Sports editor Pat Evans is joined by men’s basketball reporters Chris Vannini and Jeremy Warnemuende to talk about MSU’s matchup with Illinois at 9 p.m. Saturday. ESPN’s College GameDay will be in town, and the guys talk about what that means for the players, the program and the entire university. Also, after hearing the news of the act of vandalism performed down at the famous Toomer’s Corner on the University of Auburn campus, the guys also try to determine how it would compare to someone performing a similar act at MSU.
When ESPN decided before the season that it would send its College GameDay crew to East Lansing this Saturday, I doubt anyone at the network thought they would be seeing a game between two teams fighting to make the NCAA Tournament in MSU and Illinois.
Well whether they like it or not, they’re stuck with us, and Rece Davis, Digger Phelps, Jay Bilas and Hubert Davis will indeed be joined by sideline reporter Erin Andrews tomorrow at Breslin Center.
I think it should go without saying, but consider yourself lucky, Spartan students and fans. If it was football season and GameDay announced its destination a week in advance rather than prior to the season, I don’t think we’d be seeing the crew in town this weekend.
When the decision was made, it seemed like a safe bet this would be a huge game. It’s still huge for both teams involved, but instead of helping to clear up the Big Ten championship picture, the game simply will determine which team likely will be playing in the NIT at season’s end.
Regardless, Saturday should be a fun day in East Lansing.
I’m sure many of you already have plans for your GameDay festivities, but just in case anyone is on the fence about waking up early and heading over to Breslin, I want to encourage all of you to take advantage of the opportunity.
The last time GameDay came to MSU was four years ago for a matchup between the Spartans and Indiana. I was at Breslin Center for the show in the morning and back in the building for MSU’s win later that night, and every second of it was a blast.
So when the doors open at 7:45 a.m. Saturday, make sure you’re there to show that the Izzone and all of MSU’s fans really are some of the best in the country. Rece Davis basically challenged the Spartan faithful last week to make a good showing despite the fact MSU isn’t having the season everyone expected, and I’m sure you will.
As you prepare for the show, which airs on ESPNU from 10-11 a.m. and on ESPN from 11 a.m. to noon, consider a few things.
First of all, remember that part of the beauty of College GameDay is the creativity of the fans. From signs to costumes, there’s always a variety of entertaining items dispersed throughout the crowd.
My advice to you is, go big or go home. Don’t hesitate to assemble a bunch of buddies to paint your bodies.
Something like “go green, go white” would work, just make sure it’s not going to be a problem when you can still see a little green on your stomach a week from now.
Also, do whatever it takes to make an absurdly large cut out of Erin Andrews’ head. That’s what GameDay is all about.
And with the signs, try to be unique. My best idea for a sign was, “Hey Digger, remember that time Magic and MSU killed you in the Final Four and the Spartans went on to win the National Championship? That was fun.”
But that’s terrible, and you should be able to come up with something much better.
Also, if possible, try to have a reason to what you’re wearing if you decide to dress up.
Of course it’s kind of funny to see a banana cheering in the stands, but what’s the point besides just trying to be seen on TV?
I would much rather see someone shave their head and put on a shirt and tie to look like Dick Vitale.
Finally — and this is the easiest thing to do — sign or no sign, costume or no costume, just be as loud as possible all day.
Be so loud that Rece Davis has to scream to host the show and it’s difficult for Jay Bilas’ expert analysis to be heard on TV.
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When the show’s over, come back early for the 9 p.m. tipoff and be even louder for what is a must-win game for the Spartans.
Saturday is a big day for the MSU men’s basketball team, but it’s also big for the rest of you Spartans.
It’s not often the center of the college basketball world lands on your campus, so let’s make the best of it.
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Jeremy Warnemuende is a State News sports reporter. He can be reached at warnemu3@msu.edu._
