Saturday, September 26, 2009

Perseverance of the saints

You see that title and are probably expecting something theological.  Nope.  I'm referring to the endurance necessary for those of us who "bleed green."  I really am shell-shocked over the Spartans' dismal start to this season.  I really thought all the hype leading into this season was justified.  Then, to see them come out and handle Montana State in their first game, I was sure this was going to be a banner year for Sparty.  Even after the ridiculous loss to CMU, I thought, "Just a fluke; they'll rebound."  Then they go into the hostile environment of South Bend and blow one they should have had.  Little nervous after that, since their defense was awful, but still thinking they'll rebound.  Then, today.  What was that?  I realize how difficult it is to win on the road in the Big Ten, but at least show up, would ya?  I was very disappointed in their effort today.  I thought we were supposed to have our problems on defense fixed this year.  Um, obviously not!  They've gotten worse.  Wow!  But, more than that, the boys were just not in the game at all.  From the opening whistle, they looked flat and unprepared.  The only positive to take away from this game is that they did battle till the end.  They didn't just throw in the towel.  That's something, I guess.  But, then that kick with 0:15 left.  Huh?!  We just scored two late touchdowns to give ourselves a chance and the kicker fails to execute an on-sides kick.  What genius on the sidelines thought it would be a good idea to squib-kick the ball in that situation?  Or, did Stenson just mis-kick it?  Whatever the case, there's no excuse for that.  It was one of the most bizarre things I've ever seen.  Would they have recovered the on-sides kick, hooked up on a "hail mary" for a touchdown, and converted the two-point conversion?  Probably not.  But, you got no chance of that when you pooch the ball 35 yards down the field.  Seriously frustrating!

So, no pep talks this week.  No "we'll get 'em next week!"  We have that other team from our state, whose name is never mentioned around here (who were the recipients of a ridiculous call by the refs today to ensure their victory - seriously, how much do they pay the refs? - when the receiver and the defender both have the ball, it's a reception!), coming in, and if someone doesn't figure out how to play defense, it could get ugly.  But, I'll stick with my team.  Always have; always will.  Who knows, maybe they'll show up next week and play like they can.  I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Perseverance of the saints = being a Spartans fan.     

3 comments:

IggyAntiochus said...

I always wish the Spartans well, as my brother is an alum.

That being said, CMU is sitting at 3-1 today! It isn't the Big 10, but they are still putting up the wins.

That other Big 10 school has a good record, but we need to consider that two wins were against Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan.

I say, head north on 127 instead of south and enjoy the game!

Iggy Antiochus

Rev. Thomas C. Messer, SSP said...

Iggy,

Probably wise advice, but, alas, I will always head south on 127. :)

But, as hard as it is for me to root on the Chips, since I learned to hate them while attending Western Michigan many moons ago, I have warmed up to them and are hoping they continue to have a good season, being that they're in my back yard and all. Always been a hometown fan (except for that other team whose name is never mentioned). Heck, I still even root for the Lions. Thank God for the Wings and Tigers (and Pistons of recent years). Oh, and thank God for the college basketball season - Sparty always makes a good show there. :)

IggyAntiochus said...

Well, that WMU thing throws a wrinkle into the mix!

I suppose, as a last resort, there is always Alma College, even if they are Division III and have a Scotch-Presbyterian heritage.