It's Gameday in East Lansing, and the tailgating has already started. The weather is good, the band will be out soon, and it's almost time to start another season of Spartan Football. But unlike other first games the Spartans have had in the past, there is one sad thing about today. No matter what the Spartans do on the field, they lose a recruiting talking point when that ball is kicked off at noon.
That's because since the NCAA created the two separate divisions for football, MSU has never played a team from the lower division. MSU is currently one of only a handful of schools to be able to say that, and even if we pound Montana St. by 50 points, we will not be able to brag about that stat tonight. It's gone forever.
Showing posts with label Montana St.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Montana St.. Show all posts
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Gameday Forecast: MSU-Montana State
The sun will rise just six minutes after tailgating lots open today, the dawn of a new season of Spartan football.
Today's game at Spartan Stadium is scheduled to kick off under sunny skies with very light winds. The game time temperature is forecast at 73 degrees for kickoff, edging upward to 76 degrees by 3 p.m.
It's a beautiful day for football!
Today's game at Spartan Stadium is scheduled to kick off under sunny skies with very light winds. The game time temperature is forecast at 73 degrees for kickoff, edging upward to 76 degrees by 3 p.m.
It's a beautiful day for football!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Scouting The Other MSU
With just a few days before kickoff, we thought it would be prudent to take a peek at the other MSU - Michigan State's first FCS opponent since that sort of classification came into being.
Given the focus of this blog, however, we won't get into the nitty gritty details on Montana State's running backs or anything like that. We assume they have them, and that's about all on that point we care to get into. Instead, we figured we'd bring you a look at the university itself - your TOSSS scouting report on "the other MSU."
Montana State University
Location: Bozeman, Mont. It's a small town about two hours west of Billings, the state's largest city.
Founded: 1893
Enrollment: Montana State - Bozeman is the flagship campus of the four-campus Montana State University system. Its 2008 enrollment was 12,369, a record high.
Academics: U.S. News and World Report ranked the school as a Tier 3 national university in 2009, making it academically similar to a number of BCS schools including Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Kansas State or another MSU, Mississippi State.
Tuition: Montana State is relatively cheap for in-state students, with tuition at a hair under $6,000 a year. It's almost three times as much for out-of-state students at $17,650 a year.
Notable Alumni: Not too many names to tell you about here, in fact East Lansing High School probably has a more notable alumni roster. However, I found three Montana State alums you've probably heard of. Former Purdue football coach Joe Tiller, Arizona State football coach Dennis Erickson and former Daily Show host Craig Kilborn were all Bobcats at one point.
Fun Facts: There are a mountain of similarities between MSU and MSU - their identical initials being but one. Both schools started life as the "Aggies", before switching to their current mascots. Both schools at one point were called colleges, not universities, and carried the initials MSC.
Montana State, like Michigan State, asks its university community to read one book each summer. Both schools call it "One Book, One Community." And this year, both schools read the same book - The Soloist, by Los Angeles Times Columnist Steve Lopez.
Given the focus of this blog, however, we won't get into the nitty gritty details on Montana State's running backs or anything like that. We assume they have them, and that's about all on that point we care to get into. Instead, we figured we'd bring you a look at the university itself - your TOSSS scouting report on "the other MSU."
Montana State University
Location: Bozeman, Mont. It's a small town about two hours west of Billings, the state's largest city.
Founded: 1893
Enrollment: Montana State - Bozeman is the flagship campus of the four-campus Montana State University system. Its 2008 enrollment was 12,369, a record high.
Academics: U.S. News and World Report ranked the school as a Tier 3 national university in 2009, making it academically similar to a number of BCS schools including Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Kansas State or another MSU, Mississippi State.
Tuition: Montana State is relatively cheap for in-state students, with tuition at a hair under $6,000 a year. It's almost three times as much for out-of-state students at $17,650 a year.
Notable Alumni: Not too many names to tell you about here, in fact East Lansing High School probably has a more notable alumni roster. However, I found three Montana State alums you've probably heard of. Former Purdue football coach Joe Tiller, Arizona State football coach Dennis Erickson and former Daily Show host Craig Kilborn were all Bobcats at one point.
Fun Facts: There are a mountain of similarities between MSU and MSU - their identical initials being but one. Both schools started life as the "Aggies", before switching to their current mascots. Both schools at one point were called colleges, not universities, and carried the initials MSC.
Montana State, like Michigan State, asks its university community to read one book each summer. Both schools call it "One Book, One Community." And this year, both schools read the same book - The Soloist, by Los Angeles Times Columnist Steve Lopez.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
MSU vs. Montana State Coverage Map
The Big Ten Network has released its coverage map for this weekends games, and as one might expect, it's simply a mess. Several months ago, as the first weekend's slate of games had their start times announced, it was obvious that the Big Ten Network was not going to be able to please everyone. There were simply too many crappy games that were not going to be picked up by other channels, and therefore, Big Ten Network was going to have to carry them all.
As an MSU fan, my hope is that if MSU will be shown on the Big Ten Network, that we will have the channel to ourselves in our time slot. That way, MSU gets total national coverage. Every time there is another game on, the coverage is split up and we lose our national billing. And when there are five games on at the same time, and one of them involves Penn State, the show is over.
But, on the positive side, MSU is the only team besides Penn State to have their game shown as the primary game outside of the Big Ten area (and neighboring states). Granted it's only showing in Montana, but hey, better than nothing.
Don't fear though: While your cable provider may only carry one Big Ten Network, DirectTV and Dish Network, as well as some of the newer cable providers will show all of the Big Ten games. From the Big Ten:
Dish Network users can find the MSU game on channel 5440 or in HD on channel 9501.
AT&T U-Verse users can find the MSU game on channel 1691. It does not appear that the game will be offered in HD.
To check your specific zip code and cable provider, click here. Clicking on the actual map below won't work.
Image courtesy of bigtennetwork.com
As an MSU fan, my hope is that if MSU will be shown on the Big Ten Network, that we will have the channel to ourselves in our time slot. That way, MSU gets total national coverage. Every time there is another game on, the coverage is split up and we lose our national billing. And when there are five games on at the same time, and one of them involves Penn State, the show is over.
But, on the positive side, MSU is the only team besides Penn State to have their game shown as the primary game outside of the Big Ten area (and neighboring states). Granted it's only showing in Montana, but hey, better than nothing.
Don't fear though: While your cable provider may only carry one Big Ten Network, DirectTV and Dish Network, as well as some of the newer cable providers will show all of the Big Ten games. From the Big Ten:
Coverage map applies to cable systems only and indicates which game will be the primary game on the main Big Ten Network channel. Satellite providers DIRECTV and DISH Network will offer the primary game nationally and all other games on "extra football game" channels. In addition, subscribers to telco providers AT&T U-Verse and Verizon Fios should click on the map to see channel assignments.Direct TV users can find the MSU game on channel 609. It does not appear that the game will be offered in HD.
Dish Network users can find the MSU game on channel 5440 or in HD on channel 9501.
AT&T U-Verse users can find the MSU game on channel 1691. It does not appear that the game will be offered in HD.
To check your specific zip code and cable provider, click here. Clicking on the actual map below won't work.
Image courtesy of bigtennetwork.com
Monday, August 31, 2009
Cheap Tickets Preventing Montana State Sellout
Tickets are not exactly flying off the shelves at the MSU ticket office for the Montana State game - and given the used ticket market as it currently is it appears a sellout is now a virtual impossibility. Why? Simple economics.
Tickets on StubHub.com were retailing for as little as $12 each as of the writing of this post, less than half the $49 a pop they're on sale for at the Jenison Fieldhouse ticket office. In contrast, the cheapest tickets on StubHub for next week's game against Central are on sale for $35 - and if you want two together it'll be $50 a pop.
As of a week ago, about 5,000 tickets remained for the Montana State game. But given how discounted the prices in the resale market are, it would be unlikely for those 5,000 to be sold by MSU at retail cost before the lower-priced ones online get bought up.
In fairness, Athletic Department officials did say a while ago that they were anticipating six sellouts this season, with Montana State being the exception. And one could make the argument that, were MSU playing a squad people actually want to see, every seat at Spartan Stadium would already be sold. That's a fair point.
Given the financial strain MSU has to deal with thanks to Michigan's lousy economy, however, it's too bad that there won't be a sellout. But if you're a poor Spartan fan looking for a cheap ticket, well, maybe it's not so bad.
Tickets on StubHub.com were retailing for as little as $12 each as of the writing of this post, less than half the $49 a pop they're on sale for at the Jenison Fieldhouse ticket office. In contrast, the cheapest tickets on StubHub for next week's game against Central are on sale for $35 - and if you want two together it'll be $50 a pop.
As of a week ago, about 5,000 tickets remained for the Montana State game. But given how discounted the prices in the resale market are, it would be unlikely for those 5,000 to be sold by MSU at retail cost before the lower-priced ones online get bought up.
In fairness, Athletic Department officials did say a while ago that they were anticipating six sellouts this season, with Montana State being the exception. And one could make the argument that, were MSU playing a squad people actually want to see, every seat at Spartan Stadium would already be sold. That's a fair point.
Given the financial strain MSU has to deal with thanks to Michigan's lousy economy, however, it's too bad that there won't be a sellout. But if you're a poor Spartan fan looking for a cheap ticket, well, maybe it's not so bad.
Zeke Ready for Game Time
While there will be quite a lot of change on the football field this season - a new quarterback and running back to name two - one of Michigan State's most iconic traditions will be back. Yes, the yellow lab best known to MSU fans as Zeke the Wonderdog will return for another season.
I spoke the other day with Jim Foley, Zeke's trainer, who told me that the dog has made big strides since last season. That's saying something for a dog specifically bred for disc catching that was already capable of 50-yard touchdown receptions.
Zeke III is MSU's fourth disc-catching wonderdog, after Zeke and Keze in the late 1970s and early 80s, and Zeke II, the dog that restarted the tradition in 2001. Zeke II (a black lab known at home as Dexter) retired after two games in 2007 due to problems with cataracts. Zeke II still does guest appearances at a few of Zeke III's shows catching short passes that he can see.
Some other bits of Zeke trivia:
Foley told me to expect great things from Zeke this year, including even longer passes and a few more trick shot catches. In fact, the dog is getting so good that his disc touchdown catching may only be limited this season by the strength and accuracy of Foley's throwing arm.
Photo courtesy of MSU Alumni Association
I spoke the other day with Jim Foley, Zeke's trainer, who told me that the dog has made big strides since last season. That's saying something for a dog specifically bred for disc catching that was already capable of 50-yard touchdown receptions.Zeke III is MSU's fourth disc-catching wonderdog, after Zeke and Keze in the late 1970s and early 80s, and Zeke II, the dog that restarted the tradition in 2001. Zeke II (a black lab known at home as Dexter) retired after two games in 2007 due to problems with cataracts. Zeke II still does guest appearances at a few of Zeke III's shows catching short passes that he can see.
Some other bits of Zeke trivia:
- The name Keze was picked in a contest run by the Lansing State Journal. She was supposed to be Zeke I's full-time replacement, but got hit by a car and died in 1982.
- Zeke's green coat cannot be purchased in stores. It is custom-tailored by a lady in East Lansing who does those sort of things.
- You can schedule Zeke to come to your tailgate party for just $50. The reservation form can be found here.
- I feel a particular affection for the whole Zeke program in part because when I worked for the Lansing State Journal I broke the news that Zeke II would retire, as well as that a yellow lab named BooCoo (now Zeke III) would replace him a week later. The story was set to run Zeke's last game day Saturday, but we almost got scooped by a producer for Hondo Carpenter's TV show who stumbled across our cover shoot on Adams Field but (thankfully) didn't press too hard with questions about what we were up to.
- A used disc from that photo shoot, complete with teeth marks, still hangs on my wall.
Foley told me to expect great things from Zeke this year, including even longer passes and a few more trick shot catches. In fact, the dog is getting so good that his disc touchdown catching may only be limited this season by the strength and accuracy of Foley's throwing arm.
Photo courtesy of MSU Alumni Association
Friday, July 3, 2009
Construction Update: Football Traffic Update
Some more detailed information has been shared regarding the football parking situation out at the commuter lot, adding to the last update we gave you a few weeks ago.
First, for the Farm Lane project, a firm open to traffic date has still not been set. However, we do know that contractually, they have only until September 22nd to finish all work. If all available time is used, that would have it opening after the first two home games (Sept. 5th, Sept. 12th) but before the Michigan game on Oct. 3rd.
We also have been told that Farm Lane will most likely open to both vehicles and pedestrians at the same time. One thought floated by fans was to open the sidewalks to pedestrians early if possible, so that there would at least be a walkable route to the commuter lot from Spartan Stadium, even if the buses still had to take the detour. It looks like this will not happen.
Second, the Mt. Hope resurfacing project time line is becoming clearer, thanks to the City of East Lansing's Project Clause. While a more detailed schedule will be set once a project bid is accepted, a general timetable is available now. According to the document, the project is divided into several phases. Phase I would begin on July 27th or within ten days of the contract being awarded. Once lane closures began, they would have fourteen days to reopen those lanes, with August 29th being the end point for this phase. Phase II would start immediately following Phase I, and this phase will include lane resurfacing and closures as well. Once that starts, the contractors will have thirty days to complete the work, with a contractual completion date of Oct. 2nd.
One interesting point from the document specifically concerns football game days. From the document:
Looking at what we know now about the project completion dates for both Farm Lane and Mt. Hope, the "fun" scenario outlined a few weeks ago looks like a strong possibility. This is where Farm Lane opens before Mt. Hope is complete, causing a large increase in traffic to the area, and therefore backups. While the completion dates on the projects suggest this may occur, both completion dates are currently scheduled for after the second home football game but before the third. So, if both can open before their contractual end dates, there will be no issues for the first big home game, against Michigan on Oct. 3rd.
First, for the Farm Lane project, a firm open to traffic date has still not been set. However, we do know that contractually, they have only until September 22nd to finish all work. If all available time is used, that would have it opening after the first two home games (Sept. 5th, Sept. 12th) but before the Michigan game on Oct. 3rd.
We also have been told that Farm Lane will most likely open to both vehicles and pedestrians at the same time. One thought floated by fans was to open the sidewalks to pedestrians early if possible, so that there would at least be a walkable route to the commuter lot from Spartan Stadium, even if the buses still had to take the detour. It looks like this will not happen.
Second, the Mt. Hope resurfacing project time line is becoming clearer, thanks to the City of East Lansing's Project Clause. While a more detailed schedule will be set once a project bid is accepted, a general timetable is available now. According to the document, the project is divided into several phases. Phase I would begin on July 27th or within ten days of the contract being awarded. Once lane closures began, they would have fourteen days to reopen those lanes, with August 29th being the end point for this phase. Phase II would start immediately following Phase I, and this phase will include lane resurfacing and closures as well. Once that starts, the contractors will have thirty days to complete the work, with a contractual completion date of Oct. 2nd.
One interesting point from the document specifically concerns football game days. From the document:
"No work shall occur that impacts traffic outside of the approved lane/road closures on the following dates:It is nice to see this requirement specifically laid out early on in the bidding process. It recognizes the issues the project may place on football traffic and shows that there is a conscious attempt to minimize them. It also inadvertently recognizes the potential for project delays by listing a "no work day" on Oct. 3rd, a day after the project's completion date of Oct. 2nd.
MSU Student Move-in: August 30, 2009, August 31, 2009 and September 1, 2009
MSU Home Football Game (Montana State): September 5, 2009
MSU Home Football Game (Central Michigan): September 12, 2009
MSU Home Football Game (University of Michigan): October 3, 2009
Any hauling, loading, grading, paving or any other activity that involves any impact on the remaining travel ways on any street shall be prohibited on the above dates."
Looking at what we know now about the project completion dates for both Farm Lane and Mt. Hope, the "fun" scenario outlined a few weeks ago looks like a strong possibility. This is where Farm Lane opens before Mt. Hope is complete, causing a large increase in traffic to the area, and therefore backups. While the completion dates on the projects suggest this may occur, both completion dates are currently scheduled for after the second home football game but before the third. So, if both can open before their contractual end dates, there will be no issues for the first big home game, against Michigan on Oct. 3rd.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Final Four Friday: Non-Conference Games
The big topic on ESPN.com this week is college football non-conference scheduling. Specifically, that certain schools (Penn State, Wisconsin) don't do squat in terms of actually trying to put tough teams on the schedule.
Michigan State wasn't listed among the wimpy schools, nor was it among the giant killers. So given that State has scheduled four non-conference games, we'll take a look at one fan's view of the most anticipated non-conference games.
Montana State - Quite frankly, I'm not excited about this game at all. It's patently offensive that we're even playing them. MSU, to this point, is one of just four FBS schools to have NEVER played an FCS school - and the Grizzlies will end that streak the first game of the season. So what if we win by five touchdowns? I don't care if we win 100-0. It's blood money we're giving them, and I absolutely hate it. No guaranteed money is worth killing our streak.
Central Michigan - On paper, this is a great matchup for MSU. Dan "Catch the" LeFevour returns to quarterback an explosive Chippewa offense, and a lack of Chips defense should make this a very high scoring game. You don't want to sit there in the early part of the season and watch a defensive struggle, do you? No, you don't. And this won't be one.
Notre Dame - Touchdown Jesus, Charlie Weis and Jimmy Claussen. In South Bend. Very few things could be better than this. I mean, this is what Spartan football is all about. The annual rivalry is a huge game for MSU, and is arguably one of the biggest games each year. Oddly enough, this is the start of the biggest three-game stretch for State this year - @ ND, @ Wisconsin, home to Michigan. Win those three, and it may be hello to a New Years Day bowl game yet again.
Western Michigan - This game was meant to be played at Ford Field, except the troublesome Michigan economy forced Western to abandon the "home" game in favor of a road trip to Spartan Stadium. I can't say much about the Spartans-Broncos game, except that it's the second Directional Michigan game this year, and it comes late in the season between visits to Minnesota and Purdue.
And the winner is... Notre Dame.
If I've got to see just one game, based on how good the game will be, it's probably Central. But I'd rather see Charlie "We'll never lose to State again" Weis have to eat his words one more time - and in front of his home fans - than almost anything else this football season. Bring on the Irish!
Michigan State wasn't listed among the wimpy schools, nor was it among the giant killers. So given that State has scheduled four non-conference games, we'll take a look at one fan's view of the most anticipated non-conference games.
Montana State - Quite frankly, I'm not excited about this game at all. It's patently offensive that we're even playing them. MSU, to this point, is one of just four FBS schools to have NEVER played an FCS school - and the Grizzlies will end that streak the first game of the season. So what if we win by five touchdowns? I don't care if we win 100-0. It's blood money we're giving them, and I absolutely hate it. No guaranteed money is worth killing our streak.
Central Michigan - On paper, this is a great matchup for MSU. Dan "Catch the" LeFevour returns to quarterback an explosive Chippewa offense, and a lack of Chips defense should make this a very high scoring game. You don't want to sit there in the early part of the season and watch a defensive struggle, do you? No, you don't. And this won't be one.
Notre Dame - Touchdown Jesus, Charlie Weis and Jimmy Claussen. In South Bend. Very few things could be better than this. I mean, this is what Spartan football is all about. The annual rivalry is a huge game for MSU, and is arguably one of the biggest games each year. Oddly enough, this is the start of the biggest three-game stretch for State this year - @ ND, @ Wisconsin, home to Michigan. Win those three, and it may be hello to a New Years Day bowl game yet again.
Western Michigan - This game was meant to be played at Ford Field, except the troublesome Michigan economy forced Western to abandon the "home" game in favor of a road trip to Spartan Stadium. I can't say much about the Spartans-Broncos game, except that it's the second Directional Michigan game this year, and it comes late in the season between visits to Minnesota and Purdue.
And the winner is... Notre Dame.
If I've got to see just one game, based on how good the game will be, it's probably Central. But I'd rather see Charlie "We'll never lose to State again" Weis have to eat his words one more time - and in front of his home fans - than almost anything else this football season. Bring on the Irish!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Farm Lane May Not Be Ready For Football
Get ready for another season of parking and traffic headaches, MSU football fans. Or at least be ready for issues the first few games. The Farm Lane project, which closed the road all of last football season to create two underpasses at the railroad crossings, is behind schedule and may not be open in time for the start of the 2009 football season. Thousands of season ticket holders generally park in the MSU commuter lot each game, and ride buses or walk to Spartan Stadium. With Farm Lane closed last season, the bus ride became longer, and walking was almost impossible.
At this month's Construction Junction on April 9th, an update was given on the status of the project, where it was announced that the project was behind schedule because of "challenges this winter."
"It appears the Farm Lane project may not open now to traffic until late summer/early fall which would put it after fall semester begins," said Karen Zelt, of the MSU Physical Plant. "We are still hoping that the roads will reopen before school begins in August, but the project currently is slightly behind schedule."
Fall semester is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 2nd. The first MSU football game is that following Saturday, September 5th against Montana St. The Spartans play again the next Saturday, September 12th, against Central Michigan.
MSU's football schedule may actually end up looking pretty lucky with regards to parking and traffic. Playing the first two home games against smaller schools means that there should not be the enormous crowds coming to campus that some Big Ten games generate. And after those two opening games, officials will have a little more time to open the road. MSU is away for two weeks until they return October 3rd against Michigan.
Photo courtesy of MSU
At this month's Construction Junction on April 9th, an update was given on the status of the project, where it was announced that the project was behind schedule because of "challenges this winter."
"It appears the Farm Lane project may not open now to traffic until late summer/early fall which would put it after fall semester begins," said Karen Zelt, of the MSU Physical Plant. "We are still hoping that the roads will reopen before school begins in August, but the project currently is slightly behind schedule."
Fall semester is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 2nd. The first MSU football game is that following Saturday, September 5th against Montana St. The Spartans play again the next Saturday, September 12th, against Central Michigan.
MSU's football schedule may actually end up looking pretty lucky with regards to parking and traffic. Playing the first two home games against smaller schools means that there should not be the enormous crowds coming to campus that some Big Ten games generate. And after those two opening games, officials will have a little more time to open the road. MSU is away for two weeks until they return October 3rd against Michigan.
Photo courtesy of MSU
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
