Dec 31 2015

BCS Semifinals: Michigan State University v. Alabama

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That’s the Michigan State University Marching Band at this year’s Big 10 Championships. They carry on in the great tradition of Leonard Falcone who not only wrote this fight song, but also the University of Michigan’s. I studied with him. He thought I was hopeless, but he was a good sport about it, didn’t even suggest I take up the Triangle or anything.

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio arrived in East Lansing s Head Coach in 2006 and at his first press conference said- “My mission here is to win championships.”

Pretty big words from a team that has always been considered second rate, even in it’s home state.

But, as The Guardian puts it-

The check-list of achievement has been notable since the first year of his nine-season reign. Winning season and bowl game? Check, after his very first year. Big 10 champions? Check, after season four. Bowl win? Check, in year five. Rose Bowl victory? Check that in Dantonio’s seventh season. Playoffs reached? Yes, that box has now been ticked, too.
…
Tony Versaci, a former MSU assistant coach and now president of the Michigan chapter of the National Football Foundation, sums it up more succinctly: “Coaches win because of discipline, character, convictions, honesty and, of course, strategy. We’re all aware of the incredible record Mark has had at Michigan State. But you know, it kind of pales in comparison to the type of person he is.”

Having that broader view will not give the Spartans any extra edge against the Crimson Tide, who remain 10-point favourites to march on to the championship game, but it does serve as a reminder to the other college football powers that, win or lose, Michigan State will be back for more next year under Dantonio, and his track record suggests he won’t relent until that ambition “to win championships” is fully satisfied.

I root for them because Richard and Emily both went there and that’s where the met. I have several members of the family who are either active or emeritus faculty. You can root for The Crimson Tide if you like, but for me it’s “Go State!, “Green and White!“.

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  1. Vent Hole

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:23
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    Alabama Wins the count toss. Will kick off to Michigan State

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:25
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    Touchback. Ball on MSU25.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:28
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    1st&10 at MSU 39

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:29
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    2nd&5 at MSU 44

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:31
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    3rd&4 at MSU 45

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:33
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    4th&4 at MSU 45
    Jake Hartbarger punts. No return. Ball on Ala20.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:36
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    1st&10 at Ala 20
    (12:41) Jake Coker pass completion to the middle to Calvin Ridley for 6 yards to the Ala26.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:37
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    2nd&4 at Ala 26
    (12:30) Jake Coker pass completion to the right to Calvin Ridley for 7 yards to the Ala33.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:40
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    1st&10 at Ala 33
    (12:09) Jake Coker incomplete pass to the left.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:40
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    2nd&10 at Ala 33
    (12:06) ArDarius Stewart rush right for 7 yards to the Ala40.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:42
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    3rd&3 at Ala 40
    (11:28) Jake Coker pass completion to the left to ArDarius Stewart for -1 yard to the Ala39

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:44
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    4th&4 at Ala 39
    (10:40) JK Scott punts. No return. Ball on MSU5.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:46
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    1st&10 at MSU 5
    (10:25) Connor Cook pass completion to the left to Josiah Price for 14 yards to the MSU19

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:47
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    1st&10 at MSU 19
    (9:58) Connor Cook pass completion to the right to Josiah Price for 3 yards to the MSU22.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:49
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    4th&10 at MSU 19
    (8:24) Jake Hartbarger punts. Cyrus Jones returns -2 yards to the Ala29.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:49
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    1st&10 at Ala 42
    (7:31) Derrick Henry rush right for 1 yard to the Ala43.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:51
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    4th&22 at Ala 30
    (6:10) JK Scott punts. No return. Ball on MSU32.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:52
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    1st&10 at MSU 32
    (5:58) Madre London rush right for 0 yards.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:53
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    1st&10 at Ala 38
    (4:14) Aaron Burbridge rush right for -3 yards to the Ala41.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:55
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    4th&20 at Ala 48
    (2:42) Jake Hartbarger punts. No return. Ball on Ala4

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:55
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    1st&10 at Ala 4
    (2:31) Derrick Henry rush middle for 3 yards to the Ala7.

  23. ‘Bama 1st dpwn at the 30

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:57
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    1st&10 at Ala 15
    (0:56) Derrick Henry rush middle for 4 yards to the Ala19.

  25. End 1st Quarter

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 20:59
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    End of first quarter. No Score

  27. ‘Bama 1st at the 45

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:02
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    1st&10 at Ala 31
    (15:00) Jake Coker pass completion to the left to Kenyan Drake for 9 yards to the Ala40

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:04
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    1st&10 at Ala 46
    (14:17) Derrick Henry rush right for 4 yards to the 50.

  30. ‘Bama 1st at State 45

  31. Touchback. State at their 20.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:08
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    1st&10 at MSU 43
    (12:30) Jake Coker incomplete pass to the middle.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:10
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    4th&8 at MSU 41
    (10:57) JK Scott punts. Touchback. Ball on MSU20.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:11
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    1st&10 at MSU 20
    (10:48) Delton Williams rush left for 5 yards to the MSU25.

  35. State at Tide 39. 1st

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:13
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    1st&10 at MSU 40
    (10:09) Delton Williams rush left for 1 yard to the MSU41.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:15
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    1st&10 at Ala 42
    (8:42) Michigan State penalized -5 yards.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:16
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    1st&15 at Ala 47
    (8:36) Connor Cook incomplete pass to the right.

  39. Touchback. Tide at their 20.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:18
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    4th&15 at Ala 47
    (8:23) Jake Hartbarger punts. Touchback. Ball on Ala20.

  41. 1st at 35

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:20
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    1st&10 at Ala 20
    (8:14) Jake Coker pass completion to the middle to Richard Mullaney for 15 yards to the Ala35.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:21
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    1st&10 at Ala 35
    (7:47) Derrick Henry rush left for -1 yard to the Ala34.

  44. 1st at 45.

  45. Tide at the 1.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:23
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    1st&10 at Ala 49
    (6:14) Jake Coker pass completion to the right to Calvin Ridley for 50 yards to the MSU1.

  47. 7 – 0 Tide

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:25
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    1st&1 at MSU 1Ala 6-0
    (5:41) Derrick Henry rush middle for 1 yard for a TOUCHDOWN.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:26
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    Point AfterAla 7-0
    (5:36) Adam Griffith PAT – GOOD.

  50. State from their 35

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:29
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    Kick Return
    (5:36) Alabama kicks off. No return. Ball on MSU35.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:31
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    1st&10 at MSU 35
    (5:36) LJ Scott rush middle for 2 yards to the MSU37.

  53. Tide from their 26

  54. Tide from the 41

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:35
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    4th&12 at MSU 33
    (4:17) Jake Hartbarger punts. Cyrus Jones returns 5 yards to the Ala27.

  56. Tide at State 25

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:39
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    1st&10 at Ala 27
    (4:04) Jake Coker pass completion to the left to O.J. Howard for 14 yards to the Ala41.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:40
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    1st&10 at Ala 41
    (3:35) Alabama penalized -5 yards.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:41
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    1st&15 at Ala 36
    (3:22) Derrick Henry rush for 4 yards to the Ala40.

  60. Field Goal. Tide 10 – 0.

  61. Touchback. State from their 20.

  62. State from their 37.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:45
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    1st&10 at MSU 24
    (2:21) Jake Coker pass completion to the right to ArDarius Stewart for -1 yard to the MSU25

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:45
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    4th&16 at MSU 30Ala 10-0
    (1:30) Adam Griffith 47 yard FIELD GOAL.

  65. State at Tide 48

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:46
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    Kick Return
    (1:25) Alabama kicks off. Touchback. Ball on MSU25.

  67. State at Tide 30

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:48
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    1st&10 at MSU 25
    (1:25) Connor Cook pass completion to the left to Aaron Burbridge for 12 yards to the MSU37.

  69. State at Tide 12

  70. INT

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:49
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    1st&10 at MSU 37
    (1:12) Connor Cook pass completion to the left to Gerald Holmes for 3 yards to the MSU40.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:51
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    1st&10 at Ala 48
    (0:53) Connor Cook incomplete pass to the left.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 21:58
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    1st&10 at Ala 12
    (0:16) Connor Cook pass to the left intercepted by Cyrus Jones Returned 21 yards.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:00
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    Halftme Alabama 10 – Michigan State 0

    • BobbyK on December 31, 2015 at 22:06
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    Good grief. I can’t watch.

  76. Touchback. Tide from their 20

  77. Tide at State 49

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:17
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    3rd Quarter

    Kick Return
    (15:00) Michigan State kicks off. Touchback. Ball on Ala25.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:18
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    1st&10 at Ala 25
    (15:00) Jake Coker pass completion to the right to Richard Mullaney for 26 yards to the MSU49.

  80. Tige at 18

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:19
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    1st&10 at MSU 49
    (14:31) Derrick Henry rush middle for -1 yard to the 50.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:22
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    1st&10 at MSU 30
    (13:21) Jake Coker pass completion to the right to Calvin Ridley for 6 yards to the MSU24.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:24
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    1st&8 at MSU 8
    (11:14) Derrick Henry rush middle for 2 yards to the MSU6.

  84. 17 – 0 Tide

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:25
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    Touchdown Alabama 17 – 0

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:27
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    2nd&6 at MSU 6Ala 16-0
    (10:43) Jake Coker pass completion to the left to Calvin Ridley for 6 yards for a TOUCHDOWN.

    Point AfterAla 17-0
    (10:36) Adam Griffith PAT – GOOD.

  87. Touchback. State from their 20

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:29
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    Kick Return
    (10:36) Alabama kicks off. Touchback. Ball on MSU25.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:30
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    1st&10 at MSU 25
    (10:36) Madre London rush for 1 yard to the MSU26.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:33
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    4th&5 at MSU 30
    (8:43) Jake Hartbarger punts. Cyrus Jones returns 0 yards. Cyrus Jones fumbles, Cyrus Jones of Alabama recovers and returns 0 yards.

  91. Tide from their 39

  92. Tide from their 40

  93. Tide from State 49

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:38
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    1st&10 at Ala 26
    (8:34) Derrick Henry rush for 14 yards to the Ala40.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:39
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    1st&10 at Ala 40
    (8:07) Derrick Henry rush left for 1 yard to the Ala41.

  96. State from their 15

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:42
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    1st&25 at Ala 36
    (6:03) Jake Coker incomplete pass to the right.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:44
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    4th&20 at Ala 41
    (4:49) JK Scott punts. Macgarrett Kings Jr. returns 9 yards to the MSU15.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:47
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    1st&10 at MSU 15
    (4:37) Michigan State penalized -5 yards.

  100. Punt returned for TD. 24 – 0 Tide

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:48
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    4th&22 at MSU 3Ala 23-0
    (3:39) Jake Hartbarger punts. Cyrus Jones returns 57 yards for a TOUCHDOWN

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:50
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    Point AfterAla 24-0
    (3:24) Adam Griffith PAT – GOOD.

    Alabama 24 – 0

  103. State from their 21

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:52
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    1st&10 at MSU 22
    (3:19) Connor Cook pass completion to the middle to Aaron Burbridge for 1 yard to the MSU23.

  105. Tide from State’s 49

  106. TD, 31 – 0 Tide

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:55
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    4th&9 at MSU 23
    (2:41) Jake Hartbarger punts. Cyrus Jones returns 18 yards to the 50.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:55
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    1st&10 at 50Ala 30-0
    (2:29) Jake Coker pass completion to the middle to Calvin Ridley for 50 yards for a TOUCHDOWN.

  109. Touchback. State from the 20

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:57
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    Point AfterAla 31-0
    (2:20) Adam Griffith PAT – GOOD.

  111. State to their 35

  112. State to their 46.

    • TMC on December 31, 2015 at 22:59
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    Kick Return
    (2:20) Alabama kicks off. Touchback. Ball on MSU25.

    1st&10 at MSU 25
    (2:20) LJ Scott rush for 3 yards to the MSU28.

  114. 4th Quarter

  115. State at Tide 34

  116. Over on Downs. Tide at their 28

  117. State from their 14

    • BobbyK on December 31, 2015 at 23:11
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    Well at least they are not being beat by Ohio State.

  119. Tide from their 31

  120. Tide from the State 11

  121. TD. 38 – 0 Tide

  122. State from their 25

  123. State from their 39

  124. State from Tide 42

  125. Over on Downs. Tide from their 25

  126. Tide from their 43

  127. State from their 20.

  128. State from their 45

  129. INT. Tide from their 39

  130. Tide 38 – 0 Final

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