J.R. Beauboeuf

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 4:48 a.m.

but bo didnt win one in his first 10 tho...

Bryan

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 10:31 p.m.

One thing Cousins can look forward to if he make the NFL is being a 3rd string quarterback like the rest of MSU quarterbacks!!!

The Great Hoke

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 10:04 p.m.

Kirk Cousins is a very nice kid – he was frustrated – ( I am sure none of you have ever made a mistake) Focus on the wins for the Big Ten conference.

The Great Hoke

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 9:39 p.m.

Did UM get better since State Most definitely. But, so did MSU....

steve

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 7:57 p.m.

Hey Kirk, Was it "fair" that Michigan lost a game at the end when it caught the Touchdown pass giving us our second loss......nope.... did we complain about it ...yep for a min...then we moved on to the next game.... was it fair that Oklahoma State won it's Conference Championship by a large margin and Alabama who sat home and did nothing gets to go play for National Championship....nope.... but that's the way it goes. Nick Saban even said in 2003 "no team that can't win it's conference championship let alone it's own division should not be allowed to play for a National Championship". Grow up young man....... it's called life..... not much about it will be fair.... do your best and know you did.... that's all that really matters.

fishjamaica

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 7:19 p.m.

MSU was not punished for making the title game, they were punished for LOSING the title game. Quit whining Little Brother.

Blue1st

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 5:37 p.m.

somargie, tell me you don't really believe that? you cerrainly don't understand the BCS system. After #1 and #2, it's all about whose sexy and will bring in money. About 90% of the matchups have some sort of 'connection' as to why they are playing each other, check em out, or better yet, watch the BCS match up show to educate yourself. madogterry, very good information for those paying attention. While I usually root for sparty when they don't play M, I really can't stand the attitude coming out of Least Lansing these days. I really like Michigan teams to win, but your fans are out of control. While it may not be 'fair' for M to be in the BCS to you, it is what it is. If you want respect, go out and kick the crap out of your opponent in the bowl game. If you don't, then STHU. If M is supposedly overmatched, I guess we'll find that out on 1/3/12. GO BLUE!!

InsideTheHall

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 5:33 p.m.

This Christmas send your favorite Sparty a family size bag of Cheetos that they can munch on sitting on the couch watching Michigan in the Sugar Bowl! The perfect gift!

PitBoss76

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 5:16 p.m.

As a MSU grad I always root for the Big Ten in all bowl games. Umich congrats on your Sugar Bowl bid, please don't screw it up like last year. Yes, MSU got pounded last year in its bowl game by a fantastic Alabama team who is now playing in the National Championship game this year, and was the previous year's defending national champions (2009). Mississippi State destroyed umich last year and did not even make a bowl game this year. All I have to say is it is very hard to compare wins and losses versus mutual opponents. What really counts the most is head to head match-ups and State has dominated umich the last four years. Just a friendly reminder: 2011: 28-14 - State Wins 2010: 34-17 - State Wins 2009: 26-20 - State Wins 2008: 35-21 - State Wins Four years in a row or 1137 days and counting, which ever you prefer to remember. Umich is still not back. Yes, they are better than last year, but to be back to national prominence they have to win the Legends division, beat State, and maybe play the top two teams, Wisco and PSU, in the Leaders division (the Big Ten schedulers fault) which they did not do this year. National Championships since 1951 (MSU - 6, Umich - 1) Enjoy the many many reminders!!!!!!!!!! Go State!!!!!!!!! Go Big Ten during the Bowl Season!!!!! College Football Rules!!!!!!!!!!

aarox

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 5:56 a.m.

Thank goodness for the BCS and the way the polls work. It is a given that we would finish ahead of whoever lost the last five minutes of the Wisconsin - Michigan State championship game. If that makes sense to anybody please advise. So we are so much better than MSU that we deserve a BCS game, but if the MSU guy doesn't run into the punter, then we are now better than Wisky and should go to a BCS game over them for the same reason? wow.... if you don't know who the best two teams in the Big Ten are, I'm sorry. Again, the system is hugely flawed, and I for one am grateful with no misconceptions about where we really stand in the pecking order. If you don't agree, stand by for Alabama.

GoGreen

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 4:06 a.m.

I have listen to Michigan fans whine for the last 4 years and if this happened to the Wolverines the fans would be calling this an injustice. When you are the benificiary of the situation it is easy and understandable why the Michigan fans have commented the way they have on this blog. It is too bad that our society has thrown away fairness for money and it sadden me that college football has also fallen to money over fairness.

MarkManbonio

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 4 a.m.

CAT- HAHAHA...You guys have an interesting way of earning respect LOL.. Experience tells us that whining and complaining about our circumstances probably isn't the best way to earn respect. Remember that Patton speech where he addressed his men, I believe he began by crying and pouting about all of the things that were beyond their control. He then moved them to do great things by dwelling on all of the bad things that happened to them and he questioned out loud how things could be so unfair. By this time his men were forging all of the skills to succeed and conquer all obstacles in front of them, apparently this internal self-pity had an outlet and it encouraged them to bond together. They sobbed in silence as they realized that all of their failures were explained by the wrong-doing and personal successes of others. Oh wait...Patton never gave that speech, did he? No I don't believe he did. He might have said something like "Quit whining ladies! You could've taken care of this during the regular season or hell could've done yourselves one better by winning your game Saturday night." It worked for Wisconsin. You're not helping your program by giving them excuses. Accept that this is as good as it gets for you guys until you do something to change who/what you are. You should've spent all of your energy writing letters to the AP voters and the coaches with votes. You could've explained to them about the refs and whatever unfair advantages Nebraska, Notre Dame and Wisconsin had. They probably would've been moved to tears when hearing about your sad sad tale. Maybe enough sympathy votes would've been garnered to get you in the discussion......Ehhh probably not likely. Next time just win your game and they'll let you in. Best of luck with your anger/inferiority issues. Hope you guys represent the BIG with a little more class and heart in the "whatever" Cheers!

cat mckenzie

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 3:07 a.m.

Yep, it didn't really come down to who is the BETTER team, or the best of the Big Ten. It came down to a popularity contest, which school has the bigger fan base to bring in the most dollars. And given that U of M has a HUGE army of Walmart Wolverine wanna-bes, they got the better bowl game. Doesn't matter that the Spartans have beaten U of M for FOUR straight years. Doesn't matter that, after the last win, the Wolverines' wonderful "Heisman candidate" suddenly disappeared off the radar. Nope, call names all you want...Cousins is entitled to be pissed off. Pick on Sparty, pick on Cousins. He has more class and more poise than any Wolverine could dream of having. Hell, the only quote that anyone remembers out of a Wolverine involves a two worded insult. Really intelligent. And through it all, Sparty has never gotten the respect they deserve. They were ROBBED of the Wisconsin game, the refs took it away from them. Look at the stats. Sparty dominated on the field. They even stopped Mr. Heisman Montee Ball. So while Sparty was out there kicking butt, all the Wolverines were sitting with their Bud Lites and pork rinds waiting for everything to be handed to them. And they got it. Sure Sparty's ticked. Rightfully so.

Billy Bob Schwartz

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 2:17 a.m.

The thing I don't get is this: what is it about state that gives them the need to slam and slam and slam Michigan because some organization over which Michigan has no control makes a decision that offends the staters? I'm glad we got the BCS bowl, and I hope we win it. But I don't blame the choice of VT as our opponent on state. It's almost obsessive with these folks. Michigan had a great season, they had two losses, and they are going to the bowl chosen by persons other than Michigan folks. So why are you all so adamant about putting down Michigan's achievements as though they are cheating? Get some logic, get some class, and get some reality. Go Blue!

Russ LaPeer

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 2:05 a.m.

The "blasts" by the Michigan players are so irrelevant that they're silly. Of course they would love to have "trade[d]" and played in the Big Ten Championship game. It's for exactly that reason that they do not deserve the BCS Sugar Bowl pick over the Michigan State, the close runner-up for the Big Ten Championship. Anyone who objectively looks at what the teams' achievements are and signify recognizes that. Of course, the BCS system has been flawed ("broken") for years. The nonsense remarks of the Michigan players neither address, nor conceal, the skewed results of the BCS system.

frank

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 1:36 a.m.

Are you joking? people all over the country have been talking about that UM and VT should not be in a BCS Bowl. Good for UM for getting a bowl game, but The BCS is a joke.

MarkManbonio

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 1:35 a.m.

Poor Kirky... We need to get em a bah bah so his tummy can settle down. Maybe he can take a nice long nap until the whatever bowl where Sparty loses another one.... It really doesn't matter which bowl game they ended up in. The result would be the same. All these wins over the last couple of years and they've failed to be competitive in the bowls. Kirk, be accountable to your team and fans! You had an opportunity to be in the Rose Bowl, you didn't do enough to win. You failed! A victory would've put you in a BCS game, a couple less losses during the season would've put you in the top 14 and in the discussion for a BCS bid, although I doubt that any bowl committees would've seriously considered you with your most recent bowl performance. Please just put on your big boy pants, tuck your little quivering lip in and try to prepare for your next big game. Chin up little buddy.....Oh and I hear there might be some CFL/UFL scouts there!!!! Best of luck little buddy. Failure is as failure does.

Goofus

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 1:34 a.m.

One more comment and then I'm done here: Kirk Cousins can say whatever he wants about the Wolverines: They never beat him. Have a nice bowl season.

dan

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 1:31 a.m.

As a Michigan fan, I agree with Van Bergan, I would have much rather seen UofM in the B1G Championship playing for a shot at the rose bowl. what is the big deal anyway, does anyone ever look back 10 years from now and say, "Remember the non national championship bowl Michigan or MSU played in 2012". The answer is no, besides the National Championship a bowl is a bowl. The money is split between all the teams in the conference anyway so who cares.

Goofus

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 1:20 a.m.

Now let's watch as Walmart's finest commenters whine on for weeks& weeks& weeks on THIS thread, taking cheap shots at Sparty, just like they did in the evil, bad, no good and very bad man William Gholston articles....also penned by Meinke. I sorta liked it better when UM fans just ignored what MSU did. But I guess they can't.

Billy Bob Schwartz

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 12:18 a.m.

I have two younger brothers, and I can say that they didn't whine much when they blew it. I think it is more to the point to just call the staters who are whining and blaming everything on Michigan POOR LOSERS. You could show at least a little class and admit you blew it and lost your chances at BCS. All you get out of being poor losers is everybody wondering what your coach is teaching you about things other than foolball. Nothing, you say? Well, well, well.

G-Love 2000

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:57 p.m.

Those same losers have pounded your team for 4 years straight. I love being '"Little Brother" we're younger, better looking and get a lot more play. Speaking of play, does Mike Hart still play in the NFL? This guy still makes statements that have no substance.

maddogterry

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:55 p.m.

Let's get real Sparty. UM gave you the game but let's look at some head to head comparisons. Notre Dame game: (UM 35 - ND 31) (ND 31 - MSU 13) Nebraska game: (UM 45 - Neb 17) (Neb 24 - MSU 3) Minnesota game (UM 58 - MN 0) (MSU 31 - MN 24) ND Game: (UM + 4) - (MSU - 18) Difference UM +22 NEB Game (UM + 28) - (MSU - 21) Difference UM + 49 MN Game (UM + 58) - (MSU +7) Difference UM + 51 Total spread comparison - UM + 122 Sparty never should have been in the title game PERIOD!

MichiganMan5

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:45 p.m.

Oh boo hoo, little Kirk Cousins does'nt get to go to a BCS Bowl because "Little Brother" could'nt win 10+ games for 50 years and doesn't have the same appeal nationally as us WOLVERINES. Not to mention, it was right in front of him, maybe he should blame Isiah Lewis instead of Michigan who played their butts off in Brady Hoke's first year. I'm glad those losers got held out of the BCS. GO BLUE!

Somargie

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:39 p.m.

Wisconsin & Michigan State, the two best football teams both played in the championship game for the right to say they're no. 1. Well, Michigan State lost so they are technically no.2. Therefore, why on earth is this considered a loss to their record when the traditional college football season is basically over and this is the championship game to see whose no. 1? This is the play-off not the regular season. No team at this level should be penalized. Furthermore, the no. 2 ranked team now have to play the Fiesta Bowl and the 3rd ranked team gets to play the Sugar Bowl? That is wrong on so many levels. Whoever runs the Bowl system have invented a seriously flawed ranking system. The fools that run that system should adopt the placement in World Cup Soccer. In the World Cup, the no. 1 and 2 teams play for the championship and the loser gets second place. The no. 3 and 4 teams play for 3rd place. The Michigan football team have a lot to be proud of this year considering the miserable years spent under the over-paid ethically challenged leadership of Rich Rod. However, why not step back from the arrogance and contrived slight by Michigan State and speak the truth.....Michigan State is a better football team, they are no. 2, the bowl system is seriously flawed and State should be playing the Sugar Bowl and Michigan the Fiesta Bowl. Michigan's Sport Director, Coach and team have the perfect opportunity to take a stand against this flawed system once and for all and demand that Michigan State be given the Sugar Bowl and they take the Fiesta. Only when universities stop participating in a system that's be criticized for years will this stop. If no one rights this wrong now....then next time it will be Michigan playing the Fiesta Bowl and complaining how unfair the system is. Initiate the change that needs to happen and stop disparaging Michigan State and stand together in demanding a common sense college ranking.

Huron 74

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:30 p.m.

Did the rules/regulations/guidelines for the BCS get changed recently? Did I miss something? If both teams were playing under the same system this entire season, then what is all this noise about? If MSU players, fans or whoever think they are unfair, don't whine about it after the fact, see about getting it changed for future seasons...for cryin' out loud...

lfrandy1016

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:27 p.m.

Cousins is perfect for MSU. He whines like a little baby. He should be enjoying all the MSU over achieving. It all ends now. O Georgia will kick sparty butt. Only a few words are appropriate that embrace the whole situation and even poor babies crying........SPARTY ON

G-Love 2000

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:10 p.m.

I'm pleased UofM made it into a BCS game against VA Tech. I love the fact they're the media darlings, similar to ND. I see this as a huge financial opportunity. UofM is 2 -6 in their last 8 bowl appearances and have lost by an average of 13 pts. Take VA Tech minus the pts.

Dr. Vag

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:08 p.m.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cMcXFAEdrU" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cMcXFAEdrU</a>

The OSU

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:02 p.m.

Let's face it... the bowl selection process is hopelessly broke. This year it benefited Blue at the expense of Sparty. In 2006 the system conspired to work against Blue. Visiting #2 UM lost to #1 tOSU by only 3 points. Of course it would been pointless to allow a rematch for the natl championship with 2 teams from the same conference that had already played. Wait a minute, what about...........

Ryan

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 9:54 p.m.

This is classic Michigan State. Always the victim. Even when they have a good season, still the victim. They get lucky on a hail mary vs. Wisconsin the first time and self-destruct when they have a chance to win the second time. And then they whine about what they didn't have given to them, when all they had to do was go take it. They will always be losers regardless of their record until they stop whining and playing the victim. MSU - you will be Little Brother until you stop acting like Little Brother!!!

Goofus

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 9:53 p.m.

This whole article...an editorial really, as it's all just opinion... is built on some questionable logic and very misleading reporting by Mr. Meinke: He presents a quote made by Kirk Cousins BEFORE the bowl nominations were announced as if it were an actual disagreement with the selections AFTER they were made. To quote: &quot;...Spartans quarterback Kirk Cousins was asked about that reality AFTER the Big Ten title game. He didn't hold back&quot; And then counters with opinions from UM players made AFTER the actual bowl announcements. The next day, actually. Where is the rebuttal from Cousins now that the selections are complete? There is none, because Meinke presents them from the start in vague language implying that Cousins spoke criticizing the choice of UM post-facto. This is not the case. This paints Cousins words out of context, out of the timeframe and context which delivered (Cousins was giving his opinion on how he thought the nominations should go.. BEFORE they were annonced.) and presents them in such a way as to mislead readers into thinking Cousins was criticizing that UM got to go after it was chosen in State's stead. Cousins is entitled to his opinion, but it is shoddy reporting to not state, clearly, that Cousins gave his opinion prior to the actual unveiling that Michigan got picked. Like I said before, Meinke is barely worth reading. Worst sports writing in the State.

Jed I Knight

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 9:35 p.m.

Congrats Little Sister - finally back the National spotlight.

Jim

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 9:32 p.m.

I do not believe Brady Hoke would tolerate the whinning exhibited by State. State earned the opportunity to get their shot at the Rose Bowl and came up short so they complain and bad mouth Michigan. If you don't want to be treated like a &quot;little brother&quot; then don't act like one.

maizenbluedoc

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 9:30 p.m.

I wish to inform Mr. Cousins that it was Wisconsin that eliminated them from their BIG bowl game, not Michigan. In my opiniion, Mr. Cousins is acting like a coddled child who didn't get his way. If he wants to blame someone for his/their misfortune, blame his coach for calling an ill-advised, unnecessary play that resulted in a penalty that sealed their fate. C'est la vie, Mr. Cousins.

TheWay

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 9:28 p.m.

This is why MSU hates us so bad. Exactly why, in a nutshell. It doesn't matter if they beat us 4 times in a row, we still get more national attention and love. Hey, I'd hate us, too.

... and Cousins wept.

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 9:25 p.m.

As the smoke cleared from the bloody field of defeat, the entire Spartan army was required to restrain the weeping Cousins, &quot;What! No BCS Bowl bid? WAAAAAAAAAAA!&quot;

Terry Star21

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 9:17 p.m.

I thought Ryan's answer was very professional, obviously with a personality taught by this great coach this great institution. The truth is, we all wanted to play in the Big 10 Championship - we couldn't. I don't agree with what Mike hart said, it was a 'michigan response. We'll, got to go order my Sugar Bowl tickets. MgoBlueForTim........going to Neworlens.

Oregon39_Michigan7

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 9:05 p.m.

(I'm not trolling) You know and I know that Michigan didn't get an at-large BCS berth because the football team earned it on the field. Michigan got received an-large BCS berth because they are (1) a good TV draw ($$$) and (2) have a large traveling fan base ($$$). Yes, Michigan won 10 games this year and is remarkably improved. However, the non-conference schedule (including Notre Dame) is weak. Michigan received a lucky B1G schedule and didn't play Wisconsin or Penn State. Michigan had two good wins over Nebraska and Norte Dame. However, Michigan lost to Michigan State (and it wasn't close) and Iowa (at least it wasn't Iowa State). Really, the Sugar Bowl could have selected Boise State, Kansas State, Baylor, or Michigan. The best way for Michigan to answer this is to beat VaTech in the Sugar Bowl, which I think they will do.

Saji Thabolingam

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 8:36 p.m.

I would have traded also. To me, winning big ten championship trumps a BCS bid unless we are like alabama and can get to the national championship game. Success in the division is measured by how many championships you win. zip it sparty, you had a chance at the championship (priority #1) which would have given you that BCS game you are crying about now.

MiamiBlue

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 8:19 p.m.

Everyone! Notice one VERY revealing thing? When MSU beats us, many M fans gave MSU props! Heck, I am a M grad and gave MSU props on their season and game play against Wisconsin. YET!!! Notice how many Sparties gave Props to Wisconsin? I did not see any, and if they were there it can be counted on a single hand. Since Sat, all they are doing is crying about the game, and the penalty, crying about us getting into a BCS bowl and still bringing up things that have absolutely no bearing on today (things like App State Game, Toledo, etc) I said it before and will say it again. MSU has a fine team. Their fan base is the problem. Just a bunch of whiners! GO BLUE

Jpy

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.

Hey, I'm a Michigan grad, a lifelong Michigan fan, and I despise &quot;crybabies.&quot; But Kirk Cousins is not a &quot;crybaby.&quot; Everyone in the country knows why Michigan is in the Sugar Bowl. Reason: Money. Big body of alumni with big bucks, and a proven record of spending it on traveling to bowl games. Simple as that. In ten games, MSU would beat UM 7 times. They are just a better team, and they showed it head-to-head. Did UM get better since then? Most definitely. But, so did MSU, and so did Wisconsin. The BCS -- at least apart from the title game -- is not about honoring the best teams in the country, nor about discovering who the best is. Everybody and his dog knows that. So, does Cousins have a legitimate beef? Absolutely. Would Michigan fans be crying bitter tears if the tables were turned? Absolutely. Instead, we get into the Sugar Bowl on sheer good fortune and spending-power, and proceed to say things like, 'But we beat a team you lost to....' What?! They beat us. Show a little class, and perhaps even a little becoming embarrassment that we are not playing in the Hula Hoop Bowl or something.

friend12

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 7:50 p.m.

It is the type of arrogance of the MSU players and the MSU head coach that got them in the game they are in. They have done nothing but tee off the voters in the last week or so. The reality is they are both good teams and both are in BCS bowls. Does anything else matter? MSU needs to move on. They are not going to the Rose Bowl because the coaching staff wasn't smart enough to lay off the rush on that last punt. A blocker made contact with the guy, but, he was going full out and never made an attempt to stop or avoid the kicker. He shouldn't have been in that position in the first place. Bad coaching period. One other thing to remember the loser of that game was going to fall back in the rankings strictly based on the numbers alone. The BCS is what it is. If you want things fair change the system to a playoff based system strictly based on record. It will never happen. Bowl games are major businesses and unless someone finds a way do playoffs within the bowl system a change will never happen.

Goofus

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 7:44 p.m.

I've more or less decided to ignore the biased sports reporting of Mr. Meinke...he seems to never miss an angle to take a dig at State or stir up some non-existent non-controversy (see the demonization of William Gholston the week following the UM/State game). This article is just another example of Meinke making an issue out of non-issue to get some page views. Hey, mentioning MSU around these parts gets the biggest response of any articles in this rag. Guess Little Brother is relevant after all, eh?

Jessica

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 7:36 p.m.

Cousins is not a cry baby, he simply meant that it isn't fair for another team who was NOT GOOD ENOUGH to make it to the championship game to pass the number 2 team in the big ten. It's heartbreaking. Spartans played their hearts out. Football is a game of numbers and sometimes they just don't fall in your favor. Which was the case at Lucas Oil on Saturday. Spartans played in the best conference championship game in the country and lost by 3 points and played their best game of the season. The opportunity wasn't missed. If you look at the past 5 years since coach D has been at State. We have played Wisconsin 6 times, Msu has 3 victories and so does Wisconsin. All of which were close games. Many agree that Wisconsin and Msu are the top two teams in the conference. It sounds to me as if U of M is just disappointed they are no longer considered the top team. Say what you want, but I know that Cousins and the rest of the team is preparing for their bowl bid and are happy to have the opportunity to play for a bowl win. However, they have every right to be disappointed because its two years in a row that Spartan football has gotten screwed out of a BCS bowl bid. by a team that is less deserving . In the Detroit Free press and other media sources around the country people wondered why MSU missed the BCS sugarl bowl and u of m got it. Read Drew Sharps column: &quot;It wasn't fair that the Wolverines leapfrogged into a BCS at-large invitation while sitting idle over the weekend because they weren't good enough to win the Legends Division.&quot;

trigg7

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 7:21 p.m.

Bcause M didnt play the top teams, let alone twice. M got there a-- handed to them again by MSU. The system needs to go to a play off, plain and simple it doesnt work.That was shown by how close the game was, then rewarding teams that were not close to making the BTCG and sitting around watching the BIG BOYS play.

Teddy Haarz

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 7:09 p.m.

There's no crying in Football! Man up Sparty!

Kirk Cousin's Tears Cure Cancer

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 6:32 p.m.

Biggest and best thing that's happened for U of M football in 4 years - no question is this guy: Brady Hoke. Period. Richrod was a nightmare to coaching staff and players alike. Next best thing - Ohio State going down to MSU and U of M in the same year. Scum bags getting it handed to them, good to see some justice... And last but not least... Kirk Cousin's tears are a cure for cancer - only problem is... Kirk Cousin never cries. Shame I can't say the same about the weasel family here - MSU has had to deal with wolverine tears for 4 years and counting. If MSU is U of M's little brother, then that makes you one ugly old sister.

Betty

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 6:27 p.m.

When MSU, as an institution learns and then teaches: &quot;It's not having what you want; it's wanting what you've got&quot; Then they will be a worthy opponent, until then they are little brother. What a shame. So much potential.

towny

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 6:17 p.m.

Van Bergan said it all.

1bit

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 6:15 p.m.

Kyle, Your quote &quot;they were passed over for the BCS&quot; is not technically correct. MSU was not BCS eligible for an at-large bid. That's not Michigan's fault. If MSU was eligible and &quot;passed over&quot; then they might have a gripe.

GeeWhiz

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.

Kirk Cousins needs to be schooled on how the BCS system works. 1) The only guaranteed way to make it to a BCS bowl is to win your conference championship. The rest of the slots are at-large. Several at-large eligible teams (Boise State(#7), Kansas State(#8), Baylor(#12)) did not make it to a BCS bowl although they were ranked higher than Michigan(#13). 2) Michigan State was ranked #17 in the BCS standings and thus ineligible for a BCS bowl. 3) Even if Michigan State was ranked in the top 14, the likelihood of Michigan State being picked over the likes of Boise State, Kansas State, etc was nil. Bottom line, Michigan State's bid for a BCS bowl has absolutely nothing to do with Michigan. Michigan State controlled its own destiny - beat Wisconsin and get to the Rose bowl. Interestingly enough, MSU lost in the last few minutes on a &quot;roughing the kicker&quot; penalty which is typical of MSU football!

Frankyhollywood68

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 6:11 p.m.

This isn't about MSU being cry babies..this bowl season this year is ridiculous and if anyone is to blame, I blame Ohio State for LOSING to Michigan. so many great teams (Like Baylor) got screwed this year for winning and playing killer schedules. Where as teams like Michigan who basically played no one worthy gets a better bowl because they have an elitist fan base that will travel. but at the end of the day that will all change next year when Michigan will have at LEAST '3' crushing loses on their schedule :-)

EastCoastBlue

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 6:01 p.m.

UM sat on the couch in 2006 and watched their No. 2 spot in the BCS slip away. They never had the chance to control their destiny. The spartans did and it didn't work out for them.

Paul M.

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.

Half of these comments here are completely ridiculous. Think about what you're saying guys! Calling Cousins a crybaby? Any player in the country having to deal with this situation would be just as upset, including any UofM player if he were in the same boat. And the argument about UofM beating the two teams MSU lost two doesn't really warrant that much merit, when Michigan State BEAT UofM and BEAT Iowa (an unranked team that UofM lost too). MSU played twice as many games against a ranked opponent as UofM. One last note about anyone calling Cousins a crybaby or immature, watch his speech at the Big Ten day before the season: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp15N9BbYgY" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp15N9BbYgY</a>

David Vande Bunte

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 5:46 p.m.

Something for all the Sparties to consider: Michigan's opponent's combined record (regular season): 82-62. MSU's opponent's combined record (regular season): 70-73. Everytime you bring up the fact that Michigan didn't have to play Wisconsin, we will bring up that we also didn't have to play 1-11 Indiana or 1-11 FAU.

Tom

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 5:45 p.m.

As a Spartan fan, I'd like to wish good luck to Michigan in their bowl game against Va. Tech. I know your team would have loved to be in the CCG, and I wouldn't trade that experience for a berth in some meaningless BCS bowl (by that I mean the NCG and Rose Bowl are all I care about).

KINGofSKA

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 5:06 p.m.

You lost more games than us, what do you expect, a given win for the National Championship? Calm down, it's a game. And in 40 years you're not going to regret it at all. You'll be content with what you had.

Mick52

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.

I want to point out that MSU, while I think a great team this year and last year got some huge breaks that helped boost their championship goals. Last year they shared the title with osu - but did not have to play them. This year, they played osu while four starters were still suspended and barely beat osu. Maybe the five game suspension was osu's idea in an attempt to assist their buddy Coach D'Antonio. The rest of the Big Ten had to play an osu team that is struggling but played a fantastic game at Michigan and showed how good they could be. Better foresight I think would have made the suspensions four games so that Big Ten play could be on a level field. Also MSU got creamed by ND and NE, two teams that Michigan beat. Wisconsin's offense rolled over MSU's vaunted defense and I do not see that MSU defense doing much against Oregon's offense, but like a good Big Ten patriot, I hope MSU beats Oregon. Aren't the bowl selections supposed to be based on the quality of the team at the time of the selection and not only on who beat who over the course of the season? Cousins did a great job over his career, too bad his maturity level does not match his athletic talents.

J

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 4:43 p.m.

Michigan State wasn't &quot;punished for making the title game,&quot; they were punished for not winning it and securing their destiny. I'm thrilled that the Sugar Bowl deemed UM a deserving team, but having said that, let's not kid ourselves: State was screwed. If the roles were reversed and Michigan lost the title game and was leapfrogged by State, we'd be just as outraged. I appreciate Gang_Green's attitude: I'll be rooting for State, myself (along with the other B1G teams). It doesn't matter whether we're in the Sugar or Outback, or that the B1G has 10 bowl teams -- unless we WIN our bowls. Michigan is going to face a tough Hokie team, and State gets a shot at letting some air out of the SEC myth. There's no point in woofing about bowl selections -- bowl results are what matter.

lindor

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 4:33 p.m.

@Tim, point(s) well taken. Here's the thing though. Michigan has nothing to do with this. As an athlete, with the right state of mind (Cousins must just be a whiner), you want to win at all costs, you don't want to back into anything. If I were Cousins or any MSU player, I'd be upset, but I wouldn't be upset about anything but the fact that we lost. You have control of your own destiny and you did not seize the opportunity. It is what it is. We can talk about all the other things that went into it, the flawed BCS, MSU played the extra game, etc... The flip side is UM beat both teams MSU lost to. UM beat Ohio, so did MSU, but with 5 key players suspended. UM killed Nebraska. Hail Mary against Wisconsin AT HOME. UM lost to MSU early and at Spartan stadium. It was a 14 point game but one play call (4th and an inch from the 6) could have changed that game. MSU plays a very weak Indiana in the cross conference game, UM plays Ohio State (at full strength); I could go on and on. I guarantee you every single UM player was sitting on their couch watching that game with the worst feeling in their stomachs. Like Van Bergen and Koger said, what they would have given to play in that game and to have that opportunity. If they lost, I'm willing to bet the response in a post game press conference would not be to whine about MSU and the possibility of them going to a BCS game before it happened, but to say they had the opportunity to win and lost it. The fact that Cousins and Dantanio were already complaining post game tells they knew were going to lose, or at the very least, they had no confidence. I'm born and raised in MI and a former UM athlete, but I hate State. Just the way it is. As a competitive person and athlete I don't get the blame game and whining; and it makes it tough for me support a michigan team even when UM isn't involved. Like Sean Connery said in The Rock &quot;Your &quot;best&quot;! Losers always whine about their best. Winners go home and the prom queen.&quot;

BornInA2

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 4:32 p.m.

Geez, after the MSU game all the Sparty trolls showed up here and called us poor losers for noting the thuggery displayed by MSU's defense. And the vast majority of us were conceding that MSU played better; that they deserved to win. Now they lose the championship game, pick up their third loss, and complain about being ranked lower to a two-loss team? Want some cheese to go with that whine, little brother??

superhappyfunbrett

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 4:31 p.m.

I think it's fair. Not just because I'm a Michigan fan. If teams are close behind you, and you lose, you pay the price. But if you win, YOU GET TO GO TO THE ROSE BOWL. Personally, I'm glad that your final record matters that much. If MSU was THAT much better than Michigan, then the record would reflect that with total wins and loses. Yes, they won the division. They earned it. But the gift this year isn't immunity - but A CHANCE TO GO TO THE ROSE BOWL. Why is that not enough? BECAUSE THEY LOST. Now, they wanna cry. The competition is stiff these days in the Big Ten. You either win or you pay the price. The stakes are high with each game. MSU got a chance at the golden ticket. But Wisconsin was/is the total winner. MSU choked. They pay the price this year. They need to stop complaining and deal with their own situation. On a side note: Everyone in the Big Ten better get use to this sort of thing, because this scenario is how it will probably be shaking down for years to come now. Me? I'm excited that the Big Ten is finally competitive across the board (mostly) again. It helps all the schools, and makes for more meaningful games for fans and players. And if things are always this close, you will definitely NOT want to lose in that Championship game. It won't be just some victory lap garbage game for the loser. If you lose, you LOSE - all capitals. More on the line should make for REAL GOOD games. I like that. I like it a lot.

shmoopy

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 4:30 p.m.

Great, intelligent response Ryan Van Bergen. And thank you for taking the high road.

The1Cool

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 4:21 p.m.

Why do I keep reading msu &quot;was punished for making the title game&quot;? They were punished for losing. When you lose, you drop in the rankings. They lost. Michigan was rewarded b/c teams in front of them lost and msu has more losses. That's how rankings and even standings work regardless of head-to-head matchups. They want to be excused for losing and rewarded for just making it to the B1G Championship. As if the B1G Championship game should only be counted if you win and ignored if you lose. All this BS while also ignoring the fact that their other 2 losses were blowouts. Good job, Meinke.

dukeravenwood

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 4:19 p.m.

Spartans Underplayed in the Championship game Kicker was run into It was a good call Time to man up.

ChelseaChris

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 4:14 p.m.

&quot;they were passed over for the BCS&quot;? This is misleading at best. MSU finished 17th in the final BCS standings and was not eligible for a BCS Bowl Game. You have to be in the top 14 to be eligible. Why were they not in the top 14? Because they lost 3 games and were ranked between 20 and 24 in 6 of the 7 computer rankings used in the BCS formula (13th in the last one). They were ranked 13 by both the human polls. The numbers just did not add up. Had the loss to Wisconsin been their 2nd loss and not their 3rd...and they STILL were left behind UM in the pecking order, then their complaint would be valid.

Kirk Cousin's Tears Cure Cancer

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 3:53 p.m.

LOL - Nice article and nice picture - 4 years this guys been kickin' the badger and this is all u guys can do is cry about it? Losers. Make it even more obvious why don't you... Have some respect - seriously. See where it says &quot;Our commenting community is a lively forum for local debate. We allow respectful, constructive comments. No attacks, please.&quot; Both the article and comments are disrespectful, destructive and an attack on character. Frauds. Who's the little brother now?

David Vande Bunte

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 3:51 p.m.

If MSU had beaten Wisconsin, guess what? Michigan would still be in the Sugar Bowl. You Sparties can whine all you want about how fair or unfair it is, but you don't get it. The outcome of the B1G Championship game was IRRELEVANT to Michigan's BCS Berth. No matter who won or lost, Michigan was going to move ahead of the loser by virtue of only having 2 losses to 3. Your game didn't matter one iota. The Big XII matchup between OSU and OU mattered...had OU pulled the upset, Oklahoma State might have grabbed one of the at larges. The SEC title game mattered, again, if Georgia had pulled off the miracle, LSU would 100% have gotten an at large. The Pac-12 Championship game mattered, because a UCLA upset over Oregon would probably have given Oregon a BCS At-Large over Michigan as well... The Conference USA game between Houston and Southern Miss mattered, because if Houston wins, they get a guaranteed BCS berth too. The B1G championship game didn't matter. If MSU wins, MSU and Michigan get the BCS berths, if Wisconsin wins, Wisconsin and UM get the BCS berths. Either way, because of the results of all the other games played Friday and Saturday, Michigan's BCS spot was all but guaranteed.

Steve Hampton

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.

Alabama is in the national championship game, and they did the exact same thing, so I'm not the least bit sympathetic to his complaint. They had their shot, they had to win that game and they didn't. On top of that. If UM had been in that game and MSU had been looking in, do you think they would have been picked up by the Sugar Bowl? I sure as hell think that KSU or Boise would have been picked over them.

michboy40

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 3:19 p.m.

Dantonio won't stay long at the basketball school. They will always get the short end of the stick because their fan base cares more about basketball. So, see ya later Dantonio, you will coaching elsewhere in the next 3 years. Probably nd after Kelly gets fired, or OSU after urban figures....again.

mun

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 3:18 p.m.

Hey Cousins! What part of YOU LOST do you not understand? As in you got punished because YOU LOST! No wonder why you get called &quot;little brother!&quot;

MiamiBlue

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 3:09 p.m.

I (as many Mich fans also said) said it last Sat immediately after the game and hours later. The Spartans have nothing to be ashamed about. They played a solid game and have a solid team. Congrats to them and their season. Now, to Kirk Cousins (who is a very good QB, but needs to stop crying) and some of the crybaby Sparty Fans out there moaning and groaning about not going to a BCS bowl, or more over complaining that Michigan is going to one. Quit your crying and Man up! What is, is what it is! Your Rodney Dangerfield act (about respect) is not winning you any points on the National scene and considering there are years of recruiting and football games and bowls yet to be played it would be best advised not to be labeled as a bunch of babies! Cause guess what, if that label sticks, you will not be getting the benefit of upper tier bowls for years to come. Everyone knows how the Little Brother comment drives you guys nuts, well stop acting like the little brother because Big Brother is allowed to stay up late and watch TV with the parents and yet the little one has to be in bed by 8pm because that is the perception being given out by some of you. You had your chance against Wisconsin, played a terrific game, but you did not get the job done. Period! Yet, you have a chance, like Michigan, at an 11 win season, let alone 10 being great, so what is there to cry about? Good Luck against GA and GO BLUE!!!

Ron Granger

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 3:08 p.m.

Little brother don't ya know Your flagrant penalties gotta go What's that choking sound I hear? Despondent Spartans looking for beer Wash away that choke today Falter again any bowl you play All that whining goes to show That your mascot's funny skirt is too low Wearing green, talking mean That bowl record is obscene Spartans always ebb and flow Will they lose six bowls in a row? Spartan alum Kwame Killpatrick wants to go But he needs his free tickets to the show Won't you help your Kwame go? See Spartans blow six in a row

D21

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 3:05 p.m.

To Greenie Tim (as not to confuse you with our timeless slogan, TiM) Unfair? Uh, no. Cousin is a proclaimed Christian which makes it a bit worse than it is. I am a Christian, too but do own up to my mistakes and hope Kirk will learn his lesson. Gholston doing the Stooge head twist on Denard is far more unfair than anything else. Take a good look at your own coach, Danner, whose demeanor seems an angry one akin daring anyone to knock that chip off from his shoulder whereas Hoke is everyone's favorite uncle, a la John Candy. The prospective recruits would be better off with Uncle Hoke than with the Grumpy One! GO BLUE!

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 3:01 p.m.

To quote Kirk Cousins: Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah Good Night and Good Luck

OLDTIMER3

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.

Not to defend the Spartans but if you watch the replay in slow motion of the blocked punt you will see as I did that the player was blocked into the punter . It was still a fantastic game. Go Blue at the SUGAR BOWL!

missionbrazil

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:57 p.m.

&quot;... Michigan State was punished for making the title game ...&quot; No, MSU was not punished for making the title game. MSU was punished for LOSING the title game. There is a BIG difference in those 2 statements. MSU had their own fate in their hands, and they blew it. You cannot lose your final game of the season in the BCS system (or in a playoff system for that matter). Geaux Blue !

Blue1st

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:55 p.m.

they had their chance and blew it, that's football. little bro doesn't get the respect they think they deserve, but's its earned. it's how you finish and Hoke knows that. the same thuggery played into this game and cost em big!! GO BLUE!!

B2Pilot

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:54 p.m.

So it has nothign to do with MSU with the game in hand dialing up the punt block??? or allowing Wis on a 4th &amp; 6 to complete a 30 yard pass?? hmm thought so.

Frank Brandon

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:51 p.m.

Congratulations to the mi seniors. They went 1-7 against their 2 biggest opponents, didn't play the top two teams in the legends division, played all but 4 games at home this year(losing 2) and are going to New Orleans. Scratch that, congratulations to the fraud that is the Big 10,11, 12.

Lorain Steelmen

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:41 p.m.

It's rare that a team gets what it deserves, but msu has done, just that. They got the fourth best bowl game, awarded to big ten teams, finishing BEHIND Wisc, UM, and Nebraska. And how nice it was, to see the Spartan receiver properly ruled 'out of bounds', as his foot WAS just outside. Sort of made for the cheap touchdown, (and victory), the officials gave msu, in East Lansing to end the 10/22 game. And how fitting it was, to see the spartans, shoot themsleves in the foot with a PERSONAL FOUL, to allow the Badgers to run out the clock. They were the dirtiest team in the league all season, (by design), and always seemed to get away with it. Finally, their loss at Lincoln, probalby helped the Capitak One Bowl committe, to select the Huskers, rather than the Spartans, dropping msu to the Outback matchup with Georgia.

glimmertwin

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.

It appears that there is one lesson that Mr. Cousins did not learn during his time with MSU - humility.

alarictoo

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:37 p.m.

Stupid penalties can have a high price. In this case hitting the kicker cost them a Rose Bowl bid. See if you can find a way to blame Michigan for that one, Kurt.

aareader

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:26 p.m.

Very impressed. Ryan Van Bergen's comment was right on point. Plus the sooner the BCS could be dissolved the better. If a national champion really needs to be crowned then a playoff system may be the answer. The process needs to be developed that is transparent. Otherwise a more traditional bowl system, like the Rose, is my choice. ...And MSU still might not make it.... And according Kirk it would still be Michigan's fault.

deres

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:24 p.m.

And anyone on this board who claims that UM is better because MSU had &quot;more losses&quot; than UM should learn to count. MSU played one more game than any other team except Wisconsin. When everyone in the conference plays the same number of games, your brilliant mathematical analyses will be relevant.

deres

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.

A few reactions: Certainly the bowl selection system favors Michigan for its fan base and so on. When given the choice between UM and MSU they'll take UM every time unless MSU wins the conference or is playing for the national championship. van Bergen and Koger: Your team did have a chance to play for the title game. You could have won your division. Don't tell us how you really wish you were out there in the title game and you'd &quot;trade&quot; for it. You left your opportunity on the field at the end of the MSU game. The &quot;we beat this team and that team beat MSU, so we're better than MSU&quot; argument is silly. Let's rearrange college football by the six degrees of win/loss and see how that works out. UM played one fewer game than MSU, which means MSU had more to lose by playing in the title game. If UM had played an additional game this year against a strong opponent like WI, I would accept their argument that they deserve the BCS berth more than MSU.

EyeHeartA2

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:12 p.m.

Once upon a time, I actually rooted for msu when the weren't playing Michigan. No more, the envious little brother is too much now. Regardless, this is how playoff work. Sorry. Tigers beat Texas in the regular season and lose in the playoffs - no whining from Detroit. Packers lose to Atlanta and beat them in the playoffs - no whining from Atlanta. msu loses to Wisconsin (in msu fashion) and whines about: The refs Their lot in the BCS Michigan's bowl bid How unfair it is to have to play Wisconsin twice The fact they couldn't get in to Michigan (this one only comes out during therapy, under hypnosis) Quit acting like a little brother and maybe you'll get treated like a grown up.

Meangoblue

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.

Happy MEANday!! Ryan VanBergen.......you guessed it!! He WILL win the Heisman next year!!! MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEANchigan football has returned from the bugar!! As the wolverines wil roooolllllll in the sugar!!

Hailmary

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.

It is my opinion that Mark Dantonio fueled a lot of this criticism and cousins is just a mouthpiece for what Dantonio didn't have the courage to come forth and say. Brady is a man's coach and for that I imagine Mark Dantonio probably does not like Brady Hoke man to man. Mark Dantonio learned and his philosophy was shaped by Jim Tressel so the personality of Mich. state is by comparison similiar to that of ohio at least the ohio shaped by Jim Tressel. This whole thing is not about who gets to play where but more about fanning the flames of fictional hatred by Mich. state against their, &quot;Big Brother&quot; which for the naive fan simply stokes the fire of the rivelry and inevitably insures job security for one Mark Dantonio, ya Tressel taught Dantonio all the dirty tricks and if you notice Brady doesn't fall for gimmickry bad mouthing like this. Is there anyone out there that thinks Denard Robinson would have cried in his diaper like cousins did? Sorry Cousins but you proved a point, You truly are, &quot;little brother&quot;.

chiro19

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:02 p.m.

A couple of things. Congrats on Michigan getting a invite to a BCS game! Congrats to Wisconsin on beating msu! It does not suprise me that msu is over emotional about this because well they rarely have a chance to be in a big game. I guess you should win msu and that would have solved your problems. But instead you are off blaming everyone else. Michigan had nothing to do with you not getting into a BCS game. Except for having a larger fan base and having a better winning percentage! If your only win of the season was against Michigan does that make you a better team? NO, you have to beat other teams and you did not. You lost three, and Michigan lost two and they have a higher ranking than you because of that. Do you know who could have prevented that from happening? You, by not losing to ND, Neb, and Wisc. I hope you show up this year against Georgia but from the sounds of it you will still be crying up to that game and get blown out again by an SEC team! Go Blue!!!

kti

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.

To me, if anyone got slighted, it wasn't MSU. They have 3 losses and a worse record than UM. You don't hear Iowa whining about how they should have gotten a better bowl than UM b/c they beat them. You don't hear Iowa complaining, do you? Why, because it makes little sense, which is why no one is surprised MSU fans/players are saying it. Unless they can honestly say that they thought before the champ. game that they would go to a BCS game even if they lost, I don't see what their problem is. I'd love to hear the Spartan argument for why they deserve a BCS bid over Boise State or Kansas State, 2 teams with better records and/or higher BCS rankings. (Not to mention 9-3 Baylor, higher ranked in the BCS than the Spartans) I'm not sure UM deserved a bid over them, but I'm dang POSITIVE MSU didn't and, in fact, I'm not sure that anyone outside of East Lansing really thought a 9-3 team was be in serious contention for an at large BCS bid. No other 9-3 team in the country was, so why should MSU have been? Did the Wildcats and Broncos get slighted? IMHO, yes. Did the Spartans? Utter nonsense.

johnnya2

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 1:47 p.m.

The fact Michigan did not play Wisconsin is silly. MSU did not play Penn State, Illinois or Purdue. Michigan did not play Penn State Wisconsin and Indiana. Penn State could say they got screwed for not even having the opportunity to play two of the top teams in the conference. What would MSU say if Michigan had played Wisconsin and beat them (like they did Nebraska). I have said this about any team who whines about their bowl. Just win baby. If they had won all their games, they could be in New Orleans the week after UM plays in the Sugar Bowl. They didn't, so then you leave your fate in the hands of others.

DonAZ

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.

Memo to the Spartans -- go and beat the Georgia Bulldogs (SEC East Champions, 10-2 regular season, 10 straight wins after 0-2 start) and you'll do your program a great service. Georgia is pretty good ... and they're SEC. In some ways MSU has more upside benefits with a bowl victory than does Michigan. Virginia Tech is a worthy opponent, but they're ACC (not SEC) and they lost their championship game badly to Clemson. Georgia lost their championship game to LSU, the #1 team, and did a pretty good job for one half of that game. So man up, Michigan State ... focus on your next opponent. Go out and take care of business. You beat Georgia and you'll enjoy more upside benefits for yourself and the Big 10 than nearly all the other Big 10 bowl games. * * * Wisconsin/Oregon -- strength vs. speed. After loss to TCU last year, a loss to Oregon is going to hurt both the Wisconsin and Big 10 storyline. And it'll bring the spread advocates out like locusts. Michigan/VT -- the storyline here is really about Michigan's comeback to national relevance. There's a lot of downside risks for Michigan here ... a win puts a bow around the 2011 season, a loss puts a question mark on it. MSU/Georgia -- Big 10 vs. SEC. If we're trying to compare conferences, the SEC is the standard bearer. MSU and U-M faired poorly last year in their bowls. MSU has a chance to do the Big 10 a great service with a convincing win. Nebraska/South Carolina -- another Big 10 vs. SEC. A victory here combined with an MSU victory does a nice job of putting the Big 10 back in the relevance discussion. But a victory here by itself does not advance the Big 10 cause much. Iowa/Oklahoma -- storyline: disappointed Sooners take on underperforming Hawkeyes. Not much upside for Big 10 ... a little downside with a loss. OSU/Florida -- two 6-6 teams do battle and all the talk will be about Urban Meyer. Ho-hum.

Rufus

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.

Unfortunately-MSU will likely lose in their bowl game- like they seem always to do. If they want to be angry- beat Goergia for the big ten and their reputation.

a2citizen

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 1:32 p.m.

Why does a team with three losses think it deserves special consideration? Because was the third best three-loss team in the Big Ten?

John Hubers

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 1:30 p.m.

Dear Mr. Cousins, You have an excellent team. Perhaps if Michigan played you again it's possible that you would come away with a second win, although that's not a given considering how much Michigan improved since they played you. What you seem to forget is that your team not only lost to Wisconsin, but to Notre Dame and Nebraska, as well. If you remember, Michigan beat both of those teams rather handily. Is it possible that Michigan actually is a better team than yours? Maybe next year. But don't count on it. An admirer but not a fan.

dayo13

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 1:20 p.m.

Who is Kirk Cousins ?

vwp11

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 1:20 p.m.

Michigan was the 12th man on the field for Wisconsin Saturday. If MSU would have spent as much time being defensive in their play as they did being defensive about Michigan 'possibly' vaulting ahead of them, maybe they would have won. They had their eyes on the prize and they blinked. It's not Michigan's fault. It's Dantonio's. Brady Hoke would have taken the loss and blamed coaching, making him and his staff fully accountable. He would have taken the good plays and given credit to his players. Dantonio is a polar opposite: Blame the officials. Blame the system. Blame the BCS. Never take any accountability for making a bad call at the end of a game they could easily have won. A coach with a big chip on his shoulder like him will never lead his team to greatness or respectability. They'll always get to see the grail, just not a chance to drink from it.

Tim

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 1:19 p.m.

First of all, I am a Spartan fan..born and raised. But I'm also a huge Big 10 fan and I will always root for UofM as long as it doesn't hurt MSU. It's great for the state of Michigan to see both teams do well. I, also, love die hard sports fans because we are all incredible hypocrites! Seriously, do you guys think you'd be acting any different than Cousins if the roles had been reversed? Of course, not...because you bleed maize and blue. I understand your arguments, but this whole thing seemed a bit unfair. That's just how I see it. Go Green...Go Blue...Go Big Ten!

knotch

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 1:17 p.m.

I've had a great respect of Cousins when he took the over as QB....every year I've lost that respect. He was a humble young man, now like a politican who's spent to much time in Washington...Kirky has gone native. This guy has great skills, great general on the field. But, he's never matured......In so many ways I blame the coach. Dantonio in just as much a brat with all the toys. They all knew if they lost this would happen. This proves the complex that state has will never EVER be washed. Four Straight wins against your instate rival...and your only rival......Then you cry about the system, why, Because you LOST. Whom ever decided too try an block the punt should be looking for a job today. State will have their hands full with Georgia. The put up 10 straight wins, sure the got creamed by LSU...their the best frigging team in the country. If Cousins and the rest of the team would have taken it like men, I might have thought too cheer for them in the outback bowl. I certainly hope MS Whoo has plenty of Puffs Plus (tm).... Go DOGS

David Vande Bunte

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 1:16 p.m.

Let's see...lose the B1G Championship game, and Sparty's first instinct is to go back to talking about Michigan again. hmmm. Sorry Sparty. You knew what the stakes were, it was Rose Bowl or nothing. You lost, so you get NOTHING! This is life in a conference with a title game! You either get the benefit of an extra win, or you get the penalty of another loss. The faster you realize that, the happier (or less miserable) you will be. 10-2 &gt; 10-3.

MRunner73

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 12:56 p.m.

I like our players comments about trading places. This story will keep Michigan and Sparty fans at each others throat for a while. I think MSU will have a daunting task trying to beat GA. They might end up 10 and 4.

azwolverine

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 12:53 p.m.

Who cares what Cousins thinks?

ohiowolverine

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 12:25 p.m.

Next we'll hear from Cousins, It's Michigan fault we had to play Georgia and lost, It's Michigan fault that the NFL doesn't want me. If only I'd went to Michigan. Boo Hoo!

golfer

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 12:14 p.m.

i guess they answered cousin! WANT TO TRADE. like they said. &quot;want to trade&quot;. the only reason they are crying is because they could not win when they had to! i am sure brady would say the same!

Patriot

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : noon

Man up Sparty and go win your game. Hail to the Victors in NO on Jan 3, 2012. May Michigan take home two wins and some National Pride.

james Kurtz

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 11:38 a.m.

MSU and Cousins could see them being overlooked in favor of UM after UM beat OSU. I think this was on their mind previous to the Big Ten Championship. UM always travels better in big bowl games and always will. Thats the curse MSU will have to live with always. Did MSU deserve the Rose Bowl? sure, but they blew it; just as Wisconsin blew their conference game in the last seconds against MSU. Is it a shame? yes, because this is the best team MSU will have for several years, yet, Wisconsin prevailed. If they win the Outback bowl and UM looses the Sugar Bowl there will be more tears, etc, etc, from the Spartan faithful and especially Cousins who has taken this very personal. Go Blue.

heartbreakM

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 11:35 a.m.

Few comments here. Cousins should take the Hoke approach and just not worry about things that he cannot control. He comes across as a spoiled petulant child with his whining which is not becoming of a team spokesperson. Also, I think MSU should be happy with their matchup which is more high profile and enticing than ours vs. Va Tech. SEC &gt;&gt;&gt; ACC and now MSU has a chance to prove they belong. Worry about your own matchup and not who we are playing or where we are playing.

Hebner

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:29 a.m.

Cousins made a comment about something he already knew in his mind...the possibility of being a three loss team. Both MSU and Wisconsin represented respectively with two losses; knowing that the looser would be a three loss team. If MSU had one loss going against Wisconsin then Cousins would be New Orleans bound. Tough luck! MSU lost to two opponents we beat, so what does that mean? and they were granted the divisional crown based on the head to head with us...so whats really the problem?!

tim

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:12 a.m.

There will always be unhappy universities around bowl season as long as we have the BCS. Personally, I'ld love to see everybody boycott the BCS until we have a playoff system. Go Blue!

AceDeuce

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:10 a.m.

When will those spartans learn to just cheer on their own team and be thankful for what they have, instead of always complaining about Michigan. I love how Van Bergen is such a man about his comments, how he'd love to trade places with little brother because Michigan probably wouldn't have choked, and at the very least if we had lost, we wouldn't have cried about how MSU got more ice cream on their cone, boohoo... -Hail to the Victors!

worldchamp

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 9:37 a.m.

gee, lets see. MSU beats Michigan and wins the Legends side of the conference fair and square, get a great chance at winning the bid for the Rose Bowl but choked it away now has 3 loses and Michigan has two losses and wins over the two teams that beat MSU, and both beat MSU handily. I think the BCS is telling everyone that they were 2 close teams and we are going to give Michigan a chance at a big time game since MSU choked it away. There is no sin in playing Georgia in the Outback. Good Luck MSU.......and I really mean it

iamcris

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 8:45 a.m.

What Cousin's failed to mention is that Alabama in fact enjoyed the same circumstances albeit to play in the Mythical National Championship game. Georgia isn't complaining and THAT right there is why I predict a healthy Georgia victory in the Outback Bowl. MSU is 0-4 in bowl games under Dantonio. We're cheering for ya' little brother, make B1G brother proud. Conference perception is at stake.

D21

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 8:37 a.m.

&quot;...Hart, who gained infamy for Michigan State fans when he referred to MSU as U-M's &quot;little brother,&quot; tweeted after the Big Ten championship game Saturday night: &quot;Kids will be kids.&quot; Hart didn't say to what he was referring, but MSU fans interpreted that as a slap at the Spartans after their 42-39 loss to Wisconsin, and let Hart have it on MSU message boards. It was just as big a topic on U-M message boards, where fans laughed...&quot; From DetNews. Little brothers will be little brothers, lol.

lawrencelaundry

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 6:50 a.m.

Cousins is a big cry baby! What makes them so deserving when Michigan beat the two teams they lost too.