It's that time of year again: the battle for the megaphone takes place at Spartan Stadium at 8pm tomorrow night. There's a million different places to get real "game analysis" but that stuff's overrated and usually has no effect on the game, right? So I'm going with this route: use this blog to pregame. Grab a drink, here we go.
- This is Brian Kelly's first season at his new home of Notre Dame. If you have moved in the last year, drink 2.
- This is Mark Dantonio's 4th season as MSU's head coach. If you've lived in the same city for the past 4 years, drink 2.
- Edwin Baker is currently 5th in the country in rushing yards. If you enjoy baking, drink 4 because you have shitty hobbies.
- ND holds two NFL-level weapons in Michael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph. If you can think of a pair of friends with lamer names than Floyd and Rudolph, drink 3.
- ND's last bowl victory (and only bowl victory of the decade) came against Hawaii two years ago. If you've ever been to Hawaii, drink 1.
- Night games at MSU haven't exactly been kind to fans. If you know what I'm talking about, stop crying and drink 4
- ND's band will also be attending the game. Drink 2 if you were even in High School marching band.
- Speaking of bands, get this: UMass visits Michigan in the Big House this week. Yesterday, as they were stopped to perform in Ohio, their director collapsed from a Heart Attack and was later pronounced dead. His band will still play on Saturday. Everyone, drink 5 for the late George Parks.
- There is a 30% chance of rain during the game. If you know who Ollie Williams is, drink 3.
- Brian Kelly took over as head coach for the University of Cincinnati in 2007, after then-current coach Mark Dantonio was hired by Michigan State. If you've realized, within 10 minutes of being there, that Cincinnati pretty much sucks, Drink 2. Pick a state, dammit. You can't be that close to Kentucky and still call yourselves "midwest." Jerks.
- In Las Vegas betting pools, Michigan State is favored in this game by 3 points. If you think Michigan State will win, finish your beverage.
- If you think ND will win, finish your beverage then take a shot of Bailey's, you Irish slappie.
Ok so here are some mildly important facts you should know:
1. Last week, ND QB Dayne Crist suffered a very mild concussion in the first half against Michigan. He must have been ok later, because he played in the second half. Still, concussions take time to heal, so until proven otherwise, he is "playing hurt"
2. Larry Caper will (finally) play. He was held out last week because we didn't need him.
3. Sophomore DT Blake Treadwell (son of Offensive Coordinator Don Treadwell) will also play. He has not played yet this season due to injury, but saw quite a bit of time last season. His return will help the defensive line considerably.
4. TE Garrett Celek, who was the #2 TE behind Charlie Gantt, will not play due to a dislocated shoulder. You'll see either Brian Linthicum or Dion Sims (or both) out there on Saturday
5. Notre Dame's offense will run through QB Crist and 3 others: WR Michael Floyd (no. 3), TE Kyle Rudolph (9) and RB Armando Allen (5). Keep an eye on those three. If you can contain even one of those guys, the game gets significantly easier.
Game will be on at 8pm Saturday, ABC for the midwest area, ESPN2 for rest of the country. Here is a coverage map if you're not sure where you fall. Enjoy responsibly, and GO GREEN!
