MSU/U of M Rivalry Has Turned into a Clown Show; The Match Up in Happy Valley is Set; Indiana Making Its Case: B1G Ten Top 5

 In-State Michigan Rivalry is Nothing But a Clown Show 

"How did things ever get so far?  I don't know." - Vito Corleone, Godfather I.   Saturday was just another example of how low this rivalry really has gotten.  Tunnel incident.  Cheating.  Jim Harbaugh.  Mel Tucker.  Now add this latest episode to what has become all too ridiculous.  All too embarrassing.  

Michigan won the latest battle on the field.  24-17.  A game that neither team wanted to win.  Not exactly a game for the ages.  Two teams that seem to be headed in different directions.  Michigan coming in 4-3 looking like a team on the edge of free fall, a year after winning the National Championship.  MSU, 4-3, as well.  A team looking like they have found their quarterback, a team with a little momentum, some promise.  Both teams, though, showed that they have a lot to work on.  for 59 minutes and about 30 seconds, that meant X's and O's.  For the next 30 seconds and beyond, they both showed they still have a lot to work on off the field.  

There's plenty of blame to go round, if you will.  Colston Loveland showed his true colors.  Had to bring out the "little brother" comment.  Real nice.  He has to learn what winning with class is.  Michigan State has to learn what the protocol is when the other team goes into victory formation.   Pushing and shoving, I can understand after that.  You can argue if the head butt was warranted, or who took the swing.  It's all about what team you root for.   But what happened afterwards is inexcusable.  If Mullings did what the video apparently shows, then he needs to be suspended.   I am all about defending yourself, but come on, really.   It's bad enough that this rivalry has turned ugly with fans with the advent of social media and the keyboard warriors.  You would think the players and coaches would be above the clown show atmosphere this rivalry has become.  

I long for the days of bitching about Spartan Bob forgetting to start the clock.  Or the trip in the end zone that wasn't called.   I'd even take the "trouble with the snap" play getting thrown at me over this garbage.  I want to argue about a bad call for a year over arguing over who threw the first punch in a melee in the tunnel or on the 40 yard line after the game is over.  

Ohio State and Penn State Win to Set Up Big Match Up.  

Happy Valley will be the sight of the latest big game for The B1G Ten next Saturday after both teams held serve this past Saturday.  Penn State started out slow but put away Wisconsin in Madison, while Ohio State struggled against Nebraska.  I have to say I was surprised by how much trouble Ohio State had with Nebraska at home.  I thought after that close loss to Oregon and the week off, that the Buckeyes would come out swinging.  Especially after Nebraska got absolutely boat raced in Indiana.  But both teams won, and that is all that counts.  Should be a fun game this Saturday with both FOX and ESPN Gamed Day's crews there.  Hopefully it lives up to the hype.  

Indiana Stays Unbeaten.  

Game day.  Lee Corso.  All the hype.  Unbeaten this far into the year for the first time in over 50 years.  It was all there.  Would it distract Indiana with their game at home versus Washington.  Oh did I mention with out their starting quarterback, Kurtis Rourke.  He hopes to be back this week against Michigan State.  This has to be the story of the year.  They are on a collision course for Ohio State.  They should be able to take care of MSU, and certainly Michigan at home.  A trap road game at Michigan State could be dangerous.  They lose a rivalry game and are salty, that being Michigan State.  An interesting storyline, for sure! 

B1G Ten Top 5

1. Oregon--A huge win over ranked Illinois, they travel to Ann Arbor.  This is a game they should win, easily.  Michigan may give them a game for a quarter or half.  But Michigan makes no second half adjustments, so I am not worried. 

2. Penn State--Big road win at Madison.  It's never easy to win there.  now they get Ohio State at home.  This is going to be great.  

3. Indiana--They are undefeated and looking stronger each week.  They looked better this week than Ohio State.  

4. Ohio State--Struggled at home against Nebraska.  Going up to Happy Valley.   A loss here with Indiana coming up could put them on the fringe of the playoff.  

5. Illinois--Hanging on by a thread.  Still a top 25 team.  Will get a decent bowl game.  

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