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Michigan State Spartans

Illini #1, Michigan State #2, USC #3 in Big Ten Preseason Power Rankings

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You can crank up the old school Eminem and Kanye West, because the early to mid 2000s are back! At least they are from a Big Ten basketball perspective. Yes, the Illinois Fighting Illini and Michigan State Spartans are once the class of the conference. Both were #1 seeds in the 2001 NCAA Tournament. Both made the Final Four in 2005. … [Read more...] about Illini #1, Michigan State #2, USC #3 in Big Ten Preseason Power Rankings

ESPN College Gameday: From Transcendent Genius to Unwatchable Dreck

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Happy College Football season to those who celebrate- to honor the occasion, re-booting this classic once again from 2018, enjoy!  I absolutely loved ESPN College Gameday, about a decade and half ago when it was only one hour long, instead of three. Back in those days, it was not overrun with wall-to-wall native advertising, and it was much more about football than what's … [Read more...] about ESPN College Gameday: From Transcendent Genius to Unwatchable Dreck

Boom-or-Bust Potential of Pat Fitzgerald at Michigan State a Top 2026 Storyline

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Pat Fitzgerald absolutely owned the room at 2026 Big Ten Media Days. His return to the league, after a three year absence, just reminded us of how great his media skills are. A phenomenal public speaker, the Michigan State head ball coach produced several verbal gems, but this remark, praising the passion of the Spartan faithful, was especially noteworthy: "I'm just excited … [Read more...] about Boom-or-Bust Potential of Pat Fitzgerald at Michigan State a Top 2026 Storyline

When Mel Tucker Did the Greatest Unintentional Comedy Bit in B1G Media Day History

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With Big Ten Media Days this week, we flashback and re-up some of the most memorable moments from past talking seasons. This Bo Pelini post originally ran on July 28, 2014.  Michigan State coach Mel Tucker is currently at the podium for his third Big Ten Media Day. Once again, he is doing what all football coaches do at all Media Days- speaking for prolonged periods of time … [Read more...] about When Mel Tucker Did the Greatest Unintentional Comedy Bit in B1G Media Day History

Chris Collins Admires Tom Izzo’s Quest to Preserve College Basketball Norms

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No matter where his career heads in the future, Northwestern basketball coach Chris Collins will always be "the guy that did the thing." He led the program to their first three NCAA Tournament berths. Priot to his arrival, Northwestern basketball was regarded to be a program with very little, some would even say no, real history, and Collins changed all that. This season may … [Read more...] about Chris Collins Admires Tom Izzo’s Quest to Preserve College Basketball Norms

Ex-Northwestern Coach Pat Fitzgerald Takes Michigan State Job

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That was quick! The brand and image rehabilation for Pat Fitzgerald worked, and it took effect very quickly. Northwestern fired him in disgrace, due to a hazing scandal, in the summer of 2023. And now, here in the fall of 2025, he's already got a new job, within the conference no less! NU's Big Ten rival, Michigan State, is hiring Fitzgerald as their new head football coach. … [Read more...] about Ex-Northwestern Coach Pat Fitzgerald Takes Michigan State Job

Illini Basketball Among Big Ten Contenders in Second Tier After Purdue

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The first and only public preseason scrimmage is in the books, and the main takeaway is clear: this Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team could make some noise in 2025-26. We're still trying to figure out the line-up and depth chart of course, and it may take awhile for all the new pieces to coalesce. But when all is said and done, this Illini basketball team should be … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball Among Big Ten Contenders in Second Tier After Purdue

Jase Richardson Could Follow in Father’s Footsteps from MSU to NBA

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With the NBA Draft tomorrow night, we now re-post our NBA Draft Stock Profile article. This one originally ran March 18. Right now, #16 Michigan State are doing what the best teams of the Tom Izzo era always do- win, and win with rebounding, defense, and solid offensive execution. They won 78-68 at Northwestern today, but the game's halftime score (MSU 47-28), tells the true … [Read more...] about Jase Richardson Could Follow in Father’s Footsteps from MSU to NBA

Michigan State Basketball to Take a Step Down Next Season

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The 2024-25 Michigan State basketball team went 30-7, with a 17-3 league record, winning the Big Ten conference by a full three games. The Spartans finished #7 in the final AP poll and they made an Elite Eight run (the deepest of any conference team) in the NCAA Tournament. Maintaining this high a level, even at a place like East Lansing, is very difficult. … [Read more...] about Michigan State Basketball to Take a Step Down Next Season