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EBLING: A Fitting Finish

Connor Cook

Cook led the Spartans late.

After the season Mark Dantonio and Co. endured, can you be at all surprised by their bowl performance?

    • It wasn't pretty, and often fist pounding frustrating, but it was exactly what the program needed; a feel good and redeeming end to a tough season.

      Great read, Jack. Reading this, I couldn't help but to feel proud and a renewed sense of pride in Spartan football.

      rhodesj5

    • Good article Jack.

      I know we have a lot of excitement about the new qb saviors in Cook or Terry, but I am one who thinks Maxwell will learn from this year and make a steady improvement in his game through fall camp.

      Hopefully our receivers all get a steady dose of the Keith Nichol workout program during the off season.

      Spartan89

    • Jack--
      Thank you so much for the great writing and the great information. Happy New Year to you and you are appreciated.

      jodi

    • Hey Ebling, I thought I ws on the bunker for a minute.

      CMF

    • Good one Jack. Thanks for your work this Fb season.

      Bender

    • Jack,
      For once, I can't agree with all the praises you're receiving for this negative article. Yes, luck played a role in this victory, although without a fantastic punt under pressure, and excellent pursuit by Williams, it's just another bad bounce. And then without a great field goal under pressure by a kicker who has been often criticized, it doesn't matter anyway. That's three excellent plays in closing out a victory, which, while aided by a bad decision on their part (which is also not luck), we earned the victory. I'm so tired of the critics being quick to note that no matter how many bad breaks, bad calls, etc. hurt the Spartans, somehow it's still their fault for not 'closing'. But when they do close, now it's all about the lucky Spartans. You shouldn't be able to have it both ways, but for some reason, berating the Spartans has become the 'cool' thing to do. So, sorry, I don't think it was such a 'great read'.

      organman66

    • When Dan Conroy came out to kick, I thought PLEASE let his last kick as a Spartan be a game winner. Good for Conroy, the players and staff.

      I enjoyed and appreciated your insight all football season, Jack.

      Now on to basketball, it should be an interesting season.

      lmc55

    • organman66 said...

      Jack,
      For once, I can't agree with all the praises you're receiving for this negative article. Yes, luck played a role in this victory, although without a fantastic punt under pressure, and excellent pursuit by Williams, it's just another bad bounce. And then without a great field goal under pressure by a kicker who has been often criticized, it doesn't matter anyway. That's three excellent plays in closing out a victory, which, while aided by a bad decision on their part (which is also not luck), we earned the victory. I'm so tired of the critics being quick to note that no matter how many bad breaks, bad calls, etc. hurt the Spartans, somehow it's still their fault for not 'closing'. But when they do close, now it's all about the lucky Spartans. You shouldn't be able to have it both ways, but for some reason, berating the Spartans has become the 'cool' thing to do. So, sorry, I don't think it was such a 'great read'.

      The luck was the defensive penalty call on 3rd down as Burbridge let one bounce off his numbers.

      The Doctor

    • Bring on one of the 3 tenors, not the singers, the new qbs: Cook, Terry,O'Connor. Max cant make decisions quickly enough and does not see the field and wont/cant run. Major disappointment . We need a dual threat.

      This post was edited by nysparty1 on 1/1/2013 at 9:52 AM

      nysparty1

    • organman66 said...

      Jack, For once, I can't agree with all the praises you're receiving for this negative article. Yes, luck played a role in this victory, although without a fantastic punt under pressure, and excellent pursuit by Williams, it's just another bad bounce. And then without a great field goal under pressure by a kicker who has been often criticized, it doesn't matter anyway. That's three excellent plays in closing out a victory, which, while aided by a bad decision on their part (which is also not luck), we earned the victory. I'm so tired of the critics being quick to note that no matter how many bad breaks, bad calls, etc. hurt the Spartans, somehow it's still their fault for not 'closing'. But when they do close, now it's all about the lucky Spartans. You shouldn't be able to have it both ways, but for some reason, berating the Spartans has become the 'cool' thing to do. So, sorry, I don't think it was such a 'great read'.

      I don't think Jack Ebling's intentions are what you think they are. But, I agree. Luck didn't win that game. With all the drops we had, their shitty kicker booming a 50 yarder, and our d-line getting held all game long, it's hard to say we won on luck. We simply made a few more plays than they did, and holding TCU to 3 points in the second half wasn't "luck" it was dominant defense. I'm sorry, but when you only score 3 points in the second half of a game, you are probably not going to win, even if you're playing an offense as bad as yours.

      The muffed punt wasn't luck. Sadler booted the ball in the absolute perfect spot and forced the returner to make a difficult decision - to let it go or try to make the catch. He tried to make the catch and it backfired. Credit goes to Sadler not luck. Luck would have been if Sadler caromed the ball directly to a returner who was camped out underneath it and he still dropped it.

      This post was edited by JEK on 1/1/2013 at 10:00 AM

      JEK

    • Thanks Jack!
      Always enjoy the un-sugar-coated approach that you bring. It was probably the most fitting end to this season.
      I'm just glad we got some nice little suprises like Conroy and Cook that truly made this one special.

      spartan 4show

    • organman66 said...

      Jack,
      For once, I can't agree with all the praises you're receiving for this negative article. Yes, luck played a role in this victory, although without a fantastic punt under pressure, and excellent pursuit by Williams, it's just another bad bounce. And then without a great field goal under pressure by a kicker who has been often criticized, it doesn't matter anyway. That's three excellent plays in closing out a victory, which, while aided by a bad decision on their part (which is also not luck), we earned the victory. I'm so tired of the critics being quick to note that no matter how many bad breaks, bad calls, etc. hurt the Spartans, somehow it's still their fault for not 'closing'. But when they do close, now it's all about the lucky Spartans. You shouldn't be able to have it both ways, but for some reason, berating the Spartans has become the 'cool' thing to do. So, sorry, I don't think it was such a 'great read'.

      For having 9 posts you have some balls.

      selande2

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