Capital One Bowl Cheerleader Preview -- Alabama v. Michigan State

Talk about a couple of teams that had higher hopes this season. Bama was the returning national champion and had the Heisman trophy winner coming back. They seemed to have all the pieces necessary to make a run for back-to-back championships. Unfortunately for the Bammers, things didn't work out that way.

Michigan State's hopes ran even deeper into the season. Like, all the way until bowl selection day. I think most people thought the Spartans would get an at-large BCS bid. I KNOW the Michigan State folks thought they would get one. Instead, they have to go to Orlando to play (easily) the best 3-loss team in the country. Congratulations.

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

Game of the Day -- #5 Michigan State v. #18 Iowa

While the Missouri/Nebraska game might feaure higher ranked teams (on average), that game only determines the winner of the Big 12 North. This game could determine the winner of the Big 10 and the automatic BCS bid if Michigan State can pull of the win in Iowa. Because it's unlikely Minnesota, Purdue or Penn State will be much of a challenge for Sparty.

That being said, I'm taking the Hawkeyes at home in this one. I'm just not convinced Michigan State is the 5th best team in the country. And an 8-point win at Northwestern last week doesn't instill much confidence.

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

IOWA HAWKEYES

Game of the Day -- #17 Michigan State v. #18 Michigan

I didn't realize until just now that Michigan State is ranked higher than Michigan. After all of the Denard Robinson hype I just assumed Michigan was in the top 15. And I'll be honest, I thought Sparty was a fraud before last week's win over Wisconsin. I'm sorry, but beating a 2-3 Notre Dame in overtime just doesn't excite me very much.

Regardless, I think should be a very good game. If for no other reason than in-state rivalry games are traditionally very hotly contested. Of course, there is also the Mark D'Antonio heart attack watch during the game, so that adds even more intrigue.

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

Week 5 Winners -- Michigan State

Weekly Winners is our weekly highlights of college football teams that pulled off upsets during the previous weekend. As usual, we will celebrate these upsets with cheerleaders. And maybe a little snarky commentary.

Talk about winning one for the Gipper. The Spartans up-ended Wiscy with their head coach in the hospital. This thing is a Disney movie just waiting to happen.

NCAA Tourney Final Four Preview -- (5) Michigan State v. (5) Butler

OK, let's get this out of the way: Butler is Hickory High from Hoosiers. Everyone feel better now? Can we talk about something else? Please?

Honestly, though, I am definitely rooting for Butler here (even though I was dead wrong about them). I guess it's the whole underdog thing. But they are still the same seed as Michigan State and didn't lose their best player during the tournament. Amazingly enough, the Spartans seem to be about as good without Lucas as they were with him. This could be a really interesting match-up.

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

BUTLER BULLDOGS

NCAA Tourney Sweet 16 Preview -- (5) Michigan State v. (9) Northern Iowa

Here come the giant killers!!!! And make no mistake about it, Michigan State is another giant. They may not be as great as years past, but they are a national power with one of the best coaches in the land. Now that Kalin Lucas is out 4-6 months, UNI might even be the favorite in this game. I'm not sure I see that, but I think it becomes almost a pick 'em game at this point.

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

NORTHERN IOWA PANTHERS

NCAA TOURNEY ROUND 1 PREVIEW -- (5) Michigan State v. (12) New Mexico State

How scary is Michigan State as a 5 seed? Anytime you have Tom Izzo in your bracket you better pay attention. That dude is just a good coach. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see the Spartans make a run deep into this tourney.

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES

Alamo Bowl -- Texas Tech v. Michigan State

Sparty's boys have been bad. Apparently there was a massive brawl at a fraternity potluck dinner and quite a few Michigan State football players have some explaining to do. To me, it just sounds like your typical big family get together. There's ham, potatos, pie and a few haymakers. What's everyone so worried about?

Texas Tech is becoming a pretty solid squad. What used to be a sideshow gimmick offense has turned into a sustainable program. They haven't been able to make the leap over the big boys in the Big 12 South, but they seem to be bowl bound pretty much every year. Plus, Mike Leach is always good for a few terribly random quotes throughout the season.

TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

Week 5 Winners -- Michigan State

We've had a lot of cute Michigan State cheerleaders on this blog so far (here, here, here, here and here to be exact), and I bet they were all just as happy as this cutie when they knocked their arch rival out of the top 25 this weekend.

Adorable Michigan State Cheerleader

I bet she makes Sparty VERY happy on game days!