MSU basketball vs. Nebraska

Yesterday, the MSU men's basketball team took the court to take on Nebraska.  Everyone, including me, thought that this was going to be an easy win for the Spartans.  It was everything but that.  The Cornhuskers were playing without their best player and slowed the game down.  They used up a lot of the shot clock and then made baskets at the end of the clock to frustrate Michigan State.  MSU tried to turn up the defensive pressure and force Nebraska into quick shots and, at times, it worked but for the most part, Nebraska stayed strong.  Coach Tom Izzo decided that if that was the way the game was going to be played, he was going to exploit the mismatches in the post.  The ball continuously went inside to his post players, Derrick Nix and Adreian Payne, and they pounded for buckets or fouls.  If they got double teamed, they kicked it out for jump shots. Unfortunately, no Spartan player had a good day shooting from the perimeter.  Gary Harris, Keith Appling, Travis Trice and Denzel Valentine (the guards and primary jump shooters) were a combined 4-26 from the field.  That isn't going to get it done against above average Big Ten teams (and most of them are).  It was a good thing that Nix, Payne and Brandon Dawson played well and shot 18-22 from the floor.  Sometimes you have good days and sometimes you have bad ones.  However, if this team were ever able to put together all the facets at once, they will be deadly.  They will need to do just that to compete on the road against the likes of Indiana, Michigan and Ohio State.  Beating Nebraska with only one facet clicking is one thing but Michigan will run them out of the gym if the guards don't make shots.

A few disturbing things I noticed during the game:

1. When Brandon Dawson went down with a twisted knee and I saw how he reacted, I thought for sure that he re-tore ligaments in his surgically repaired left knee. However, he went to the locker room and came running back out onto the court moments later.  All was fine, apparently, and he played the rest of the game.

2.  Russel Byrd just can't play at this level.  He is a jump shooter who can't make shots when he gets into the game.  He came in played hard but you can see that he just doesn't have confidence in his stroke.  This was evident in he 2 free throw attempts.  Neither one was close.

3.  I am beginning to see the same Keith Appling that finished last season.  He isn't making jump shots so teams are backing off him just a step trying to keep him out of the lane.  He needs to make shots for this team to be competitive in the conference.

A few positives I noticed during the game:

1.  Dawson looks like he is finally putting it all together.  He is making jump shots, attacking the rim and rebounding very well.  Thankfully, he only twisted his knee when it appeared much worse.

2.  Nix and Payne have been really good lately.  Payne has done a great job of protecting the rim and either blocking shots or altering them.  Sometimes you slap your forehead and wonder how they can make such boneheaded mistakes but the good are far outweighing the bad right now.

3.  Gary Harris had a horrific day shooting the basketball.  He was 0-10 from the floor, but when his team needed him, he came through. His 11th shot came on an open look, off of a great set play, and he didn't hesitate to shoot.  It was a big 3 point shot that provided State some separation and ultimately allowed them to pull away.  Shooters keep shooting (looking at you Byrd).

Michigan State Basketball

I watched the MSU-Miami(FL) basketball game and a few things became very evident by the end of the night.

1. They have a difficult time defending the 3 point line.  Miami was 9 for 16 for the game (56%).  You aren't going to beat many teams guarding like that.  MSU struggles with the pick and roll as well.  Teams pick and roll them to death.  They either score or go to the free throw line at an alarmingly high rate.

2. Russell Byrd and Brandan Kearney aren't gonna be much help this season.  Byrd was brought in to make shots and he just isn't doing it.  Kearney looks confused most of the time.  He can shoot it but its as if he forgets what is going on so he takes off running to a different spot on the floor.  I think many fans were extremely happy to see Travis Trice and Gary Harris back in the lineup.  I am not a big fan of Trice playing point as he doesn't have the vision of a good point guard.  Case in point last night was when he got a steal on the sideline and weaved his way across the court.  He had Appling on his left and Harris on his right but he decided to drop it off to Adreian Payne.  Mind you, Payne can make jump shots but not from 4 feet beyond the 3 point line.  That killed a fast break opportunity and State didn't score on that possession.  They recruited him to play point guard but I just don't see it working.

3. Branden Dawson hasn't figured it out yet.  He is extremely athletic and talented but the light bulb has yet to go on for him.  Some times it takes a few years for the game to come easily and for a talented player to go out and just play the game without pressing.  Izzo and Spartan fans were hoping that he would be a big time player this season and I just don't think it is gonna happen.  He has an NBA body but doesn't have the ability to attack the rim on a consistent basis and has absolutely no jump shot.  Once he develops those aspects of his game, the sky is the limit.  Another thing I noticed about him was that when he made a mistake, he sulked.  He needed to put his head down and sprint back on defense.  Multiple times Miami had a 3 on 1 or 2 on 1 break because he jogged back.

4. They looked fatigued both physically and mentally.  They got behind and just didn't have the look of a team that could make a run.  MSU teams of the past always had a run in them.  Maybe they didn't win but they didn't let the other team handle them with ease.

5. Miami is a pretty good team that has experience and skill on their side.  They also have a very good coach in Jim Larranaga.  They have solid bigs, a go to scorer and they played with energy. That combination can take you places.

I think that they will improve as the year moves forward.  Guys will figure out their roles and become impact players if only for a few minutes.  The Big Ten is loaded and arguably the best conference in the nation so if they don't figure it out, it could be a long, tough year.

Also, Coach Izzo, I love the fact that you are willing to play anyone, anywhere.  It makes your team tougher in the long run.  But maybe you could schedule a few more off days in between.

My Favorite Athlete Nicknames

Recently ESPN ran a Top 10 list for the greatest nicknames of all time.  I thought about the nicknames over the years that I really like and that were creative and this is the list I came up with.  I should qualify it though.  To make my list, the nickname has to have some sort of meaning.  For example, Chris Paul of the Clippers has the nickname of CP3.  I like the name but but it is terribly uncreative as it is his initials and jersey number.  Same goes for RGIII.  Dwight Howard has been called Superman and I don't think that is creative and is unjust because he has no jumpshot and cannot make a free throw.  Superman could surely make a free throw.  So here is my list.

10. Never Nervous Pervis - Pervis Ellison
I love this because no matter what the situation was, Ellison always looked cool under pressure and you knew that if he had the ball, something good was gonna happen.

9.  RIP - Richard Hamilton
Hamilton was such a pure shooter that he rarely hit the rim on his shots (in his prime).  He had the greatest mid range jumper in the game and the RIP sound was the ball going through the net.

8.  Mr. Perfect - Curt Hennig
He was the excellence of execution.  He became Intercontinental Champion due to is "flawless" execution and tactical moves in the ring.  Everything he did was "simply perfect".

7.  The Big Hurt - Frank Thomas
Thomas is a big man and every time he hit the ball, he put a "hurt" on it.  Hence the nickname.  He seemed to always hit the ball squarely on the bat when he did that, you didn't want to be in its path.  And if he was rounding third and looking to score, opposing catchers prayed that the play wouldn't be close because they didn't want to be on the tracks when that train was coming.

6.  The Real Deal - Evander Holyfield
This is probably the nickname that needs the least commentary.  Holyfield was the real deal.  Enough said.

5.  Dr. J - Julius Erving & Earvin "Magic" Johnson
I put these two together because they both made miracles happen.  Magic with his brilliant passing and Erving with his ability to diagnose and solve the mystery that other defenses presented.  Both could, and did, carve up opposing teams with ease.

4.  Blade Runner - Oscar Pistorius
This nickname is very cool (in my opinion).  Pistorius is the Greek sprinter who is a double leg amputee.  He wears two prosthetic limbs designed for running and he is incredibly fast and even qualified for the olympics.

3.  The Matrix - Shawn Marion
Marion doesn't specialize in any one area on the basketball court.  He isn't a great shooter or a great ball handler but he does do everything really well.  He can make open shots.  He can attack the rim and finish.  He typically is asked to guard the opposing teams best player.  He is truly a phenomenal athlete and is deserving of his nickname.  

2.  Prime Time - Deoin Sanders
Sanders is one of my favorite football players of all time.  When the bright lights were on him, he was the absolute best in the sport.  He could electrify the crowd with his shutdown ability at cornerback.  When he was returning punts, you always expected him to take it to the house.  You wanted him to score just so you could see him dance in the endzone.  He was a polarizing figure in the NFL and brought an aura of excellence at his position that was unheard of at the time.

1.  Megatron - Calvin Johnson
He is big.  He is bad.  No one can cover him one on one and when he wants to be great, you can't stop him. When he plays angry, he cannot be denied.  So far, the NFL does not have an Optimus Prime to contain him.  He is a physical specimen never seen before at the wide receiver position.  He scares opposing players, coaches and fans all around the league.

Special Mention...
The Worm - Dennis Rodman, Mr. Big Shot - Chauncey Billups, The Truth - Paul Pierce, George "The Ice Man" Gervin, Dick "Night Train" Lane, "Iron" Mike Tyson, The Human Highlight Reel -Dominique Wilkins, Clyde "The Glide" Drexler, Shaq "Diesel", Ken "Opie" Root and Michael "Air" Jordan.

MSU Football

It has been frustrating season for the Michigan State football program.  Coming into the season there were lofty expectations for them as a whole and the defense was thought to be of national championship caliber.  Here are a few things driving me crazy about this years squad.

1. The defense is really good and they have fantastic play makers ..however...they have failed to get a stop at the end of a game when they have absolutely needed it.  They have had leads at the end of the Iowa, Michigan and Nebraska games and couldn't seal the deal.  They also needed a stop at the end of the Ohio State game to give the ball back to the offense for a chance at the win but just couldn't get off the field.  Granted the offense hasn't helped them a lot this season but when the strongest part of your team is your defense, they have to produce.

2. Why can't the wide receivers hold on to the ball.  Andrew Maxwell hasn't been a great quarterback.  But he has been good enough to win games and has thrown some great balls.  I have seen them play Ohio State and Nebraska in person and he has thrown some pinpoint accurate passes that the guys have flat out dropped.  It frustrates me as a fan but I can only imagine how Maxwell feels.  Standing strong in the pocket, getting hit as he throws, dropping a dime and...wait...another drop.  AAAAGGGHHHH!

3. The latest collapse is more on the defense, and particularly Johnny Adams, than the officials.  Sure the pass interference call was not a good one and I am not sure why they spotted the ball at the 5 when it should have been half the distance to the goal (putting it at the 10).  No one on the MSU sideline seemed to notice or say anything.  Maybe I just don't know the correct rule.  Johnny Adams though...oh my goodness...why on earth would you even go near a guy who is 40 yards away from the ball on a interception.  You blindside him, and cost MSU a touchdown, essentially costing them the game because I have seen Nebraska play from way behind and it isn't pretty.  For all intensive purposes, the football game is over right there and the pass interference call late in the game doesn't matter.  Good defenses find a way to overcome those mistakes but time after time, this defense fails late. 

4. This season I have seen read option quarterbacks Denard Robinson and Braxton Miller play and I think Taylor Martinez is faster and more elusive than both.  Denard tries to run away from you and Miller tries to run over you. However, Martinez can do both.  He gave State fits all day with his shiftiness and next gear that Denard and Miller just don't have.  The defense looked confused at times on how to handle him and it showed by his long runs.

The season still has 2 games to go and they need another win to be bowl eligible.  That is definitely not what fans expected but hopefully the team will persevere and finish with 2 more wins.  Neither will be easy but we expect them to rise up and meet the challenge.

Tigers World Series Collapse

I have had a couple days to think about the World Series and lack of competitiveness that it was.  Bottom line...The Giants were better when they had to be.  Pablo Sandoval delivered the first big blow in Game 1 with a 2nd inning home run off of Justin Verlander and then proceeded to hit 2 more home runs and all Detroit fans knew we were in trouble.  That game finished 8-3 and then the Tiger bats went even colder.  They delivered exactly 0 runs in the next 2 games.  It wasn't as if the pitching was bad.  Doug Fister and Anibel Sanchez were good.  The vaunted Tiger offense gave them absolutely no run support.  In game 4 Detroit, at least, put up some resistance, actually taking a lead in the game (albeit short lived).  When all was said and done the San Francisco Giants won their second World Series in 3 seasons and Detroit lost their second in 7 seasons.

The biggest bust was Prince Fielder going 1-14 in the Series with 7 strikeouts.  I guess Detroit fans now know how Yankee fans felt watching Alex Rodriguez.  To make matters even worse, triple crown winner Miguel Cabrera watched a fast ball (right down the middle) zoom by for strike 3 ending the game and the season.  Not often do you see him fooled but that goes to show how good the Giants pitching was.

Another thing that I noticed from the series was that SF was more of a team.  They seemed to play for each other and play with so much enthusiasm as if they were little leaguers again.  They even had a pre game ritual they went through that was similar to one you may see at a basketball or football game. (see link below) Anytime they hit a home run or scored a run they were so fired up.  In Game 4, Cabrera hit a go ahead home run (to give Detroit its first lead of the series) and trotted around the bases emotionless.  Instead of getting his team and the fans fired up after crossing home plate, he took off his helmet, looked around with a blank stare, and did the same stupid little routine he always does with Fielder.

I enjoyed watching San Francisco play.  I am a Detroit fan to the core and I usually hate the team that stands in the way of my team and championship.  This opponent was different.  I tip my cap to them, say well played, and hope for someone to step up next year and finish the job.  Oh and a closer not name Valverde.

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20121024&Category=SPORTS0104&ArtNo=210240413&Ref=AR&Profile=1361&MaxW=600&Border=0

Michigan State VS. Louisville

The further a team advances in the NCAA Tournament, the more nervous a fan base becomes.  This year is no exception.  Michigan State advanced to the Sweet 16 for the 10th time under Tom Izzo.  Not without some sweaty palms from the Spartan Nation.  Saint Louis played them tough all game "uglying" the game with fouls and physical play.  MSU survived, and advanced.  Which is the name of the game this time of year.

They advance to play a very stingy Louisville Cardinal squad that won the Big East Tournament.  They are led by Point Guard Peyton Siva, whose defense and ability to get to the rim on offense can dictate how a game is played.  He can disrupt offenses by flustering opposing Point Guards and get opposing big guys in foul trouble and change the game plan entirely for an opponent.  He is the head of the snake if you will.  You cut off the head, and you beat Louisville.  MSU Point Guard Keith Appling is more than equipped to handle the type of pressure that will be thrust upon him.  It is the backups that worry me.  Travis Trice and Brandon Kearney have never seen any type of pressure like this.

How MSU wins...
Keith Appling is solid with the basketball and MSU limits its costly turnovers.  Turnovers are bound to happen but they must limit the ones that contribute directly to points at the other end.  Draymond Green does what he does and dominates the game because there isn't anyone on Louisville (or in the country) that can guard him.  Derrick Nix and Adreian Payne continue to be the 2-headed monster that they have become and own the paint.  Someone needs to step up and make jump shots as well (looking at you Thornton and Wood).

How UL wins...
Siva is as advertised and absolutely dominates the match-up between he and Appling.  They need to get easy points off turnovers (they were 13th in the Big East in points per possession) and they need to hold their own on the boards.  Kyle Kuric is relentless on offense and makes some long range shots.  Gorgui Dieng MUST stay out of foul trouble.

Prediction...
I think MSU wins 62-56 as the scrappy Cardinals keep it close.  However, Green and the battle tested Spartans outlast what becomes a defensive grind.

Manning to Broncos/Tebow to Jets

It always amazes me that the NFL can stay relevant all year long.  Is that some good Marketing or what?  In the middle of the NCAA Tournament and MLB Spring Training, the NFL still steals all the headlines.

Peyton Manning has worked out a deal to play for the Denver Broncos.  Not surprising that he would want to stay in the AFC as the NFC is loaded with great quarterbacks and good teams.  Matthew Stafford passed for more than 5,000 yards last season and didn't make the Pro Bowl (what a joke by the way)!  Not to mention that his brother is in NY.  Also not surprising that he chose to play in Denver with the higher altitude.  The ball will travel farther so he doesn't have to overextend himself (and his surgically repaired neck) to get the ball down field.  The Broncos have a good defense and look what Manning did for Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.  Now he has Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil to set up for big numbers.  Manning gives them the lead and they can pin their ears back and get after the opposing quarterback.  The Broncos also have weapons on the outside too with Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker.  The only facet that is missing is a decent Tight End.  Dallas Clark anyone?  The schedule doesn't do them any favors either with road games against Baltimore, Cincinnati, New England, Atlanta and Carolina.  4 of the 5 were playoff teams last season and Carolina is steadily improving with Cam Newton.  Home games include Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Houston, Tampa Bay and New Orleans.  3 of them made the playoffs as well.  Cleveland and Tampa Bay seem to be the only easy home games on the schedule.  Then there are the division games with the Chargers, Raiders and Chiefs and anything can happen in division games.

The signing of Manning has led to Denver trading golden boy Tim Tebow.  The Broncos received a couple of draft picks from the New York Jets in return for his services.  That is an interesting story in itself.  I know a lot of people are upset about seeing Tebow-mania leaving town.  He is a nice guy, a great leader and a heck of a role model.  He seems to do everything right (except complete a high percentage of passes).  He just wasn't that great of a quarterback.  In a league that requires great quarterback play to win championships, Tebow wasn't the answer.  When you get a chance to get arguably the greatest quarterback to ever play, you jump on it.  John Elway recognized that chance and after all, he wasn't the one that drafted Tebow.

So the next question is...What is going on with the J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS?  Why trade for another Quarterback?  They recently signed current QB Mark Sanchez to a new deal and then went out and got Drew Stanton from Detroit to back him up.  They also have former Alabama great Greg McElroy on the roster.  4 QB's?  Not likely.  Welcome to your new Wildcat role Tim Tebow.  It may not be the position you want but at least you get to make a lot of money doing what you love.  Plus you are in NEW YORK!  The concrete jungle where dreams are made of.

If Rex Ryan thought he had a rough year last season, wait until this season.  Good luck dealing with the media circus that is Tim Tebow.

Who will be more popular in NY?  Tim Tebow or Jeremy Lin?