One thing Michigan
and MSU fans like is winning.
But, perhaps even more, they like seeing the other lose.
This week made for plenty of trash talk from both sides to
the other. As an impartial party, here is what trash talk is fair and what is
foul.
Argument from MSU
Fans: Michigan was exposed as frauds in 41-14
loss to Alabama
Michigan
wasn’t exposed as frauds in this game. Many level-headed people expected this
game to be lopsided. As much as we would like to think the Big Ten is on par
with any conference in the country, it isn’t. Alabama
would dominate all but USC, LSU and Oregon
(in my opinion) and that may even be a stretch for those three teams. I am
sorry Spartan fans, but MSU wouldn’t have looked much better. The Spartan
defense might have put up a better fight, but the MSU offense would have looked
just as ugly. Let’s not forget that Michigan
State gave up 30 points to Georgia last season, an offense that is not
nearly as strong up front as Alabama.
Also, the Tide rolled the Spartans 49-7 in 2010. The fact is, Michigan
isn’t in Alabama’s
league, but few are. VERDICT: FOUL
Argument from Michigan Fans: MSU could barely beat Boise State
and that is a sign the Spartans are weak
Similar to MSU fans not giving enough credit to Alabama, Michigan fans
aren’t giving enough credit to Boise
State. Is this Boise State
team the greatest in the Broncos’ history? No, but Chris Peterson has developed
a tremendous program. He is now 73-7 as coach at Boise. You don’t get that record without
developing strong talent and knowing how to win. I still think Boise State
puts up another 10-win season this year. Also, MSU only won 17-13, but the
Spartans made that more of a game than Boise
did. MSU outgained Boise
State 461-206. The Michigan State defense was dominant and the
offense moved the ball consistently. The Spartans jut decided to turn the ball
over four times and make a game of it. It’s easy for Michigan
fans to say it played a tougher opponent this week, which it clearly did, but I
am not sure Michigan beats Boise State
in the opener if the two played. VERDICT:
FOUL
Argument from MSU
Fans: Michigan’s
loss points to the Wolverines struggling with the Spartans this season
I don’t think there is a big secret on how to beat Michigan. If a team can
contain Denard Robinson and make him a passer, the Wolverines struggle. The key
is having the players and the speed on defense to do that. Not many teams have
that combination. Clearly Alabama does, and I
think history proves Michigan
State does as well.
Wolverine fans had to be hoping to see better passing and decision making from
Robinson after an offseason of work. He is still limited as a passer and that
could be a problem when Michigan
runs into the top teams in the Big Ten, including MSU. VERDICT: FAIR
Argument from Michigan Fans: MSU fans
have a big head
The Spartans are feeling pretty good about things after this
week. MSU beat a ranked opponent to open the season and still can get better
while Michigan got rolled by Alabama on national television. Nobody
revels in a Michigan
loss quite like the Spartan fans. MSU is taking great joy in being in a
position of power in this rivalry. The Spartan fans are now treating Michigan fans as they
felt they were treated for so many years. Michigan fans need to deal with it, because
they will be doing the same if the tide turns back in their favor. There are
still plenty of Wolverine fans that are trying to dismiss Michigan State
as relevant in their lives, but we all know that isn’t true. To MSU fans, I can
understand your joy and eagerness to rub any Michigan failures in their face, but as Mark
Dantonio said, “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” Be prepared for the
backlash to come if Michigan
rights the ship. So, while I think the taunting is warranted, MSU fans are
probably getting a little ahead of themselves. VERDICT: FAIR
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