East Lansing East

And we're back, with this official announcement: Trivia has been discontinued until at least the next offseason, unless I stumble across a question that can't be answered within 10 minutes. So anyway, summer vacation was refreshing (historic Williamsburg, 100-degree heat, pawning kids off on grandparents), and it ended with a bus trip to Detroit with the Mark Dantonio clan and other media.

    That is recounted in today's LSJ and it speaks to MSU's increasing focus on the hearts, minds and recruits of the Detroit area. It also helps answer those who have been asking: "Why is MSU playing Western MIchigan at Ford Field in 2009?"
    The exposure in Detroit is a big part of the decision to have a game there. There are other reasons. The details of the contract haven't quite been finalized, but MSU expects to net about the same ($1.2 million or so) as it gets for a home game. Technically, this will be an MSU road game -- which will help WMU meet its Division I-A (FBS, whatever) attendance requirements, and the guarantee from Ford Field will provide a nice payday for the Broncos as well.
    You're seeing this more and more. Iowa played Northern Illinois last year in Chicago. Ohio State has played in Cleveland. What's happening is, these "quality" mid-majors are charging big fees (near a million in some cases) to travel to BCS schools, or they're looking for a 2-for-1 deal at a more reasonable rate. A neutral site (especially in a recruiting hotbed) can be more palatable, although I wouldn't rule out MSU playing some day in Kalamazoo, Mount Pleasant or Ypsi.
    With this deal, WMU is getting its money from Ford Field, MSU is still making money, and there are the anticipated benefits for both schools of being in Detroit. The costs are no parking or concessions (which go to the university) and no game-day cash infusion for Greater Lansing. Yes, it's a "road game," but it would have been a home game.  Some people are understandably unhappy about this, which is why these excursions, while valuable in a sense, won't become a regular feature of the schedule. At least, I don't think they will.
    As for Division I-AA opponents (oops, I mean FCS), we're seeing that everywhere, we're going to see it with MSU-Montana State in 2009 and I'm afraid we're going to keep seeing it.

Comments

[West Coast Steve]

For year's I've been mystified at how UM has out-marketed a better campus, a much more positive and inviting local culture, and a substantially larger Michigan-resident alumni base. Academically, we too are a world-class university, and our admissions standards are racing upwards. Look at some of the GPAs of our new recruits. And, this year we had a PhD candidate on the hoops team. It may not be a perfect world, but with the UM alumni I’ve known both there and out here, neither is theirs by a long shot.

I remember a time when Michigan and Stanford played in the Rose Bowl (1970s) and the starters spoke about their majors, home towns, and just briefly introduced themselves. The Stanford kids of economic privilege were uncannily smooth. Michigan’s embarrassed the Big Ten. Today the Drew’s (Neitzel and Naymick) on our hoops team have been as articulate and prepared as anyone. And, I found Drew Stanton to be really extraordinary in front of the camera and befitting his major (sports broadcasting?)… maybe a future on ESPN?

All UM really has going over us is visibility (and even that is by way of what I see as a bought and pandering media). I cannot count a dysfunctional culture of arrogance as a marketing advantage, quite the opposite in fact. And, for goodness’ sake, if Fresno State (grid iron, and with terminal tract housing, weak academics, and stinky air) and Memphis (hoops) can be serious players in those sports, where has our marketing clout been hiding? East Lansing and MSU should eat them alive.

Marketing has been the aspect where State has been MIA since Duffy's heyday and until just recently. Look at USC with its Hollywood faces to flaunt and money left and right. Those are the strengths they play to, but ours, if you care about anything of substance, are not lesser than theirs. Look at the air in downtown L.A. in September and October…definitely not for everybody. It’s marketing that = Top Recruits and enthusiastic alumni.

In fact, why couldn’t MSU invite a qualified set of alumni with marketing training in all sorts of industries to an online brainstorm session once a year? Or, we could e-mail our creativity and suggestions to a receptive and outreaching sports marketing department. We simply do not utilize the many brilliant and interested resources and alumni at hand. What’s up with that? Will Mark Hollis fix it?

Anyway, it looks like about four decades late someone of real influence has said, "We will not be out-marketed by a culture of entitled, self-absorbed snots!" Finally!!!!!

[Rob]

The BIG difference here is that State is giving up a home game. That's unforgivable. And you can't use Ohio State playing Northwestern in Cleveland as an example. THAT was a Northwestern "home" game that was moved from Evanston. So Ohio State still got there allotment of home games in addition to that contest. This should have been done in an even-numbered year when we play Notre Dame at home, then still have 2 other light nonconference games at home and the 4 Big Ten contests. Michigan wouldn't give up a home game like this.

[Naggs]

Well, if Big Ten teams are going to start losing home games to teams and have to due 2 for 1's with mid majors, I say scrap that game all together as a conference and pick up another Big Ten game so you only miss one Big Ten team a year instead of the ridiculous two you miss now. There is no point in playing BCS football in MAC stadiums that hold 30,000 people (my apologies to Northwestern).

[dmbtierney]

My gut feeling is that if State wins the Ford Field game that most people will be receptive to this type of venture on an occasional basis. But, Heaven forbid they lose the game--there would be an uproar throughout the MSU family to never schedule something like this ever again. So, go ahead and play the game, but be prepared to suffer the consequences if we lose.

[B Knapp]

I don't want to derail the conversation. But here's a great article about Paul Davis' chances of resigning. He seems pretty mature and still stands out as a bright guy. Sounds like he's on pace for a full recovery too.

Here's a link: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=432672

[SpartansPY]

Anyone know how Drew Neitzel is doing with the Twolves?

[Rob]

Great observation dmb

[vnflcards]

Nooo. Not MSU vs Montana state!

Seriously, the Spartans were one of 2 or 3 D1 programs in the entire country that has NEVER played a D2 school.

Now they're going to break that streak and join the rest of the fat-cat D1 schools that pile up W's (that don't even count) against weak sister schools.

I'm mildly disappointed.

[Psyc]

I love what Coach D and Mr. Hollis are doing around our own state! East Lansing is not going to die because 1 game every couple of years is taken away! A game at Ford field will allow so many pottential recruits to see the team up close, it's a no brainer. Like DMB said though, we better win!

There is no doubt we can become a Big Ten front runner by simply winning Michigan and being a force in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. But it starts here, and that is what's being built with games like this! Add in all of the U of M crybabys that will no doubt start saying that Florida is more important once we take over and these moves make even more sense! Let's all meet at the casino for some blackjack before the game and then head to Greektown for squid after! My biggest question is will we be allowed to spend 8 bucks a beer since the game is at a pro stadium?

[Rob]

You watch. We will get beat by Western because they will be up for it and will have NOTHING to lose, and we are viewing this as a give-away and have NOTHING to gain. And this will never happen again....we hope.

[West Coast Steve]

Illinois and Indiana have scheduled games at Western in recent years. This trend toward parity of treatment is no news. I too cringe at the idea of a Montana State game. Still, scheduling is not something Dantonio's team would take lightly, and I'm confident we are all over the country looking for the best opportunities. Maybe we should try to tie into an inter-regional 10-year deal with a mid-level, high-major team like a Kansas, Louisville, Maryland, Utah, Oklahoma State, etc. Wouldn't both sides win in the big picture?

Recently someone posted (here or the Freep...not sure which) an idea about the Big Ten and Pac-10 playing ten games each Labor Day weekend much like the Big Ten-ACC Challenge, with last year's tops teams in each league playing those in the other conference. So, #1 Big Ten would play #1 Pac-10 from the previous season. This means one Big Ten team at the bottom (#11) would be left out to schedule externally. I, as a guy in the West and in terms of a quality schedule automatically for both conferences, love the idea. A Big Ten team at either Cal or Standford every year? Very cool! Of course, I'd always support the Big Ten with one glaring exception (am willing to include them to when the arrogance and corrupt media practices end (yeah, right!).

Meanwhile, the rise of mid-majors is here in basketball too, as in our game in Bradley last season. Online columns consistently say that for high-majors it's only going to increase in coming years. Parity is more and more the new reality. Ask App State.

[stone]

any team that plays a 1-AA team should NOT have that win count towards their BCS record, and thus should NOT be eligible to play in the National Title game.

its a joke, its got to stop, this is division 1 football!

[Rob]

Rise of the mid-majors or not, their stadiums don't hold more than 35,000. That's financially insane. Boston College did it last year or the year before, played before fewer than 33,000, and almost lost! Nothing to gain.

[Rexrode (evil twin)]

i am torn on this issue. it just bugs me that it will be so much more expensive to go to a game at Ford feild. i mean they cant make the lot owners charge less for parking can they?? most of them are just local land owners that charge through the nose to park in a tiny patch of gravel, last time i went to a lions game it cost me $40! i can park at the green house for $10 and then tailgate there too. not to mention i doubt gass will be any cheaper next year. its just going to be one of those games that i take in at the local watering hole i guess.

[bearsboy]

I like West Coast Steve's idea about playing teams like Louisville & Oklahoma State. I like the fact that MSU will be playing at USF in a few years. It would be even better to see an MSU-Florida home and away series too.

[West Coast Steve]

In past years MSU has had to go light early in the season in its effort to make bowl games. Now we'll be looking more at how high we can climb into the top 25. I hope that will leave more room for quality scheduling, which will take some additional effort since ND will be off the schedule again in the coming decade. But, it does make me smile that ND badly needs a break from MSU, since we have been just hammering them over the past ten years.

Looping back on my first post above: Quality recruiting (wow, what an improvement we're seeing!) and marketing..."build it [and market it] and they will come." I am so ready for this ride!

[Rob]

That's cool Steve but lets not get carried away. Last year we were 7-6, 3-5 in the Big Ten and lost to Michigan for the 6th consecutive year. Prior to that, 5 out of 6 awful seasons. I too feel we are improving in all areas but we have not accomplished much yet in terms of winning big games (Ohio State, Michigan, bowl games) or winning consistently. Check back in 2-3 years before we start more "quality scheduling". And for heaven's sakes, let's not give away any more home games!

[West Coast Steve]

Rob, I understand there's lots of reason to be reserved about the Spartans' potential for taking off to new heights. We've had a challenging 42 years since 1966. But, I lean strongly toward the positive and high hopes when it comes to the Green and White. It's all kid stuff in my head anyway, but keeps my attitude young. However, we have too long been defined by our limits and have to move on to the stokin' enthusiasm (not bitchy arrogance, please, um-mies) that is the emblem of great programs.

On a level, "attitude is everything," one of the reasons you have a different experience in the Bronx than in a Hawaii resort.

That said, I see a lot of data (getting back to the rational side of the equation) that says Dantonio is the guy we've been looking for since Duffy. I have no reason to think he does not believe in MSU far beyond football just as I do. In that I am not alone (Steve Smith, Eli Broad, and on and on.) Perles and Saban had some good moments to be sure, but this looks deeper and wider than the 80s and more substantial than Saban's short run. I guess I want Dantonio to be Izzo's equivalent, and he hasn't disappointed me so far, particularly with the recruiting coups he's been achieving. Also, I'm more than a bit psyched that the Spartans will be here in my backyard (Berkeley) in seven weeks, as is the local alumni association. If we lay an egg, I'll just toss it aside and come right back. I'm that kind of Spartan. Now I'll try to chill.

[Tim]

Can someone explain the upside of playing a Division 1-AA team if it doesn't count toward making you bowl eligible? Or does it?

[Dru Nightlsell]

I am a season ticket holder and am glad to see this game moving to Ford Field. While I look forward to the opening Saturday of football season like Christmas morning, these games provide very little entertainment value. Plus it is typically too hot inside Sparton Stadium to enjoy the game. I look forward to watching the game in the climate control of Ford Field and going to Greektown. And, if you don't mind a short walk and a stop at the casino, you can park at MGM Grand or Greektown Casino for free.

[MSULordyoda]

Rob, I understand where you're coming from but dude give it a rest on the number of home games. If you actually remember back just a few years ago, MSU usually only had 6 home games! That was with an 11 game schedule. Now that we're allowed to play 12 should that automatically guarantee us a 7th home game every year? And if you've actually bothered to read the details posted, MSU isn't really going to lose out on revenue. Yes the bars in the EL area will lose some but it IS a college town and they'll be fine. They survived for several years on 6 home games, they can do it again every now and then.

And just remember folks...UM put Appalachian State on their home schedule instead of Hawaii and look what happened. They became the biggest punchline in the world last season and still had to pay App. State $500,000! (Also worth noting, we lost to Central at HOME twice..and still had to pay them.)

[Rob]

Thank you dyoda. I DID read. And if you knew anything about business or owned a business in East Lansing, you can bet they aren't happy about this. But why don't you ask them if you know so much. Michigan or Ohio State or Penn State will all have 7 home games, will make that much more money that season, and would never give up an on-campus home game in a 100,000+ seat stadium to play in a 65,000 seat stadium. Nuff said.

[bfsparty]

comment on MD: insight from a HS FB coach that I have talked to alot recently. He just retired after 20 years, split bw very impressive ClassA schools. Spartan alum and former GA. Says MD is crushing it in Detroit and will in his words have it locked in a year or so. He recruits with absolute integrity and respect for the coaches. Says he is tireless and seems to be everywhere, and is very well recieved (this coach has a player on MD's team right now in fact) Just good to hear from an inside source that knows what is going on from a different angle.

[Spartan in DC]

If you live in the lower mitten of MI and don't go to the MSU/WMU game just because it’s at Ford Field … Then I LOATHE YOU!!! Some of us have to fly across the county, rent a car and then drive to see a game. All you have to do is drive and park. It is less than 1-1/2 hours from EL … STOP 8!TCHING – RECRUITING WILL BENEFIT!

[West Coast Steve]

EL bars will benefit from a rapidly rising MSU, which REQUIRES big-time visility in Detroit. TX and OK, very big programs, play each other in Dallas every year. GA and FL in Jacksonville. This is an overwhelmingly smart move in the big picture. Spartan in DC makes a good point too. I've been flying to MI in the fall since the 80s for the occasional game, and just call it my "annual migration." Take car pools and alumni buses if you live in GR, Kazoo and Lansing and make it a party.