Monthly Archives: December 2012

MINNEAPOLIS — This one, a 76-63 loss at Minnesota, could come back to haunt Michigan State’s basketball team and it’ll mostly hurt because the Spartans had a legitimate chance at a strong early Big Ten road win. MSU’s offense went … Continue reading →

MINNEAPOLIS — This could have gotten away from Michigan State a couple times. Instead it’s just 39-38 Minnesota at the half. The Spartans trailed 37-25 at the 5-minute mark, with Appling on the bench with two fouls. If the score … Continue reading →

MINNEAPOLIS — Never is a Big Ten opener a must-win. Not in hoops, at least. But today’s game at Minnesota is a big opportunity for Michigan State. Here’s why: While MSU’s league schedule overall is difficult (the Spartans hit every … Continue reading →

TEMPE, Ariz. — At the midpoint of the season, even at the end of October, Andrew Maxwell seemed to be progressing as MSU’s quarterback. By the end of Saturday night’s Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, he was no longer MSU’s quarterback. … Continue reading →

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Tonight ends a difficult year for Michigan State’s football program, probably more exhausting for the coaches and players and fans alike than many other 6-6 seasons. Expectations were for much more than this. And MSU’s struggle to … Continue reading →

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Both MSU coach Mark Dantonio and TCU’s Gary Patterson had their final pre-Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl press conferences today. Below is some of what was said by Dantonio, who talked about several of his emerging younger players … Continue reading →

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The football teams were brought to us media folk today at the J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn just outside Scottsdale. First TCU, then MSU, two days before they meet in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl in nearby Tempe. … Continue reading →

TEMPE, Ariz. — I’ve seen pictures from Michigan today. All I can say is, I’m sorry. And really grateful to be in Arizona right now, sans shovel or ice-scraper or mittens. Sixty degrees never felt so warm. Michigan State’s football … Continue reading →

EAST LANSING — Maybe it was Derrick Nix’s technical foul early in the second half that spurred Michigan State. Maybe it was just Derrick Nix. Adreian Payne, too. The Spartan big men were again a tandem Saturday against Texas, a … Continue reading →

BRESLIN CENTER — This is a good Texas team, no question. A team that appears to have found a rhythm against Michigan State and North Carolina after a tough start. But MSU isn’t doing itself any favors. And the issues … Continue reading →