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It has to get better


Last Update: 11/04/2009 3:48 pm
BY: TOM LEYDEN
WXYZ-TV, Detroit


On the heels of one of the worst weekends in Michigan sports history – Michigan lost, MSU lost, Central Michigan lost, Eastern Michigan lost, Western Michigan lost, Lions lost, Wayne State lost – things have to take a turn for the better as the calendar flips to November.

The seat is getting hot in Ann Arbor as Rich Rodriguez continues to knock things off the Wolverines checklist – First team to lose in Champaign since 1983… check!

The loss to Illinois was bad enough, but the way Michigan folded its tents like a scared camper in the second half was embarrassing. If I was a player on that team, I would be working extra time this week to make sure this doesn’t happen again – wait a minute, did I say that?

Next up is a Purdue team that hasn’t won in Ann Arbor since Bob Griese led the Boilermakers to victory in 1966. That was also the last time Michigan lost two consecutive games to Purdue – Aaaah, another achievement to put on the checklist.

If Michigan loses this game, the Wolverines will finish the season 5-7 and out of a bowl. If they win, it looks like 6-6 and a possible invitation to the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl in Motown. Hey… at least a real state champion could be decided if they play Central Michigan.

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As for Michigan State, they have Western Michigan on tap this Saturday. Hold on, I think WMU has already thrown a touchdown pass against that Spartan secondary.

Complain all you want about the botched calls at the end of the Minnesota game – and you would be warranted – but you can’t give up 42 points and expect to win.

Also – the next time Mark Dantonio takes out Kirk Cousins immediately after he leads the offense on a scoring drive, I may shoot the TV. They’re a frustrating team to watch at this point, but I have a little empathy because the Spartan running backs are so banged up.

Time to turn it around this week – it can only get better.


The Talent

John Lindsay - Scripps Howard News Service, Washington

John Lindsay is sports editor for Scripps Howard News Service in Washington, D.C. Writing sports since 1985, John Lindsay has covered NFL, MLB, college football and basketball and major golf events for several newspapers in his career and has been a Heisman Trophy voter since 1996.

Tom Korun - WFTS, Tampa

As we will move forward in our blogging relationship, you and I will likely agree to disagree. You'll learn I mean what I say, and say what I mean. If you don't bring passion, don't waste my time and yours!

David Francois - WFTS, Tampa

A Virginian by birth, David Francois can be found at Elmer’s in Ybor City on Sundays, the only Redskins bar in Tampa. He attended JMU and is proud to say he went to the same school as Scott "Wide Right" Norwood.

Brian Nutt - KJRH, Tulsa

Living in Tulsa means Golden Hurricanes, Sooners, or Cowboys, but not for this guy. Woo Pig Sooie Razorbacks! Nothing like a fall evening in Razorback Stadium calling the Hogs.

Aaron Heintzelman - KSHB, Kansas City

Aaron hopes to use his limited football expertise to fuel many fantasy victories this year, but a quick look at his roster proves he has some work to do. Aaron's true allegiances lie with the Eagles, but you'll also catch him tuning into Chiefs, Steelers and Dolphins games.

Tom Leyden – WXYZ, Detroit

The first book Tom ever read was, "Super Bowl," by John Devaney, written in 1971. He was hooked from that moment. He knows every Super Bowl site, score and MVP. Go ahead - try him. Especially XXI, XXV and XLII. G-Men!

Ian Preuth - WCPO, Cincinnati

I've lived in Cincinnati my whole life so I've seen many bad teams and a few good ones. Most of the time the good teams get screwed because Cincinnati is cursed. I can watch any sport, enjoy competition no matter what it is and appreciate a good debate.

Larry Carney - WMAR, Baltimore

Larry loves crab cakes, football and everything purple and black. He hates Heinz ketchup, Primanti Brothers’ sandwiches and all things Pittsburgh. His fantasy football teams grab running backs on good teams and wide receivers on bad ones. Hidden Talent: Great heckler.

Jeff Heisner - KNXV, Phoenix

I grew up and worked in Detroit and have a keen sense for what bad football really is. After escaping to Arizona I've come to find out professional football isn't all that bad.

Craig Fouhy - KNXV, Phoenix

He's played the game, he's been a coach, and now he's spouting off about it! It's not just about highlights in Phoenix...out here it's a little bit of highlights and a lot of..."Fouhy on Sports!"

Cory Williams - KNXV, Phoenix

Representing the west coast! Cory has spent the last 15 years covering the desert dwelling teams of Arizona. When you’re tired of all the east coast bias (and there's plenty of it here!)...Laugh it off and look west!

Wyatt Wright - WPTV, West Palm Beach

Wyatt Wright is a husband, father and football fan. When he's not yelling at the neighbor kids to get off his lawn, he's reminiscing about seventh grade, when he was a scrappy but undersized linebacker for the 110-pound "B" squad.

Chip Mahaney - E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati

Even though Chip's Cincinnati office has a view of the Bengals' stadium, his heart and mouth are native Texan. His first NFL memory: Super Bowl VI (Cowboys 24, Dolphins 3). Each Saturday in autumn, he prays for a resurrection of the Southwest Conference.

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