This Saturday's game against Purdue is the second-most important game of the season. The most important was the game against Michigan - not only because it was a rivalry game, but also because that was a pivot point that saved the season.
Of course, the season can yet be lost, but a victory over Purdue makes that much less likely. Given the state of the Big Ten, beating Purdue pretty much locks MSU into a (admittedly crappy) bowl game. It knocks Purdue out of contention, and moves MSU up within the conference.
In this respect it is therefore a much bigger deal than beating Penn State. Obviously, I'd like to win both games. But this week is more consequential. (Of course, if MSU had beaten Notre Dame, Iowa and CMU, we'd be 8-2 and already have picked out our floral shirts for the trip to someplace warm, but I digress).
Meanwhile, Michigan's woes continue. Their athletic director apparently likes to shove university security around when asked for identification, but in the best interests of the school, there's no need to actually file charges.
With games against Wisconsin and Ohio State looming, the highly-paid coach of the 5-5 Skunk Bears has got to feeling the heat.
It is worth noting that his lucrative salary figures don't include the $2.5 million the University of Michigan is paying to cover his buyout from West Virginia. That's a lot of money to shell out for a guy whose accomplishments to date have mostly centered on setting records for losses - both in quantity and quality.
The next two weeks will be crucial for both programs.
I'll be watching Saturday. I truly hope our superior talent and coaching pulls it out against Purdue.
And Penn State, the better team, has an almost entirely rebuilt offensive line. Not the dominant group from last year.
Go, State!
Posted by: Brent in NH | November 11, 2009 at 01:27 PM