Current MSU football players had the week off this past weekend, but a number of former Spartans carried on the program’s flag with impressive games in the NFL. Four former Spartan quarterbacks saw playing action in the NFL this past weekend, all of which leading their respective teams to victories.
After a long two week lay-off following No. 11 MSU’s (1-1 overall) 46-27 loss to No. 2 Oregon (3-0 overall), the Spartans will be back in action this Saturday against Eastern Michigan (1-2 overall) for a 12 p.m. kickoff. On Tuesday, football head coach Mark Dantonio was at the stage for his weekly press conference, when he addressed the bye week, final thoughts after the Oregon loss and keys to beating Eastern Michigan.
Still reeling in the benefits of a Big Ten and Rose Bowl Championship, MSU football has now seen its season ticket totals reach a near record high.
Despite having the weekend off, No. 11 MSU (1-1 overall) took a step back, or at least its playoff chances did.
Entering the 2014 season, there was plenty of hype surrounding the No. 11 MSU offense, a group that returned seven starters from a year ago. While the offense has returned plenty of playmakers, none have been more impressive thus far than senior wide receiver Tony Lippett.
Coming off of a bye week, MSU football benefitted in the Associated Press poll by moving up two spots to No. 11.
After No. 13 MSU’s (1-1 overall) 46-27 loss to No. 2 Oregon (2-0) overall, however, some players wish there was a game to prepare for on Saturday.
After the Spartans won the 2014 Rose Bowl title, more fans are spending their weekends at Spartan Stadium. Football ticket sales are at their highest point in MSU history, racking in over 60,000 this season. “We’ve had strong support under Coach Dantonio since he has been here, but this has been a good year,” Paul Schager, MSU associate athletics director, said. “There is always an up-kick after you have successful seasons. Last year was the most successful year in our history, so the interest is strong and the service numbers reflect that.”
Head coach Mark Dantonio addressed the media on Thursday, giving his thoughts on what went wrong last week against the Ducks and the recent news on Penn State once again eligible to play for a bowl game.
No. 2 Oregon ripped off 28 consecutive points in the second half to break the hearts of many Spartans, topping No. 13 MSU, 46-27, from Autzen Stadium on Saturday. MSU held a lead all the way up until the final minutes of the third quarter, but simply couldn’t hold on to earn that program-changing win. But not all was bad for Sparty from Saturday’s disappointing loss. Here are four takeaways from MSU’s loss to the Ducks:
Oregon’s second explosion and the loss last season to Notre Dame were topics head coach Mark Dantonio addressed during his teleconference Sunday night, following No. 13 MSU’s (1-1 overall) 46-27 loss to No. 2 Oregon (2-0 overall).
Eugene, Ore. — For the first 40 minutes of the game, No. 13 MSU looked like it could hold its own with the best of the best. The Spartans held a two-possession lead on the road over No. 2 Oregon and were looking like they could pull the upset and catapult itself into elite status. However, that quickly changed with Oregon reeling off 28 unanswered points to knock off MSU, 46-27.
It was billed as a heavyweight title fight between two programs that would be in the conversation for the inaugural College Football Playoff in January. On Saturday in Eugene, Ore., one team showed they are ready for the bright lights that shine on elite programs, and one team did not. No. 13 MSU (1-1 overall) lost to No. 2 Oregon 46-27, despite holding a 24-18 halftime lead.
It appeared MSU was going to finally take that next step into elite status.Leading by two possessions late into the third quarter, No. 7 MSU had No. 3 Oregon on the ropes. Fans surely began to start dreaming of the bigger picture, dreams and aspirations of a national championship.
After a late touchdown by junior quarterback Connor Cook, MSU football leads Oregon on the road, 24-18.Junior quarterback Connor Cook finished the half by going 17-25 with 218 yards.
Eugene, Ore. ? It’s not a short trip from East Lansing to Eugene, Ore., especially for just one weekend.
EUGENE, ORE. -- As I was sitting on the airplane heading out west to Oregon, it finally hit me like a sack of potatoes how important Saturday will be for MSU football ? potentially the biggest game in program history.
This is the game everyone has been circling on their calendars for months.
A familiar foe could be the answer for No. 7 MSU in its top-ten matchup against No. 3 Oregon this Saturday at Autzen Stadium.
By Robert Bondy rbondy@statenews.com THE STATE NEWSnnThis is the one everyone has been circling on their calendars for months.