I know that Sarah and I have been largely basketball focused this year on the blog (ok, completely basketball focused on the blog), but it wasn’t because we didn’t care. In fact, we probably cared a bit too much. After the first few games, and especially after the Notre Dame game, we weren’t sure what else we could share or offer to the story.
Obviously things have taken a dramatic turn since then, and what was looking like a dismal season has turned into a run of the ages. A team that was terrifying to watch early on, has turned into a team that is playing for a Big Ten title on Saturday. I don’t think many, if any, saw the Spartans here. But it has been fun, right? I don’t know about you, but I am feeling some type of way about this Spartan squad.
To gear up for Saturday night, Sarah and I are going to post a series of hype pieces…videos, quotes, etc. I have spent an extraordinary amount of time this week reading about the game, the match up, the coaches, the BCS, etc. I feel as though my brain might explode!
Earlier this afternoon, senior Max Bullough participated in a Big Ten Title Game presser and it was INCREDIBLE. He was dialed in and gave, perhaps, one of the best interviews I’ve ever heard from a Spartan. Obviously Kirk Cousins leads the way in greatest pressers of all time, but Max made some headway in the standings.
Spartan Pride, Indeed.
Max is Spartan Royalty. His grandfather, father, and uncle all played for the Spartans and his little brother currently plays on the team. Max is exactly the kind of person you want leading your football team. He’s tough, he loves the school, he plays hard every single game, loves his coach, and says all the right things. Today was no exception. Listening to Max and hearing how important the game is to him was nothing short of incredible. If he is an example of how focused the team is going into practices this week, than I cannot wait to see how they look on Saturday.
A couple of highlights:
On what winning the Big Ten and going to the Rose Bowl would mean to Michigan State:
“…to be able to feel that feeling and know what it’s like, to be able to say I’ve done it, to say we brought Michigan State back to where we think it should be, I think that just creates, like I said, a tangible goal instead of just a dream or a vision that’s out in front of you all the time.”
On Michigan State being overlooked and underrated:
“We’re worried about going there and being 12‑1 like Coach D said, and worrying about things we can control. We can’t control who talks about what, who says this or that, where Ohio State goes if they win or lose. There’s only so many things we can control, and right now it’s Tuesday’s practice. On Saturday it’ll be the energy and the aggressiveness and the way that we execute plays.”
On how Michigan State football has changed with the arrival of Coach Dantonio:
“…people look at Michigan State differently today than when I walked in here and when Coach D walked in here. But I think if you come to play Michigan State now, if nothing else you’re coming for a fight. You’re playing a football game that’s going to be a fight, going to be a battle. We’re not going to quit. We’ve got some of the best players in the country on this football team, and we’re excited to be a part of that.”
Why not Michigan State?
“If we come out and win this Saturday, then why not. Why not talk about us? What have we not done that takes us out of that argument? We’ve won just as many games. …and we play some of the best offenses in the country. We just make them look bad sometimes, so they might not think they’re that great. That’s the reality behind it. You know?”
On no suspensions for the Ohio State players involved in the fight during the Michigan game:
“First of all, I’m excited that no one is suspended. I hope no one does get suspended. I want to play their best. I think if we were in that same situation they’d say the same. I think you always want to play the best. ”
On Big Ten perception:
” I can’t control who likes who, who wants what, who votes for who, who’s voted All‑Big 10, who’s voted this, I can’t control that. I just can’t. I can control what I do today at practice, I can control what I say to my team or what my actions are during the weekend and on Saturday, and it’s been good enough 11 times this year, so I’m counting on it being good enough again.”
(Quotes from ASAP Sports. For the full transcript, go here.)
RARRRRRRRRR!
I don’t know about you, but I feel like I could get out on the field and tackle someone right now.
Max Bullough is exactly the type of guy I want representing my football team. And honestly, isn’t that all we’ve ever really wanted? Since the Dantonio era started, I feel as though we finally have guys we can get behind. Kirk Cousins did it first, but Max Bullough is carrying the torch. As Spartan fans, we endured a lot of crazy and finally have consistent guys that we can rally around. Seeing our players look at the coach and believe in him and his system is incredible.
As Coach D has said: Why not us? Why not?
GO GREEN! (Hype, hype, hype, hype)
#chaseit #p4rb #poundgreenpound #youwillbetheones #etc