We realize MSU’s fantastic basketball team has stolen everyone’s attention, but we’ve got a few final thoughts for you on the football season.
Although the MSU football team didn’t have the success it enjoyed in 1999, there were several interesting and humorous moments along the way to a 5-6 campaign.
Life in the press box
Next thing we knew, the referee inadvertently connected his microphone to the press box loudspeakers while explaining the logic of his call to Williams.
“I could be wrong Bobby, but I didn’t think his hand was going forward when he threw the ball,” the zebra said as the press box erupted in laughter.
At least one ref will admit to making bad calls.
Though we were physically separated from the Spartan think tank by a glass wall, their rants and chants were easily heard throughout the disastrous 21-16 loss.
After a young defensive player sacked Iowa quarterback Jon Beutjer, the Spartan defender proceeded to perform a celebratory dance that normally draws a penalty flag.
No flag was thrown, but that was hardly consolation to the discipline-driven coaches, who instructed Williams to “Grab that $!@-of-a-#&%@! by the neck and get him off the field!”
It makes you wish ESPN or ABC would have a microphone set up in the coaches’ box along with the standard camera.
Favorite moments
Laugh riot
Keeping in the laughter while watching Newsome riding his bike and yelling as he exited the Duffy Daugherty Football Building after practice was no easy task.
Booker is 6-foot-7, 290 pounds and hilarious, and should go professional with his impersonation of former MSU head coach Nick Saban. Also, during post-practice interview sessions, Booker walked through Duffy singing “Who let the press in?” to the tune of the now-annoying stadium anthem “Who Let the Dogs Out?” by the Baha Men.
Most interesting stat of 2000
In closing we’d like to thank the players and coaches for dealing with guys like us before and especially after the tough losses. Talking after a win is easy, but facing the media after blowing a win is not something anybody enjoys. And special thanks to senior cornerback Renaldo Hill, who always managed to keep a smile on his face, even after the U-M game.
Arthur Alcid, State News football reporter, can be reached at alcidart@msu.edu.
Jeff Karzen, State News football reporter, can be reached at karzenje@msu.edu.
