What a crazy season it has been. MSU is 1-3 at the end of week four, and now at week ten: 5-5. For the fourth time, back to even.
The Spartans dominated Western Michigan University on Sunday with a final score of 49-14. I didn’t get to see the game, but watching the scroll during other games, I could tell this one was going to be a clear victory. And the Spartans really needed it. And, they need one more. It takes six wins to be bowl eligible, and leaves the next two weeks with match-ups against Purdue and Penn State. The 4-6 Purdue is of course more likely to fall, but they did beat Ohio State, Illinois and Michigan making them 3-3 in the Big Ten; the same as the Spartans. It should be a heck of a game. Noon on ESPN if your interested.
I’m not even looking ahead to Penn State and the Land Grant Trophy yet. The Lions are tough, but a huge loss to the Buckeyes last week knocked them down to #18 in the rankings. JoePa and his boys take on the Hoosiers this Saturday in Happy Valley.
Wow, has Michigan fallen. A 4-0 start only to be 5-5 at the end of week ten. and 1-5 in the Big Ten. The 38-36 loss to Purdue really hurt the Wolverines who’s only Big Ten win came against Indiana. Indiana shares the bottom spot in the Big Ten with, yep, Michigan. Thank God for Delaware State (who?) to break up the five game losing streak for the “victors”. They are the winningest team in college football history, but there is a very good chance that their season will be 5-7 and over come week 12 following contests against #20 Wisconsin and #11 Ohio State. I will say this: Anything can happen in the grudge match against OSU. That is an emotionally charged game and don’t be surprised if UofM plays like a real Michigan team. And RichRod… on the hot seat for sure if Michigan doesn’t play a post-season game for the second year in a row.
And last but not least, Notre Dame. An unprecedented second in-a-row home loss to Navy. Navy looked awesome. Strong defense and a old-school running game carried the day for the Midshipmen. And the Irish just looked flat. Clausen continues to be excellent, but his injuries and fatigue seems to adding up and he is much more susceptible to sacks and mistakes. Golden Tate is truly amazing. He wasn’t really there in the first half, but he was awesome in the second half. The bottom line is that the offense couldn’t get it done in the red zone, and the defense gave up over 400 yards. With six win, the Domers will go to a bowl, but their BCS aspirations are up in smoke. I predict a 7-5 Irish at the end of the regular season. As for Charlie Weis; if my prediction is right then it could very well be the end of the road for Chuck. If they finish 9-3 (won’t happen), then maybe he gets a pass. Coach Weis started strong, but in the 2007, 2008 and 2009, he’s 10-15, he’s 0-6 versus ranked opponents and the PPG has dropped 10 points. In the last three years, ND is 3-16 against teams with winning records. That isn’t returning Notre Dame to glory. Maybe 2009 will be the end of the road.
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