With the first football game of the season ending in an antagonizing manner, remember that there is plenty more to look forward to.

If you saw the game against Rutgers on Saturday afternoon, you already know there were mistakes all over the field by the Spartans. However, there's no room to point fingers or place blame just yet.

This has been a learning experience for the team and head coach John L. Smith. He's already done an exceptional job restoring MSU's program, and proven well-suited to conforming strategies that compliment the talent we have on the field. One game at a subpar level is no reason to think otherwise.

Looking at Saturday's lemons, we'll make some lemonade.

For the amount of time that Rutgers had possession of the ball - 40:14 to MSU's 19:46 - their score should have been much higher than what it was. They did not score a single offensive touchdown. A freshman kicker connected on four field goals out of seven attempts. MSU still has a strong team, but stands to be stronger by excising any early season pessimism.

While the players are fighting on the field, it's our job as fans to take tough losses in context and roll with the punches that a Big Ten conference team absorbs. Cliché as it may sound, a team responds to the attitude of their fans and the sentiments thrown their way. Anyone remember 2002?

So as our warriors return home and we're due to face Central Michigan University in the first home game at Spartan Stadium next Saturday at noon, we must come excited, ready to win and painted or clothed in green and white chanting the MSU fight song. We don't think anyone is expecting a Rose Bowl this season, but we're still in the glory days of fall - when every team still has a chance to get there.

Above all, always remember: Spartan teams are never beaten, all through the games they'll fight. Well, starting this Saturday.