basis (I'm looking in your direction White Sox) on the subject of Spartan Football in 2010.
1. Kirk Cousins is a Pro : This kid was arguably the third best QB in the Big Ten last year when looking at all of his statistics. With a 142.6 rating and only 9 sacks given up the entire season, Kirk will only be smarter, stronger and faster this year.
2. Receivers : Blair White, the Big Ten's #2 receiver last year overall is gone now, but we have an armada of talent for Cousins to throw to. BJ Cunningham, Keshawn Martin and even Keith Nichol (yes, Cousins' backup QB from last year) will provide the flash to open up the running game dash.
3. Winning the Close Ones : Excluding the Penn State game, we lost 5 games by a combined 23 points last year. That's only 4.6 points a game. That equates to one missed tackle, one more block or one kept turnover a game. This has to change this year.
4. Dantonio : This is coach D's fourth year at MSU. We shall see if the seeds he sowed four years ago grow into a strong class of Seniors.
5. Michigan : Let us not forget, Michigan, the great Maize from A2 finished last in the Big Ten last year. Let me say that again. Michigan finished LAST in the Big Ten last year. If that's not motivation, I don't know what is.
6. Home Sweet Home : We play 12 games in the Big Ten season. 8, yes EIGHT of those games are at home this year. We don't leave Spartan Stadium until the middle of October, the SIXTH game of the season against, you guessed it, UM. The first UM v MSU game in their newly rennovated stadium. Can't wait to rain at that parade.
Wake me up on September 4th when we get to take on the Broncos in game 1...
SpartyOn!
1. Kirk Cousins is a Pro : This kid was arguably the third best QB in the Big Ten last year when looking at all of his statistics. With a 142.6 rating and only 9 sacks given up the entire season, Kirk will only be smarter, stronger and faster this year.
2. Receivers : Blair White, the Big Ten's #2 receiver last year overall is gone now, but we have an armada of talent for Cousins to throw to. BJ Cunningham, Keshawn Martin and even Keith Nichol (yes, Cousins' backup QB from last year) will provide the flash to open up the running game dash.
3. Winning the Close Ones : Excluding the Penn State game, we lost 5 games by a combined 23 points last year. That's only 4.6 points a game. That equates to one missed tackle, one more block or one kept turnover a game. This has to change this year.
4. Dantonio : This is coach D's fourth year at MSU. We shall see if the seeds he sowed four years ago grow into a strong class of Seniors.
5. Michigan : Let us not forget, Michigan, the great Maize from A2 finished last in the Big Ten last year. Let me say that again. Michigan finished LAST in the Big Ten last year. If that's not motivation, I don't know what is.
6. Home Sweet Home : We play 12 games in the Big Ten season. 8, yes EIGHT of those games are at home this year. We don't leave Spartan Stadium until the middle of October, the SIXTH game of the season against, you guessed it, UM. The first UM v MSU game in their newly rennovated stadium. Can't wait to rain at that parade.
Wake me up on September 4th when we get to take on the Broncos in game 1...
SpartyOn!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
IT'S OFFICIAL. IZZO STAYING AT MSU.
Scott Westerman, Executive Director of The MSU Alumni Association, just announced that Tom Izzo will be staying at MSU. He announced this to the Southwestern Michigan Alumni Club at their annual MSU Steak Cookout at around 7:20 PM. There was never any question. SpartyOn!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Tom Izzo: A Michigan Gem who Belongs in East Lasing
Tom Izzo: A Michigan Gem who Belongs in East Lasing
June 12, 10:36 AM · Bill Amadeo - Sports Business and Marketing Examiner
San Francisco Examiner
Sometimes in life, we come close to perfection. Maybe it's a job, maybe it's a relationship or maybe it's just a fleeting moment that will stick with us for a lifetime. While perfection is rare in life, it is even more unusual when it happens in the world of sports. One such "perfect" relationship is Tom Izzo as the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans Basketball Team. Sadly, this relationship may be coming to an end. Consider this article as one last plea to keep the man where he belongs: On the campus of Michigan State University wearing green and white and leading the Spartans to yet another Final Four.
The Stats
No one can question the brilliance Tom Izzo has displayed in his coaching career. The man who began his career at Ishpeming High School in Michigan has evolved into the best basketball mind of his generation. During his tenure at Michigan State, Izzo has won a National Title in 2000, led the Spartans to six Final Fours and six Big Ten Championships. Tom Izzo is a role model for anyone in the coaching profession. If there is one quote which would describe his career, it would have to be one he made to the media several years ago. Izzo was quoted as saying, "We'll play anybody, anyplace, anytime. It doesn't matter, morning, noon or night, and it doesn't matter who it is." Is there any wonder he is so beloved in Michigan?
The History
While no one can dispute his accomplishments, the story gets even better. Tom Izzo grew up in Iron Mountain, Michigan which is located in the proud states Upper Peninsula (UP). Coming from the UP and evolving into a legend was no easy task but that is just what Tom Izzo has done. There are generations of Michigan State Alumni who look at Izzo as a hero and for him to leave his beloved school would be a tragedy in the world of sports. There are millions of reasons for Tom Izzo to stay. However, there are also 30 million reasons he may go.
The Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers want Izzo to be their coach. They have offered him a six-year contract with $30,000,000 in guaranteed salary. This will double his current salary and allow Izzo to coach at the next level. Rumors are that if LeBron James is coming back to Cleveland, Izzo will join him. There is also reason to believe that James is making a demand for Izzo. Only time will tell what will happen.
The Fans
The fans in East Lansing are distraught that Tom Izzo could leave and this is something they never thought would happen. One of the biggest Michigan State fans in the world is B.J. Rycus who is an alumni and the Vice President of Rycus Flooring in Lansing, Michigan. Rycus, who had a stellar high school athletic career and has coached at different levels is concerned that Izzo could take his whistle to the NBA. Rycus, like so many other MSU supporters, are terrified this could happen.
When asked his thoughts on the potential move, Rycus was quoted as saying, "There has never been a more perfect match between a coach and a university than MSU and Tom Izzo. The blue-collar coach from the U.P. matched with the Land Grant University. Tom Izzo belongs in East Lansing."
The Outcome
The objective sports fan has to wonder, is this really about money? Tom Izzo makes more than three million a season in Michigan and lives like a king. A move to the NBA could be a mistake. While his large bank account would get even bigger, what if it didn't work out?
Just as LeBron James belongs in a Cleveland Cavalier uniform, Tom Izzo should be seen pacing the sidelines of the Breslin Center. If Tom Izzo leaves this school, it will be a mistake for his career and heartbreak for the loyal fans of Michigan State.
Tom, if you're reading this, please do the sports world a favor: Stay in East Lansing where you belong and bring the MSU another national title.
As one MSU grad stated today, "The waiting is the hardest part." Good luck Mr. Izzo. In every sense of the word, the ball is in your court.
June 12, 10:36 AM · Bill Amadeo - Sports Business and Marketing Examiner
San Francisco Examiner
Sometimes in life, we come close to perfection. Maybe it's a job, maybe it's a relationship or maybe it's just a fleeting moment that will stick with us for a lifetime. While perfection is rare in life, it is even more unusual when it happens in the world of sports. One such "perfect" relationship is Tom Izzo as the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans Basketball Team. Sadly, this relationship may be coming to an end. Consider this article as one last plea to keep the man where he belongs: On the campus of Michigan State University wearing green and white and leading the Spartans to yet another Final Four.
The Stats
No one can question the brilliance Tom Izzo has displayed in his coaching career. The man who began his career at Ishpeming High School in Michigan has evolved into the best basketball mind of his generation. During his tenure at Michigan State, Izzo has won a National Title in 2000, led the Spartans to six Final Fours and six Big Ten Championships. Tom Izzo is a role model for anyone in the coaching profession. If there is one quote which would describe his career, it would have to be one he made to the media several years ago. Izzo was quoted as saying, "We'll play anybody, anyplace, anytime. It doesn't matter, morning, noon or night, and it doesn't matter who it is." Is there any wonder he is so beloved in Michigan?
The History
While no one can dispute his accomplishments, the story gets even better. Tom Izzo grew up in Iron Mountain, Michigan which is located in the proud states Upper Peninsula (UP). Coming from the UP and evolving into a legend was no easy task but that is just what Tom Izzo has done. There are generations of Michigan State Alumni who look at Izzo as a hero and for him to leave his beloved school would be a tragedy in the world of sports. There are millions of reasons for Tom Izzo to stay. However, there are also 30 million reasons he may go.
The Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers want Izzo to be their coach. They have offered him a six-year contract with $30,000,000 in guaranteed salary. This will double his current salary and allow Izzo to coach at the next level. Rumors are that if LeBron James is coming back to Cleveland, Izzo will join him. There is also reason to believe that James is making a demand for Izzo. Only time will tell what will happen.
The Fans
The fans in East Lansing are distraught that Tom Izzo could leave and this is something they never thought would happen. One of the biggest Michigan State fans in the world is B.J. Rycus who is an alumni and the Vice President of Rycus Flooring in Lansing, Michigan. Rycus, who had a stellar high school athletic career and has coached at different levels is concerned that Izzo could take his whistle to the NBA. Rycus, like so many other MSU supporters, are terrified this could happen.
When asked his thoughts on the potential move, Rycus was quoted as saying, "There has never been a more perfect match between a coach and a university than MSU and Tom Izzo. The blue-collar coach from the U.P. matched with the Land Grant University. Tom Izzo belongs in East Lansing."
The Outcome
The objective sports fan has to wonder, is this really about money? Tom Izzo makes more than three million a season in Michigan and lives like a king. A move to the NBA could be a mistake. While his large bank account would get even bigger, what if it didn't work out?
Just as LeBron James belongs in a Cleveland Cavalier uniform, Tom Izzo should be seen pacing the sidelines of the Breslin Center. If Tom Izzo leaves this school, it will be a mistake for his career and heartbreak for the loyal fans of Michigan State.
Tom, if you're reading this, please do the sports world a favor: Stay in East Lansing where you belong and bring the MSU another national title.
As one MSU grad stated today, "The waiting is the hardest part." Good luck Mr. Izzo. In every sense of the word, the ball is in your court.
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