The Enlightened Spartan

(02/27/05)--MSU defensive line coach Steve Stripling has joined the coaching staff of our arch nemesis -- the Meechigan Wolvies. He would service scUM in the same position. Stripling would replaces prevoius defensive line coach Bill Sheridan, who joined the New York Giants as linebackers coach on Feb. 16. All the ES has to say is: F*ck you Striping, we don't need ya. Wait until we kick your ass on December 1. Traitor.

(02/27/05)--MSU got caught in a trap, losing 78-74 in overtime to a gritty, tough Indiana team. MSU led by four points with a minute left, but in an agonizingly familar fashion they just couldn't get the knock-out blow, falling to Indiana. Indy neeed this win more to just try to make the NCAA tournament. The ES' only question was -- when Davis fouled out in OT and DJ White really taking over in the low post late in the game -- why not put in Trannon, who had been playing real solid defensively? A rare mistake by Izzo, but MSU still looks to be a solid #3 see in the NCAAs, and a #2 seed in the Big Ten.

Spartan MBB kick monkey and badgers off their backs; Public invited to FB practice 4/16

(02/24/05)--OK, all you nay-sayers out there, including LSJ's Joe Rexrode (who picked a 67-66 Wisky win in yesterday's paper). Believe it now -- MSU is a DAMN fine basketball team after thoroughly dominating them stinking Wisconsin Badgers from start to finish last night, winning 77-64 to give them a likely solid #2 seed heading into the Big Ten tourney. The Spartans finally got that monkey off their backs by defeating a top-20 ranked team this year (Wisconsin ranked #20) and with Izzo beating Bo Ryan for the first time in his career... Alan Anderson had the best game of his career, and one of the best in school history, with 28 points on perfect 10-of-10 shooting and 7-of-7 from the charity stripe. Add in Paul Davis' 13 points and 11 boards, and a tenacious MSU defense from start to finish, and the Spartans were not to be denied. And, as ESPN's Steve Lavin said courtside last night, MSU may be creeping up to a #2 seed for the NCAA tourney if it can win its remaining games and make it to the Big10 tourney title game... we have seen five top 10 teams lose this past week, giving MSU a jumping board to zoom up the polls.

Fans are invited to attend Michigan State's April 16 spring football practice, scheduled for 1 p.m. EDT in Spartan Stadium, weather permitting. The open practice has been added to the activities planned in conjunction with the third-annual youth football clinic. For youth clinic participants, Spartan players will be available for autographs on the practice fields for approximately one hour, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A free hot dog and soft drink will be provided to all football clinic participants. Due to the on-going construction project at Spartan Stadium, seating will be limited to the east stands.

Members of the MSU Football Players Association and Downtown Coaches Club are invited to attend the final spring practice -- likely a scrimmage -- scheduled for Friday, April 22 at 3 p.m. in Spartan Stadium.

(02/24/05)--Congrats to Coach P and the Lady Spartans! The Spartans womens basketball team clinched at least a share of the Big Ten championship with a crushing 77-34 victory over scUM last night before over 8,000 fans at the Breslin Center. MSU, now 25-3/14-2 and ranked #6 in the nation, are Big Ten champs! On Sunday a record crowd of more than 14,000 people witnessed Michigan State defeat #2 Ohio State, 66-64.

(02/16/04)--The ACC will join the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences in adding instant replay to football games, the same replay system that is currently available in the Big Ten conference. This, after the NCAA Rules Committee recommended all D1A conferenced adopt the system -- as originally reported by the Enlightened Spartan (see column at right) on Feb 9.

On Feb. 15, the Enlightened Spartan was featured on Fox-17 television evening news in Grand Rapids, discussing the podcasts -- the feature story discussed ES' corner on the college athletics' podcast market as well as the technology and the increased popularity of podcasts.

The ES also was recently contacted by Susan Whitall of the Detroit News about podcasts; watch for a story in the coming week about podcasts and the ES foray into the technology.

Spring Game Only For Downtown Coaches & MSU FB Players Assn; FB Youth Clinic

(02/15/04, MSU Media Relations, www.msuspartans.com)--The Spartan Stadium expansion project has forced MSU Athletics Department officials to limit access to the final spring football scrimmage, scheduled for Friday, April 22 at approximately 3 p.m. EDT. Only members of the MSU Football Players Association and Downtown Coaches Club are invited to attend the intrasquad scrimmage.

"I know this isn't going to be a popular decision, but fan safety is our No. 1 concern," MSU Athletics Director Ron Mason said. "With the on-going construction, there's no way we can safely accommodate a sizeable crowd for the spring scrimmage. The stadium currently doesn't have a public address system, so there would be no way for event management personnel to effectively communicate an evacuation plan to the crowd in the case of severe weather or any other emergency.

"We did consider some off-campus facilities for the spring scrimmage, but we encountered too many logistical and scheduling issues.

"We deeply appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our football fans. We're confident that our fans will be thrilled when they see and experience first-hand Spartan Stadium this fall. The completed stadium project will be a source of pride for the entire campus community."

For information about the MSU Football Players Association (former Spartan coaches, players and managers only), contact Assistant Athletics Director/Director of Football Operations Mike Vollmar at (517) 355-1647. To learn more about Downtown Coaches Club, visit www.dtncoaches.org or call (517) 483-7243.

FB YOUTH CLINIC

Michigan State's coaching staff and players will conduct a youth football clinic on Saturday, April 16. Children, ages 8-12, are invited to attend the youth clinic from 10-11:30 a.m. EDT on the practice fields behind the Duffy Daugherty Football Building, located at the corner of Chestnut Rd. and Shaw Lane. Clinic participants and their parents are requested to enter the practice fields through the gate on Shaw Lane.

The purpose of the clinic is to introduce youngsters to the game by stressing fundamentals. No football gear is required.

Following the clinic, Spartan players will be available for autographs on the practice fields for approximately one hour, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. All football clinic participants will be provided a complimentary hot dog and soft drink. Attendance to the clinic and autograph session is free.

64-49: MSU kicks Michigan's ass... AGAIN - that's 12 of 13

Trustees Ban Open Alcohol On Game Days; Big12 To Consider Replay

(02/11/05)--Better hide them beers under your jackets, Spartan fans... The MSU Board of Trustees Voted to Ban Open Alcohol on the MSU campus, even on game days. The Trustees stated they would work with students and other organizations to tweak the policy for exceptions on game days, if necessary. However, noone spoke in favor or against the new policy at yesterday's meeting. The rule goes into effect immediately -- with a possible $100 fine and 90 days in jail. This is a bummer for us alumni who have done nothing wrong but like to walk with a beer in hand... but the Trustees don't care about Joe Six Pack alumni, anyways. The ES figures that designated tailgating lots will be allowed for outdoors drinking... and those will be the only places allowed. Also, expect more folks to get loaded at bars before the games, and expect more drunk drivers as people drink at home, then get in their car to go to the game. Winners: tea totallers, drunk drivers, area bars. Losers: partiers, grocery stores which sell tailgating booze, law abiding beer drinking MSU dues paying alumni and season ticket holders (the ES).

INSTANT REPLAY IN BIG 12
The Big12 Conference will look into and will likely implement instant replay -- similar to the Big10's system. This after yesterday's recommendation by the NCAA Football Rules Committee (see story below).

MORRIL HALL PARKING LOT GO-AHEAD
Despite pleads from East Lansing officials and Mayor Mark Meadows, MSU trustees voted to begin construction of the new parking lot behind Morrill Hall. The new ramp is a $20 million project that will add 733 spaces and fit in with the 1900s style architecture of north campus. MSU will begin construction on Tuesday, but needs approval from MDOT for ramps to be built from Grand River Ave.

Sirmans Hired as RB Coach

(02/10/05)--Ben Sirmans served five seasons as Kent State University’s running backs coach, from 2000-2004. In 2001, Sirmans tutored tailback David Alston to second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors. More importantly, Sirmans played a major role in Kent State’s ranking in the top 15 in the nation in rushing each of the past two seasons. “Ben is a very innovative coach with the running backs and works very hard at his job,” said Kent State Head Coach Dean Pees. “He has a great rapport with his players.” Sirmans replaces former long time RB coach Reggie Mitchell, who joined the staff of Ron Zook at Illinois after the 2004 season.

Call off APB: Chris Hill Found
Trustees To Endores ES Policy?

(02/10/05)--The ES says call off the All Points Bulletin: MSU point guard Chris Hill was finally located in East Lansing last night, scoring a season-high 26 points on deadly three point shooting (six treys) as the Spartans buried Ohio State, 83-69. Also of note, seems like the MSU Board of Trustees may have taken note of the ES' proposal and will endorse an open alcohol ban on the MSU campus -- with the exception of football Saturdays. They may even eliminate the time limits on tailgating... this after numerous complaints from the likes of alumni and the ES hisself. The LSJ on Sunday endorsed a full ban -- but completely missed the point: don't penalize those who haven't caused the problem (namely alumni). Thanks to trustees for listening... if they endorse this proposal!

NCAA Recommends Replay for all D1A Football in '05; Football Rules Changes

(02/09/05)--The NCAA Football Rules Committee today agreed to expand video replay to all of Division 1A conferences this season as well as to change a few rules: 1) blocking from behind along the line of scrimmage will be limited to only above the knee; 2) helmet-to-helmet contact and spearing will be penalized, whether intentional or not; and, 3) expanded the penalizing of celebrations with unsportsmanlike conduct. The ES was surprised as how successful replay held up in the Big10 last year and feels with experience and time, the limited number of ridiculous uses of this rule will be nearly eradicated; as to the rules changes, tightening blocking below the legs and helmet use is good for safety... but who gives a shit about the unsportsmanlike conduct; gimme a break, the onus should be on the player -- it tells us a lot about the humbleness of a kid if he is a showboater (Neon Deion) versus a team player (Barry Sanders). Full release from the NCAA is below (or link here):

The NCAA Football Rules Committee has recommended the expanded experimental use of in-game video officiating review to all member conferences and institutions for the 2005 season, using the same parameters that were approved for experimentation in the 2004 season.
All of the committee’s recommendations will be considered by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel (PROP) on a conference call February 24. If approved by PROP, the recommendations will be in place for the 2005 football season.

The committee heard a detailed report from the Big Ten Conference concerning its video replay system, which was granted experimentation privileges for the 2004 season. Numerous Division I-A conferences requested the ability to experiment with a replay system for the 2005 season.

" The response to video replay nationally and in the Big Ten was overwhelmingly positive,” said Charles Broyles, athletics director and head football coach at Pittsburg State University and chair of the committee. “When we have the ability to correct a potentially game-changing error, and we have the technology to do so, we feel this improves the fairness of the game and directly improves the student-athlete experience.”

The committee decided to be consistent with what may or may not be reviewed, but to be flexible with regard to the specific procedure a conference uses.

“ The preparation, training and educational effort needed to properly administer a system of review requires a commitment from a conference to make it run successfully,” said Broyles. “There certainly is interest in the Division I-A level and our committee wants to encourage developments that will help the game. But we also want to make sure it is accomplished properly.”

Any conference that wishes to use video replay must confirm its administrative plans (e.g., equipment) and system for use with the rules committee by June 1. Any exceptions to the approved process must be requested of the rules committee and will be discussed on a committee conference call June 8. The committee will send guidelines used last season to all conferences that indicated an interest in using video replay.

Video replay will not be allowed in post-season bowl games or an NCAA championship as the committee feels further experimentation is needed.

" The logistics of properly running a video replay system are such that we did not feel comfortable allowing blanket approval for bowl games or championships,” Broyles said.

In other news, the committee focused on the safety of the student-athletes in the area of line blocking. In the past, blocking from behind was allowed near the line of scrimmage. The committee passed a rule that will limit these blocks to contact above the knee.

" We all feel that this rule protects the student-athlete and will make the game safer, which is one of our main charges,” Broyles said. “This is a significant change that we hope will eliminate some dangerous line blocks.”

Another safety concern – helmet-to-helmet contact and spearing – was discussed at length by the committee. The group reviewed a report from the American Football Coaches Association task force in this area and made some suggested wording changes, mainly deleting any reference to intentional contact in this area.

" The committee feels it is important to clarify this rule for officials and by taking a player’s intention out of the equation, we hope this will assist proper enforcement of this rule,” Broyles said. “That said, it should be clear when a player uses his helmet to punish an opponent, it is a foul and must be penalized. This type of act is dangerous for both the player being hit and the player doing the hitting.”

The committee also passed more defined regulation in the area of unsportsmanlike conduct and celebration penalties to assist officials, players and coaches to understand what type of action warrants a penalty.

While this should not be regarded as a lessening of the standard, the committee does believe that spontaneous celebrations that are not prolonged or intended to bring attention to the individual should be allowed on a limited basis. A defined list of unacceptable behavior will be included in the 2005 rules book.

" College football is fun,” Broyles said. “For the most part, our officials understand what is and isn’t excessive or taunting the opponent. We just want to better define those things and make sure everyone is on the same page in this area.”

The committee’s small number of changes underscores the health of the game and effectiveness of past alterations.

" Above all, we feel like we have a wonderful game and we’re doing things to try and make it better,” Broyles said.

A full listing of the rules changes, once approved by the oversight panel, will be made available on the NCAA Web site.

Get yer tickets! Get yer tickets! Prices raised $2-4/game

(02/08/05)--It's time to renew your season tickets or purchase single game tickets for the 2005 edition of your MSU Spartan on the gridiron. MSU has raised tickets on average $2 - $3 per game, with an increase of $4/game for single game tickets. The exception is the MSU-UM game, which went up a whopping $18 to $70 per ticket. MSU officials have labelled it a "premium game" and referenced the Miami-FSU game tickets were $75, while the Oklahoma-Texas game was $85. (Need I remind MSU officials - those two games were on netural ground where BEER can be sold!!!)

While some of the ES' buddies aren't too hip on the ticket prices... the ES thinks it is worth it for 2005 - we should have a damn good and entertaining offense to watch and cheer for. But, if we falter... can we get a refund?

Link here to get your tickets for 2005.

MORRIL HALL PARKING RAMP CONCERNS; OPEN ALCOHOL BAN

The ES' old tailgating spot behing Morrill Hall in north campus made the LSJ today as officials prepare to tear it up and construct a parking lot... I guess MSU officials didn't care to commission a traffic study, nor did they discuss the matter with East Lansing officials, nor MSU faculty, about the impact the 730-space ramp will make during rush hour. They are gonna build it anyways... but should slow down and let these folks chime in (which also might give the ES another year to 'gate!). The MSU Board of Trustees votes to approve this and the open alcohol ban across campus on Thursday, Feb. 10.

Spartans Hand Out 24 Scholarships with LOIs; Mugging Update; Stanton OK

(02/03/05)--MSU handed out 24 scholarships to its 2005 incoming recruiting class yesterday. The class features 7 JUCO players, mainly along the offensive and defensive lines. The top five incoming players, as listed by the Lansing State Journal are: DE Bobby Jones (juco), RB Javon Ringer, DB Otis Wiley, DB Demond Williams, and DT David Stanton (juco). In all, MSU's 2005 class includes 4 WR, 5 OL, 4 DBs, 3 LB/TEs, 5 DL, 2 RBs, and 1 QB.

This listing does not include two individuals listed on College Sports Network's recruiting list -- Leon Mims of Andover HS (Bloomfield Hills) and former Spartan Derrick Outlaw. Outlaw, a former recruit, may be attempting to rejoin the team. Mims is not listed as signing... yet, but lists MSU as his preference above WMU, Tennessee State, and Hofstra.

Here is a look at how the Big Ten fares in recruiting:

Team	Commits	Rivals	Scout
Mich	23	6	2
Iowa	23	11	8
Ohio St	18	12	7
JoePa	19	25	29
Purdue	21	29	26
Wisky	23	33	35
MSU	24	35	40
ND	15	39	27
Illnois	21	51	45
N'wstrn	20	52	52
Minny	18	55	56
Indiana	23	85	76

Also of note, John L Smith confirmed that both Hugh D'Imperio and Miles Williams have been suspended from the team indefintely pending legal proceedings from reportedly mugging a pair of MSU students. Last year's star recruit, Roland Martin, has dropped 54 pounds to weigh in at 314, and should compete for playing time. And, QB Drew Stanton is recovering nicely from offseason surgery on the injured shoulder and is already throwing nerf balls... he should be ready by Spring.

Spartans Add Three: Two DLs and One LB

(2/2/05)--As of 11:20 am today, MSU has added three additional recruits to its previous verbals, bringing the total to 26 new gridders for the 2005 season. Three new recruits are Reggie Graham (DL, Alabama), Leon Mims (LB, Bloomfield Hills), and 2003 recruit Derrick Outlaw (DL, Lake Michigan CC) -- although the ES isn't sure about how Outlaw fits in. Each of these individuals were rated two stars by both rivals.com and scout.com. Graham (6-5, 200-lbs) runs a 4.6-40a nd chose MSU over Marshall, Arkansas, Illinois, Samford and Grambling. Rivals.com rates him with two stars. Mims (6-0, 235) runs a 4.6-40, and chose MSU over Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, Miami-Ohio, Florida A&M and Hofstra. Outlaw verbally committed to MSU in 2003, but decided to pursue basketball at Lake Michigan CC.

The groundhog saw his shadow this morning and predicted six more weeks of winter... let's hope the Spartans buck that trend with some warm weather on its recruiting class of 2005. Today is the first day high school seniors are allowed to sign written letters of committment to schools to play football. MSU will see if it can line up a few more recruits (five more scholarships to give out beyond the 23 verbal commitments already made) and inch into the top half of the Big Ten recruiting. With a few more solid recruits, MSU could finish as high as fourth in the Big Ten, according to recruiting services rivals.com and scout.com. Michigan, Iowa, and Ohio State all seem to have top-10 classes nationally, and Purdue, Wisconsin and JoePa are each just ahead of MSU.... stay tuned to the ES site for more on recruits throughout the day. JLS will announce the entire class of 2005 recruits at a press conference at 4 pm today.

(2/2/05)--At least we know where we stand... MSU is the second (or third) best team in the conference, well behind Illinois. MSU didn't bring its A-game, but it likely wouldn't have mattered. The ES will blame this loss on the lack of Matt Trannon not sporting his afro -- its as good a reason as any other. Illinois seems to be head and shoulders above the rest of college basketball right now... unless they have an off game, they should go undefeated. Hey, the Spartans are a good team and are much improved over last year's squad... but they ain't as good as Illinois.

Now, the bets are on: The ES says it's 2:1 odds that Trannon WON'T sport the 'Fro on Tuesday... we're expecting the afro and another 4-inches to Trannon's frame! It's time for the Big GAME! Let's whoop some Illini ass!

(01/28/05)--MSU added LB/TE Adam Decker (6-3, 230-lbs), who played at Birmingham Brother Rice. He chose MSU over Ga Tech, BC, Stanford, and Princeton. Obviously, he's a smart kid -- with a 4.1 GPA... his dad, Mike, played for MSU from '77-'79. He was defensive MVP for his team last season, and made 158 tackles. Both Rivals and Scout rate him with two-stars. MSU now has 23 commits with another 5 or 6 scholarships to give...

(1/27/05)--Nebraska: you can have him. It's normal for you all to recruit guys who can't keep their word. Stud DL Justin Tomerlin from Butler CC in Kansas, who committed to MSU just two weeks ago, instead has decided to commit to Nebraska. That freakin' corn head looks like an ugly Nebraska farm hand. Good riddance! JLS has lots more work to do to make up for this loss, but we don't need these types on our team..

(1/27/05)--MSU didn’t even bring it’s “A-game,” and still managed to kick Michigan’s ass, 64-53, last night at the Brez. It was a thing of beauty – a gem of a game from Maurice Ager and a virtual dunk-a-thon all over the Little Pansies from Ann Arbor all afternoon. Hey, Michigan, we kicked your ass! Make it 11 of 12, and counting…

(1/25/05)--John L Smith got another defensive lineman today, when 4-star stud David Stanton verbally committed to MSU. That brings MSU's total up to 22; with Justin Tomerlin a possible 23rd commit (see next article below).

David Stanton (6-5, 265-lbs) hails from the College of the Canyons (CA), the same JUCO program as current Spartans Domata Peko and Daniel Zynn. Stanton turned down offers from Oregon State, Colorado State and Iowa State to join MSU. Stanton is rated 4-stars by recruiting service Scout.com. He runs a 4.8-40 yard dash, and was a First-team All-Western State Conference selection in 2004.

(1/24/05)--According to the Lansing State Jounral, wideout Dan Fortener has committed to MSU. He is 6-2, 188-lbs, and hails from Kettering, Ohio. Fortener runs a 4.4-40, and chose MSU over Brigham Young, Cincinnati, Kansas, Bowling Green, Marshall, Ohio State and Wisconsin. Rivals.com ranks him with two stars.

However, of bigger concern is that 4-star stud DL Justin Tomerlin recently visited Nebraska and is now considering attending the corn. He puts NU and MSU even at 50-50. John L Smith has to get this kid to have any decent class this season; we need defensive lineman and Tomerlin would fit right in.

(1/22/05)--Interestingly, the Lansing State Journal reported earlier this week that the MSU Athletics department will unexpectedly rake in at least an $600,000 profit for the 2003-4 budget year; the prevoius year showed the Big Green with an $800K deficit. With $2.1 million to be collected from new stadium ticket licenses beginning in 2004, the current budget years looks good.

However, of concern is the lack of selling enough new Spartan stadium club seats, which on its own could provide nearly $3 million annually to the athletic department.

Expenses: According to the LSJ, the athletic department paid the university $7 million last year for its athletes' scholarships. And, additional costs kicked in from a new NCAA rule requires year-round complete health coverage (MSU's is secondary to parental coverage) as opposed to previously just in-season health coverag. And who says the NCAA doesn't take care of its athletes?

The goal of MSU is to make $3.5 million each year from stadium surcharges, box/club seats, and ticket licenses. MSU is currently at $2.1 million in revenues from this. MSU has sold 19 of 24 luxury suites (79%), but just 135 of 862 club seats (16%). They've got a lot of seats to sell... the ES agrees with Ron Mason that once the expansion is completed and folks can see the seating area and accomodations, many more club seats will sell... but MSU will have a tough time selling out club seats unless the football team starts winning more games. MSU is selling club seats in 3, 5, and 7-year leases. Estimated annual donations for a club seat are $4,500 to $6,500, and $45,000 to $80,000 for a luxury suite. That's a lot of bread for a 5-7 team that loses to Rutgers and Louisiana Tech. If MSU sells 75% of its club seats this fall, that would be a surprise to the ES and a great start for the future.

(1/20/05)--The ES got his wish, and JLS added a pair of defensive linemen this week, bringing MSU's total up to 21 recruits. SpartansInsider.com 's Mike Fowler has reported that juco DE Jonal St. Dic (6-1, 256-lbs, Hudson Valley CC, New York) will chose MSU over Missouri and Illinois. According to SpartansInsider.com, "Saint-Dic, a defensive end, is a two-time All-NFC selection for Hudson Valley CC in New York. Finished 2004 with 70 total tackles and 11.5 sack.. He also had a team-high 19 tackles for loss, including three against Ellsworth Community College in The Graphic Edge Bowl. He also garnered Third Team All-American honors from JC-Gridwire, which recognizes student-athletes from the NJCAA and the more than 70 colleges in the Community College League of California." SpartansInsider.com gives him three stars.

According to WILX-TV's Tim Staudt, the Spartans added a Cajun defensive lineman today, when Haywood Howard, a 6-4, 270-lb dude out of Carver HS, Louisiana committed to MSU. Howard chose the Spartans over LSU, Ole Miss, Memphis, La Tech, and La-Monroe.

And, the LSJ is saying that MSU is looking good for another stud out of College of the Canyons in California. Defensive lineman David Stanton (6-5, 265-lbs) hails from the same JUCO program as current Spartans Domata Peko and Daniel Zynn. Stanton has offers from Oregon State, Colorado State and Iowa State but will likey don the green and white of MSU. He'll decide on Tuesday.

(1/19/05)--MSU lost out in its bidding wards for two high profile recruits from Philadelphia (PA) West Catholic HS. DT Darrel Hand, considered by Rivals.com the #39 recruit along the defensive front, has chosen Notre Dame. And, Marques Pocum, a stud OL considered the prize #1 OL in the nation, has become a chump by choosing Meechigan.

MSU is ranked around 30th in the nation... this recruiting class doesn't look so hot with only Dominic Natale, Javon Ringer, and Justin Tomerlin as the three biggest names. JLS needs a couple of prize recruits along the OL and DL badly...

MSU saw another one of its recruits back out on Tuesday when DT Alan Michael Cash of Richmond, Virginia, backed out and is now also considering NC State.

(1/16/05)--Richard Abney, a 6-1, 185-lb wideout from Forestville, MD, has withdrew as a committ from MSU and will instead attend Syracuse according to the Lansing State Journal. He was recruited for the '04 class but his scholarship was being counted towards '05... MSU is back to 20 recruits so far, with three weeks left.

What a few bad apples can do to spoil the bunch. MSU President Lou Anna Simon floated a proposal before the board of trustees yesterday to ban open alcohol anywhere on campus 365-days a year. There will be select designated areas allowed for open alcohol on football game days, but you won't be allowed to chug a beer on the way to games. Fines are $100 and 90-days in the pokey.

The ES opposes the proposal, but understands that MSU administration is frustrated. The problem is that the administration is punishing those of us law-abiding citizens (and dues-paying alumni) for the problems of a few stupid drunken students who take it so far as to rape a woman. The MSU administration has taken many steps over the years to address student drinking... and it obviously isn't working well enough for the trustees and city officials. MSU administrators already have curtailied tailgating times earlier this year to five hours, and MSU public safety officials have stated that it has made a significant impact... so why take it a step further? As to the rape incident, that person is and should be charged and thrown in jail for a long time -- that individual is going through the criminal justice system as he should be.

Here is an alternative that students won't like but that wouldn't punish alumni, ticket holders, and contributors: ban open alcohol on campus except for 5 hours before kickoff and one hour after kickoff; this is taking the tailgating rule in place and making banning open alcohol around it, but not during the tailgating period. That way, us law-biding, ticket holding alumni can still enjoy an alcoholic beverage before and after a game, but once the time to tailgate is done, so is the time for open alcohol. Seems to strike a good balance to the ES.

Lets see what MSU has already done: close Munn Field to alcohol, increase underage drinking fines, reduce tailgaiting times pre and post game... and it still isn't enough? If this proposal is put in place, there would be only two steps left after a long slippery slope of curtailing alcohol use during game days: no open alcohol allowed anywhere, including game days; and, no tailgating.

Listen - if there is a problem with student drinking, then address the problem of student drinking. Don't penalize your supporters and contributors for the serious mistakes of a few.

(Of note: EL City Manager Ted Staton supports the ban and was quoted in the LSJ that the difference in drinking laws on campus vs the city creates "enormous confusion." Bullshit. How confusing is it? You can open a beer without fine on campus, you can't off campus. Pretty simple to the ES; gimme a break, Mr. Staton... give us a little credit.)

The ES supports limiting the tailgating time to five hours and says if it already is making an impact then let it be. If MSU trustees and EL officials are going to ban open alcohol, they may create a different, unintended consequence: people drinking heavily at home and then getting in their car and driving drunk to the games. Nothing "enormously confusing" about that, either, but it is potentially enormously dangerous.

The ES is more upset at these stupid students whose actions end up punishing those of us who follow the rules. But, MSU administrators shouldn't be rash. Instead of MSU taking it so far against those of us who follow the rules, let open alcohol remain during tailgating times... but not a minute thereafter.

MSU sophomore QB Drew Stanton was named the team's MVP at the annual awards banquet last year. No surprise, as he had the biggest impact of any player in the Big Ten last year. When was the last sophomore to earn team MVP?

2004 MSU recruit Miles Williams remains in jail on a $100,000 bond for assauting and robbing an MSU student in November. Williams gave up his right to a preliminary hearing; a trial date has yet to be set. Hmmmm... you think his professors are allowing him to study from jail

(1/13/05)--MSU received its 20th verbal commitment from WR Diego Oquendo (6-0, 170-lbs) of Staten Island, NY. He runs a 4.45-40 yard dash and originally signed with Syracuse and redshirted last season. He has rescinded his scholarship to Syracuse after the firing of head coach Paul Pasqualoni and has decided to don the Spartan green and white. He was also considering JoePa and South Carolina. According to “The Madman,” he had high praises of Oquendo when his team, Tottenville HS took on Canarsie for the PSAL Championship Game in 2003: “They also have the very fast Diego Oquendo, who can beat you in many ways. He can run back a TD on punt and kick returns, he can pick up big receptions from the WR position, can run one for a TD from the RB position and he also plays excellent defense.” (link here)

(1/11/05)--The Spartans have added JUCO DE Justin Tomerlin (6-6, 265-lbs) to its 2005 list of recruits, but former verbal commit DB Aubrey Pleasant withdrew and decided to attend Wisconsin. MSU remains at 20 recruits.

Tomerlin runs a 4.64-40 yard dash and chose the Spartans over Cal, Florida State, Georgia, Kansas State and UCLA. Rivals.com rates him as a 4-star recruit. Signed with Florida State out of High School but could not get past admissions or the NCAA Clearinghouse, so he attended Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas. This past season, Tomerlin dominated on the DE and played in 10 games, had 37 tackles (19 solo), 9 1/2 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 pass broken up. I guess this program has great recent history, as Butler CC won the 2003 NJCAA national title and finished 2004 as national runners up.

(1/7/05)--The LSJ reported today that MSU backup QB Stephen Reaves plans to stay a Spartan and will compete with Drew Stanton for the starting job this spring. That's the spirit -- fight for it! But, Reaves has a long way to go to beat out Stanton... who has future Big Ten MVP written all over him. He is a game changer and has good decision making ability to go with uncanny knack of eluding tacklers.

Of note: the Jan. 7 Ken And Squip Show podcast discusses the Enlightened Spartan and hatred for the Wolverines. The show is broadcast worldwide to over 10,000 listeners. Link here to access the Ken and Squip website and download their mp3 podcast and access their RSS link...

(1/5/05)--What a way to go out. Long time Ohio State Athletic Director Andy Geiger (he's been AD for 10+ years) has announced he is retiring. His timing is suspect as growing accusations of cheating from Maurice Clarett as well as an admission from Buckeye QB Troy Smith (and suspension from the Alamo Bowl) threaten to ruin his job performance. Geiger has not responded quickly and adequately to these accusations, and what he has said -- that boosters are still giving illegal benefits to players even though OSU has put boosters through an educational program -- defines the fact that OSU lacks institutional control.

This is the first in many future hits for OSU... expect this program to get slammed hard. Hey, but Geiger can retire and leave the mess to the Buckeye faithful. He is 65, you know. See ya on the golf course, Andy.

(1/5/05)--By the time the ES tuned in after trying to get my screamingly tired one-year old to bed, the Sooners were already in a 28-7 hole to the Trojans. A few more turnovers here by OU, a few big plays by USC's Reggie Bush there, and ole' Jed's a millionaire -- USC romps 55-19 to its second consecutive national title. And, they'll be ranked #1 in the nation for sure to start next year.

USC has now won 22 in a row, dating back to its 34-31 triple OT loss at home to Cal last year. So, who will be next to pick off Southern Cal. The ES is thinking maybe a good Arkansas team, or at either Oregon or Arizona State. Cal won't be as competitive, AZ, Washington, Stanford and ND are all rebuilding. Looks like possibly another 11-win season for USC in 2005. Here's their schedule.

9-3-05 at Hawaii
9-17-05 ARKANSAS
9-24-05 at Oregon
10-1-05 at Arizona State
10-8-05 ARIZONA
10-15-05 at Notre Dame
10-22-05 at Washington
10-29-05 WASHINGTON STATE
11-5-05 STANFORD
11-12-05 at California
12-3-05 UCLA