This is a fun tribute to the senior class with the most wins in MSU history.
If you are receiving this post via email, click the link at the bottom of the page to view the video.
Please comment at the bottom of the post (easy "name" sign-in or other auto-sign ins available).
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
VIDEO: Spartan Allegiance to "The Flag"
It's been a few days since Saturday night's championship game and since then, I've had some time to reflect about this loss... a loss that hurt like no other. I've come to a few realizations...
I realize- that most will ask if I want some "whine with all that cheese"
I realize- that several will try to convince me to be happy that we got this far
I realize- that even more will tell me not to be so petty and simply "get over it"
I realize- that a few will question my football knowledge & label me a Kmart Spartan
I realize- that a lot will tell me that I should just be happy it was such a good game
I realize- that many will lecture about how to be a "good sport" and lose with dignity
I realize- that nearly all will tell me that I'm simply flat-out dead wrong
Finally, I realize- that I DO NOT CARE!
Yes, I'm going to relive, rehash and replay the play that changed the game because I felt that we were wrongfully cheated.
4th & 3 and 1:55 left in the game.
Ball set at the 25 1/2 yard line.
(The replay as shown on TV)
As you all know the outcome, Isiah Lewis was flagged for "Running Into The Kicker" despite Keyshawn Martin returning the ball inside the Wisconsin five yard line which was called back giving Wisconsin the five necessary yards for a first down needed to ice a victory.
A sad ending to this story, right? WRONG. Some of you may have read something similar on Red Cedar message board but I have a very strong opinion about this.
I was always under the impression that the penalty called "Running Into The Kicker" meant to penalize ANY contact whatsoever from a player into the kicker. So I found the official NCAA rule of what constituted "Running Into The Kicker." As the rule reads, it has 10 separate clauses and for brevity sake, I've included the three most relevant refutations as they pertain to the MSU/Wisco "Puntergate" (Yes, I'm coining that term!) play at the end of the game.
My comments to each of the points below in bold.
Per NCAA rules Article 16.1
Clause 3. Incidental contact with a kicker or holder is not a foul.
The replay illustrates Wisconsin punter Brad Nortman's leg being grazed by MSU's Isiah Lewis; at no point is there any contact to his body that would cause a player to fall in that way. *IMPORTANT* Notice how the rule does NOT state, "No contact whatsoever is allowed" but rather the word "incidental" is used-- in the same way the pass interference rule is written. This is exactly why those who don't understand football will chant "boos" at referees when their receiver is "lightly touched" by an opposing defender and no flag is called.
Clause 5. When a defensive player’s contact against the kicker or holder is caused by an opponent’s block (legal or illegal), there is no foul for running into or roughing.
Again, as the replay would clearly show, Wisconsin right side upback #96 Beau Allen make a perfectly legal block on MSU's Isiah Lewis. This block/forearm push on Lewis (while moving full speed) greatly affected his trajectory course, causing the incidental contact with the punter. Again, this rule does not state that an "opponent must directly block the defensive player into kicker." The rule only states that the actual contact made came as a result of the block -including- a player's angle-of-attack.
Clause 8b. A kicker or holder simulating being roughed or run into by a defensive player commits an unsportsmanlike act (A.R. 9-1-16-V).
It's not hard to dissect what sports fans commonly refer to as "The Flop" most commonly associated with soccer players. Once again, I refer you to the replay of the contact made and the voluntary spin-fall that ensued. I also couldn't help but notice Wisconsin punter Brad Nortman's post-contact reactionary smile while beating his unathletic chest coming off the field... or simply read his post game locker room comments where he actually ADMITS to his flop.
Now, having presented with an overwhelming body of evidence, there's also the unwritten rule in all sports: In ANY major game (especially a championship) towards the end of a close game-- refs must swallow their whistles unless a play is so glaringly obvious so as they are forced to make the call. Players should decide games, not officials. I'm not quoting some weird conspiracy theory or goofy camera angle. I simply referring to the rules as written.
I realize this "Running Into The Kicker" penalty is meant to protect defenseless players (which is debatable) however, this is simply unacceptable for referees (who should know this rule distinction) to make a call that dramatically altered the outcome of what otherwise was a great championship game.
Any journalist, commentator, analyst or so-called "expert" that says otherwise is either too lazy to read the rule or blatantly misinformed.
Your Humble Servant,
-Daniel J Stepanian-Bennett
Go Green!
Tweet
I realize- that most will ask if I want some "whine with all that cheese"
I realize- that several will try to convince me to be happy that we got this far
I realize- that even more will tell me not to be so petty and simply "get over it"
I realize- that a few will question my football knowledge & label me a Kmart Spartan
I realize- that a lot will tell me that I should just be happy it was such a good game
I realize- that many will lecture about how to be a "good sport" and lose with dignity
I realize- that nearly all will tell me that I'm simply flat-out dead wrong
Finally, I realize- that I DO NOT CARE!
Yes, I'm going to relive, rehash and replay the play that changed the game because I felt that we were wrongfully cheated.
4th & 3 and 1:55 left in the game.
Ball set at the 25 1/2 yard line.
(The replay as shown on TV)
As you all know the outcome, Isiah Lewis was flagged for "Running Into The Kicker" despite Keyshawn Martin returning the ball inside the Wisconsin five yard line which was called back giving Wisconsin the five necessary yards for a first down needed to ice a victory.
A sad ending to this story, right? WRONG. Some of you may have read something similar on Red Cedar message board but I have a very strong opinion about this.
I was always under the impression that the penalty called "Running Into The Kicker" meant to penalize ANY contact whatsoever from a player into the kicker. So I found the official NCAA rule of what constituted "Running Into The Kicker." As the rule reads, it has 10 separate clauses and for brevity sake, I've included the three most relevant refutations as they pertain to the MSU/Wisco "Puntergate" (Yes, I'm coining that term!) play at the end of the game.
My comments to each of the points below in bold.
Per NCAA rules Article 16.1
Clause 3. Incidental contact with a kicker or holder is not a foul.
The replay illustrates Wisconsin punter Brad Nortman's leg being grazed by MSU's Isiah Lewis; at no point is there any contact to his body that would cause a player to fall in that way. *IMPORTANT* Notice how the rule does NOT state, "No contact whatsoever is allowed" but rather the word "incidental" is used-- in the same way the pass interference rule is written. This is exactly why those who don't understand football will chant "boos" at referees when their receiver is "lightly touched" by an opposing defender and no flag is called.
Clause 5. When a defensive player’s contact against the kicker or holder is caused by an opponent’s block (legal or illegal), there is no foul for running into or roughing.
Again, as the replay would clearly show, Wisconsin right side upback #96 Beau Allen make a perfectly legal block on MSU's Isiah Lewis. This block/forearm push on Lewis (while moving full speed) greatly affected his trajectory course, causing the incidental contact with the punter. Again, this rule does not state that an "opponent must directly block the defensive player into kicker." The rule only states that the actual contact made came as a result of the block -including- a player's angle-of-attack.
Clause 8b. A kicker or holder simulating being roughed or run into by a defensive player commits an unsportsmanlike act (A.R. 9-1-16-V).
It's not hard to dissect what sports fans commonly refer to as "The Flop" most commonly associated with soccer players. Once again, I refer you to the replay of the contact made and the voluntary spin-fall that ensued. I also couldn't help but notice Wisconsin punter Brad Nortman's post-contact reactionary smile while beating his unathletic chest coming off the field... or simply read his post game locker room comments where he actually ADMITS to his flop.
Now, having presented with an overwhelming body of evidence, there's also the unwritten rule in all sports: In ANY major game (especially a championship) towards the end of a close game-- refs must swallow their whistles unless a play is so glaringly obvious so as they are forced to make the call. Players should decide games, not officials. I'm not quoting some weird conspiracy theory or goofy camera angle. I simply referring to the rules as written.
I realize this "Running Into The Kicker" penalty is meant to protect defenseless players (which is debatable) however, this is simply unacceptable for referees (who should know this rule distinction) to make a call that dramatically altered the outcome of what otherwise was a great championship game.
Any journalist, commentator, analyst or so-called "expert" that says otherwise is either too lazy to read the rule or blatantly misinformed.
Your Humble Servant,
-Daniel J Stepanian-Bennett
Go Green!
Tweet
Forbes SportsMoney: chUMps BCS Selection Doesn't Add Up
SPORTSMONEY
12/05/2011 @ 11:56AM |53,002 views
Michigan State Is Bowled Over Again By The BCS
Last year about this time, I wrote a Forbes post stating that before Michigan State even played its bowl game it had already lost the BCS sweepstakes. To avoid antitrust lawsuits, the BCS established a rule that “No more than two teams from a conference may be selected [to a BCS game], regardless of whether they are automatic qualifiers or at-large selections, unless two non-champions from the same conference are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the final BCS Standings.” Last year, the Big Ten had three teams tied for
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Polls and Bowls. Blame and Shame.
Hind-sight:
I have not had the heart to read all the analysis and chatter. If I missed something in my thoughts below, feel free to add your comments (the Name/URL sign in seems to be easiest if you don't have a google account).
During the game I commented often, in the open chat on this site, that Dantonio was making excellent game management decisions and calls that were beyond what most coaches can deliver. From the pre-set hook and lateral to the fake PAT for a two point conversion, to the "go for it or punt decision" that lead to the Wisky 3 and almost-out prior to the
I have not had the heart to read all the analysis and chatter. If I missed something in my thoughts below, feel free to add your comments (the Name/URL sign in seems to be easiest if you don't have a google account).
During the game I commented often, in the open chat on this site, that Dantonio was making excellent game management decisions and calls that were beyond what most coaches can deliver. From the pre-set hook and lateral to the fake PAT for a two point conversion, to the "go for it or punt decision" that lead to the Wisky 3 and almost-out prior to the
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Big Ten Network Game Preview and Post Game Schedule
Viewers will likely receive greater quantity and depth in the BTN coverage of the game.
Note that during the Championship game, BTN is showing a special on Blow scUMbuckler. No doubt a chUMp working at BTN made that a conscious decision. It's just another reason Spartans should always want the chUMp athletic program to lose, flounder and suffer misfortunes. MSU not only has to compete with them on the field/court/ice/course, they have to deal with media influence that chUMps wield to create a falsely positive image at every possible angle.
Here is your BTN Big Game Guide...
Note that during the Championship game, BTN is showing a special on Blow scUMbuckler. No doubt a chUMp working at BTN made that a conscious decision. It's just another reason Spartans should always want the chUMp athletic program to lose, flounder and suffer misfortunes. MSU not only has to compete with them on the field/court/ice/course, they have to deal with media influence that chUMps wield to create a falsely positive image at every possible angle.
Here is your BTN Big Game Guide...
Let's Remember Who's Not Playing in the B1G Championship
With the addition of perennial football powerhouse, Nebraska Cornhuskers, to the Big Ten the only question over the summer in the Legends division was who would finish second. The chUMps are always a preseason favorite and then there was Iowa who made a statement last year. Michigan State’s schedule was just too brutal to consider finishing even second in the division.
Then we played the games.
Nebraska proved they were real good in that sea of red west of the Mississippi River. They handed the Spartans their only Big Ten loss in what was apparently an emotional game for them. Big Red failed to realize that this is
Then we played the games.
Nebraska proved they were real good in that sea of red west of the Mississippi River. They handed the Spartans their only Big Ten loss in what was apparently an emotional game for them. Big Red failed to realize that this is
Friday, December 2, 2011
Recruiting at MSU on upswing - Player Development a Key
The recruiting report below underscores points made in BEATchUMps.com post MSU is taking steps to support foundation Dantonio is building
Just Win.
Written by
Denny Schwarze
GreenandWhite.com
The Michigan State football team won a co-Big Ten championship in 2010 and will have a chance to win a second straight on Saturday against Wisconsin.
Mark Dantonio and the Spartans hope to turn the recent success on the field into increased success and eventual staying power on the recruiting trail.
The Spartans have 15 players committed for its 2012 class and will look to be a little more selective when filling out the final pieces up until National Signing Day.
Dantonio will get a chance to showcase how high the MSU program has risen to some of those remaining recruits in the Big Ten Championship Game.
"There are a lot of people that aren't playing. ... We're on the big stage," Dantonio said.
Scout.com Midwest recruiting analyst Allen Trieu believes a national stage will help.
"They've had a great year and all the recruits know that. They have a national stage in primetime and a chance to win the conference title and a lot of recruits are going to be watching. They kind of have a week all to themselves," Trieu said.
Though signing day isn't until February, Trieu believes this year's Spartan class competes with the upper half of the Big Ten.
"I think it's stacking up really well. They're likely headed toward a top-five finish in the conference," Trieu said.
The class is highlighted by Farmington Hills Harrison wide receiver Aaron Burbridge, who was recently elevated to the top player in Michigan by recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com.
Rivals.com also moved Burbridge into their list of the top 100 high school seniors in the country.
Another current commit, Jamal Lyles of Southfield Lathrup High School, was bumped up from a three-star prospect to a four-star on Rivals.com. Lyles, who was already a four-star on Scout.com, is being projected as either a linebacker or a defensive end depending on how much he grows.
Burbridge, Lyles, Traverse City St. Francis linebacker Riley Bullough and offensive lineman Kodi Kieler of Gibraltar Carlson are the only other in-state commits in the class.
The Spartans have been busy recruiting outside the state, landing prospects from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Georgia and Florida.
Arguably the two most impressive recruits from out-of-state are Se'von Pittman from Canton, Ohio, and Macgarrett Kings Jr. from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Pittman, who hails from the same high school that produced former MSU linebacker Percy Snow and basketball forward Raymar Morgan, is rated as the eighth-best weakside defensive end in the country according to Rivals.com and the 81st-best player overall.
In a state where Ohio State usually scoops up the best local talent, Pittman is rated the third-best prospect in Ohio and as high as first on other lists.
Kings Jr. has the build and speed to be a perfect heir apparent down the line for current receiver Keshawn Martin. The Florida wideout held offers from Georgia and Wisconsin and had strong interest from Auburn.
But the underlying theme that the Spartan coaching staff has shown goes way beyond stars next to a prospect's name. They've been able to cultivate talent, which has led them to the door step of back-to-back Big Ten crowns.
"They've proven throughout the history with this staff that they don't need a national top 10 class to be successful," Trieu said. "They've taken guys like Le'Veon Bell, Keshawn Martin and Kirk Cousins and turned them into all-conference players. ...
"When you build a program and it all starts from the gound up, each year they've not only raised the talent level on the roster but they've developed a lot of these guys into NFL prospects and that's big for recruits."
Now that the Spartans have played for the Big Ten championship in their last game in three of the past four seasons, younger recruits past the 2012 class are also starting to take note of the program's consistency.
Linebacker Jon Reschke of Birmingham Brother Rice is only a junior, but figures to be one of the top 2013 prospects in the state.
Reschke already has an MSU offer and figures to garner more as his prep career continues. While he has interest in programs such as Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon and Stanford, it didn't take him long to identify his leader after the Warriors defeated Lowell 24-14 in the Division 2 state championship game last month at Ford Field.
"I still want to go to some college games, check out some more schools, ... but right now Michigan State's definitely my favorite," Reschke said. "Everytime I go up there they treat me as a player already, so it's pretty great. I like the family atmosphere up there the most. Great program, too. Coach Dantonio does a great job."
Other prospects recognize those things too.
"A lot of the kids we talk to are younger guys and a lot of them have to get that experience early. I think that's important for Michigan State," Trieu said. "Kids certainly recognize the upward direction a program has been heading and how those players have been developed."
Just Win.
Written by
Denny Schwarze
GreenandWhite.com
The Michigan State football team won a co-Big Ten championship in 2010 and will have a chance to win a second straight on Saturday against Wisconsin.
Mark Dantonio and the Spartans hope to turn the recent success on the field into increased success and eventual staying power on the recruiting trail.
The Spartans have 15 players committed for its 2012 class and will look to be a little more selective when filling out the final pieces up until National Signing Day.
Dantonio will get a chance to showcase how high the MSU program has risen to some of those remaining recruits in the Big Ten Championship Game.
"There are a lot of people that aren't playing. ... We're on the big stage," Dantonio said.
Scout.com Midwest recruiting analyst Allen Trieu believes a national stage will help.
"They've had a great year and all the recruits know that. They have a national stage in primetime and a chance to win the conference title and a lot of recruits are going to be watching. They kind of have a week all to themselves," Trieu said.
Though signing day isn't until February, Trieu believes this year's Spartan class competes with the upper half of the Big Ten.
"I think it's stacking up really well. They're likely headed toward a top-five finish in the conference," Trieu said.
The class is highlighted by Farmington Hills Harrison wide receiver Aaron Burbridge, who was recently elevated to the top player in Michigan by recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com.
Rivals.com also moved Burbridge into their list of the top 100 high school seniors in the country.
Another current commit, Jamal Lyles of Southfield Lathrup High School, was bumped up from a three-star prospect to a four-star on Rivals.com. Lyles, who was already a four-star on Scout.com, is being projected as either a linebacker or a defensive end depending on how much he grows.
Burbridge, Lyles, Traverse City St. Francis linebacker Riley Bullough and offensive lineman Kodi Kieler of Gibraltar Carlson are the only other in-state commits in the class.
The Spartans have been busy recruiting outside the state, landing prospects from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Georgia and Florida.
Arguably the two most impressive recruits from out-of-state are Se'von Pittman from Canton, Ohio, and Macgarrett Kings Jr. from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Pittman, who hails from the same high school that produced former MSU linebacker Percy Snow and basketball forward Raymar Morgan, is rated as the eighth-best weakside defensive end in the country according to Rivals.com and the 81st-best player overall.
In a state where Ohio State usually scoops up the best local talent, Pittman is rated the third-best prospect in Ohio and as high as first on other lists.
Kings Jr. has the build and speed to be a perfect heir apparent down the line for current receiver Keshawn Martin. The Florida wideout held offers from Georgia and Wisconsin and had strong interest from Auburn.
But the underlying theme that the Spartan coaching staff has shown goes way beyond stars next to a prospect's name. They've been able to cultivate talent, which has led them to the door step of back-to-back Big Ten crowns.
"They've proven throughout the history with this staff that they don't need a national top 10 class to be successful," Trieu said. "They've taken guys like Le'Veon Bell, Keshawn Martin and Kirk Cousins and turned them into all-conference players. ...
"When you build a program and it all starts from the gound up, each year they've not only raised the talent level on the roster but they've developed a lot of these guys into NFL prospects and that's big for recruits."
Now that the Spartans have played for the Big Ten championship in their last game in three of the past four seasons, younger recruits past the 2012 class are also starting to take note of the program's consistency.
Linebacker Jon Reschke of Birmingham Brother Rice is only a junior, but figures to be one of the top 2013 prospects in the state.
Reschke already has an MSU offer and figures to garner more as his prep career continues. While he has interest in programs such as Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon and Stanford, it didn't take him long to identify his leader after the Warriors defeated Lowell 24-14 in the Division 2 state championship game last month at Ford Field.
"I still want to go to some college games, check out some more schools, ... but right now Michigan State's definitely my favorite," Reschke said. "Everytime I go up there they treat me as a player already, so it's pretty great. I like the family atmosphere up there the most. Great program, too. Coach Dantonio does a great job."
Other prospects recognize those things too.
"A lot of the kids we talk to are younger guys and a lot of them have to get that experience early. I think that's important for Michigan State," Trieu said. "Kids certainly recognize the upward direction a program has been heading and how those players have been developed."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)