It's only the midway point of the Big Ten season, and there is still the postseason conference tournament for redemption. Yet, losing to Michigan at home Thursday was a really bad sign for Michigan State. The Wolverines were 1-6 in the conference. Their rebounding was horrible going into that game. Yet, Michigan matched the Spartans on the boards. Amazing considering how that's traditionally been MSU's great strength. Normally, I tell you when the Spartans go through this type of slump, Tom Izzo has everybody right where he wants them - doubting his program.
But not this time. This slide doesn't appear to be a bump in the road. More like mountain.

The Right Choice For Izzo: http://tinyurl.com/2up9855

Posted Sunday Night: Tom Izzo Isn't Bigger Than Michigan State Nor The State Of Michigan. He Shouldn't Be Treated Like It - http://tinyurl.com/24opusj

I find it strange, in this state, we are so accepting of departures.
Tom Izzo, for example. He was raised here and educated in our public schools. He attended college here, at a public university. He was given his entry level jobs as a basketball coach at a public high school and state-supported universities.
He got his first big break here as an assistant coach at Michigan State. He was named the head coach in waiting for Jud Heathcote, even though there were many more qualified candidates for the position at the time. When his initial seasons did not go well, the school and this state stood by him. Tom Izzo, after he’s had unprecedented success, has never had to ask for anything. It’s just been given to him. Money. Adulation. Status. Respect.
He has come symbolize this state as perhaps our most successful native son, at what might be the most trying time in this state’s history.
But as of right now, he’s holding MSU and this state hostage emotionally, evidently because he wants to find out whether LeBron James is going to remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This, in my opinion, stinks. A lot of people in this state feel like Izzo owes MSU and this state nothing. I differ on that.
He owes MSU and this state everything. If anybody should understand this, it’s Izzo. He is a unique case. This wouldn’t be a typical person leaving one job for a better job - which is true 99.99999999999999999999999999 percent of the time. That would be completely understandable.
This would be somebody forgetting where he’s come from. That, in my opinion, is deplorable.