Dec 31 2015

BCS Championship Semifinals: Michigan State University v. Alabama

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That’s the Michigan State University Marching Band at this year’s Big 10 Championships. They carry on in the great tradition of Leonard Falcone who not only wrote this fight song, but also the University of Michigan’s. I studied with him. He thought I was hopeless, but he was a good sport about it, didn’t even suggest I take up the Triangle or anything.

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio arrived in East Lansing s Head Coach in 2006 and at his first press conference said- “My mission here is to win championships.”

Pretty big words from a team that has always been considered second rate, even in it’s home state.

But, as The Guardian puts it-

The check-list of achievement has been notable since the first year of his nine-season reign. Winning season and bowl game? Check, after his very first year. Big 10 champions? Check, after season four. Bowl win? Check, in year five. Rose Bowl victory? Check that in Dantonio’s seventh season. Playoffs reached? Yes, that box has now been ticked, too.
…
Tony Versaci, a former MSU assistant coach and now president of the Michigan chapter of the National Football Foundation, sums it up more succinctly: “Coaches win because of discipline, character, convictions, honesty and, of course, strategy. We’re all aware of the incredible record Mark has had at Michigan State. But you know, it kind of pales in comparison to the type of person he is.”

Having that broader view will not give the Spartans any extra edge against the Crimson Tide, who remain 10-point favourites to march on to the championship game, but it does serve as a reminder to the other college football powers that, win or lose, Michigan State will be back for more next year under Dantonio, and his track record suggests he won’t relent until that ambition “to win championships” is fully satisfied.

I root for them because Richard and Emily both went there and that’s where the met. I have several members of the family who are either active or emeritus faculty. You can root for The Crimson Tide if you like, but for me it’s “Go State!, “Green and White!“.

rustymancuso581

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  1. 4th&22 at MSU 3Ala 23-0
    (3:39) Jake Hartbarger punts. Cyrus Jones returns 57 yards for a TOUCHDOWN

  2. Point AfterAla 24-0
    (3:24) Adam Griffith PAT – GOOD.

    Alabama 24 – 0

  3. State from their 21

  4. 1st&10 at MSU 22
    (3:19) Connor Cook pass completion to the middle to Aaron Burbridge for 1 yard to the MSU23.

  5. Tide from State’s 49

  6. TD, 31 – 0 Tide

  7. 4th&9 at MSU 23
    (2:41) Jake Hartbarger punts. Cyrus Jones returns 18 yards to the 50.

  8. 1st&10 at 50Ala 30-0
    (2:29) Jake Coker pass completion to the middle to Calvin Ridley for 50 yards for a TOUCHDOWN.

  9. Point AfterAla 31-0
    (2:20) Adam Griffith PAT – GOOD.

  10. Touchback. State from the 20

  11. State to their 35

  12. State to their 46.

  13. Kick Return
    (2:20) Alabama kicks off. Touchback. Ball on MSU25.

    1st&10 at MSU 25
    (2:20) LJ Scott rush for 3 yards to the MSU28.

  14. 4th Quarter

  15. State at Tide 34

  16. Over on Downs. Tide at their 28

  17. State from their 14

  18. Well at least they are not being beat by Ohio State.

  19. Tide from their 31

  20. Tide from the State 11

  21. TD. 38 – 0 Tide

  22. State from their 25

  23. State from their 39

  24. State from Tide 42

  25. Over on Downs. Tide from their 25

  26. Tide from their 43

  27. State from their 20.

  28. State from their 45

  29. INT. Tide from their 39

  30. Tide 38 – 0 Final

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