WEEKEND RECAP

Is it me or does it look like MSU and Michigan have swapped places? Michigan looks like a typical John L. Smith disorganized team. Undisciplined, stupid turnovers, guys running in the wrong direction, poor special teams, etc…

On the other hand, MSU plays solid football. There is really no other way to describe it. They rarely make big mistakes, they tackle well, their penalties are down, they have a solid kicker. These are the types of things we used to see in Ann Arbor.

How is it that the tide has changed so quickly?

Look no farther than the personality of the two coaches.

Dantonio was honest with his players. Told them exactly what was expected of them. But more importantly, he gave them confidence that when the time came, they would make a play.

Its called putting your players in the best position to win games.

One of the better plays of the MSU-Northwestern game was the “onside kick” fair catch call. It was such a heads-up play, that I can say without a shadow of a doubt, that most Spartan fans were shocked.

It was the type of play that would have never happened under past regimes.

Conversely, look at Rich Rodqiguez. He weaseled his way out of West Virginia and made himself look like a fool. Whether you agree with me or not on the choice of words, you have to agree that it made UM look bad.

Then, he was too stubborn to look at his players and say, “Maybe running a spread with this team isn’t such a great idea”.

No, it was his system or no system.

It’s probably one of the biggest problems in the coaching world today. My system is the best system no matter the personnel I have. Its like a mantra they keep repeating to themselves

It did Steve Mariucci in and its about to do Rod Marinelli in.

Would Michigan have had more success running a basic offense with some spread mixed in. Personally, I have no doubt in my mind. The players look like they are so busy thinking abpout the plays that they forget the small things like, “holding onto the ball”.

And it trickles down, all the way to a guy like the kicker.

I’m not saying that there is a permanent shift in the state. Even State fans will agree that Michigan is still the historically better program. But there have been times in the past where each team has gone through a lull.

Dare I say Michigan is in one now?

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Lions got hosed. No two ways about it. Two of the worst calls in the NFL this season occurred during this game.

As Calvin Johnson went over the middle to catch a pass, he was hit helmet to helmet. He juggled the ball but still had it in his possession on the ground. As Johnson laid there on the turf, a Viking came by and ripped it from his arms.

The replays were clear. Johnson was on the ground with possession of the ball.

And the refs ruled it a fumble.

Fast forward to the Vikings game winning field goal. On 2nd and 20, the Vikings threw a prayer down the sidelines.

There was no grabbing, no jostling whatsoever. The Lions defensive back may have nudged the receiver. Although, I’m not even sure I would call it a nudge.

The flag came out. A 40+ yard pass interference call putting the Vikings in field goal range.

The Lions are not a good team but sometimes, you need a break or two.

The refs certainly didn’t give them one here.

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