Football’s back, and a blowout, road win over a struggling Rutgers program seems like years ago compared to mere weeks.And up next: the No. 18 Washington State Cougars. Or Wazzu, as so eloquently known elsewhere around the nation.
Source: The State News
Luke Falk is one of the toughest quarterbacks you’ll ever see play. Even though Mike Leach’s policy is to never publicly acknowledge injuries, it’s been clear to any fan who’s watched the WSU quarterback take lots of hits that he’s fought through a number of maladies to stay on the field over the past three seasons. So, it’s no surprise that Falk apparently is dealing with another injury coming into the Holiday Bowl
Source: CougCenter
The numbers and accolades speak for themselves. Washington State defensive tackle Hercules Mata’afa amassed nine sacks and 21.5 tackles-for-loss to become a consensus All-American and finish as a semifinalist for the Bednarik and Walter Camp Awards this season.
Source: The Seattle Times
Michigan State has moved from the underdog to favorite in its Holiday Bowl matchup against Washington State. The No. 16 Spartans (9-3, 7-2 Big Ten), who opened as a 4.5-point underdog against the No. 18 Cougars (9-3, 6-3 Pac-12) for Thursday’s Holiday Bowl (9 p.m. EST, FS1) in San Diego, are now favored by 1.5 points, according to VegasInsider.com.
Source: MLive.com
Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch breaks down the matchup between the Spartans and Cougars in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego.
Source: Lansing State Journal
It was an eventful day for the Michigan State football team on Tuesday as kickoff nears for the 40th annual San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl. With a light schedule earlier in the day that included meetings and film, one of the highlights of the week in San Diego took place in the afternoon as the Spartans had the honor of getting an exclusive tour of the USS Essex.
When people think of Washington State, they often think “Air Raid.” That’s how the Cougars’ offense is labeled, a potent attack that doesn’t spend much time running the ball, instead throwing more than 55 times a game. It’s led to an attack that averages better than 31 points and 446 total yards a game. Needless to say, as Michigan State has prepared to take on Washington State in Thursday’s Holiday Bowl, it has drawn plenty of the Spartans’ attention.
Source: Detroit News
No matter how bitter a taste a regular season leaves, a successful postseason will leave a sweet taste for many months to follow. A 14-1 season becomes sour if that lone loss comes in the national championship game. A 6-7 year leaves a foundation to build upon if it culminates in a bowl win, no matter how insignificant. Any program will take the former, but Michigan State — and surely others — understand the value of finishing strong.
Source: Land of 10
Washington State opened its season with six straight wins, including an upset against then-No. 5 USC. The Cougars were off to their best start since 2001 and climbed to No. 8 in the AP rankings. Then they went on the road to face a 3-3 Cal squad and were thumped 37-3. Washington State allowed a whopping nine sacks, which ties for the third most allowed in a game this season in the nation. Quarterback Luke Falk, the Pac-12’s all-time leading passer, also threw five interceptions in the defeat.
Source: MLive.com
The Michigan State football team was back on the practice field Sunday afternoon for its second workout of the weekend at Mesa College as the No. 16 Spartans continued to prepare for the 40th annual San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl against No. 18 Washington State.
As most of Michigan was busy getting blanketed by a Christmas Eve snowstorm, the Michigan State football team was enjoying the sun and warmth of San Diego as it spent its second day preparing for Thursday’s Holiday Bowl matchup with Washington State.
Source: Detroit News
Under sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-60s, the Michigan State football team held its first practice in San Diego on Saturday at Mesa College as the No. 16 Spartans resumed their preparations for the 40th annual San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl against Washington State.
Source: Michigan State Official Athletic Site
No. 16 Michigan State is making its first appearance in the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl as the Spartans will take on No. 18 Washington State at SDCCU Stadium on Thursday, Dec. 28 at 9 p.m. EST. The game will be televised nationally on FS1, with Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt and Jenny Taft on the call.
Several Michigan State players met with the media Monday afternoon after the Spartans’ last on-campus bowl practice as the No. 16 Spartans continue preparations to face No. 18 Washington State (9-3) in the 40th annual San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl on Thursday, Dec. 28 at 9 p.m. EST.
Source: Michigan State University Official Athletic Site
There was a relaxed atmosphere at Michigan State’s football facility on Monday.The Spartans had just wrapped up their final practice at home in preparation for their Holiday Bowl matchup with Washington State on Dec. 28 and were getting a few days off for the holidays before heading to San Diego on Friday.
Source: Detroit News
Large trunks, coolers, boxes of energy bars, athletic tape, an exercise bike and, well, everything the Spartans need, was being lined up and loaded on the equipment truck. The green and white trailer hauled by a semi-truck pulled away from the loading dock at 1:47 p.m. on Monday afternoon with San Diego as its ultimate destination. That’s where No. 16 Michigan State (9-3, 7-2 Big Ten) will face No. 18 Washington State (9-3, 6-3 Pac-12) in the Dec. 28 Holiday Bowl.
Source: MLive.com
Chris Frey recalls early in his freshman season the Michigan State coaching staff cranking up the heat inside the Duffy Daugherty Building practice facility to get the team acclimated for a sweltering September game at Oregon. Later that year, the defense prepared for Baylor’s tempo in the Cotton Bowl by facing a play every 10 seconds, with three offensive units ready to snap the ball.
Source: MLive.com
