SPORTS
Goalie anchors stout MSU defensive unit
It's been two weeks since Jason Tillman allowed a goal. Since a 1-0 loss to Oakland on Oct.
FOOTBALL
Standings muddled after PSU defeat
Minnesota, Michigan, MSU and Indiana, welcome back to the Big Ten race. With U-M downing the only undefeated team in the conference, Penn State, every Big Ten team now has at least one conference loss. Wisconsin, Penn State, Iowa, Northwestern and Ohio State are atop the standings with one loss. That's one crowded driver's seat.
SPORTS
Pistons about to be eclipsed by LeBron, Heat, Artest's rap career
The NBA preseason just kicked off and the regular season opens on Nov. 1. There's no time like the present to answer some pressing questions heading into the opener. What team didn't do anything to get better? That would be none other than our own Detroit Pistons, who desperately needed a three-point threat for when Rip Hamilton or Tayshaun Prince are ready for a breather.
FOOTBALL
John L. sticking with defense for lack of better option
The Spartans football season has been marked by a stellar offense and an inconsistent defense through six games this year. Although the defense shined in wins against Kent State, Hawaii and Illinois, the tables turned in a loss to Michigan and Saturday's loss to Ohio State, in which the defense surrendered passing touchdowns of 51, 57 and 46 yards. MSU head coach John L.
SOCCER
MSU blanks 3rd straight opponent
The shutouts keep piling up for the MSU soccer team as it defeated arch-rival Michigan 2-0 Sunday at Old College Field, extending its shutout streak to three games. "We really came out focused," head coach Joe Baum said.
BASKETBALL
Late-night rally wows fans
Sirens filled the air as flashing police motorcycles led the way for MSU women's basketball head coach Joanne P.
VOLLEYBALL
Spartans get swept for the 2nd consecutive conference weekend
The MSU women's volleyball team fell to No. 19 Ohio State on Friday and was then swept by No. 4 Penn State on Saturday. The losses drop MSU to 9-9 overall, 2-6 in the Big Ten. They were playing without sophomore outside hitter Katie Johnson who suffered a undisclosed left arm injury last week against Illinois.
FOOTBALL
Not again! Tough loss feels too familiar
Columbus, Ohio — The expression on Kyle Brown's face said it all. He held his helmet in one hand, the other hand on his hip, sweat dripping down his face. The crowd at Ohio Stadium, which was in hibernation throughout the game, was absolutely electrified — so much so that I turned to a reporter next to me, and I couldn't hear what she was saying.
FOOTBALL
Mistakes overshadow strong game from defense
Columbus, Ohio — Despite allowing 28 points, MSU head coach John L. Smith said a good defensive performance was wasted in the Spartans' 35-24 loss to Ohio State on Saturday. The Spartans forced six fumbles, recovering four of them.
ICE HOCKEY
Icers stay unbeaten with exhibition win
The MSU hockey team's early success continued this weekend as it defeated Western Ontario 4-2 in a dogfight exhibition game Friday night at Munn Ice Arena. Even though the Spartans (2-0-0 overall) outshot Western Ontario (0-0-0 overall), 40-13, the Mustangs still proved to be a challenge.
FOOTBALL
Blame game
Columbus, Ohio — After last season's loss to Ohio State, MSU head coach John L. Smith was livid.
SPORTS
Sit 'em? Start 'em? Here's some ideas
We're five weeks into the NFL season and we've already seen plenty of surprises. The Lions are in first place.
ICE HOCKEY
MSU riding high into exhibitioner
MSU hockey head coach Rick Comley couldn't ask for a better start to the season. Last weekend, the Spartans went on the road and won the Lefty McFadden Invitational tournament in Dayton, Ohio with commanding victories against Wayne State and North Dakota, last year's national runner-up. It's the first time the Spartans have won their first two games since the 2001-02 season. "I always like to start two and zero," Comley said. The Spartans (2-0-0 overall) will hit the ice again at 7 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL
Spartans facing tough Big Ten road trip
Coming off a weekend in which it lost both its home matches, the MSU volleyball team won't find things any easier when they head on the road for two games against nationally-ranked opponents. The Spartans (9-7 overall, 2-4 Big Ten) will kick off their two-game road trip tonight against No.
SPORTS
Basketball kicks off at midnight madness
The men's and women's basketball seasons will officially begin tomorrow at their annual midnight madness event at Breslin Center. Doors open at 9:30 p.m., when players and coaches will be available to sign autographs. The program, whose theme this year is "A Spartan Salute," will begin at 11 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL
Seniors get ready for final hurrah
Mickey Davis, Brooke Langston, Megan Wallin and Marley Bellwood came into MSU together. They learned to play volleyball at a college level together.
SPORTS
Lerg, Vicari collect CCHA weekly honors
Junior goaltender Dominic Vicari and sophomore forward Bryan Lerg earned CCHA awards this week for their performances in the Lefty McFadden Invitational Tournament last weekend. Vicari was named CCHA goaltender of the week after stopping 40 of 41 shots in the tournament.
SPORTS
MSU hopes late-night practice helps break 3-game losing skid
The lights at the MSU Field Hockey Complex don't usually stay lit overnight, but this past weekend was a bit different. After its 4-2 loss to Connecticut on Saturday, the MSU field hockey team started practicing at 12:01 on Sunday morning — the earliest available time that the NCAA would permit — in preparation for today's battle at 4 p.m.
SPORTS
Parity flip-flops standings
The days of looking at the Big Ten Conference schedule and knowing which games will be won and lost are over.
SPORTS
MSU gets no goals, satisfaction from scoreless draw with Irish
It's the same old story for the MSU men's soccer team. The Spartans exited Tuesday's affair against Notre Dame at Old College Field with a 0-0 tie — their fifth tie in 12 games this season. "I'm getting tired of these," MSU head coach Joe Baum said.