Michigan State-Michigan week is finally here. Right behind opening week of March Madness, and the first week of the NFL season, this is my favorite week of the year. Michigan fans have taken my subtle jabs through the year as disrespect. They really have not seen anything yet. However, before I get to them, I would like to address my Spartan fans.
As we head into this game, the Spartans are clearly reeling. For the whole season, they have looked sub-par. They have yet to play close to the expectations that were set for them by the media, and the fanbase. The offense has been pedestrian, the defense has been solid, but not as dominating as expected. This has caused all types of disdain, anger, and potential for a fan mutiny. There have even been some Spartan fans claiming that this game against UofM is automatically a loss, I urge you to please relax with all of that.
You see, for the last three years we were spoiled. The Spartans played above their heads for a few years, and had some great seasons. This lead the fanbase to get confident, outspoken, and even have a few bandwagon people jump on. What can not happen is Spartan fans running for the hills because the team is struggling right now. That is what people expect from this fanbase. To be a front-running group of people, who are loud and supportive when the good times are there, and quiet, when the chips are down. That can not be the case right now. Especially during this week.
Fact of the matter is, State does not have to play a perfect game to be Michigan. Denard Robinson has looked great the last couple of weeks. The Wolverine defense has been impressive. However, some perspective is needed. Purdue, and Illinois are not exactly world beaters. Denard Robinson has not been pressured at all the last couple of weeks. He has been able to run all over those two defenses. There is a part of me that believes the Spartans in a rivalry game will find a way defensively to contain Robinson and force a few mistakes.
Part of me also believes that the Wolverine defense can be had too. The Spartans offensive playcalling has left a ton to be desired. This is the week to let it all hang out. You are going on the road, playing a team that will be favored, and they are your rival. There is no excuse for the Spartans to come out with the three yards, and a cloud of dust offense. The same aggressive attack that was played against Ohio State needs to be seen this Saturday. Get these dudes on the ropes, and watch Denard give the game away. Do not play conservative, and hope for the defense to keep you in it. Come out aggressive, and let the chips fall where they may.
As a Spartan fan, there have been plenty of years where I knew that UofM was the superior team. There have been plenty of years where I conceded victory the week before the game. This year is not one of them. This team can be beat by the Spartans. The Spartans have looked bad all season. UofM has looked pretty good(against inferior competition), but anyone who thinks they have arrived, or are a great team is sadly mistaken.
So, I implore all my fellow State fans, do not give these people what they want. Do not say "oh yeah, you guys are going to kill us". Do not concede victory to them before the game is even played. Should you choose to do that, please stay off the bandwagon entirely. Do not get on Facebook or Twitter during the week acting like State is going to lose, then after they win, get on talking about you knew it was going to happen. Those types of fans are not needed. So, if you are rocking with State rock with them, if you are not, please head to the nearest Wal-Mart, get you one of those ugly shirts, and cheer for Michigan.
Now that I have addressed my fellow Spartan fans, with the hopes that they will listen, and wear their Green and White proud this week. It is time for me to get my Loaded Lux on, and let the Michigan fans know "y'all going to get this work". Stay tuned, and Go Green, Go White, Go State.
I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message.
Follow me on Twitter @JimmyLWilsonJr
I like your positivism. You are correct that MEEECHIGAN is not a great team, but a better-than-average squad that has romped over patsies. It won't be easy to beat them because they want revenge for the last four years, and MSU's offense on the road can really stink. However, this isn't like all those times in the 1980s-90s-2000s when the talent differential was huge between the two teams. We at least belong on the same field with them.
ReplyDeleteMichigan's two losses came against the #1 and #5 teams in the nation and NEITHER at the Big House. MSU's losses came against ND (at home), and OSU (at home).
ReplyDeleteMichigan will win by 21 tomorrow.