All things Spartans

[BobbyMac]

I still think Butch ends up here. The guy needs a job and if he does good enough here, he can make another move in 3-5 years.

If it comes down to Bielema & Butch, they better go Bielema. He won at the exact same program on the other side of the Michigami.

 

[Ndaccountant]

If it comes down to Bielema & Butch, they better go Bielema. He won at the exact same program on the other side of the Michigami.

Bret is so fat. I hope he gets it just for the joke potential.

 

[IrishLion]

But you know... That's MSU's niche. They get the majority of guys they want in Michigan because UM recruits more nationally, they've done very well in Chicagoland and they [used to] shred Ohio for guys Ohio State doesn't want.

FIFY. Cincinnati cleaned up the state behind the top dogs that Ohio State grabbed for 2020, and kind of did the same last year.

The primary draw/gripe/point-of-contention for MSU fans and their desire for Fickell is that he was recruiting Ohio the way Dantonio used to.

MSU tried to make a legit play for Evan Prater, and several of the front-7 guys that UC landed, for example... but it was a no contest on the trail this year. Whether that's because Dantonio gave up or because Fickell just kicked his ass, or some combination of both, is another convo.

Fickell probably made a good decision turning down the B1G money because in 12 months, he'll be on the hot list again and won't have to deal with the NCAA.

This is what I've been telling my Cincy friends... everyone is celebrating and prepared to build statues in Fickell's honor for being the anti-BK/anti-Butch... but if he considered that and had to talk to the wife about it for a day, then he's going to jump on the next job that offers him good in-state recruiting.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Bret is so fat. I hope he gets it just for the joke potential.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

FIFY. Cincinnati cleaned up the state behind the top dogs that Ohio State grabbed for 2020, and kind of did the same last year.

The primary draw/gripe/point-of-contention for MSU fans and their desire for Fickell is that he was recruiting Ohio the way Dantonio used to.

MSU tried to make a legit play for Evan Prater, and several of the front-7 guys that UC landed, for example... but it was a no contest on the trail this year. Whether that's because Dantonio gave up or because Fickell just kicked his ass, or some combination of both, is another convo.



This is what I've been telling my Cincy friends... everyone is celebrating and prepared to build statues in Fickell's honor for being the anti-BK/anti-Butch... but if he considered that and had to talk to the wife about it for a day, then he's going to jump on the next job that offers him good in-state recruiting.

That is the risk of hiring assistants from big time programs. It's going to be that much harder to keep them if they turn into hot commodities.

 

[IrishLion]

That is the risk of hiring assistants from big time programs. It's going to be that much harder to keep them if they turn into hot commodities.

I should note that the guys plugged into Fickell's job prospects (he doesn't have an agent... he does all the business stuff himself) on the Cincy beat say that he was offered the Maryland, Kansas and West Virginia jobs last year, and that Florida State (!) offered him the job this year before Norvell took it, at which point Memphis tried to see if he would jump for a pay increase. Boston College also offered him their job before the dude from OSU took it.

So maybe he really is *different*?


(He's just waiting for his old pal Mike Bohn to hire him to coach USC)

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

I should note that the guys plugged into Fickell's job prospects (he doesn't have an agent... he does all the business stuff himself) on the Cincy beat say that he was offered the Maryland, Kansas and West Virginia jobs last year, and that Florida State (!) offered him the job this year before Norvell took it, at which point Memphis tried to see if he would jump for a pay increase. Boston College also offered him their job before the dude from OSU took it.

So maybe he really is *different*?


(He's just waiting for his old pal Mike Bohn to hire him to coach USC)

Perhaps! He does seem to be the most midwestern person imaginable.

 

[Luckylucci]

But you know... That's MSU's niche. They get the majority of guys they want in Michigan because UM recruits more nationally, they've done very well in Chicagoland and they shred Ohio for guys Ohio State doesn't want.

If you are willing to pay $5M+, it's a good job because it's 2x what you make at Cincy, other G5's or the lower tier programs in P5. I thought this could be a good spot for Dave Clawson to pull a Rhule/Baylor. He gets 2x as much money as he does at Wake and he knows how to farm 3*'s.

Fickell probably made a good decision turning down the B1G money because in 12 months, he'll be on the hot list again and won't have to deal with the NCAA.

That's MSU's niche under Dantonio. No coach other than Dantonio has had the type of sustained success or even close that he had since the early/mid 1960's. So it's not MSU's niche, it's Dantonio's niche. Once that coach leaves, it's probably back to the same old same old. 4th best team in the division. In fact, that's already started.

I don't think comparing Clawson to Dantonio is remotely fair to Dantonio at this point. Farming a few quality 3 stars annually is a lot different than winning 36 games over 3 seasons with 2 NY6 victories. Which is the Dantonio peak at MSU that Clawson hasn't come close to touching. The previous 5 coaches at MSU, before Dantonio, from 2006 to 1980, are as follows:

- John Smith was 22-26 (win pct. of 46%) during his 4 years at MSU prior to Dantonio taking over.
- Bobby Williams was 16-19 (win pct. of 46%)
- Nick Saban was 35-24-1 (win pct. of 59%)
- George Perles was 73-62-4 (win pct. of 54%)
- Frank Waters was 10-23 (win pct. of 30%)

MSU doesn't have a history of mining 3 stars into winning Big10 titles or competing for big playoff games. Dantonio does.

 

[BobbyMac]

That's MSU's niche under Dantonio. No coach other than Dantonio has had the type of sustained success or even close that he had since the early/mid 1960's. So it's not MSU's niche, it's Dantonio's niche. Once that coach leaves, it's probably back to the same old same old. 4th best team in the division. In fact, that's already started.

I don't think comparing Clawson to Dantonio is remotely fair to Dantonio at this point. Farming a few quality 3 stars annually is a lot different than winning 36 games over 3 seasons with 2 NY6 victories. Which is the Dantonio peak at MSU that Clawson hasn't come close to touching. The previous 5 coaches at MSU, before Dantonio, from 2006 to 1980, are as follows:

- John Smith was 22-26 (win pct. of 46%) during his 4 years at MSU prior to Dantonio taking over.
- Bobby Williams was 16-19 (win pct. of 46%)
- Nick Saban was 35-24-1 (win pct. of 59%)
- George Perles was 73-62-4 (win pct. of 54%)
- Frank Waters was 10-23 (win pct. of 30%)

MSU doesn't have a history of mining 3 stars into winning Big10 titles or competing for big playoff games. Dantonio does.

To recruits, coaching staffs around the Midwest and fans who know how recruiting works, the two are one in the same. He's been there for how long... 12-13 years? Any kid from Ohio who looks at their roster will see familiar faces and if OSU doesn't call, it's a good Plan B because it's worked for others they know.

If you get a good evaluator/developer in their like Clawson, they could return to the Iowa level.

That is, after the NCAA does its thing to em.

 

[Luckylucci]

To recruits, coaching staffs around the Midwest and fans who know how recruiting works, the two are one in the same. He's been there for how long... 12-13 years? Any kid from Ohio who looks at their roster will see familiar faces and if OSU doesn't call, it's a good Plan B because it's worked for others they know.

If you get a good evaluator/developer in their like Clawson, they could return to the Iowa level.

That is, after the NCAA does its thing to em.

First of all, I completely disagree that's how it works or the reaction these prospective prospects are having. And, its showing up in recruiting. If anything I think it's the complete opposite. Dantonio is synonymous with MSU football and he's gone. What now?

I also think you are grossly overvaluing the regional cache of MSU. If recency bias is your thing, I'm not sure how well that is working out. They just signed the 10th best class in the Big10, 11th best if you go off of avg player rating. 19' was 7th best. 18' was 6th best. At this point, it doesn't even look like they are Plan C for regional guys.

 

[Valpodoc85]

Ok time for a hot take...
Why did Dantonio up and leave? I don't think he was just waiting for the money. I suspect the AD/president is looking for oversight, particularly with recruiting. Dantonio knows where that is going and walks. Word spreads fast, now no one wants the job. Maybe I'm wrong. AD and President are reasonably new and both relatively new to those positions.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Ok time for a hot take...
Why did Dantonio up and leave? I don't think he was just waiting for the money. I suspect the AD/president is looking for oversight, particularly with recruiting. Dantonio knows where that is going and walks. Word spreads fast, now no one wants the job. Maybe I'm wrong. AD and President are reasonably new and both relatively new to those positions.

A new story today says Dantonio's plan was to coach one more year and retire. But he wanted to pick his successor and when MSU formed a search committee for his eventual replacement he threw a tantrum and retired.

 

[BobbyMac]

First of all, I completely disagree that's how it works or the reaction these prospective prospects are having. And, its showing up in recruiting. If anything I think it's the complete opposite. Dantonio is synonymous with MSU football and he's gone. What now?

I also think you are grossly overvaluing the regional cache of MSU. If recency bias is your thing, I'm not sure how well that is working out. They just signed the 10th best class in the Big10, 11th best if you go off of avg player rating. 19' was 7th best. 18' was 6th best. At this point, it doesn't even look like they are Plan C for regional guys.

Of course this year's class is down. How could it not be with the current situation?

MSU is a #30 or so average class program, been in the 20's a couple of times and got into the high teens once. I think they will be fine if they get the right guy. If Bielema wants it, he'll have them back in 4th place as soon as the NCAA fog burns off. The formula is simple, proven and recent even though Purdue, UK and UC are competing better than 5 seasons ago.

 

[Luckylucci]

Ok time for a hot take...
Why did Dantonio up and leave? I don't think he was just waiting for the money. I suspect the AD/president is looking for oversight, particularly with recruiting. Dantonio knows where that is going and walks. Word spreads fast, now no one wants the job. Maybe I'm wrong. AD and President are reasonably new and both relatively new to those positions.

A lot of smoke that Dantonio has covered up/lied about recruiting violation/s. Which in turn gives more credence to Curtis Blackwell's wrongful termination law suit. Things are going to get hairy for MSU's football program and I'm not sure the Athletic Department has much of an appetite for more of this.

 

[ulukinatme]

A new story today says Dantonio's plan was to coach one more year and retire. But he wanted to pick his successor and when MSU formed a search committee for his eventual replacement he threw a tantrum and retired.

I saw that too:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">According to <a href="https://twitter.com/RicoBeard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RicoBeard</a>: Sources told him that Dantonio wanted to coach the upcoming 2020 football season, then retire & pick his own replacement. However, in meantime, MSU had hired a search firm to look into finding a new coach. Dantonio found out, was upset, & abruptly retired</p>— Mike Sullivan (@MikeSullivan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeSullivan/status/1227325959868735495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

From the comments section lol

 

[Luckylucci]

Of course this year's class is down. How could it not be with the current situation?

MSU is a #30 or so average class program, been in the 20's a couple of times and got into the high teens once. I think they will be fine if they get the right guy. If Bielema wants it, he'll have them back in 4th place as soon as the NCAA fog burns off. The formula is simple, proven and recent even though Purdue, UK and UC are competing better than 5 seasons ago.

Not many coaches are going to consistently be in competition to win the Big10 East with recruiting like that.

Sure, fine is winning 7-8 games most years and occasionally winning 9-10. Which is not where the program was at. Which makes the next part even harder to justify.

It's not simple, hence why it's only been proven by one guy in the last 40 years at MSU.

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.

 

[BobbyMac]

Not many coaches are going to consistently be in competition to win the Big10 East with recruiting like that.

Sure, fine is winning 7-8 games most years and occasionally winning 9-10. Which is not where the program was at. Which makes the next part even harder to justify.

It's not simple, hence why it's only been proven by one guy in the last 40 years at MSU.

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.

Didn't say whoever would be in contention to win the B1G-E. They'll be in contention to earn $5Mish a year and battle Purdue for 4th or 3rd when MI chokes.

And Doctor, I concur about the disagreeing.

 

[Valpodoc85]

However you slice it Dantonio's decision to retire when he did is strange. The fact that coaches are passing as quickly as they are is also a bit strange. Feels a bit like Tenn all over again

 

[Luckylucci]

Didn't say whoever would be in contention to win the B1G-E. They'll be in contention to earn $5Mish a year and battle Purdue for 4th or 3rd when MI chokes.

And Doctor, I concur about the disagreeing.

But that's the point. You said it was MSU's niche. I said, no it's Dantonio's niche. He was the guy competing to win the Big10 East (with status quo in recruiting) annually because of the way he identified talent. Not the school. I don't think saying Brett B or Clawson going there and being fairly mediocre is the same thing.

 

[Ndaccountant]

 

[Luckylucci]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CU</a> coach Mel Tucker has agreed in principle to become the new head coach at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MichiganState?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MichiganState</a>, per sources. After Tucker turned down initial interest, MSU power brokers came back repeatedly to Tucker’s reps w/ an offer that was impossible to ignore <a href="https://t.co/qjOH0qKirQ">https://t.co/qjOH0qKirQ</a></p>— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BruceFeldmanCFB/status/1227475705778331648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CU</a> coach Mel Tucker has agreed in principle to become the new head coach at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MichiganState?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MichiganState</a>, per sources. After Tucker turned down initial interest, MSU power brokers came back repeatedly to Tucker’s reps w/ an offer that was impossible to ignore <a href="https://t.co/qjOH0qKirQ">https://t.co/qjOH0qKirQ</a></p>— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BruceFeldmanCFB/status/1227475705778331648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

from 5-7 to making $5 Mil per year?

Man do I wish I could perform below average and get hired with a monster raise at another firm.

 

[Rack Em]

from 5-7 to making $5 Mil per year?

Man do I wish I could perform below average and get hired with a monster raise at another firm.

MSU AD: “Mel, please don’t make us offer Chip Long. Please. He’s a huge douche and the last coach left on the carousel.”

Mel Tucker: “Recreational weed is legal here so pony up, bitches!”

 

[PANDFAN]

I feel for colorado if i was a fan.....i was looking on one of their message boards....found a funny post

MSU basically wrote a blank check for his salary along with assistant coach salaries.

The 5th or 6th best program in the BIG is able to throw that kind of money around, but hey, at least we can all watch water polo and gymnastics on the conference owned Pac 12 network!

 

[BobbyMac]

It took Tucker a week to figure out weed's legal in Michigan too?

 

[condoms SUCk]

2013 😁


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[stpeteirish]

program shut down for two weeks due to positive COVID tests, but only 2 positives? Something not computing here.

 

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blessed, Honored, and Excited to be a Spartan 🙏🏼 <a href="https://twitter.com/MSU_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MSU_Football</a> <a href="https://t.co/YymZUxBZKi">pic.twitter.com/YymZUxBZKi</a></p>— Anthony Russo (@Anthony_Russo15) <a href="https://twitter.com/Anthony_Russo15/status/1339322298453680130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

GT QB from Temple...meh

 

[stpeteirish]

Russo's pretty bad...perfect fit.

 

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2019 4-star OL Devontae Dobbs has entered the transfer portal after redshirting last season (played in 4 games) and not seeing the field in 2020 at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spartans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Spartans</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rivalsmike?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rivalsmike</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RivalsWoody?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RivalsWoody</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RivalsRobinson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RivalsRobinson</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hq59qQok1P">https://t.co/Hq59qQok1P</a></p>— NCAA Transfer Portal (@RivalsPortal) <a href="https://twitter.com/RivalsPortal/status/1339938781449887744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>