The 26th Battle for the Big Bear ends in a 1-1 draw, the trophy is only taken by a winning team so we will retain it for a 5th year. The Spartans have held it since 2022 after a 2-0 win. We have kept it after 0-0 draws in 2023 and 2024, and a 2-1 upset of then #5 Michigan in 2025. The Spartans lead the Big Bear series 14-6-6.

We controlled the first half of this game, but despite some good opportunities, their goalkeeper kept us out of the net. Michigan was much more competitive in the second half, producing most of their shots after the break. Leo Conneh gave us the lead, but late in the game a foul in our box gave Michigan a penalty kick which they converted to equalize with ~5 minutes left. Neither team was able to break the tie before time ran out, though it certainly wasn't from a lack of trying.

I will call out our goalkeeper Jake Grekowicz for some.... questionable choices. In particular, the one where he ran like 20 feet out of the box into the thick of it chasing the ball, leaving the goal wide open behind him. I'm astonished that Michigan was unable to score with such opportunities handed to them on a silver platter. However, I will not complain too much since the only goal ultimately came from a penalty unrelated to these moments, and he certainly made some nice saves when he was in the box. Probably something Coach Rensing should talk to him about though! 🤔

The Spartans are 8-2-2 overall and 4-1-1 in B1G conference play. Currently, we have 13 points and are tied with Indiana and Washington at the top of the conference standings. However, Indiana has a game in hand, unless they lose against Rutgers, expect them to retake the lead on Friday. We will be playing at Ohio State on Friday, if we can win, then either a loss or draw by Indiana would put us ahead of them. The Hoosiers are currently undefeated, and our game against them at the end of the regular season may very well be the deciding game for the conference title. Washington and UCLA are still very much in contention though, so they could be spoilers. We will face Washington next week on the 23rd.

Go Green! 💚🤍

Stats

Goals

• 68' MSU - Leo Conneh, assisted by Peter Soudan and Miles Merritt
• 84' UM - Michael Ramirez (PK)

Cards

• 🟨 37' UM - Will Baker
• 🟨 72' UM - Landon Strohmeyer
• 🟨 76' UM - Michael Ramirez
• 🟨 84' MSU - Conner O'Keefe
• 🟨 86' UM - Duilio Herrera

Michigan State stiffed Nick Saban. And in doing so, it did him — and his legacy — a huge favor.

Michigan State stiffed Nick Saban. And in doing so, it did him — and his legacy — a huge favor.

Question on lot 7 next to 1855 for the NW game.

1. Is tailgating in parking structure or the lots next to it?

2. What time do I want to get to the Islamic Center to be sure to get in? (Noon kick off.)

To and here's open Cole's reverts to the guy that played for us.

I think 6-8 wins shows me something to believe in, but he’s gotta bring in a T25 class, also firing Rossi and Sheridan

I think Jordan Scott will take another big leap. But one player im hoping can get more time is Jesse McCulloch. Not just from the exhibition game. He has shown some flashes and I thought he looked more composed in Moneyball even. Hoping he can help give us a stretch 4 this year

Hosting my first tailgate this weekend and planning on parking in one of the public lots that open at 7am.
I'm driving from an hour away so trying to see if anyone with more tailgating experience has a better idea of the latest time I can get there and reliably get a spot.

I was thinking about this after reading multiple negative Fitz/Program doom threads and honestly, I can’t decide. Would you rather:

1. Have a coach come in and bring nice players, win a natty in year 1-2, then dip for the SEC year 3. Program scrambles to fill shoes ineffectively for the next 6-8 years, cycling through HCs. No identity. But….we got that natty tho.

Or

1. Have a coach come in and build a solid program by year 2-3, perennially-ish making playoffs for say 8-10 years. Consistently good. Maybe making the natty game 1 time, but losing. Solid, very respected program by all nationally. But…never getting that natty tho.

Anton Bonke’s 2025–26 season showed promising interior scoring, with his highest two-point efficiency coming closest to the basket. Combined with his rebounding and shot-blocking contributions, he demonstrated a strong foundation to build on. There’s plenty to be excited about as he continues developing his game. Go Spartans!

Regarding flipping the refs the bird on Saturday.

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First of all, I am NOT saying Pat Fitzgerald should be fired. He's only coached six games here. But that doesn't mean we can't and shouldn't criticize him. Quite frankly I don't give a fuck that he gave the ref the middle finger. The team SUCKS. These were the same people who thought Rossi and his AWFUL defenses should have stayed because he showed "energy" on the sideline.

Michigan State is a better job than both Kentucky and UCLA. Stein or Bob could be in East Lansing right now but we just HAD to hire "a big ten guy".

There is zero excuse for the way the team has looked so far. 2-4. 0-4 against actual teams. Just lost at home to a team that lost to Illinois.

We all know the team is gonna finish 2-10 or 3-9 this season, and next year's schedule SEEMS (I know it's a long ways away) really hard. Notre Dame, Indiana, @ Ohio State, Michigan, USC, @ Penn State @ Washington. So unless Pat brings in a top 15-20 recruiting class next season hes probably gonna go like 4-8 AT BEST next year.

Pat Fitzgerald is like 2-26 in his last 28 power four games but hey he gave the middle finger to the refs on the sideline!!! Give me a break. And before someone misconstrues my words me saying he's sucked so far is not the same as saying he should be fired after six games.

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Might be a little delayed tonight I’ll be at the game. Still have to finish up the rest of last years games and then I plan to do more from the years prior. Hang tight. Hope it’s a great opening night and a long fulfilling season! Go green.

Hey there! Looking to tailgate with two 16 year old boys and want them to experience the excitement of a big school tailgate. Which of the $40 lots have the most energy? How early do we need to show up for the 3:30 game? TIA

hopefully a little good news for us with this down football season