For the first time in my Spartan Stadium event 'career', I had the opportunity to watch Michigan State football as a Michigan State student,in the student section, this past Saturday.
The differences between sitting in 'regular' seats, and standing alongside fellow students in the southwest corner of the stadium are actually quite noticeable.
Whereas before I was one of only a handful of people to get involved in the game (at least in our area), in the student section I was surrounded by thousands of kids just as passionate as me! The atmosphere was electric, and it made the pre-game rituals that I've witnessed so many times that much better.
The band pouring out onto the field from the tunnel, the playing of the MSU Alma Mater, and the traditional pre-game highlight video set to AC/DC''s 'Thunderstruck' were considerably more fun to watch with my friends and fellow students.
The game itself did not disappoint, at least not in the 'win' column. After a shaky first quarter, I thought the Spartans were able to put things in gear behind the running back tandem of Leveon Bell and Edwin Baker, both of whom rushed for over 100 yards and 2 touchdowns apiece. They also received some help from a bulked-up Keith Nichol at wideout, who put 6 of his own on the board with an acrobatic catch in the 2nd quarter.
The defense displayed a solid effort in my opinion, limiting the Broncos to 85 yards on 32 team carries, and giving up no major plays. Penalties and missed tackles remained issues though, although against a team of Western Michigan's caliber, the mediocre takedowns got the job done.
The Spartans take on Florida Atlantic next Saturday at Ford Field, in a game that should be a victory, assuming Michigan State prepares accordingly.
We're off for Labor Day tomorrow, before a four-day week of classes begins.
--Beau
Normally not a sports fan, but I appreciated your insights into the differences now that you are a student and not just a "bystander." Keep the blogs coming.
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