Thursday, October 7, 2010

Backyard Brawl

We're just a couple of days away from the "Backyard Brawl" here in Michigan, which, of course, refers to the annual showdown between MSU and that other Big Ten team from our state.  Both teams enter the "Brawl" this year undefeated, the first time that has been the case since 1999, and Sparty looks to best their rivals for the third year in a row, something they have not accomplished since 1965-67. 

After last week's solid victory over then #11 Wisconsin, Sparty was shown some love in the polls, leaping over the other team from our state that struggled to squeak out a victory over Indiana.  Sparty moved up to #17 in the AP, with the other team at #18, and Sparty is #16 in the Coaches' Poll, while the other team is #17.  Nevertheless, since the game will be played in the other team's so-called "big house," Sparty is a 4.5 point underdog, according to odds-makers.  That's okay.  We Spartans love being the underdog! 

MSU coach Mark Dantonio, who suffered a mild heart attack a few weeks back after the Notre Dame victory, will be back with the team this week.  He'll probably coach from the press box, but he'll be there calling the shots.  You simply can't keep him away from this game, which is always the biggest on the schedule for Sparty.

I'm sure it is rather clear by now, but I really can't stand that other team from our state.  I often say that if Al Qaeda had a football team and they were playing that other team from our state, I'd be rooting for Al Qaeda.  I don't know why people laugh when I say that.  I don't see the humor in it at all.  Really, not at all.  I also have never understood how anyone could be a fan of either team from our state, but root on the other team when they're not playing each other.  That simply does not compute.  There is no middle ground here.  You are either for Sparty or the rich, snobbish, arrogant team from Ann Arbor.  Period.  Of course, it's no surprise that the vast majority of those who do the "I'm a fan of this team, but root for the other team from our state when they're not playing each other" thing are not Spartan fans.  We know what faithfulness and loyalty mean, after all.
 
And so, as I anticipate the game, I am reminded of a few of my fondest sports memories (think of the song, "These are a few of my favorite things" as you view what appears below):

One of the greatest moments of my life, right up there with my marriage to Lisa and my children being born!

The "Hail Mary" from QB Kordell Stewart which won the game for Colorado - Still remember the amazing feeling I had when I watched this!

Maybe my favorite sports memory of all time!  I'm sure it needs no further description! :)

9 comments:

Logan said...

Pastor,

I have a Growler of my favorite Lutheran Beverage on this game. Check out this video on Freep's website. http://www.freep.com/article/20101006/BLOG05/101006070/1048/rss03

Sparty will win by 10 points Go Green!

Logan

Dennis Peskey said...

Just how much did your "old adam" enjoy writing this posting? That I would derive such enjoyment in the reading only demonstrates my need for absolution. Go Green!
Peace,
Dennis

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

Logan,

I posted that video here a week or so ago, and placed it on the sidebar of my blog, where it will remain. Great stuff! :)

My prediction is that Sparty will win, 42-28. I don't think the other team will be able to stop us; they haven't been able to stop anyone yet. I'm sure Robinson will make some plays for them, but I think we'll contain him enough.

Of course, anything can happen in these games. We'll see. Looking forward to it!

Dennis,

You are right. My "old adam" probably enjoyed this way too much. :) Nevertheless, GO GREEN indeed! Oh, and you are forgiven brother!

On another note, I enjoyed reading your most excellent posts on BJS a bit ago in the thread on sanctification. You are a stellar theologian, my friend!

Matthew said...

My dear brother in Christ,

I'm sorry to say but your prediction is wrong. Take a look at Hosea 14:10- it clearly prophesies a 52-49 Michigan win over the little ag school from East Lansing.

Peace in Christ! Go blue!

Matthew

Logan said...

Hosea 14:10....hmmmmm must be using that liberal A2 Bible....

Matthew said...

So Logan, did you actually look it up? I found it deeply enlightening.

-Matthew

p.s. "liberal A2 Bible"? Although I dearly love my alma mater (Michigan! Go Blue!), I'm pretty sure they don't allow ANY Bibles on campus - it never was exactly a Lutheran-friendly campus. I'm sure it's worse now...

Dennis Peskey said...

I've always thought Ann Arbor to be a bit strange, but to reference Hosea 14:10 defies understanding. Before we send Bibles abroad, we should consider a collection be taken to alleviate the famine of knowledge exhibited by our eastern brothers. What possible chance do they have of winning when they demonstrate such lack of scholarship? MSU 24; UM 17.
Peace,
Dennis

Logan said...

Whenever I think of Michigan Football-Job 36:33 (KJV) comes to mind. 8>)

MSU 32 Michigan 22.

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

Brother Matthew,

Is Hosea in the Old Testament or New Testament? As Bill O'Reilly recently said to Bill Mahr, "I'm a Christian. I believe in the New Testament." :)