Bulldogs Chew Up Spartans 24-12

In a game of two halfs, the first dominated by tough defense on both sides, the second half showcased some offensive strengths. Matthew Stafford, who was down right terrible in the first half saying he was missing his targets, came alive on a 96 yard scoring drive in which he threw for 81 of those yards.

The scoring drive started at the Bulldog 4 yard line following a Spartan punt and finished with a 32 yard touchdown pass to Michael Moore who finished the game with 6 reception for 97 yards. Finding the highly touted wide receiver duo of AJ Green and Muhammed Massaquoi was tough as the Spartans double teamed the two most of the day. However, once Stafford was able to adjust and look for his other receivers in Moore and Aron White, the Georgia offense began to roll.

Michigan State did put together a successful 4th quarter scoring drive capped by a Javon Ringer one yard touchdown scamper, but the two point conversion was unsuccessful leaving the score 17-12 with just over 8 minutes to play.

The Bulldogs flexed their muscle and took the ball down into Spartan territory on their very next possession and Stafford found Knowshon Moreno on a wheel route for a 21 yard touchdown, his third passing td of the game. Standing in the corner of the endzone, I had a great view of the play unfold.

The Spartans tried to put together a comeback, but senior quarterback Brian Hoyer was intercepted seeling the win for the Bulldogs and a 24-12 Capital One Bowl victory on New Year's Day.

My experience in the press box was quite the memorable one. The Florida Citrus Sports staff was incredibly nice and the hospitality was over the top. It was good to see some familiar faces from the Detroit media and I met a few new ones from around the country as well. It was a great day to be a part of a New Year's Day tradition and I look forward to doing it again next year.

4th Quarter...Bulldogs Ahead

Georgia out in front 17-6 heading into the fourth quarter thanks in part to a pair of Matthew Stafford touchdowns. One to Michael Moore and the other to Aron White. Stafford is now over the 200 mark with 2 td's and one pick.

Leading all receivers is Moore with 5 for 89 and td. Green and Massaquoi each only have 1 reception a piece.

The Spartans get stopped yet again to start the fourth and are forced to punt. MVP ballots are to be collected with 5 minutes to go in the game. I'll be heading down to the field for the final few minutes and into the Varsity Club for the post game conference.

Second half kickoff

6-3 to start the second half? No error there. 3 field goals in the first two quarters, but it's the Spartans who find themselves out in front. As a reminder MSU is 7-0 this season when leading at the half.

Georgia won the coin toss and deferred to the second half so they will receive the ball. Bumped into George Blaha during halftime, longitme voice of the Spartans and the Detroit Pistons.

Did you notice the nations top WR duo Green and Massaquoi were held without a catch in the first half? That I can only imagine will change in the second half. Stafford was 6-14 for 71 yards and Moreno had 28 yards on the ground along with 3 receptions for 31 yards through the air.

I will be heading down on the field with 6 minutes remaining in the game and then onto the Varsity Club for the post game presser.

Spartans add a field goal

Brett Swenson connected on a 32 yard field goal to give the Spartans a 6-3 lead with 2:14 remaining in the first half. Swenson is now 2/3 on field goals today.

The Bulldogs have turned the ball over twice, an interception and a fumble plus a turnover on downs with the botched punt.

If the Spartans can hold onto their slim lead heading into the locker room they are 7-0 this season when ahead after two quarters.

Field Goal No Good

Swenson missed a 53 yard field goal for the Spartans. It was short and to the left with the wind in his back. The Spartans have not been able to establish a running game thus far with Javon Ringer and they have now gone to their back up quarterback Kirk Cousins. Not sure why the switch, but we'll keep a close eye on that.

Bulldogs take over at their own 36 yard line for their 5th possession of the game. Not a lot of offense, just defense right now for both squads.

3-3 First Quarter

A long first quarter that saw the Spartans with 4 possessions totaling just 54 yards of offense, but the defense did force two turnovers.

The two teams traded field goals putting us at 3-3 to start the second. Press row is quite the fury...media from all over typing, writing, blogging etc.

Spartans with a 3rd and 20 to start the 2nd quarter...in and out of the hands of Keyshawn Martin.

Bulldogs strike first

Georgia got on the board first with a 32 yard field goal after the Spartans attempted a fake punt that went unsuccessful. The Spartans are 1-3 this year when their opponent scores first.

Weather is 67 degrees and breezy with wind blowing at 24 mph.

Spartans just intercepted Stafford and are inside the red zone.

Marching Band

12:45

The Michigan State marching band has taken the field following a nice performance by the Bulldogs marching band. Georgia fans clearly outnumber those from Michigan State, however the Spartan faithful do not disappoint. They are loud and proud...then again they are sitting right in front of the press box and the band is off to my right.

We are under 20 minutes to go before kickoff and you can feel the intensity level increasing in the stadium. I talked briefly with two members of the Detroit media, Bob Wojokowski (wojo) and Lynn Henning who I met a few months ago during spring training. Ironically, Lynn actually remembered me.

The Spartan marching band has completed their performance and now it's onto the rest of the pre-game entertainment and ceremonies. My prediction?

Georgia 35
MSU 17

Hold on a sec....there are fireworks happening now with the "spirit team" taking the field. Continual updates throughout the game. Quick nugget for you here. MSU is undefeated this year when they score first.

Pre-game warm ups

Noon

Still sampling the cookie tray and holy crap are these things good! Soft chocolate cookies filled with peanut butter...oh man, pull up a chair!

The two teams have taken the field for pre-game warm ups and the marching bands welcomed them with their respective fight songs. As you can see from the photo that is Michigan State warming up and I'm keeping a close eye on the kickers from both teams. The wind continues to swirl...MSU band is striking up again.

That head in the picture? That is Wojo from the Detroit News. It is sunny and about 60 degrees right now. The near sideline is the Michigan State sideline and the press box is behind that between the two levels.

I saw Todd Blackledge a short while ago getting some food. I thought about taking him out so I can take over the Color analyst along side Mike Patrick. Just kidding, great duo they are. Georgia band just fired up. The Bulldogs are wearing their all white jerseys and pants while the Spartans are in their Green Jerseys with white pants.

I was just handed pregame notes and here is the latest....

#84 Deon Curry will start at wide receiver for the Spartans in place of the fullback position. Starting linebackers are Eric Gordon, Greg Jones (what an animal Jones is) Ryan Allison and Kendell Davis-Clark will start at free safety in place of Danny Fortener.

Georgia has no changes on their offense. Game time decision at the starting defensive end spot.

Today's captains are Brian Hoyer, Otis Wiley, Javon Ringer and Justin Kershaw for the Spartans. Honorary captain is Earl Morrall, former Spartan and member of the 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins.

Bulldogs will trot out Matthew Stafford, Mohamed Massaquoi, Asher Allen and Corvey Irvin.

The wind is blowing at 24 miles per hour and the temp has jumped to 67 degrees.

Capital One Bowl

10:45am

I finally arrived at the stadium (Florida Citrus Bowl) and made my way up into the Tom Mickle press box. After about ten minutes of searching for my assigned seat I was able to set up shop. At my assigned seat is a media guide for today's game, along with stats galore as well as an mvp ballot. That's right, yours truly gets to vote for the games mvp. Only question is which team will it come from? Michigan State or Georgia?

I attached a photo of the view from my seat. There are plenty of media in this large press box. I am to the right your left of the ABC broadcast team of Mike Patrick and Todd Blackledge. I just finished my first helping of food that is catered for all the media. Salad, roll, fruit and some sort of beef caserole I presume.

I just went up and got myself a few cookies for desert along with a diet coke. Yes they have coffee and it won't be long before I head for that.

As for the weather today it is a little on the cool side. 62 is the scheduled high with plenty of wind. The kickers are having a rough go at it in their pre-game warmups. Should be fun, I will continue to update throughout the game.