Nate Parsons

Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 1:30 a.m.

Football is a collusion sport where more times than not dominate, aggressive, hostile behavior is rewarded by victory. Don't hate the palyer hate the game. See you next year little sister!

David Briegel

Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 7:10 p.m.

I'm in complete agreement with Lorain Steelmen, the officials missed half the game and let things get way out of control. The announcers including Chris Spielman were incredulous at the lack of control by the officiating team. Those missed laterals, the missed personal fouls that should have resulted in ejections. We could go on and on repeating many of the previous statements but suffice it to say Enough is Enough! It should definitely be up to the Big 10 to come down with severe sanctions for Dantonio, Narduzzi, Gholston and 44 or this will become the new standard in the Big 10. This was shameful! This has little to do with MSU's victory, they were clearly the better team and deserved to win. But the reality is that it was a literal mugging by an organized bunch of thugs!

Lorain Steelmen

Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.

Looking at the officiating on saturday was another problem. First, when msu intecepted the pass late, in the fourth quarter, and ran it in, the player taunted DRob, as DRob came over to try to make the play. By rule, the touchdown is to be taken off the board. Earlier, when msu tried a sideways play, that was moving backward, from the line of scrimmage, the receiver dropped the ball. UM (#5) recovered the ball, so it was a recovered fumblel. The refs, should have turned the ball over to UM. So with jurt these two calls, msu got 14 points, on incorreect officiating. As it was, the UM defense played well, and UM STILL had a chance to win the game with about 6 minutes to go, when for some unexplained reason, Borges ordered his QB to run away from the line on a 4th and six inches. To say that msu was the better team, doesn't compute. As I drove home, it dawned on me, that msu will most likely lose its' next two games. UM may still have a chance to win this division.

Lorain Steelmen

Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 6:16 p.m.

I predicted on this site, all last week, that the MSU plan would be to knock DRob out of the game. That is exactly what happened. But now, msu is in BIG TROUBLE!!!!!!!! This one is ugly! And they got caught, red handed, on national tv, not once, but several times. Sitting in the upper deck above the UM bench, we were all counting the personal fouls. By half time, we were up to 8 or 9. At 15 yds a crack that is over 100 yeads, just in personal fouls. Clearly it was a predetermined plan by Dantonio and Narduzzi. What we could NOT see, was the blatant attempt to cause personal injury. Watching the dvd of the game sat night, and the delayed BTN replay again sunday night was appalling. Luckily for Robinson, his chin strap, released, so that when Gohlstin, twisted his helmet by the face mask, his neck was not snapped, and he was not killed. But why wasn't Gohlstin ejected at that point? Later when Gohlstin sucker punched Lewan in the throat, I again was surprized, that he wasn't tossed. In every case, Dantonio only complained that the pernalites were called. Late in the game, a Spartan rusher (#44), body slammed DRob to the truf, well AFTER the pass was on its' way, and successfully knocked DR out of the game. But he ALSO returned to the game. Of course, Dantonio was the DC at osu, when osu's LB, Reynolds, choked Wisconsin's QB, Sorge, at Camp Randall in 2004 or5. So there IS a history here for Dantonio. That's why I expected it before the game. The league must decide if it will suspend these thugs, and for how many games. Gohlstin should be out for the balance of his career. Others, should be suspended for a couple of games, IMMEDIATELY! If the league does not step in to protect it's players from life altering or life ending muggings, then coaches will quickly instruct their players to retaliate. Dantonio and Narduzzi must be sanctioned as well.

umgoblue47

Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 5:03 p.m.

jimb. . . the fact that you can't MAN-UP to the fact that one of your player's played DIRTY and you can accept that it's ok to play like that speaks volumes as to what you think is ok! if you watch the replay's you can see what WG did was wrong!! your team won, uofm lost, your team was the better team on both sides of the ball this year. at least acknowledge that what was done on the field was wrong!!! that would speak volumes that you don't agree with this type of play no matter who the player is or what team he is on!!! GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!

JimB

Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 3:59 p.m.

I'm so sad to see UofM fans crying so much over a loss. This isn't the UofM fan base I remember. The ...'if this happened' or 'that didn't happen, then we could have won.' ' cheaters, thugs'. Well, news flash, it didn't go your way and you didn't win. Most fan bases don't cry, they save that emotion for next year to fuel their fire. Man up.

umgoblue47

Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 3:32 p.m.

michigan got beat by the better team no question about that, but what WG did #2, should have called for is ejection from the game by the refs!!! DANDY DANtonio should have benched him and he should be benched for the rest of the season!!! and to sparty, i would be saying the same thing if it was a michigan player!! this type of play is unacceptable!!! GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marcus Ray was Right!

Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.

In the end, Marcus Ray was correct in his comments. MSU doesn't matter because they are not Michigan, never have been and can never be. Because that S logo really will always stand for second to Michigan. And from my own personal perspective, it also stands for safety school. So revel in a football victory, of which you did not participate in any way, shape, or form. Live vicariously through others lives, and know that MSU will always be irrelevant to true Michigan men and women, because they are not Michigan.

Dante

Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.

The dirtiest play of the game was the punch by William Gholston. He was caught up with emotion, but you still have to control those emotions. Michigan got beat by poor line play and bad play calling. The punch should have gotten him throw out the game. That is a rule. Also, is his late hit and trying to rip the helmet off was childish. You do that at the bottom of the pile not afte the whistle blows. That made it obvious what he was trying to do. I tip my hat to the school in East Lansing. It was a good game and in the end Michigan loss like everyone expected. This is not an upset or anything. It is a loss. I just feel out of all the penalties William Gholston should have been in the lockerroom. The game to me was not dirty but William Gholston is border line dirty.

Ricardo Queso

Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 12:07 p.m.

Hoke is not making excuses but the Walmart Wolverines are vocal. Time to separate the football program from the University and give it the proper name of "Taylor Tech".

RJ12688

Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 5:05 a.m.

Whether MSU played dirty or not they were the better team. There was definitely some cheap shots, and they were penalized. But sadly, UM looked soft saturday. Until they can beat teams up front, their going to keep losing to the top B1G teams. Also, i think its time to end the Denard Robinson QB experiment and use the bye week to get Gardner prepared to start and use DRob as a RB/WR. He cant throw, and its not just magically going to change. Getting Gardner playing now, and playing a getting his first start against a weak Purdue team would give him an opportunity to get his feet wet. Not to mention, it will benefit him for next year. Gardner is the better true QB, Drob is the better athlete... its time to adjust their positions accordingly.

Willy

Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 1:27 a.m.

"On Saturday I watched a game in which one team --the Spartans-- had reverted back to the rules of the jungle. This left the Michigan players completely vulnerable because they were obviously playing under a different code of conduct." I'm watching the replay on the Big 10 Network. Suck it up and welcome to the "Jungle." Dix.

SonofScoot

Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 12:23 a.m.

My God put skirts on the M team next year!

ChelseaBob

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 10:56 p.m.

I wonder how much the spartan fans will whine when their players are suspended for Wisconsin game and beyond. I was disgusted. Up until now I cheered MSu when we weren't playing tham. but I hope they lose every game from now on. Yes, MSU won the game but the intentional cheap shots make them the scum of the big ten. D'Antonio, you are dirt.

NoSUVforMe

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 9:27 p.m.

MSU = Thugs. Dantonio = Thug Master Gholsten = #1 Thug College sports shouldn't be about thuggery. Not surprised but disappointed in MSU - the university, the leadership, the coaches, and the thugs themselves.

BluemfieldBrian

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 6:55 p.m.

From Yahoo sports: "That's what we try to do, play 60 minutes of unnecessary roughness," Pat Narduzzi, MSU's fiery defensive coordinator, said. "Any time you get a win over a top 10, top 11 team, whatever they are, or were, it keeps you confident." I think this says it all. MSU's play wasn't undisciplined, it was intentional.

WolverineWhisperer

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.

Let me say from the outset that MSU has a better team than Michigan this year and should have, and would have, won under any circumstances. We (UM) are just not ready to play with the big boys yet. With that said, I find myself still very upset at what I observed yesterday and at the defenses of MSU's on-field behavior in a surprisingly large proportion of the comments here and elsewhere. It is not being a candy-ass or crybaby to say that this should not be a game about hurting people. There is a certain unspoken ethic in football and other contact sports that players should not try to inflict season- or career-ending injuries on each other. This in part reflects a mutually assured destruction principle at work here: if we try to injure their best players, they're going to do the same to us, and particularly to the guy who inflicted the injury. However, I had thought that it was also true that the norms of restraint and of good sportsmanship had evolved to a point where such "dirty play" had become a rare occurrence. On Saturday I watched a game in which one team --the Spartans-- had reverted back to the rules of the jungle. This left the Michigan players completely vulnerable because they were obviously playing under a different code of conduct. What we saw from the "blue-collar" Spartans was the embodiment of the corporate mentality in action: "Let's screw these guys' eyes out; penalties are just the cost of doing business, and we still profit hugely from our behavior." For those who comment here and elsewhere defending the "dirty play", just think for a moment how you would feel if it was your favorite player, or brother, or son, or you, who was hurt or even crippled by some out of control jerk. Let's all try to remember that living together in a society imposes a responsibility on each one of us to protect each other's safety. We should uphold that principle, and not undermine it, in our public comments about the behaviors

genetracy

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:30 p.m.

All this game proved was Mich is not ready for the big boys. Can you imgaine the outcome if they played Alabama, LSU, or Oklahoma yesterday? The game would have been over by the end of the first quarter.

UlyssesSwrong

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:14 p.m.

The comments illustrate why we Michigan fans hate MSU fans so much. Honestly speaking, MSU is a crappy football program which has seen a surge recently. I'm a little baffled by all of these MSU football fans. MSU football fans? Seriously? Where did you guys come from? They take their little victories and run for miles with them. They love to rub it in because they've been rubbish for years and have a horrible record vs. Michigan in this rivalry. I guess we shouldn't be surprised to see MSU fans coming here and voting up the pro-MSU comments. Let them have their time in the sun, they're use to being losers in football.

michboy40

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4 p.m.

Michigan State has more talent, depth, and experience than Michigan. Especially on defense. That tide is going to swing back to Michigan in the next few years because Hoke is dominating the recruiting war. So here is my message to Michigan players and coaches. When we get there, and we have the talent to beat them, let's please do it with some class, instead of what I saw on that field yesterday. I normally reach out to my MSU friends after the game, and have done so the last three years, but throwing punches on the field is unacceptable. A coulpe personal fouls throughout the game because of being too amped up are acceptable, but a blatent game plan directed by cheap shots and over the line behavior took sooo much away from the game. It was a discrace to see MSU's linebacker slapping high fives on the sideline after being flagged 15 yards for body slamming denard after the play. So rejoice Sparty. You won the game, but you showed the nation that you are second rate.

unclefred

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 3:57 p.m.

The offensive line was completely outplayed. As a result Denard was harassed all game long. No QB can pass effectively when the defense is in the backfield that quickly. Defenders flying across the line untouched. Hoke said it himself, he and his staff were out coached and they had to find a way to do a better job of coaching the team. The OL failed to execute, and they needed to execute with near perfection to handle MSU. That said they played to the end and never gave up. MSU outplayed UofM and deserved the win. Just as Hoke and his staff take responsibility for their teams play, Dantonio and his staff must take responsibility for the play of MSU. While they have a lot to be proud of, the deliberate effort to injure Denard after the ball was dead or long gone was not "emotionally charged football". Football is a rough game. Contact and domination is part of it. Putting "shots" on key players is a definite part of the game. Landing on a players head, while he is helplessly pinned under a pile up, and in a second motion grabbing his face mask and twisting it in a deliberate attempt to injure him is NOT. Suppose for a moment that Denard's neck had been broken and he was paralyzed. Game videos would have been seized by the police and at this point charges would be pending. We'd be debating the appropriateness of allowing criminal charges for actions on a college football field. That is not a debate I wish to have. I like the fact that football is a contact sport, but if we want it to stay that way, flagrant actions like this one must be censured by the coaches. Does anyone doubt for a moment that had MSU not indulged in the late hits the game would have ended differently? Obviously MSU would have won that game anyway, whether we like it or not they were the more effective team. Since Dantonio has taken no action, not even to say that his staff is reviewing the video, I can only assume that he approves of these actions. A poor standard by which to coac

gobluegreg

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.

The late Al Davis famously said, the other teams quarterback must go down, and he must go down hard. Point to MSU. The recent UnderArmor commercials told you to protect your house. Not so much for the UM offensive line. Let the league and the refs handle anything out of bounds, but so what if they do? Won't help us now, the L is recorded. If it ticked us off enough at the time, we would have made MSU pay for those penalites with scores or stops. We didn't. This blue print for beating Michigan in recent years is not new. Will this staff learn from it? I think so. This team has shown some resiliancy that recent teams did not have. The defense did not play that terrible. They won, they get to talk, we get to either get better or cry about it. The latter is not flattering or befitting of the "leaders and best". Just stop it. Patience young Jedi's, the force will be with us soon.

Willy

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 3:20 p.m.

Were Gholston's actions reprehensible? Yes. Did he get caught up in the heat of the moment? Yes. This doesn't justify what he did and he probably should get suspended. And is that why the Mighty Michigan Marshmallows lost? No. And are you Whinerines going to tell me the shoe hasn't been on the other foot? (see Jonas Mouton for one). So cut the holier than thou crap. You've been owned for four years now. What's that taste like?

AnnArborDon

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:48 p.m.

Yesterday, I heard and read a LOT of vitriolic comments from State fans deriding and berating the Michigan fan base, team, and coaching staff. Apparently, most felt that one comment from Mike Hart a few years back was sufficient justification for the barbaric play we all witnessed (except for a few occasions by the officials). What was this horrible comment that drew an imaginary new Mason-Dixon line somewhere between Ann Arbor and East Lansing? He said that MSU was like a "little brother." Imagine that. Saying that he thought of MSU like a member of his own immediate family; someone who can sometimes be annoying and, yes, even a pain, but someone for whom he feels pride and affection, and who will someday step out of his shadow and achieve great things on his own. How dare he say such a thing! Maybe that someday is now. Maybe MSU is a better team, and will be from now on. And maybe U of M will have to just look on with admiration as his "little brother" continues to shine. But maybe U of M is just temporarily under the weather and will return to its former glory in the not-too-distant future. And maybe "little brother" is acting a little too brutish and boorish for its own good. Think about this: as poorly as U of M played, and as dominant as MSU's defense was, this game still hinged on two plays. If Denard Robinson had planted his foot and not gotten intercepted for a pick-six, and if Devin Gardner had released that touchdown pass behind the line of scrimmage, it very easily could have been a tied game. Some brothers grow up beating each other up, and then become the best of friends when they reach the maturity of adulthood. Some never get over the pain, embarassment, and anguish of being in the shadow of a successful sibling. I hope we get past this, but I never expected our "little brother" to turn out to be the high school bully.

raddesc

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:41 p.m.

As patheitic as MSU's extra curricular activity was, the game was still in reach for UM to tie the game in the 4th quarter. So with all the adversity they faced, the spotlight goes directly to the UM coaching staff...not the MSU players and their personal foul penalties. Had UM prevailed, the shine on MSU's attempt to hurt UM players would have been covered extensively on various sport networks. However, UM lost on a gimmick play in which our coach basically handing MSU the game. Perception is lost when you lose hence the reason why Hoke doesn't want to admit MSU played dirty and praised Dantonio for his coaching. UM needs to stay the course and get better....MSU and their fans can keep on gloating for another year but karma is coming again for them just as it did last year.

genetracy

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:37 p.m.

Next year, I recommend the two teams play flag football so no UM players get injured.

genetracy

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:34 p.m.

UM fans are known for their whining but after yesterday, they are taking it to another level.

KrissyK

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.

As a Mom, I was mortified by the bullying by MSU. I am a U of M fan and I'll concede that MSU knows how to play football well and are a good team, BUT YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME! They could have won without the bullying. Worthy's family should be disappointed with their son as his attitude and "chip on his shoulder" from a comment that was said YEARS ago by someone who is NO LONGER on the team is ridiculous! These are VERY young men that are out on this field playing and those who call U of M players/fans whiners please stop! This is a game, nothing more. But in this day and age of "anti-bullying", perhaps MSU needs a few refresher courses.

Griffin

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.

State won, enough said....best of luck the rest of the way sparty. I'm not going to make excuses. Big Blue was just plain beat. When they had the momentum they lost it. Denard was completely shut down.... 4th and inches... down a TD and you get tricky. D'OH As for dirty. Naw, state is know for their thugs, I didn't expect anything less. It was a rivalry. The body slam was cheap, the punch was cheap. those two could be suspensions later. the pick six taunt, even the two buckeye doing the game on ESPN said that should have been called back... eh, the game is over....MSU has the trophy. Oh by the way Snoop.....67-31-5. State has a long LONG way to go, and winning 4 more in a row...possible, sure. Improbable though. You do know what 'improbable' means don't you? hehee

PatRay

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:44 p.m.

You have to be careful asking for sanctions against players from only one team. The state player did throw a punch and was caught. Taylor Lewan did a face guard pull down in the same play and was not penalized (a dangerous and cheap action). So who gets the suspension? Football is not a nice game and we put compensated gladiators out there for a reason, we like to see them go at it. Man up guys - but remember it is still just a game.

A2D2

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:18 p.m.

Out coached, out coached, out coached. Dantonio out coached borgas, he out coached mattison, and he definitely out coached hoke. I expected this from the rich rod crew, but not from Brady and company. Btw, I have never seen such a dynamic player -Denard - used in such a poor, ineffective way. If you don't want to use his giftedness, put him in the slot and be done with it. Not that I'm irritated or anything.

jeffindex

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:14 p.m.

Is it too late to join the whine fest? Did MSU players play overaggressively? Yes. Did they pay the price? Yes. Michigan benefited from those dumb plays to extend drives on several occasions. I'm guessing at some point in the game UM had more yardage gained from penalties than from offensive execution. Face it. The better team won and without the penalties it probably would have been something more like 35-7. Booyah!

walker101

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:11 p.m.

Man up!

1998pa

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 12:44 p.m.

I can understand frustration over losing, but I've never witnessed an entire fan base turn into absolute wimps so quickly. Did Rich Rodriguez recruit you? Face it, you got your butts whipped. Physically pounded. Enough with the crying. Enough with the psychotic trolling about Will Gholston. This is football, not pottery. Your beloved Bo would kick the snot out of you for complaining about anything but getting outmuscled. Anything else is worthless banter.

fred

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 11:29 a.m.

yowsa!

local

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 11:20 a.m.

Another quick note, last week an LSU punter showboated into end zone and had TD taken back for excessive/unsportsmanlike conduct. MSU player does similar thing going into end zone today on D-Rob interception and Big Ten crews doesn't flag it. They argued this play on ESPN last week and stated the rule clearly and CBS argued it yesterday after game as well. Michigan still not tough enough at line of scrimmage. You need a passing game to compliment running attack and Denard isn't that guy. He is a special player on the field, but the passing game must improve or 7-5 or 8-4 seems very likely. As for dirty play, a few questionable situations on the field, but rivalry games tend to have a few of these. Remember folks, this is MSU biggest game on their schedule, most Michigan fans would agree it is important, but not Michigan's biggest game. I hope Michigan learns from this experience and works to improve for the big game on Thanksgiving weekend.

glimmertwin

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 10:31 a.m.

It's like the goofy kid who finally got a date with the hot girl at school. He should act like he's been there before. State acted like they have never been there before. Low class.

GoBlue1984

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 9:38 a.m.

If I were a state fan I would be embarrassed by my team after that game... the personal fouls (including a blatant punch!) are despicable. I hope the NCAA / BIG10 reacts appropriately and punishes the players who committed these disgusting fouls. They not only shamed MSU, they shamed the BIG10.

Dockerduk

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 7:35 a.m.

I'm sure Mike Hart had no idea how badly his comments would hurt Michigan football!

Rick Williams

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 6:04 a.m.

Michigan -look towards next yr. Y'all get to kick of the season with ALABAMA

Kyle

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:59 a.m.

Funny how so many of you Wolverine fans complain about the lack of class by the Spartans today and yet tomorrow I'm sure many of you will be all over Suh's jock . If I'm not mistaken, he plays the same way, and many of you probably love it.

Mark

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:41 a.m.

It's pretty obvious that UM got beaten by a better team. There is no dispute there. However, since Dantonio also failed to control his players -- he should have benched Gholston after he punched the UM player. That sends a message to keep your emotions in control and play football. But he didn't do that. Nor did Dantonio seem to understand why Tressel was fired. So, that tells me all I want to know about his character. Players sometimes do things in the heat of emotion that they should not do, but it was quite apparent that Dantonio chose not to cool off some of the hotheads on his team. Also not mentioned is the fact that when the last interception was run into the end zone, the ball carrier taunted DR in the end zone. According to rules, that should have annuled the TD and put the ball on the 5 yard line. Poor officiating. That didn't cost UM the came, but certainly added insult to injury.

AAbob43

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:33 a.m.

Wahhhhhhh. This is so vintage Whinerene. I have a clipping from 2002 or something. It's a humourous prediction of a U of M/Utah game, from the Free Press. It said that when a penalty is called on U of M, the Big Ten had instructed the refs to throw Kleenex, for all the crying. (The writer picked Utah.) AA.Com, you're what passes as journalism in this town now. Can you not pick up your standards just a little bit? My high school paper was more erudite, analytical and objective than this stuff. Pretty much everyone on planet Earth who is not a Wolverine despises Wolverines. How come? They are poor losers, and poor winners. Case in point: Your whiney article. Interesting that MSU has prevailed in four straight in football against U of M, but apparently the "truth" out of Ann Arbor is that they were jobbed by the refs, treated "ditrily", and maybe U of M played poorly. But for sure, MSU didnt ever really defeat the Whinerenes. Better start working on excuse #5 for next year. You don't want to leave important stuff like that to the last minute. Preparation is everything in sports.

chas

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:13 a.m.

Michigan not enough grit? Stupid statement. They were basically outplayed but also mugged. Cheap shots in the form of illegal chop blocks. late hits and face masks tend to take their toll in the trenches and that is why they are not legal. They injure and hurt players and MSU disgraced their program today as it appears they have been coached to think this is how the game is played. They lost whatever little respect and support they may have had. This was the most flagrant example of unsportsmanlike play I have ever witnessed in a college football game. Even Miami's once assembled thugs look like choir angels compared to the sociopaths that Dantonio leads.

Skolly51

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:03 a.m.

All the those personal fouls helped keep a number of the drives alive for UofM. You should be thankfull some of the MSU players were dumb enough to make those plays. With out them, the points scored could have been even worse.

chas

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:01 a.m.

Gohlston must be suspended or the Big 10 Conference is without principle or integrity. This entire State programs bears scrutiny as it appears that coaches are encouraging players to intentionally injure opposing players with cheap shots.

chas

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 3:49 a.m.

If no suspensions are handed out to Gohlsten and company I believe Michigan should change their game plan to cheap shots on any player they believe to be critical to their opponent's performance in order to neutralize them, injure them and get them on the bench. I don't mean the 300 lb gorilla in front of you. I mean their quarterback, running backs and wide receivers. When there down on the ground, pile on with a head shot and rip their face mask to the sky. After the QB releases the ball, let their arms hang down and when they least expect it, hit them in the mouth. When their receivers block you, punch them where it hurts. Chop block their defensive line till their knees implode. It's only rough football and it's to be expected. Just win, no style points here.

chas

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 3:36 a.m.

Hoke must complain to the Big 10 office about the Gohlsten face mask mugging of Denard Robinson. Failure to do so would signal that he doesn't care if his QB is intentionally injured by this type of foul and leave Denard exposed to future attacks.

Tru2Blu76

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 3:20 a.m.

I'll second everything heartbreakM said about MSU's DESPICABLE play and go further. Contradicting only: I think Michigan's O-line gets all of the blame for today's loss. The offensive line failed utterly to protect Denard and open running lanes for No.16 and the other RBs. Denard was therefore unable to find his groove, something we've all known to be his major problem. Denard is like any QB in that none of them, even the best of the Best can succeed without an effective O-line. I say the forbidden: I think Borges has done all he can with his offense up to this point. What we're seeing and why we're seeing it (again) is an inadequately talented O-line. The only qualification to this terrible statement I make is that MSU's defense is at the top and Michigan's O-line could not have done more than "average" against that. But they didn't do average: they did terrible. I see how this came about: the defense was the greatest deficit and Hoke (and Mattison) have done their best with that priority. They DID stop MSU repeatedly and DID provide opportunities for the offense: which then threw them away one after another. Terrible Statement #2: for the first time since his hiring, I disagree with Hoke about "brushing aside" MSU's foul play. Personal fouls are dangerous to the victims: Michigan might have lost Denard for the season to them. If Denard HAD been seriously injured: what would Hoke and the sports writers be saying NOW?? I urge Coach Hoke and EVERYONE to raise this issue to the forefront. This is not only a disgrace for Mark Dantonio, it's a clear and present threat to every player who faces Dantonio's (sanctioned!) thugs. Hoke talks about responsibility: well, he's also said he's responsible for the safety of his players. What does he mean?? I want the NCAA and the Big 10 to ACT against MSU! How do you say?

chas

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:58 a.m.

Your failure to report the flagrant attempt by Gohlsten to snap Denard Robinson's neck casts doubt on any journalism going on here. MSU outplayed MIchigan and deserved to win. They also played a disgraceful and dangerous game. If this doesn't get coverage you have lost all respect and don't deserve to even think you are a reporter.

mike gatti

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:49 a.m.

Dirty play? No. Emotional play? Yes. There were some personal fouls today. They were called and yardage was assessed as a form of punishment. I think MSU wanted to make sure that DRob wouldn't beat them. I also think that it is pretty hard to have it both ways. DRob is not going to go down without a fight. He is a great runner who will fight and wiggle and fake and spin until he is on the ground. That characteristic that makes him great is also going to make people want to tackle him and do it convincingly. This game is played by human beings. Human beings have emotions. Second, you can't say that since he passed great against Minnesota and Northwestern then why not against State? You don't just insert opponent here. Minnesota is terrible. Northwestern's D is not State's D. You need to give the opponent credit. Not once in this piece did I see Michigan got beat. It just says they lost. That is the fact that has to be faced. U of M does not just lose games, sometimes even U of M gets beat. That is a reality that the faithful are unwilling to accept and that is why there is always must be a villan (Rich Rod, Refs, MSU hooligans, Charles White, etc.).

discgolfgeek

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:33 a.m.

We got beat by the better team. Our guys played hard today but good coaching can only take a team so far. Hopefully, Denard & Devin will get better at reading defenses as there were guys open multiple times during the game. Help is on the way as Michigan recruits the players it needs to play a more physical yet speedy brand of football.

Goofus

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:25 a.m.

Let' see...the Whiney WalMarters Contingent's* Tally: "State played Dirty" --- check. "Refs gave the game to State" --- check. "Nonexistent governing body of NCAA will look into this and suspend State players". --- check. "We're rebuilding from the Richrod Debacle therefore even though this UM team was undefeated and ranked 11, this was not the "real" Michigan team, so just you wait" --- check. Somethings never change. Love it! Go Green. Go White. * I specify Walmarters, because real Wolverines don't use these tired excuses.

tim

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:24 a.m.

MSU is dirty ,but their slimy antics will supply Michigan with next years motivational ammo. Party hard sparty your short rein will soon end.

Steven Taylor

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:11 a.m.

I'd recommend UofM fans visit Wholefoods or Traders Joes to pick up some organic cheese to with the whine.. Stop being all butt-hurt about being handed another loss from an ACTUAL football team and not some junior varsity warm up squad.

A2Monty

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:53 a.m.

Very emotional game. MSU played like champions and Michigan did not. Let stop the wining and excuses towards MSU. Spartans won fair and square. They have an awesome defense and are well coached. Congratulations MSU

mt

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:41 a.m.

Based on most of the comments I guess maybe you were hoping for a chess match. Maybe next year we can set up a game of flag football. We will try not to pull the flag out too hard, and make you cry. Sorry for being too tough on you. We were just trying to be nice and keep you in the game. Nice call on 4th down. Maybe Hoke should have put down the hot dog he was eating and put on the head set to help make the call. At least you got the OSU beatdown to look forward to, when half of Ohio takes over your stadium, and laughs at your fan base crying about the other team hitting you too hard.

emueagles63

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:30 a.m.

Here's what I don't understand about all this dirty play crap from Michigan fans. Every foul was flagged and MSU was penalized for them. Over 100 yards of penalties and MSU still won. How about Michigan explain why you couldn't capitalize on those penalties. Sitting on here and crying about how MSU played dirty will not justify the terrible play by the Michigan players. MSU was bigger, stronger, and better. Stop with the excuses and take the "L" and live with it. "Leaders and the Best" - Leaders accept their defeat and rise from it. Come on Michigan fans.

chas

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:30 a.m.

MSU deserved to win today. They made the big plays when they needed to. However play was something more than dirty. Video clearly shows that Gohlston intentionally snapped the neck via face mask after piling on to a defenseless Denard Robinson. Combined with additional late hits on Denard there is no doubt that they were coached to injure the Michigan quarterback and they carried out the coaching flagrantly. Suspensions must occur....cripe Worthy admits it post=game too!

chas

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:20 a.m.

Big 10 better suspend Gohlsten or this conference is headed for hell.

braggslaw

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 12:58 a.m.

I thought Denard played a very poor game. Michigan needs a qb who can throw the ball and a power running game to get tough yards.

Joe Minock

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 12:35 a.m.

Getting away from the Dirty Comments, I think U of M showed some great improvements today. Their defensive line, which could have previously been compared to a leaky drain, absolutely man handled the MSU offensive line. The U of M offense, came right out and executed many excellent plays... and we saw the Robinson / Gardner backfield evolve a lot. While U of M didn't win, I saw dramatic improvements over even last weeks play. Brady Hoke is the right man for the job, and under his leadership... this rivalry is gonna get close and there are going to be some outright wars in the next few years, starting with next year.

Joe Minock

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 12:24 a.m.

I've long been a fan of both the University of Michigan, and the Michigan State University football programs. For many years, U of M was the prevalent team and went so far to call MSU it's Little Brother. Now, the tides have changed and MSU has won the last four meetings and done nothing but play football. It's a rough game, and there are actions by all that can be proclaimed dirty, but if you're going to point a finger, you cant have blood on your hands, too. After watching the same game today, that everyone else here did, I saw things from both teams that were not shining examples of clean play, but, this is the biggest rivalry in the state. When you bring two teams together with such emotion, it's gonna get rough. I'm certainly not turning a blind eye to what a few MSU players did, but I'll also acknowledge fully that U of M was in no way innocent. Lets be very real here. This is the game of football, and its rough. Emotions are high, and a years worth of respect and bragging rights was on the line. Who wins or loses comes down to execution, and both teams executed many things well today. One team just executed better. In the end, Michigan State University out played and certainly out defended the University of Michigan. And until you're on the field, playing the game, keep your tongue about one team or the other playing dirty. Leave those claims to the coaches and players, as they are the only ones with the right to make such statements.

ATLSpartan

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 12:16 a.m.

As a Spartan fan I am disappointed in the number of persoanl fouls called against MSU today (they certainly kept Michigan in the game), but that's what happens in a rivalry game. Do I believe the Spartan defense is dirty? Absolutely not. If there had been a sustained history of similar infractions over multiple games then I guess someone could make that argument. But since it was really evident in this game alone, I simply attribute it to an emotionally charged game. Quite frankly, if the Michigan defense could have penetrated the Michigan State offensive line and gotten closer to Cousins, you would have seen similar flagrant fouls against the Wolverines. No doubt in mind. However the MSU o-line played pretty well today and protected Cousins much better than Robinson was protected. Michigan couldn't get close enough to Cousins to even attempt a late hit. Michigan got just as dirty in the trenches as Michigan State. Don't kid yourself. It was a very physical game - Michigan State was just more physical than Michigan.

rightmind250

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 12:14 a.m.

I don't think MSU played dirty. I saw a game where the refs did everything they could to keep UM in the game. MSU was tougher and much more agressive. UM has a history of shooting their mouth off. Just ask Mike Hart. You talk enough trash you better be able to back it up or you will get punched right in the mouth. Today UM was shooting their mouth off and they got punched. Um is not a tough smash mouth team. MSU is.

Will Warner

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 12:12 a.m.

From my perspective (row 17, 40-yard-line, behind the MSU bench) the most important factor of the game was the Spartan blitz leading to many sacks for long losses, an un-called intentional grounding, and a completely disrupted UM passing game. Nothing says "I'm going to beat you" like a relentless and overpowering blitz.

MRunner73

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 12:11 a.m.

I give the refs credit for the 13 flags angainst MSU, just think how many more penalties they would have had if this game were played in Ann Arbor. I am glad to see the word dirty used in the headline of this artcle. Yes, Michigan was beaten by a better team. Nobody believed Brady Hoke's comments in the previous six that his team had a long way to go. Now we know what he meant. The bye week will serve us well, fans and players. Al Borgess called his worst game of season. Let's they all learn some things they can correct for the remainder of the season. Sparty has to play Wisconsin, they are not home free just yet.

Goofus

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 12:11 a.m.

The national and non-Ann Arbor based media, such as the Every Sport Played Network, the two local papers in Detroit, and Big Ten Network....after nary mentioned "dirty" play or "criminal behavior". Must be an Ann Arbor and WalMart thing...State's D musta got in y'all's heads too. /.fear.factor.\

UMfan2001

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 12:09 a.m.

MSU played dirty today but the way that UM played are not getting any sympathy from me. UM players were just cannot play against tough opponent. Maybe not really. Let's see whether they learnt some lesson today and beat their next big rival, OSU. If they do so, I have no doubt they can beat OSU else it is another painful experience to go through again.

chas

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 12:08 a.m.

Suspensions will be handed out. Gohlsten may lose a season.

Goofus

Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 12:04 a.m.

Walmart Nation has outdone itself with the whining about dirty play , aka "this year's excuse". Was this, ahem, "opinion" piece masqurading as a headline, prepared in advance? For 3 years it was Richrod, now it's that State is criminal enterprise. LOVE IT! Go Green, Go White.

stunhsif

Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 11:49 p.m.

And now all you sore losers can do is resort to name calling and make bogus accusations, I just love it. Go Green Go White

Goober

Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 11:47 p.m.

Even though they are called an 'ag school' by UofM students, the MSU football program rocks.

heartbreakM

Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 11:45 p.m.

Dirty play did not cause Michigan to lose. Better teamwork, better line play, and better fundamentals won the game for MSU (except for catching passese). Dirty play however shamed the Spartans and diminished the victory. When it comes to rivalries, play hard but play clean. That's the signature of most UM-OSU games and you see few penalties in those games. But MSU today played out of control with some intents to injure Michigan players. I don't care what your emotion is--you do NOT try to injure the opponent. You play under control within the rules, but respect the opponent. You want to play the same way you want them to play against you. There's hard play, but then there's dirty play and MSU crossed that line consistently. That late hit out of bounds may have injured a knee, as the offensive player clearly slowed up but was hit by a defender going full speed from the side. The twisting of the facemask? Horrible. The twirling around of DR and ultimately throwing him to the ground (??concussion??)--horrible. And Dantonio did NOTHING about this. I think it is reflective of his coaching style which is shameful--"do anything to beat Michigan, legal or not" (sort of like Tressel ball, his hero). This is not the kind of football I want my team to play nor do I want to watch it. The Big Ten hopefully will react appropriately and discipline these players if not the coach.

azwolverine

Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 11:43 p.m.

Dirty, clean...doesn't matter. MSU is stronger and more physical than Michigan and, until that changes through continued strength training and recruiting, they will be better than us. On the positive side, Wellman is a great strength coach who excels at turning smaller guys into NFL caliber players, and if Michigan's recruiting class holds together, Hoke will begin to build with the type of players that he needs to go toe-to-toe with the heavyweights of the conference. In the meantime, this team will continue to give their all to win as many games as they possibly can during this rebuilding process.

BornInA2

Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 11:43 p.m.

"The little brother comments and things like that kinda get to you," Worthy said. "So, you have to go out there and make a statement." With personal fouls and obvious attempts to injure opposing players after the whistle? What a bunch of classless miscreants. I don't mind losing to a better team, but part of being better is playing with some class. Little brother proved once again that they have none and are proud of it. What a bunch of hacks, including the fans bragging about their dirty play.

snoopdog

Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 11:37 p.m.

"EAST LANSING -- Jerel Worthy said what Michigan players wouldn't. This game was dirty." WAH WAH WAH, what a bunch of crybabies ! What some of you call Big Brother is acting more like Little "crybaby" Sister. 4 in a row for MSU and I look forward to the next four as well. Good Day

kilroy

Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 11:31 p.m.

Dirty yes, but if Michigan State had played by the Marquess of Queensberry's rules Michigan still would have lost. I've seldom seen a worse team than Michigan's today.

chas

Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 11:31 p.m.

You fail to mention the first half late hit penalty by Gohlston on a defenseless Robinson with his attempt to snap his neck with the face mask. This was not only worthy of a suspension but borders on criminal behavior. Quit soft pedaling the MSU game-plan to injure the Michigan quarterback.

UlyssesSwrong

Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 11:22 p.m.

In this rivalry, you should expect a reasonable amount of "dirty" play. All of MSU's dirtiness was offset by the huge amount of penalties they suffered for some of their griminess. Michigan was given a lot of opportunities, but unfortunately, Denard Robinson couldn't pass if he was driving on the left side of the street.