The MSU football team might have lost the Old Brass Spittoon, but it managed to keep another tradition alive - losing after a big win.

Every year the Spartans seem to give us glimpses of how good they can be, only to falter in a game that, at least on paper, they should dominate. How do you win at Notre Dame, at Wisconsin and pull off a dramatic victory over Michigan, but lose to Minnesota and Indiana - bottom-dwellers of the Big Ten?

Bobby Williams was hired to win Big Ten games, something he has not shown the ability to do. Now in his second season, he has a record of 5-9 in the Big Ten and was one long second away from being 4-10. Needing only one win in their last three to become bowl eligible, the Spartans should be happy to see Missouri in December. The nonconference game might be their only hope of getting a sixth win and a bowl bid.

James Metzger
1999 MSU graduate