Here's some anonymous confirmation of a matchup Tom Izzo mentioned as a possibility when he threw out the first pitch at Comerica Park in May.
If this story is true, MSU and Florida are locked in a "semifinal" of the event, so the winner would take on the winner of UMass-Rutgers, and the losers would play. Kind of surprising that Florida and MSU aren't set up to play in the final game -- but this is the only way to ensure that they actually meet.
I had heard Atlantic City was a possibility, with Thanksgiving weekend the targeted time period (not sure yet exactly which days, though, or if that weekend is set in stone).
Add this to North Carolina and Texas on the road and Gonzaga at home for the highlights of another tough nonleague schedule.
Bring 'em all on!
Posted by: wes | July 12, 2009 at 03:59 PM
I think we're at least 3-0 versus Florida combined in football and men's basketball this decade. This is definitely open to correction for you historians out there.
Seems like we beat them once in hoops, in addition to the 2000 National Championship, and then we had of course the Florida Citrus Bowl win over them in 2000.
Here's a cool link I found for all-time school vs. school football series records. http://mcubed.net/ncaaf/series/
There are also conference vs. conference records. I don't think it has this particular feature for hoops.
Posted by: Michael Motta | July 12, 2009 at 06:31 PM
In basketball, we split home & away series, and won in 2000 Nat Champ along with a 2nd round NCAA tourney game in MSU's run to the Elite Eight in 2003, I believe. Game was played in Florida (St Pete or Tampa?).
Posted by: Loose | July 12, 2009 at 09:39 PM
Sounds like Tom's formula for more success. Keep 'em coming, Coach!
Posted by: NaplesIzzone | July 12, 2009 at 09:55 PM
Let's take down dirty donovan and those cheaters. Remember what Mike Montgomery said about dirty donovan when he was the GSW coach...
Posted by: kmarv | July 12, 2009 at 11:17 PM
Loose, thanks for the info. If I interpreted it correcttly, it makes MSU 3-1 in hoops and 1-0 football, for a total of 4-1 then this decade.
Posted by: Michael Motta | July 13, 2009 at 12:45 AM
To be elite you have to play elite. To become elite you have to beat elite. I'll say this on behalf of all my fellow Spartans... we don't back down from nobody. We will play anybody anytime anywhere and that includes little sister to the south. Hope I didn't offend tanfan's mom with that last one.
Posted by: bingo | July 13, 2009 at 04:20 AM
Somehow, I get the feeling that tanfan is Unoffendable......
Posted by: ChuckfromSt.Johns | July 13, 2009 at 07:24 AM
If you want to be the best you've got to beat the best! WHOOOOO!
Posted by: theRichman | July 13, 2009 at 09:52 AM
Thank you, Ric Flair!
Posted by: GA Spartan | July 13, 2009 at 10:39 AM
How is Florida basketball the best?
Posted by: M | July 13, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Well, you're the best when you don't make the NCAA tourney....oh wait.
Posted by: witless chum | July 13, 2009 at 04:17 PM
Pretty amazing how bad UF is given their recent back to back championships. You'd think their roster would be loaded with talent. It goes to show the impact coaching instability can have on recruiting (it was widely reported that BD was going to coach in the NBA, although he obviously did not leave).
We love you Izzo. Keep up the great work!
Anyone. Any time. Any place.
GO GREEN!
Posted by: Laconophilia | July 13, 2009 at 05:04 PM
BD got a bunch of 4/5 star kids, they just didn't pan out whether it was the attitude of the kids or something else, he is rebuilding and has been since those 2 championship teams
Posted by: USMCSpartan(Ret) | July 13, 2009 at 05:31 PM
Flo-rida an Sparty baby !!!
Tanner on fire baby !!!
Posted by: Tanfan | July 13, 2009 at 07:06 PM
All Spartans should hate Florida more than any bball team not named Wisconsin. Yes, that includes Michigan.
Posted by: Stone | July 13, 2009 at 11:44 PM
Hey, Joe: my season basketball ticket order came on line yesterday and they are selling tickets to the Legends Classic for $100 a pop in the MSU section. No site was listed, but this looks like a sure game. By the way, 19 home games are scheduled (no teams or dates yet), so you gotta figure, two exhibition games, nine B10 games, two for the Legends Classic, so that leaves six other non-conference games. See you at all of them, Joe!
Posted by: dmbtierney | July 14, 2009 at 10:52 PM