Yesterday, The State News got to chat with ESPN’s Rece Davis about the top-ranked men’s basketball team in the country, the Champions Classic and Sparty’s semifinal appearance in the Capital One Mascot Challenge. Here is what the “College GameDay” co-host had to say:
The State News: Any predictions for tonight’s game against UNC?
Rece Davis: I don’t really get into predictions, but I think it would be reasonable to say that Michigan State is one of the top teams in the country and North Carolina is still talented and is still getting to that level … I got a chance to see Michigan State play in the Champions Classic and I am very impressed with that veteran team that Tom Izzo has been able to put together and I think that he has a chance to send those seniors off to a Final Four … I’m looking forward to seeing them play against the Tarheels, and it ought to be a fun time.
TSN: Was MSU’s win over Kentucky in the Champions Classic because of UK’s youth, or is MSU truly the more talented team?
RD: Certainly experience did play a role in that, but that’s not to say that by the end of the season if these two teams meet in the tournament Michigan State couldn’t beat them again … It’s not always the better or more talented team that wins the game, it’s the team that plays the best in that game and in that given 40 minutes. With Kentucky, you’re talking about a lot of guys who will be one-and-done draft picks. They have an immense amount of talent but it isn’t talent that wins games, it’s teamwork, togetherness and understanding how each other plays, and Michigan State does that just as well if not better than anyone else in the country.
TSN: You guys are coming to East Lansing for ESPN’s “College GameDay” (Jan. 25 vs. Michigan), where does that rank on your list of destinations?
RD: It’s always one of my favorites, I love to come to East Lansing. Having worked in Flint for a while and getting to know Tom (Izzo) over the years, it’s a great opportunity to come to Michigan State and enjoy the festivities there and the passion of the Izzone. We always have the green and white carpet rolled out for us and are treated like royalty when we get there. It will be a fun environment for sure.
Sparty is in the Capital One Mascot Challenge, where he is in a semifinal showdown with defending champion Raider Red of Texas Tech. Davis mentioned MSU fans can help out their mascot by voting and performing social media goals that can be found on the website.
TSN: Where does Sparty rank on your list of mascots, and why do you think so many enjoy him?
RD: I don’t think (MSU) fans enjoy him as much as the should enjoy him, because if you look at my Twitter page they get very upset when I collectively call Michigan State “Sparty,” but I think it’s a compliment. Sparty is a valiant warrior, just look at him, he looks like a tough guy and would you really want to cross Sparty?
Rece Davis on Sparty’s chances to win the Capital One Mascot Challenge:
Sparty’s got a great chance to win this thing. We know he fights for the Green and White, and you know I think he has a chance to bring some great glory to the banks of the Red Cedar, but he is going to do it he is going to need help from the Green and White nation … the serious side of this is the winning school gets $20,000 dollars scholarship toward the mascot program.
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