mun

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 5:01 a.m.

Hey Spartans! It's YOUR FAULT, not Michigan's, that you didn't take care of business on Saturday in Indy! The BCS looks at how you finish.

#58ontheroster

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 1:49 a.m.

Well, we all got our wish. Michigan is in the Sugar Bowl against a Virginia Tech team. Congratulations to Coach Hoke and the Michigan players. Go Blue. Do us proud.

PHXblue

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 12:47 a.m.

Not concerned with where MSU ends up, but for my own selfish reasons I am hoping we end up in the Fiesta since I can see the stadium from my house! Seems like there is a decent chunk of U-M fans here in AZ, as well as Mick in San Diego...

Stephen Landes

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 11:42 p.m.

MSU -- the Rodney Dangerfield of B1G football.

Plubius

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 11:27 p.m.

What is truly sad is that something as completely meaningless as football garners more comments than any other article I have read on Ann Arbor.com over the past several years.

Mick

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 9:58 p.m.

U-M is 7-4 against SEC in Bowl Games, wait for it......STELLAR. Also, "And BCS bowl? The spartans' bowl record is 7-14. They've lost their last FIVE bowl games. They are famous for choking. Michigan's bowl record is 19-21." @Ron Granger, to put those Bowl records to further inspection, U-M lost a lot of Bowl Games in big time bowls like the Rose Bowl against always home playing teams like USC & UCLA a majority of the time. We also lost a Sugar Bowl to Bo Jackson and Auburn, an Orange Bowl to National Champs Oklahoma and other losses to big time programs in some lesser bowls like the Citrus/Capital or Outback or in the Alamo Bowl. Programs we lost to in those bowls include Alabama, Tennessee and Nebraska among others. Who did you lose to in your bowl games and in what bowl games were they? No really, think about it for a minute.

D21

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 9:09 p.m.

Billy Bob, These little brothers have gone over to the dark side completely with the aid of Phil Knight & Nike. Hoke and I want to see UM play against them in BCS bowl, period! TiM

barnz378

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 9:06 p.m.

Cousins is right as much as I don't like it. Either team looked like it could play anyone in the country last night. I called this a month ago. Wisconsin looked really good and I didn't want to play them. Exactly what I thought would happen did happen. This will just mean we will watch UM, MSU, OSU and all the other pound the crap out of Deleware State, EMU and CMU so on. Our Septembers are going to suck from a football point of view. What if MSU did not play ND this year and instead played Bowling Green? Does that mean they would be looking at the Sugar Bowl now?

Billy Bob Schwartz

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.

Okay. I have a question while we are on the subject of M-shoe. Why don't they wear real green anymore? Did you look at those uniforms? They are almost black. Are they ashamed of the green or just trying to be innovative or what? Someone I asked said it was because they were tired of the Moo U. thing and wanted to play down the grass and milk look. That's ridiculous, isn't it?? When my brother attended that school, the color was green. Real, honest to goodness green. Can someone please help me with this? It's driving me crazy.

NoSUVforMe

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 8:36 p.m.

Can't feel sorry for Dantonio and his 6 personal foul "student atheletes." Maybe they should be playing a prison team that is used to playing dirty.

D21

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 8:32 p.m.

To the BCS, We implore you to award a nice bowl to UM and State by this evening. What a great payback it will be for UM against the little brothers. GO BLUE, TiM!

golfer

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 8:20 p.m.

you want to play what if's. OK here is one to look at. msu did not play osu with all their players. some of those whom did not play were really good. michigan played them with all of those guys back. so take it for what it is. the crying does not help. winning football games does. so lets start this after the bowl games are done. i would rather play in a bcs bowl than a none bcs bowl.

Robert Batey

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 8:04 p.m.

I agree with Mike Bush! Beat ND and Nebraska and don't worry about Michigan. I am sure Michigan would have loved to be in the Championship game, but you were and you blew it. Typical! You controlled your own destiny and you chocked and now you want to worry about Michigan getting a BCS game? The last time I checked 3 was a larger number than 2. Dantonio is a risk taker and it cost you. Everyone in the Big Ten should know his M.O. by now. Find something else to whine about.

genetracy

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 7:31 p.m.

I was at the game last night and whatever the outcome of the bowl selection commitee, these are the facts. 1. MSU beat UM this year. Please stop saying, "We were only six yards away from tieing" and "MSU played too rough" The final score said MSU won. 2. UM did not play Wisconsin. MSU played them twice and were 1 and 1. The only other ranked team UM played was Nebraska. 3. Now, please don't sat as a UM fan, "Well, we beat Nebraska and they beat MSU." You lost to Iowa and MSU manhandled them. 4. MSU played in the inaugural Big 10 championship game. UM did not. The game was decided the last minute and yes, the better team, Wisconsin, won. Now, as UM fans, quit your gloating. MSU was not blown out by an Indiana caliber team. We will never know how UM would fare against Wisconsin, but as a team every bit as physical as MSU, I doubt if UM would win. If UM does get a BCS bid, I hope their game is not with an Arkansas, Georgia, or any other SEC school. If they could not handle physical football against MSU, then one of these SEC will re-introduce them to it.

Terry Star21

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 6:52 p.m.

Well, I thought michigan state played a very good game. They did however know their own fate before that game started. The players, coach and the University knew - win this game and it's a BCS Bowl, lose and a regular bowl. The task at hand was to win, they didn't. Complaining about it after a loss is poor sportsmanship, plain and simple. Take it like good sports and prepare for your bowl game. I am going out on the limb saying a record ten Big Ten teams make a bowl game; Rose - wisconsin, Sugar - Michigan w/ maybe Kansas State an at-large, Gator - ohio state (yes,their bowl power is alive), Outback - michigan state, Capitol - nebraska, Ticket City - penn state, Kraft - illinois (yes, I know), Insight - iowa, Mienke - northwestern, and Little Ceasers - purdue (yes I know). MgoBlueForTim...........give me some Sugar tonight.

JGS

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 6:48 p.m.

Laughable - More sparty whining and crying. All the sparties care about is what Michigan is doing. The obsessive compulsive behavior is typical of little brother. "Oh yeah? Well we beat you 5 in a row big bro" Hmmm ok great, let's have a look at the last 20 years including your 5 in a row. Once a loser, always a loser. Failure on sparty!

mookienation

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 6:45 p.m.

Michigan is ranked #13 and #12 in the new polls that just came out. I can't believe this team might finish in the top ten. That's a big MIGHT, but the fact that it's still possible is amazing.

The1Cool

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 6:39 p.m.

MSU is more of the same program than they are different. They still have the inferiority complex, always comparing themselves to Michigan, they still let immaturity and a lack of discipline affect them on and off the field, their coach still does not discipline players to the standards he sets, they still haven't won a bowl game. The one difference is that they have won more in the past 2 years.

vwp11

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 6:38 p.m.

It really bugs MSU fans and their entire football program that U-M is still considered a premiere program with national relevancy and they [MSU] "get no respect". They blame Michigan for their own inability to achieve BCS relevancy when MSU had total control over their destiny last night. Win the game. Go to the Rose Bowl. Don't make a couple bonehead plays when you could have won the game at the end... the guy who ran into the punter wasn't wearing a winged helmet. It looked pretty green to me. They didn't do anything wrong, of course. Michigan sat on the couch and ruined their whole season. Wow. Paranoid or something? If the Spartans ever want people to stop calling them "Little Brother" perhaps they should stop sounding like one pouting "IT'S. NOT. FAIR!" to whichever "parent" will listen. They are so obsessed with being respected that they do things that make it impossible for me to do so.

TFR

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 6:27 p.m.

Mock Kirk Cousins, Coach Dantonio, and MSU in general all you want. It doesn't change the fact that MSU beat Michigan 4 years in a row. When the dust settles tonight, MSU's focus will turn to whomever we are assigned to play in whatever bowl game we are invited to. And after that game is done the focus will return to next season and specifically playing Michigan. So if you want to mock MSU, go ahead and mock us. Just remember, it isn't over. It will never be over! Go STATE!

10dz

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 6:23 p.m.

OK Michigan fans, lets get real for a minute. If we are being honest, then we have to admit a few things. 1. MSU beat us down in a head to head competition. 2. MSU played a great game last night. Its tough to beat a strong Wisconsin team twice and they damn near did it. In fact, should have won. 3. They won the Division and played in the Big Ten Championship. 4. They are the second best team in the Big Ten. We are the third. The BCS does not care about any of this. All they care about is selling tickets and advertising dollars for TV. And that is the ONLY reason Michigan will be selected ahead of MSU. Not because we deserve it more than they do. I was hoping one of two things would happen last night. Either MSU would beat Wisconsin (hate to even say that) because that would definitely push us ahead of Wisconsin, or Wisconsin would blow out (what I really wanted to see) MSU so there would be no question about MSU being ahead of Michigan. Neither happened. MSU showed me a lot last night. Not only are they a very good football team now, but they are going to be a very good football program in the years to come. Dantonio is a very good coach. WE (Michigan fans) better take MSU seriously going forward. None of their four victories against us have been flukes. I like to jab MSU as much as the next guy, but the truth is. They are a different program now. This is the MSU that we haven't seen since the 60's. Let's go get a BCS victory and celebrate a great season. But in the process show MSU the respect they truly deserve. More than anything else, we HAVE to beat them next near. Right now that game is bigger than Alabama, Notre Dame or Ohio state. GO BLUE!!

JimB

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 6:23 p.m.

Congrats to UofM on their strategy for success...lose to MSU and sit back wait.

A2D2

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 6:09 p.m.

Once again, just like the sports talk guys at 97.1, Kirk Cousins, Mark Dantonio, BJ Cunningham, or a million other Sparties - it's never about MSU, it's ALWAYS about Michigan. Talk about reinforcing a stereotype.........

golfer

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 6:09 p.m.

If it weren't for a late running-into-the-kicker call, the story might be different for Michigan State. But that's life in the BCS, every play matters.

Art

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 6:04 p.m.

So very sorry Cousins. Had you not collapsed against ND and especially Nebraska you would be in a better position to make your feeble point. Per Spartan logic the Huskers deserve a better bowl than they do. The problem really boils down to their hatred of UM. In most years msu is an afterthought to Michigan. They can never replace OSU as Michigan's only true arch-rival. They deserve congrats on the last four victories which they have earned on the field but to complain about UM's position in the bowl hierarch is just childish.

The1Cool

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 6:03 p.m.

You know it's most interesting to me that pre-game sparty talk was all about looking forward to proving it on the field, yadda yadda. Now, after losing and not proving it on the field, they're whining about what Michigan will get. Someone pointed out the difference between Michigan players not whining after a loss and dantonio's green guys' complaints... accountability, I teach it to my freshmen, spartans should try it. Dantonio blew it with that risky call. The funny thing about how the game developed is that msu took risks all day, going for 2, nichols' pitch to cunningham, and it work and was exciting. But, while I'm watching I was thinking how a risky call that blows up in their faces could costs them the game.

81wolverine

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 5:40 p.m.

Mr. Cousins: Yes, we have been sitting on couches, but at least give us SOME credit for not dragging them outside and setting them on fire.

um96-09

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 5:38 p.m.

This quote from Dantonio shows why U-M will always get the bid if the records are close: "I don't know if he hit him," Dantonio said. "You probably have seen all the replays, but he threw the flag. I thought he flopped a little bit." No leadership, no accountability, no sportsmanship, no class. The NCAA wants to choose schools that represent college football well. That isn't Dantonio's MSU.

#58ontheroster

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 5:28 p.m.

There's an old saying in the Marine Corps that goes like this: "Excuses are like a**holes. Everybody's got one." I'm reading all the whining from BOTH sides. You're like a bunch of little girls. The season is what it is, and the bowl selection committee will choose who they choose. None of this b*tching, whining, or justifying from either side will change a thing. As a Michigan fan I just want to go to a bowl and win. I don't want to be embarrassed like last year. As MSU fans, I would think that you would feel the same. You can only worry about things you can control. You can't worry about the things you can't control. AND I'm willing to guess that NONE of you played in the game last night, so you had zero control over that. Same with Michigan fans. You had no control over Michigan's season. State's FOOTBALL TEAM beat Michigan's FOOTBALL TEAM head to head. You fans and students had nothing to do with it. Be proud of your team's accomplishments, and stop living your life through the accomplishments of others. Aren't there any adults out there?

MRunner73

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 5:27 p.m.

Look who's whining now. I won't even give Sparty fans a towel to cry on. So what if you lost a close game to Wisconsin Saturday night. The loss puts MSU at 10 and 3. Michigan is 10 and 2. Michigan now owns the better record. Even if you look at the body owrk by MSU; losses to Notre Dame, NE and now WI. Michigan beat both NE and ND. The Maize and Blue win over NE was very convincing. MSU's plan to rush the WI kicker on that last punt was a terrible gamble by Dantonio. A bad call. There was over 2:30 to go in the game. Take the punt and have plenty of time to move the ball down the field, but no, Dantonio wanted it all, at that moment and gambling odds tend to even out. Your Head Coach lost game, MSU fans and he has to own up to that. Looks at the glass half full, you're still going to a good bowl game. It just eats away at you that Michigan is likely going to a better one. We'll know officially soon.

golfer

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 5:15 p.m.

a bowl is a bowl. no matter who plays who. what really counts is that michigan wins... state will get a bowl game. they need to win also. what i hope is that we get some good hs kids. then the big ten will move up on the radar. i keep thinking what brady said."it is played on the field"

Chad Williams

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 5:04 p.m.

Its no different than 2000. Michigan orange bowl msu citrus bowl. Msu won the match up between the two team.

Chad Williams

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 4:57 p.m.

Its no difference in any other conference. No three lost team that isn't a champ goes to a bcs game. Mich is not getting fair treatment. Msu had control of its bcs destiny with a win. Michigan even with the losses yesterday isnt guranteed anything just yet. Baylor possibly kansas state could be a factor. Also boise state can get an at large bid. The best case is the big 12 getting only ok state in the bcs. Pac 12 and sec most likely to get two teams. Wisky, clemson and wvu make 8. two spots remaining and about 4 to 5 possibilities. Its gonna be close hopefully michigans fan base is good enough to convince sugar or fiesta bowl officials.

TooT

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.

MSU couldn't cut it, so what's the first thing they do? Bad mouth U of M. Way to go Spunky....er....Sparky....er......whatever......

Terrin Bell

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 4:26 p.m.

Prior to the Big Ten Championship game, Michigan had the same record as both Michigan State and Wisconsin (10-2). Michigan beat Nebraska and Notre Dame, two teams that beat Michigan State. Michigan dominated Nebraska, and Nebraska beat the heck out of Michigan State. Further, Michigan beat Ohio State, a team that beat Wisconsin. Moreover, Michigan State beat Michigan at home on a day when the wind was wicked. This effected the passing game. So, on a whole, I think Michigan has a great case for taking the at large bid.

Johnny2x2x

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 4:01 p.m.

I'll take our chances next year against Big Sister. You saw the talent we have all over the field, we're returning almost all of the defense.

GoBigBlue

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 3:56 p.m.

Its actually a shame sparty lost the game because they were the better team last night. All that aside, Michigan is looking good for a BCS game. Likely the Sugar vs Ks state. I think this is a nice match up for the Wolverines. The only scary part of the voting is if the voters decide they don't want a rematch and put Ok St in the title game. That would move Bama to the Sugar and we would be looking at back to back games against the Tide. Not sure if that's good or bad? Maybe a look at them now is good to prepare for next year but we would be a heavy underdog. I'm hoping for the Ks St matchup as a nice winnable BCS game with a great stage for Michigan to show future recruits that they are back in the mix.

dan

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 3:49 p.m.

MSU should be more upset that they flat out outplayed wiscy and still FOUND a way to lose. Quit crying about the system, shut up and win, and I am not talking about in week 4 or 5 or 6. WIN the big games. Ya, you beat Michigan, so did Iowa, should Iowa go to a better bowl too? you lost to Nd, should they get a better bowl than you? Quit crying and making excuses, jut win and it would be a mute issue.

coachcookeAZ

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 3:46 p.m.

I am not one to get into the whole taunt your rival thing--frankly, it is stupid!! Congrats to MSU for a great season. I felt all along they were the best team in the Big 10. Both Wisconsin games were classic battles -- hard hitting, fast, down-to-the-wire. All this BCS chatter is where NCAA football enters into its "silly season". The system is flawed. Who goes to what bowls is decided by the system, money, fan base, politics, etc. If you are looking for logic in the mess -- STOP IT!! There is none. I personally don't think UofM is going to move into the coveted top 14 slot. If they do, don't berate the team, its fans, etc -- it is not their fault. They are the benefactors of a flawed system that won't be changed anytime soon. To MSU--team, fans, alumni--celebrate the accomplishments of the real season and move on. To UofM--team, fans, alumni--have the class to congratulate your rival for their accomplishments. Until you beat them on the field of battle--the only one that matters--you haven't won anything!!

Rod Klondike

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 3:33 p.m.

This is MICHIGAN FOR GOD'S SAKE!!!!!

RudeJude

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.

Lol, they lose to Wisconsin and all they can talk about is Michigan? Obsess a little? Somebody has a chip on their shoulder!

macjont

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.

If you want reasons why Michigan has a better chance at a better bowl than MSU, consider these numbers: MSU: 635–427–44 .593 238–198–8 .541 10 – 3 0.769230769230769 13 – 31 3 – 24 Michigan: 894–310–36 – .735 472–186–18 – .712 10 – 2 0.833333333333333 35 – 31 45 – 17 I'll let the readers figure out where they come from and what they mean.

David Vande Bunte

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 3:24 p.m.

This is what life in a 12 team conference is like. This is what happens when you have a conference championship game. I am not going to completely blast MSU for whining, it would be redundant to what many others have said. But I will take Sparty to task for not accepting the reality of their situation. Perhaps it's because the idea and potential ramifications of having a conference championship game haven't sunk in with them yet, I don't know. But MSU knew before they ever played that the stakes were Rose Bowl or bust. They busted out. Is it fair? It doesn't matter whether it's fair or not. This is how the BCS works. Michigan's 10-2 is more attractive than MSU's 10-3. Had MSU beaten either ND or Nebraska, so their record would be 11-2, this would be a non-discussion. They would get an at-large bid out of the B1G guaranteed, even with the loss to Wisconsin in the B1G title game. You can come up with whatever rationale you want, but 10-2 > 10-3. 10-2 = .833 winning percentage. 10-3 = .769 winning percentage. The funny part is, that if MSU had lost to UM, they might have been in the exact same situation Michigan is in now. Too bad, so sad, Sparty. This is what happens with a conference title game.

Theoldgrognard

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 3:15 p.m.

Just for info – I have noted here and there on some Blog sites that there may be some astonishment in East Lansing as to why UM would rate selection to a BCS bowl over MSU. Yes - MSU defeated UM. However, in looking at the scores of the two teams facing common opponents – it is not even close why UM should be selected over MSU. Michigan lost to Iowa // MSU defeated Iowa but Michigan defeated Notre Dame and blew out Nebraska while MSU lost to both and badly. Michigan's point differential in the six common opponent games was 17.667 while MSU's point differential in those games was 0.167. Michigan scored an average of 39.33 points in those games and allowed an average 21.67. MSU scored an average of 20.83 and allowed an average of 20.67.

Rufus

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 3:11 p.m.

I think Dantonio sees the writing on the wall. He's a good coach but in football MSU is MSU. He sees Hoke/ Mattison come in and make many improvements. He sees Michigan pulling in so many top recruits; despite MSU being 2 years at the top of the big ten. It's not a knock against MSU, but that's why Saban left MSU. The top programs tend to stay the top programs in the long run. They draw recruits. Even Notre dame who has been lousy to mediocre through 15-20 years and 4 coaches can still pull in recruits-even though they shouldn't. Michigan was only bad for three years.

Ron Granger

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 3:10 p.m.

Live by the penalty, die by the penalty. An appropriate end to their season. And BCS bowl? The spartans' bowl record is 7-14. They've lost their last FIVE bowl games. They are famous for choking. Michigan's bowl record is 19-21.

thudski

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 3:04 p.m.

Hey InsideTheHall. Please note the quotation marks on the headline. Thus "sitting on the couch" refers to Kirk Cousins saying it. Kyle didn't make it up.

Jarhead

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 2:57 p.m.

I have a question for Mich St. fans If Mich St. had won last night, would you care if Mich went to a BCS bowl game? Or would you rather that Wisc got the bid? How much of this is that you are angry that you might not get a BCS bid? Or do you just hate Michigan?

a2chrisp

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 2:55 p.m.

Hahhahaha...its funny. Being the youngest in my family I can say that not getting something you think you deserve and crying about it is most definitely little brother behavior. And so is not having a big enough reputation ad getting passed over for an opportunity by someone with a bigger reputation. Btw...for anyone who is interested, there seems to be (shockingly...) some confused posters here. Boise can't go to a BCS bowl because they didn't win their conference. TCU is automatically given a BCS bid if they finis. h in the top 16. Kansas state and VT have almost no shot at a BCS bid unless MI is ineligible. And the chance of MI playing Alabama in any bowl is exactly 0%. Anyway, looking forward to a great Sunday night. This is Michigan.

Jarhead

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 2:48 p.m.

It seems most everyone is making this a Mich vs Mich St hate blog. To Mich St fans, I understand your feelings, however it is not Mich's fault. The Decision lies with the bowl commitees and that is where your anger should be aimed. I posted the following at another article: Wisconsin 11-2 overall, 7-2 in conference, lost to Mich St and Ohio Mich St 10-3 overall, 7-2 in conference, lost to Wisc and Neb Mich 10-2 overall, 6-2 in conference, lost to Mich St and Iowa Penn St 9-3 overall, 6-2 in conference, lost to Wisc and Neb Nebraska 9-3 overall, 5-3 in conference, lost to Wisc, Mich and Northwestern This is what the Bowl commitees have to look at first and then add in the intangables. I for one will be happy with any bowl(though I am hoping for a BCS Bowl). I just want even match-ups and good football and I want all big ten teams to win! Go Blue!

mookienation

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 2:47 p.m.

Michigan State is a good team. If I take a step back and look at it objectively, I'd have to say they're a better team than Michigan. Not by far, but the fact that they won the head-to-head match-up gives them that slight edge. I am a Michigan fan and I'm willing to admit this. But, if Michigan gets that BCS bid, don't blame them. Blame the system. Please don't tell me you just realized how flawed the bowl system is. It's common knowledge. Personally, I come from this school of thought: win all your games. All of them. If you lose a game, it's your fault. If you're in a major conference and you go undefeated, the world is yours. If you lose even a single game, just accept your fate. That might seem a bit harsh, but with the current system in college football, you're supposed to win all of your games. If you don't, shut up and sit down.

Bob

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 2:46 p.m.

Wow. Nothing seems to bring out the ridiculous like UM vs MSU. We lost to the Spartunies and we finished well. We will be fortunate to get a BCS bid, and it will be based on the draw of that winged helmet. MSU had their shot, a shot I wish we had. Good seasons UM & MSU - let's beat them on the field next year and try to show some class in the process.

ArthGuinness

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 2:32 p.m.

I do think the Spartans played a good game, and that they were good representatives of the Big Ten. But the whole point of football is to win the game. They did not. They left it up to the voters, who get to decide whether a head-to-head matchup is more important than losing to a couple of the teams that Michigan beat. It's not "unfair" - the BCS is decided by polls and computers, and always has been. If you don't want a dispute, simply win all your games!

Jim Nazium

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 2:24 p.m.

What we have here is a failure to understand. Little bro doesn't understand how the Big Game works. It's called Win or Go Home! But of course how would they know, with their Traditional Lack of Winning. This short hiccup of "success" won't last much longer little green fellas so the confusion will end soon enough. When you LOSE, you should be happy just to play in a bowl game. The BCS bowl garbage means Nothing anyway, a bowl is a bowl if it's not for the National Championship. That's why I didn't root for the little whiners and never will unless it means helping Blue to play for the Big One. Nobody remembers bowl games much anyway, it's who finishes as the Champ, fair getting in or not.

nattiejames

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.

Fair is relative. 1) MSU was the only Big Ten school to face an Ohio State team with all of its suspended players still sitting out. Was that fair to the other Big Ten schools who faced Ohio State with Herron and Posey back in the line-up? 2) Is it "fair" that Ohio State's permanent cross-over game outside of their division is Michigan, while MSU's permanent cross-over is that lusty group of 5 Star athletes who rule the grid iron for Indiana? I'm aware you could play this game of "nah-nah, na-nah-nah" all day long, but in the end it won't change a system that relies - heavily - on polls. And the polls are a reflection of two things: overall record and momentum. Under this system, Michigan trumps MSU in both categories. To that end, I wish Cousins and Sparty Nation a relaxing evening as they lie on their sofas and watch Michigan play in the Sugar Bowl.

towny

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 2:15 p.m.

MSU you sealed your own fate. Your defense was awful against wisconsin. You gave the game away just like you did your BCS bid. Stop crying and except your position.

JB

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 2:12 p.m.

Listen to all the Sparties whine! We BEAT Michigan! We got to the CHAMPIONSHIP game! We DESERVE a BCS bowl! Absolutely pathetic and totally classless. You HAD a chance last night to EARN a BCS bowl and you blew it in typical Spartan fashion. You have no one to blame but yourselves for your fate. Now grab some tissues, have a good cry and enjoy the Outback bowl.

Bill Calrk

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.

Difference between Wolverines and Spartans: Wolverines Coach and players admit their failure in losing to Spartans and not getting to B1G championship game. Spartans Coach and players complain about not getting what they want after losing. Spartans need to accept the results of their failure. BCS system is not perfect (or even adequate?). Spartans are a great football team. They would do well not to detract from that image by pointless whining.

fjord

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.

I have eyes, which means I can see that MSU was the better football team this season, despite having one more loss (which they only had because they played one more game). However, it's about rankings, and rankings are about what you've done lately. Michigan ended their season on a three-game win streak. MSU ended theirs with a loss. It may not be fair, but it's the way things typically work in a world where sportswriters and coaches vote on the rankings, and the knuckleheads who run the BCS have ceded authority to some computer software. So suck it up, Sparty. You may very well find yourselves on the opposite end of this same situation next year, and if you do, you've just undermined your own legitimacy with all your whining.

knotch

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.

Oh baby MS Whoo is going too light on farr. The BCS standings drops little brother....lord lord 97.1 The Sparty is going too lose it. Some might call it poetic justice. When you coach your team to push the envelope, eventually your going to push to far. I'm sure MS Whoo is crying 'nutz and boltz, we got screwed'...... When you should be singing; WE HAD IT COMING..... Maybe a little consolation for spanky, with a little government accounting, Little brother may just stay one spot above Big Blue. But, 3 losses is three losses, and losing too the teams that U-M beat......well hehe Oh the world of Mike Valenti will come crashing down...I don't even listen to that station any longer.....I may have too tune in.......If blue leap little brother.......teeeeeheeeee

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 1:52 p.m.

I just LOVE history. The last time M-S-Mooooooooooooooo went to the Rose Bowl (Jan. 1, 1988), it had lost to Illinois during the season. Applying the so-called "logic" of M-S-Moooooooooooooooooooooooooo fans, which is that one ought consider only head-to-head competition in determining who goes to a bowl, Illinois ought to have gone to the 1988 Rose Bowl, not M-S-Moooooooooooooooooooooo. Naaaaaaaaaaah. I'm sure that was different. Excuse me while I go get some cheese out of the fridge to go along with the M-S-Moooooooooooooooooooo whine. Good Night and Good Luck

aawolve

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.

Ha. Could MSU losing the championship game on an unnecessary roughness penalty could not be more fitting? I got a big kick out of that.

oldmarine

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 1:41 p.m.

Whoa Whoa Whoa. Since when is 3 loses better than 2? Is this a new math class at MSU ? Michigan is a better football team than MSU right now because they beat 2 GREAT teams that Sparty loss to, and took care of business at the end of the season. Along with beating an emotionally charged Buckeye team at the end, that still is, THE GAME, in the Big Ten, where all the records are thrown out. Sparty had their chances and FAILED! 3 LOSES. You had Your chances last year on the big stage against Bama and I'm confident the folks in the BCS system will know who should play where and I hate to have you have to drift on back to reality, but 2 loses are better than 3, and it's very possible you could have had 4 or 5.... So just accept what all adults accept; WE, at MSU, are responsible for OUR destiny, not Michigan or anyone else.

johnnya2

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.

Based on the logic that Kirk Cousins and all the Sparty fans have, why shouldn't Notre Dame be playing in a BCS bowl? Did you forget they beat Sparty? Or should we have Nebraska in that game? I suppose Iowa State could argue since they beat OK State they deserve it? If last night was Sparty's only loss they have an argument, but it does matter when you lose.

15crown00

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 1:02 p.m.

you Maize and Blues 28-14 LITTLE SISTERS. Don't ever forget it.

15crown00

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 12:56 p.m.

Shut up Blue and Yellow fans you are where you are because the BCS is fundamentally flawed and you know it and it's easier to market U of M than it is MSU. Finally Don't Ever Forget Sparty 28-Wolves 14. That's the FOURTH WIN in a ROW for the Green and White So the SECOND BEST team goes to the better bowl.Nobody said life is fair.Hopefully you'll get your chops busted in New Orleans. 28-14 Diehards

MjC

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 12:54 p.m.

Cousins comment is one of the reasons I don't cheer on MSU any longer. I used to cheer for this team whenever/wherever they played, as long as it wasn't against, UM (my fave team). To think they used to say UM was arrogant? I never saw one of our players try to break the neck of a QB. I'd bet my money that Cousins attitude and MSU players rough housing comes straight from the head coach. MSU and Wisconsin played an exciting game last night. It was fun to watch, but in the end I was actually glad MSU went down.

A2James

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 12:48 p.m.

Looks like MSU's season has ended up just like a couch sitting on a porch in downtown East Lansing...up in smoke! *rimshot* Ok, not really. Of course Kirk Cousins had to take a shot at Michigan, again. Yeah, MSU played a good game against Wisconsin (except for that laughable ending), and it could have gone either way. Well, guess what? A couple plays different, and the U-M/MSU game could have gone a hell of a lot differently, and MSU wouldn't have even been in the B10 championship! But enough speculation on the past...time to speculate on the future: I'm guessing Michigan will end up in the Sugar Bowl. As for 2012, I'm guessing that the Wolverines are gonna kick "little brother's" butt, as well! We shall see.

InsideTheHall

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 12:42 p.m.

Come on Kyle....."sitting on the couch"??????????? Michigan has a 12 game body of work under the belt just like Alabama. To imply that either team is backing into their bowl situation is horse manure, Grow up and be a real journalist.

MIBarry

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 12:30 p.m.

MSU should have won out and took care of business. If they did would they be talking about Michigan? No.

observer

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 12:09 p.m.

Sparty thumped the maize and blue and they deserve a better bowl.....is that a buckeye wide out running free.....be careful what you hope for U of M....you may be found out, again......that you were very lucky this year......

missionbrazil

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 11:47 a.m.

We should be in the top 14 in the BCS after yesterday, and thus we deserve to be in a BCS bowl. We should pass 3 loss teams such as Georgia and Oklahoma and MSU, and I would think that Houston would drop below 14th after their blowout loss to So. Miss. I would be surprised if Baylor or Clemson passes us, since they also have 3 losses. As far as MSU goes, you should have taken care of business and won the title game. Sure you beat us head to head, but you have 3 losses, and 2 of them are against teams that we beat (ND and Nebraska). Welcome to the title game and BCS system. Maybe some day we will get a playoff system.

Flex

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 11:41 a.m.

Sparty - Good luck with playing in your bowl game. ;-) Big Brother (Wolverines) will represent the State very well while playing in a $17M BCS game...hehe. Can't believe they think they deserve to be in a BCS bowl...ahead of Nebraska? Did they forget they took a 24-3 blackeye from Nebraska? Hey, some experts have Sparty matched up with Georgia in a bowl game; oh no...they could lose a 4th game. Are they going to blame Michigan for that too? Stop complaining!!! You were put in a position to go a BCS game and choked! Enjoy their 10-3 season...next year won't be as good! You will lose to your Big Brother (Michigan), Notre Dame, Nebraska and Wisconsin AGAIN! The smartest thing Sparty did for the 2012 season was putting Boise State on their schedule AFTER Kellen Moore (Quaterback) graduates. LOL!

mmppcc

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 11:40 a.m.

These comments are just pathetic and smack of jealousy. There is a difference between wanting to see Michigan in the BCS and actually believing they deserve to be there over Michigan State. I hope this kind of poor sport, homer attitude isn't representative of all Michigan fans. Just imagine if the roles were reversed. You people would be screaming about how unfair it is, and you know it. What last night's game proved, is that Wisconsin and MSU are definitely the best two teams in the conference.

Andrew

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 10:34 a.m.

Cousins and the rest of Michigan State have no right to pinpoint and complain about Michigan and their shot at a BCS game. MSU controlled their own fate and couldn't capitalize. Not to mention, they wouldn't have even been competing for the Big 10 championship had Michigan not beaten Nebraska.

iamcris

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 10:19 a.m.

rematches? what if.... Okie State plays LSU in the MNC...AND Bama vs Michigan in the Sugar? derp.

Mick

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 9:18 a.m.

Look, in another thread I stated I was rooting for MSU because they're from the state I grew up in. I kinda feel bad for them because I thought they were the better team than Wiscy. However, despite saying that, how can you uncontrollably run amok at the punter when you're getting the ball back in the waning moments with no time outs? Just be careful and let the guy kick the ball, I mean you ran the ball back to the 5 yard line, that was a boneheaded move. Eventually MSU, you have yourselves to blame. Despite beating us, we'll probably get to the BCS Game. If you had won then Wiscy would have felt your fate, you knew the deal going into the game. Changing gears, how funny is it that potentially the 2 previous programs the WCIMFH coached might meet in the BCS, seems like we're both prospering without him, just the cats meow.

Macabre Sunset

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 9:06 a.m.

I've taken another look at this, and I just don't see the Fiesta taking Boise State ahead of Michigan. And I don't see Michigan State remaining in the top 14. So, my matchups... Nat C: LSU/Oklahoma State Rose: Oregon/Wisconsin Fiesta: Stanford/Michigan Sugar: Alabama/Kansas State Orange: Clemson/West Virginia

D21

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 9:01 a.m.

The Urban Meyer whining factor has kicked in for these little brothers. Wouldn't be surprised when the BCS picks em over us cuz it is a deeply flawed system anyway.

Stephen Landes

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 8:56 a.m.

MSU had their destiny in their hands. They could have and should have own their game tonight. As a loyal Michigan Alumnus and football fan I was actually cheering for MSU tonight -- even wore a green shirt for the occasion. The loss tonight can be chalked up to a coaching error at the end. With about 2:30 left in the game the Spartans held Wisconsin to a 3 and out. They were going to get what they needed: the ball and two minutes on the clock. Instead of that they tried a bone-headed play to try to block the punt and ended up running into the kicker with his leg still in the air -- always going to be called. The worst part was the penalty negated a run-back to the WI 4 yard line and very likely a TD to win the game. This was MSU's game to win and they blew it. What MSU earned was the opportunity to win it all and they blew their opportunity. As long as they prefer to blame Michigan, talk about what they "deserve" and complain about the BCS formula, etc., they will continue to be "little brother" because that is what little brothers do. They need to grow up and put the accountability squarely where it belongs -- on their own performance.

Tru2Blu76

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 8:30 a.m.

Hate to say it, but I think Kirk Cousins is right: the Spartans played good football pretty much from start to finish this season. If they'd lost by a large margin to Wisconsin in the B 10 Bowl Saturday, it would be different. That was a close loss just as their win over Wisconsin was close in the regular season. If the rating / ranking system were rational: both Wisconsin and MSU would 'share a spot' - be it 12th, 13th or 14th: ahead of Michigan. Sadly: I think the post-season bowl game "system" is a joke. Folks, for other than the top 6 teams: it's all about "visibility" and "fan base" and -- MONEY for TV networks. It should be about a number-based competition and nothing else. Having the "Reputation Bowl" system ruins the concept of honest competition and honest awards. I understand the idea of "enthusiasm" and "optimism" quite well: but I honestly don't think Michigan is ready to be returned to (unearned) national attention this year. I'm very much afraid that if Michigan plays an even "peripheral" BCS contender this year: their defeat might be devastating. Likely? Well - it's true the Houston Cougars have played just one "recognizable" opponent: the UCLA Bruins, but the Bruins are not a top team either. So Michigan might win but, still, it would be more appropriate to have the No. 2 in the Big Ten Spartans play in that bowl.

Macabre Sunset

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 8:18 a.m.

I'm looking at a lot of numbers tonight, and I don't think Michigan gets in. Two of the following teams get in: 1. A mid-major automatic qualifier. TCU would receive this bid if it is ranked in the top 16 in the BCS. I think it will be close, but TCU will be 17th. 2. A mid-major at-large. Boise State will be #6, maybe #5. I see this as possible, especially if TCU is not in the top 16. 3. A Big Twelve at-large. Kansas State will likely be #8 and Baylor maybe as high as #12. The BCS bowls have jerked Kansas State around in the past, and obviously could do so again. Baylor is an unknown commodity in the bowls, and probably won't get a bid as it has three losses. 4. A Big Ten at-large. Here, it's Michigan and Michigan State. The voters may be reluctant to penalize Michigan State for a hard-fought loss, especially as it beat Michigan. This is outlined above. I think these two teams will be #13 and #14, slight edge to Sparty. However, the bowl committees could invite Michigan over MSU anyway. My gut feeling is that Kansas State is too far above Michigan and Michigan State to warrant exclusion.

1st Down

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 8:01 a.m.

Bring on West Virginia!

Larry Weisenthal

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 7:46 a.m.

3 comments. All taunts. C'mon folks. We are better than this. Congratulations to MSU on a great game and a great season and for clearly being the better team on a given day early in the season in their own stadium. The BCS is a business, rather than being a fair reward for the student athletes who play the game. Should Michigan be fortunate enough to make a BCS game, it's nothing personal against the MSU players, students, and alumni. It is only, as Michael Corleone used to say, just business. But Michigan has just a good a claim on a BCS bowl as any other two loss team in the country. If we get in, we'll have deserved it. - Larry Weisenthal/Huntington Beach CA

iamcris

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 7:28 a.m.

I have several points for consideration. 1- To MSU...thanks for giving Michigan football and it's fans a very entertaining B1G! Championship game to watch tonight. 2- fitting that the game was decided by a MSU penalty? I don't know what do you think Sparty? 3- News flash, winning the Big Championship game has a reward... Ask Wisconsin what bowl game they are in Sparty. 4- for those keeping score at home I have shocking news. 3 is more than 2. 3 losses = more than 2 losses. 5- relax Sparty, assuredly, this will be the last year (for awhile) Michigan willwatch you play in the B1G Championship game. 6- clearly the sentiment being repeated is we beat Michigan and we made it to the B1G Championship game, and then LOST as Paul Harvey would say is the rest of the story. Go Blue!

Nic schweigert

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 7:23 a.m.

What a surprise. Michigan state loses their game and starts their crying saying no fair michigans gettin special treatment. Hey bj, kurt, dantonio, win your games and you would have to worry about anything. You had your chance tonight and couldn't hack it. That's three loses on the year. You don't deserve a bcs shot. Bet if we had a Michigan vs msu rematch wolverines take it.

Mike Bush

Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 7:20 a.m.

Note to cousins and dantonio win your games against nd and nebraska and you wouldnt have that problem.typical msu choke with everything on the line.let the crying begain.