The loud roars and cheers from the Izzone have been noted for wild reactions, comedic outpour and motivational uplifting support.
In MSU's recent win against the Ohio State Buckeyes University, the Izzone was able to sound off against its new public enemy No. 1, ESPN's Dan Dakich. Constant boos rang down from the student section and during Ohio State senior guard Marc Loving's free-throw attempt, the Izzone chanted "We hate Dak-ich."
There were minimal reasons for those chants to stop because the Buckeyes continued to miss free throws.
The "We hate @dandakich" chant is now 2-3 when said during an OSU free-throw — fairly effective
— Connor Clark (@CClarkTSN) February 15, 2017
During the entire course of the game, Ohio State was 3-6 in free throws when the Izzone chanted against Dakich.
Head coach Tom Izzo said following the game that he was puzzled and confused over the student section chant. Izzo said he didn't approve of these chants until he was told in the locker room at halftime about why Dakich was targeted.
Following the 29-point blowout loss against University of Michigan, Dakich and MSU fans collided in hostile exchanges via Twitter.
Damn Sparty..I was in Maryland..u guys whine even when I'm not there ..lol https://t.co/FH3gNx4rFH
— Dan Dakich (@dandakich) February 12, 2017
@sportz5176 @budrowley that's great but sweetheart nobody whines like Sparty!!!
— Dan Dakich (@dandakich) February 8, 2017
These two tweets are just a small sample size of Dakich's interactions with MSU fans.
Dakich defended himself following the U-M game tweeting, "u goofs came at me...I just broadcasted a rout."
Izzo said if he were to have known about Dakich's antics before the game, he would have led the chants.
"I think it’s funny because I have no respect for him for that and I am going to publicly say that," Izzo said. "You can tweet it, you can read it, you can do whatever you want with it. But Twitter got him in trouble and he earned it. I am surprised that ESPN would let someone say something like that, that works for them."
The Hall of Fame coach said Dakich owes MSU fans and students an apology.
Loudest boos I have heard all season, and it's towards @dandakich
— Connor Clark (@CClarkTSN) February 15, 2017
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
