By now we've all seen it, the vandalism of the beloved block M that's proudly displayed on Michigan's campus. Apparently, some Spartans fans though it would be a good idea to paint the block M green...then spray S.U. next to it. Someone is feeling pretty cocky heading into our annual showdown.
And for good reason.
Michigan State is rolling, entering the season as the reigning Rose Bowl champs. They're currently ranked 8th in the country, and looking to position themselves for a slot in the inaugural four team playoff at season's end.
The Wolverines are obviously trending in the opposite direction.
As a die hard Michigan fan, I wouldn't miss the game...regardless of the team's records. But after I saw that picture earlier this week, I was fired up like never before to see Michigan go to East Lansing and shut them up. I can only imagine how fired up the players are.
Michigan State better be careful. If you do not learn from history...you will be doomed to repeat it. Sports karma has a way of rearing it's ugly head.
And if you're Michigan...that's a good thing.
In 2007, Michigan came from behind to beat Michigan State 28-24. It was their sixth straight victory in the series. At the post game press conference, UM running back Mike Hart...who ate the Spartans for lunch that game...coined the now infamous phrase..."Michigan State is our little brother". In it's context, Hart was implying that big brothers always let the little brother take the lead in games...only to come back and rip their hearts out...no pun intended.
The comments did not sit well with the Spartan Nation.
In fact, when head coach Mark Dantonio heard those comments he fired back that "pride comes before the fall". As we look at the Wolverines program from 2008-present, those words prove eerie.
Which brings me back to block M gate.
After Mike Hart's little brother comments, the Spartans have won five of the last six from the Wolverines. But sports karma extends far beyond this rivalry. The early 80's Miami Hurricanes infamous army fatigues national championship game. The war reference and smugness about them turned the public off. Miami would up losing to Penn State, who was a heavy underdog. And who can forget LeBron James' now infamous proclamation of "not five...not six...not seven" when he joined the Heat in 2010.
He's now playing with the Cavaliers.
Be careful of the karma you put out there Michigan State. Don't get too cocky Mark Dantonio. You of all people should know that pride comes before the fall.
follow @plcolter.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment