I'm no good at math, plain and simple, so I have a formula for you to figure out.

What does "fans stay entire game" plus "football team plays strong" equal?

Two conference wins - just as many as MSU had all of last season.

But that's where the flattery ends.

Good for you - you are an improved fan who decided to stay long enough to see Jeff Smoker throw Frisbees to Zeke the Wonder Dog.

I admit, I was impressed to see the student section withstand a late rain during the Iowa game and poor play from Indiana all game this past Saturday, but there's still insurmountable room for improvement.

First, let's try and get to the game on time. I noticed a certain corner of the stadium wasn't full until after MSU was up 14-0.

I sympathize with those of you who have to endure the treacherous journey from your tailgate spot at the tennis courts around the corner to Spartan Stadium.

Sure, maybe the Spartans don't need a sold-out stadium to cheer them victory over the Hoosiers, but you're missing one of the most exciting offenses East Lansing has seen in a while go to work.

Next, let's try and work on our vocal cords. Football stadiums aren't hard to play in when they're full, they're hard to play in when they're loud.

Opposing players will not take the time to read your clever T-shirt you bought from the guy outside Wells Hall.

But it can be tough for visitors to function when 72,000 fans are on their feet screaming, "Go green, go white."

Aside from big plays, the corner of Chestnut Road and Shaw Lane could have been mistaken for Old Botany with its atrociously low noise levels. And don't blame Indiana's band, which pulled a no-show, for the quiet. Even Anna Nicole Smith wouldn't crave the attention at risk of being caught traveling with the "fighting Hoosiers" football team.

Come on people, it's football. MSU is one game away from being bowl eligible and atop the conference.

Now that we're filling the stadium, let's make it a hostile environment when opposing teams come. Note to fans: That school down the road arrives for the next home game.

Don't make me break out comparisons to soccer fans, because if you push me, Knute Rockne save us all.

The Spartans' win over Indiana provided plenty of entertainment for those in the front row (where Indiana's band was supposed to sit) to those in the nosebleed section. Hard hits from the defense - including one so fast most of you without superhuman powers like me missed out on, when Mike Labinjo subliminally sacked Matt LoVecchio in the first quarter - filled the game. On the other side of the ball, an aerial assault full of acrobatic catches paired with dancing offensive lineman, not to mention DeAndra Cobb's highlight-filled final minute, also provided sparks of interest to those in attendance.

But it's not just exciting plays that should keep you, um, out of your seat. Stand and salute the Spartans' complete domination of opposing teams on the little plays. Go ahead, taunt the other team (much better timing on the wave this weekend) until they've crossed the state line. Sing the fight song every time the band strikes up. Heck, some of you still need to learn the fight song.

Football games can be enjoyable to watch, and they can be exuberating to partake in.

Lastly, I have two final notes:

First, hit the road. Good teams have good fans at home. Powerhouses have maniacs who follow them wherever they play.

And I have a question that I shall relate to Spartan faithful from my girlfriend to ponder. She asked me what tradition we engaged in and why wasn't it in Sports Illustrated's "101 things to do before you graduate" issue last weekend?

If the list would have ranked the schools with the most intense tailgating, I admit our drunkards would have provided me with the gusto to respond with: "No one outranks us!" But alas, it did not.

So I ask those of you who bleed green to start one, for I will now shut my mouth, listen and wait.

Jon Malavolti is a State News football reporter and can still be reached at Malavol2@msu.edu.