The Enlightened Spartan talks PSU-MSU

I don't have to tell you this, but there's a big game in State College this weekend. No. 8 Penn State will host No. 15 Michigan State for the Big Ten Championship. Scott, The Enlightened Spartan, was good enough to stop by Zombie Nation. He answered some questions, and I returned the favor, so be sure to stop by ES, too.

1. Let's get right into it. What's your head going through right now? Did you think Michigan State would be in this position, heading into the last week of the season? Sum up the season for us?

ES: The master plan for Spartan Football is coming together.... finally... it only took 40 years. Seriously, the ES is sitting on Cloud Nine. To be listed in the BCS, to have a chance to win the automatic BCS berth, to have a chance at the Rose Bowl in year two under Dantonio? Actually, the ES predicted a 9-3 season for the Spartans, but yes, I'm shocked they've actually pulled it off. Sum up the season: POUND GREEN POUND. Vanilla offense + a disciplined defense + few mistakes + focus on fundamentals = victory. MSU coaches have game planned very well for most of the season. The team's offensive attack is an old school brand of smash mouth, hard hitting football that would make Woody Hayes and Duffy Daugherty proud. The Spartan defense tackles very well and doesn't give up many big plays. Season highs - pounding Michigan and Notre Dame into submission. And, the road trip to Cal was excellent; MSU must schedule Cal on a regular basis as an excuse to hit San Francisco. Season low - learning MSU really is the third best team in the conference by being dominated and outclassed by Ohio State.

2. Penn State and Michigan State have never had so much riding on their annual "rivalry" game. Never has this game meant a Big Ten Championship for whoever wins. What's the overall mood among Michigan State fans, and if you can say, the team?

ES: Opportunity. Excitement. Amazement. Joy.

3. We all know about Javon Ringer, so tell us Penn State fans something we may not know about Michigan State, that could really turn the tide Saturday for the Spartans.

ES: A - MSU badly needs the return of Mark Dell so we can actually have a reliable receiver who can catch. If Mark Dell and Blair White hold onto the ball, especially on third down throws, MSU has a chance. The Spartan wideouts have been horrible in his absence, yet MSU continues to find ways to victory. B - OL Jesse Miller. Miller has been beat badly on pass blocking the last two games, against Wisconsin and Purdue. He's a solid run blocker, but his legs just aren't fast enough to stop opposing defensive ends in passing situations. We need him to help keep the Lions off QB Brian Hoyer... or it will be a long day.

4. What is it about Penn State that worries you the most going into Saturday?

ES: Penn State's run defense bothers the shit out of me. I don't know how Iowa did it, but MSU has gotta do the same. MSU needs to take time, to move the football and control the clock. With MSU's questionable passing and catching, it needs to be deliberate and run the ball. Without a run game, it's toast.

5. This game should eclipse the annual "oh my God, it's Michigan and Ohio State!" love-fest. As someone who hates both those teams, I'm very happy about that. But what does it mean, as a Spartans fan watching Michigan founder, to take away what could possibly be the only thing (the luster of that OSU/UM rivalry game) the Wolverines have left right now?

ES: The only reason this is getting any ink is because you asked; it ain't worth writing about. I hate the annual "Oh My God, Love Me Love Me Hugs and Kisses" Ohio State-Michigan rivalry: their shit don't stink. The boredom of the historic Woody-Bo clashes are thankfully a distant memory. scUM and OSU can have their rivalry and shove it up their pie holes.

6. Anything else you want to rant or talk about, let'er rip.

ES: I'm hopeful that with the extra bye week, MSU will get into Happy Valley with their "A" game and not lay an egg. I pray that Dantonio has focused on fundamentals and a solid game plan. No trick plays are necessary vs Joe Pa. We need to tackle well and be deliberate on offense. We need to catch Hoyer's passes. If we can force a few turnovers, we have a chance. I don't expect a disaster a la Ohio State. It will be a great game.

...I'm sure it will be!