The Michigan State of Sports

Welcome back!

There's some Heisman controversy in Michigan! Was Kenneth Walker III snubbed?

Then it's mailbag time! MSU's No. 1 target in the transfer portal? Is Blashill the guy to see the Red Wings win a Stanley Cup? What is the Mount Rushmore of episodes of 'The Office'?

There's only one place to get it all. 

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Tony and Jake break down a wild final weekend of regular season college football. 

Michigan State embarrassed in Columbus -- what does it mean? Overreaction? What kind of shot does Michigan have this coming weekend at home against Ohio State? We get into it all on the Michigan State of Sports! 

All good things must come to an end. Michigan fans certainly know that. 

And now, sadly, Michigan State fans do too. Purdue marched up and down the field, 40-29, over MSU on Saturday ending the Spartans' unbeaten season. The guys talk about what (if anything) this loss means, Tony's gripe with Tucker, Michigan covers the spread vs. the Hoosiers and Jake announces his new gig!

Oh, and the usual madness.

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The Spartans knock off the Wolveriines 37-33 and we have a full episode dedicated to our reactions and a complete breakdown of everything from an epic weekend in the great state of Michigan! 

Hello everybody!

Sorry the title is in all capitals, we're just really excited.

Incase you hadn't heard, ESPN's College Gameday and FOX's Big Noon Kickoff are coming to East Lansing as No. 8 MSU hosts No. 6 Michigan in possibly the biggest meeting between the two sides in the 114 year rivalry.

The one and only Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News and 97.1 The Ticket joins the program to break down the game.

Harbaugh's biggest yet? Winner vaults into the top 4? What does a loss mean for both sides?

Wow, what a week. Let's do it.

On this episode of the Michigan State of Sports we discuss why the Lions' 34-11 loss to the Bengals represents more than just one loss. We debate the likelihood of Mel Tucker taking the LSU job, and what’s at stake for both Michigan and Michigan State in the coming weeks.

On this episode of the Michigan State of Sports we take a deep dive into the impressive 6-0 starts for both Michigan and Michigan State. We also take a look at the B1G Ten as a whole - 5 top ten teams! Lastly, we commiserate with the Lions after yet another heartbreaking defeat on a walk-off field goal.

Welcome back!

It's a great show for you today with 97.1 The Ticket host Jim Costa making a wonderful guest appearance.

Detroit Tigers: Can they really contend next year?

Michigan football: Can the Wolverines finally win in Madison?

Spartan football: Fools gold or something real from Mel Tucker?

Lions: Uhhhh. Yeah.

Let's do it!

Reaction Monday! The Lions fall to 0-3 after Justin Tucker kicks an NFL record 66 - yard field goal as time expires! Michigan and Michigan State both survive close games to move to 4-0. We break it all down on this episode of the Michigan State of Sports! 

What's that good feeling you ask? It's Michigan and Michigan State both off to 3-0 starts and looking good doing so -- we react to the Spartans big win on the road against Miami and Michigan's dominating win over Northern Illinois. At this moment, who are you taking in a head-to-head matchup, State or Michigan? 

1:20 -- Jake is the worst type of person 

4:10 -- Michigan and Michigan State have both been imressive, two top 20 teams 

7:20 -- Ohio State still the favorite in the B1G, buttt... 

16:25 -- Kenneth Walker and the Spartan weapons 

18:50 -- Payton Thorne 

27:03 -- Who wins if State and Michigan play today 

31:40 -- Lions free Sunday, MNF in Green Bay! 

As always rate, review, share, subscribe! 

Welcome back ... we've missed you!

Football season is 100% in full swing with the NCAA and NFL seasons underway and quite frankly it couldn't feel better.

On this episode we explain our new format going forward: we're going back to twice a week!

Monday reactions, Thursday look-aheads with some pretty awesome guests sprinkled in between.

As always rate, review, share, subscribe.

What's up everybody -- how was that for a Week 1!?

We all know the good feelings won't last forever, so let's enjoy them while they're here.

The guys start with Michigan State's win over Northwestern. How significant is this and how much does this change things? That one guy Kenneth Walker can run the ball pretty well.

Then It was Michigan's turn for a win, but it comes at a price. What was the most impressive part of this win and how big is the loss of Ronnie Bell?

But the best part about the weekend? WEEK ONE OVER REACTIONS!

Iowa is a power. Rutgers is decent. Nebraska and Illinois are the worst.  OSU might have competition in the East.

Football is back! Let's dive in.

Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe and share!

Welcome one and all!

Really, what else is there to say other than ... football is here!

We're less than 48 hours (as of the time of this going live) from real, actual, genuine football in front of humans on planet earth in person that counts with scoreboards and wins and losses. Sorry, we're excited.

But we can't start the season without taking a look at the last of our three teams -- the Michigan Wolverines. To do that, we bring on one of the best Michigan reporters in the state, MLive's Aaron McMann.

He breaks down what to expect after a defensive overhaul, if this is really Cade McNamara's job, standouts to watch and the level of certainty around Jim Harbaugh's future.

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WHAT'S UP EVERYBODY!

We are particularly fired up to bring you this episode for a few reasons.

First, it's episode 50! Thank you so much to everybody for staying with us this long.

Second, we have a new sponsor! Thank you to Jersey Mikes -- and also, yum... Jersey MIkes! Stop by for a sub today.

Third ... football is almost here and it's time to preview Michigan State! (Starts at 5:43)

We brought on the man who knows the program better than almost anybody -- Rico Beard. 

We get into QB competition, Year 2 under Mel Tucker, faces to watch, win predictions and thanks to Rico for the white helmets.

P.S.: Apologies for the audio -- some of us are still without power, couldn't have a microphone and had to make do with what we got!

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Welcome back everybody!

The weather is ever so slightly starting to turn, football is in the air and frankly there's no better time of year.

The Lions are less than a week out from their first preseason game and just more than a month out from the season opener.

It's time to get to know this new-look Lions roster (and really the entire organization for that matter) and there's nobody better to do it with than the man who was tasked with making the pitch to Hall of Fame voters as to why Calvin Johnson is a first ballot HOFer.

That's of course Detroit Free Press beat writer Dave Birkett!

Dave dishes on everything -- the difference in this era from the past, the Calvin Johnson and Lions brass snafu, who's taken a big step forward, strengths and weaknesses and FINALLY WE GET AN ANSWER ABOUT S-O-L.

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What's up everybody -- hope you're ready for your Detroit Pistons to have the No. 1 draft pick later this week!

We know we are and couldn't think of a better way to get prepared than talking with Pistons beat writer for the Detroit Free Press, Omari Sankofa II.

Is there any chance the Pistons don't take Cade? When is it realistic to expect playoffs? What about a title? Does bacon belong on pizza?

We've got the answers to your most pressing questions.

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On this episode of the Michigan State of Sports Jake and Tony react to the Rocket Mortgage Classic held right here in Detroit at the prestigious Detroit Golf Club, as well as an expansive review at the midway point of the season for the Tigers -- the ups, downs, and everything in between, the crew touches on it ALL! 

2:20 -- Tony's experience at DGC 

7:50 -- Phil Mickelson reaction 

20:07 -- Akil Baddoo is a future superstar 

27:27 -- What to do with Jonathan Schoop

33:17 -- Pitching staff review 

44:12 -- Bring JV back to Detroit 

54:19 -- Disappointing Tigers 

57:11 -- Tony's 1/3 apology 

What's up everybody!

Brace yourselves for this FULL slappy episode as the boys are feeling it in this one.

The Pistons have the No. 1 pick. The Tigers are 25-21 in their last 26 without a healthy team. The Lions management is trending in the right direction with 4 first round picks the next two years. And the Red Wings ... well in Stevey Y we trust.

Good things are happening happening & while there's a LONG way to go, this is an episode Detroit  fans have been waiting on, so sit back & enjoy.

Oh -- Jake and Tony hung out outside of the podcast -- there's little foray into the personal lives gets us started.

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On this episode of the Michigan State of Sports Tony Paul of the Detroit News stops by and shares his thoughts on the US Open and the state of the Tigers! 

0:55 -- Time to bring it! 

1:27 -- is Jake all the way back? 

3:50 -- Tony Paul of the Detroit News 

5:25 -- Rahm gets it done 

7:15 -- Star-Studded Leaderboard 

9:30 -- Louis Oosthuizen down the stretch 

14:30 -- Tigers report card 

19:45 -- Miguel Cabrera 

28:20 -- Front Office / Prospects 

33:11 -- Time to spend? 

36:20 -- Does Avila have money to spend? 

43:35 -- Pistons Lottery 

On this episode of the Michigan State of Sports Tony and Jake discuss the horrific developments in the Bo Schembechler scandal involving years of abuse by Dr. Robert Anderson and the testimonies of former Michigan football players claiming Bo and company knew about it the entire time. On a lighter note, the crew also dives into the potential of a 12-team college football playoff expansion weighing some of the pros and cons involved. 

1:30 -- Jake's golfer's tan 

3:00 -- tip of the iceberg with Bo 

5:25 -- player testimonies 

10:50 -- statues and namesake needs to be removed 

12:35 -- where does Michigan go from here? 

17:15 -- wakeup call for the University 

25:35 -- pros cons of CFP expansion 

31:17 -- still getting the best two teams 

32:39 -- less players sitting out? 

37:24 -- Who makes CFP first - UofM or MSU? 

41:40 -- great for underdawgs? 

On this episode of the Michigan State of Sports Jake and Tony try to figure out why fan behavior has reached an all-time low and some possible solutions to prevent future disturbances. The crew also discusses the impact of Julio Jones as a Tennessee Titan and why the Titans make one of Jake's most hated teams, along with what we as Lions fan should hope for this upcoming season -- hint: it's similar to what we're witnessing with the Tigers. 

2:10 -- weekend recap 

6:45 -- fans have lost their minds 

17:12 -- craziest things we've witnessed in the stands 

22:10 -- why Jake hates the Titans 

24:16 -- other NFL chatter 

26:11 -- Tony's most hated player 

33:02 -- Teams we hated seeing win 

36:39 -- Lions season 

42:56 -- Lions who need to take a big step 

How about a little Sunday at the Ocean Course recap and an update on the state of the Detroit Tigers! The boys discuss some potential moves involving some key pieces as we inch closer to the MLB trade deadline. 

The crew covers a lot on this extended episode of the Michigan State of Sports -- mailbag questions from listeners covering everything from Lions' rookies to Michael Fulmer's role for the Tigers and everything in between! We mix in a little of our infamous on air blunders, and learn even more about both co-hosts! Also -- Ben Wallace is a Hall of Famer! Congratulations to a Detroit Legend, always 'GOIN' TO WORK! 

Show Sheet: 

4:10 -- Ben Wallace is now a Hall of Famer 

8:14 -- Ben Wallace and the 'Going to Work Pistons changed the game 

11:21 -- First Mailbag question -- Lions rookies 

18:52 -- Lions record prediction 

23:09 -- Dwayne Casey contract extension 

28:31 -- Michael Fulmer's role 

37:11 -- Jake is an idiot, was JT in Draft Day? 

44:20 -- Jake and Tony's take on living with a significant other 

50:03 -- Tony's brutal MSU basketball take relived

52:10 -- Northwestern Medill School of Journalism -- Tony and Jake break it down! 

55:20 -- Improved life skills over the pandemic? 

Enjoy! 

What's goooood folks?! The Michigan State of Sports, that's what! Welcome in for another episode as we discuss whether or not we believe Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill deserves a contract extension and the work of art Pistons GM Troy Weaver has seemingly created in just one year at the helm. Kick back and enjoy! 

1:15 -- Tony slept through Jake's big show on The Ticket 

10:03 -- Blashill hasn't had anything to work with 

10:44 -- Tyson the dog is all in on his chew toys 

17:15 -- Jake wants Blashill back because he is 'a cool guy' 

26:12 -- Tony takes us through the #s - Piston's lottery percentages 

34:00 -- Killian Hayes leading the rebuild? 

36:30 -- Is the NBA Lottery fixed? 

40:40 -- Mailbag for next week! 

Thanks for tuning in!  

What's happening MSoS family?! The NFL Draft came and went and boyyy do we LOVE some of the picks made by 1st-year-GM Brad Holmes and company. Come along as we run through one of the more satisfying weekends in recent memory for Lions fans. But wait! It can't all be good news; we start by airing even more of our grievances with arguably the worst baseball team known to mankind -- our Tigers. 

The Tigers are the WORST (3:44)

Who is to blame for Tigers? (11:09) 

The Lions made the correct pick 13:40) 

NFL teams playing poker (21:08) 

Lions second round discussion (24:16) 

Third round breakdown (31:39) 

Spielman's Fingerprints (40:46) 

Draft thoughts as a whole (46:41) 

That's all, folks! Thanks for tuning in, you guys rock, let's have an awesome week baby! 

What's up everybody!

It's a reset day for the Michigan State of Sports.

We start talking Tigers -- the offense has been the worst in baseball and it's extremely disappointing. But there have been one or two teeny tiny bright spots, Tony tries to focus on those while Jake goes "the sky is falling" like Chicken Little.

We move on to Pistons and how in a way this season has been ideal -- Rookies getting experience, veterans were sent out and a top 3 pick feels likely.

And then... the Lions. Please... PLEASE DON'T SCREW THIS UP.

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The boys run through how they anticipate the top 10 in the NFL draft playing out -- some chalkl, some surprises, and best yet -- some of the Lions' options at #7 -- play it safe, trade down, or go big! 

Rate. Review. Subscribe. Share. Get after it! 

Thanks for tuning in! 

What's up everybody!

Our favorite host Jake is back from his rejuvenating week off last week and the boys are buzzin' to be back behind the microphone.

It's a little bit of everything in this first episode back.

First, the Red Wings are actually in the news for a good reason! The fellas discuss the Anthony Mantha trade and why it feels like a good thing.

Then, the Tigers have had a blah first 10 days. Is there anything to be excited about with this team? And when is it okay to be frustrated with the young guys not producing?

Then, finally, the Masters was fantastic. Because, well duh, it's the Masters. The show ends with some reaction to the best golf weekend of the year.

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WHAT'S UP EVERYBODY!

THIS IS GOING TO BE AN ALL-CAPS EPISODE...BECAUSE IT'S OPENING DAY! AND NO IT'S NOT AN APRIL FOOLS JOKE ... 

BASEBALL IS REALLY BACK!

Alright, we will try to chill, but we're super fired up about it.

We are joined by one of the best baseball beat writers in the country, MLive's Evan Woodbery, who gives us all of his thoughts.

What difference will AJ Hinch make? What's the strength of this team? What's its biggest weakness? Who will surprise us? And lastly -- what will the Tigers' record be? We get into everybody from Casey Mize and Miguel Cabrera to Akil Badoo and Renato Nunez. 

It's the Tigers 2021 preview, only on the Michigan State of Sports.

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An opening weekend of March Madness nobody saw coming! The boys react to a wild first weekend of the tourney. 

MARCH MADNESS IS OFFICIALLY HERE!!!!!!!

It's a big week for the Big Ten, so we thought... who knows the league better than anyone?

Of course that would be Dave Revsine, the lead studio host for the Big Ten Network.

He was kind enough to join the program and say just how much he thinks the Livers injury hurts Michigan, why he thinks this Michigan State team is as hard to predict as any and which Big Ten team he thinks is most likely to cut down the nets.

Then, Jake and Tony give their best and worst case scenarios for every Big Ten team.

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Oh baby! Selection Sunday is upon us and the first look at the brackets has Jake & Tony fired up and ready to dive into all things March! 

The boys breakdown some marquee matchups, offer some way-too-early upsets and sleeper picks, and of course layout some expectations for both Michigan and Michigan State! 

As always, rate, review, and subscribe! We appreciate you tuning in! 

What's up everybody!

Welcome back, another great guest lined up for you in Box Score Sports expert -- former 97.1 The Ticket co-worker of Mr. Jake Riepma -- Kyle Beery who joins the show. He talks where he has MSU seeded, what is Michigan's outlook, who from the Big Ten does he think will make the deepest run in March ... and Gonzaga is how good!?

It's March, which means there's only time for college hoops -- so let's get it

Oh, and as always... Rate. Review. Subscribe. Share. Be great!

What's up everybody! Welcome back to one of the best times of year ... less than a week until selection Sunday!

You know Tony is fired up because MSU just beat Michigan to punch their ticket to their 23rd straight NCAA tournament, but we still have a few questions.

Is Rocket Watts really back? How concerning is Eli Brooks' injury? Is there trouble in paradise with Michigan now having lost two of three? Can MSU make a run in the tournament? Do we still like Michigan to make it to the Final Four?

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What's up ... we're back!

It's a full episode this time and it starts with college hoops.

Jake might have been right and Michigan might just go out and win the whole thing.

Tony tries to argue that Michigan State has the most intrigue of any team in America this week and then we discuss what MSU needs to do if it hopes to play in the big boy tournament in a few weeks.

Then we get into the important stuff -- jerseys. Jake goes through his extensive collection and we dive in on our favorite, and least favorite, alternate jersey's in the Michigan State of Sports landscape.

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What's up great listeners of Michigan!

Another fantastic guest for you this show -- 97.1 The Ticket show host Jeff Riger joins the pod to talk about one of his favorite topics -- Michigan hoops. Is it final four or bust? 

And then we ask him his thoughts about MSU's recent resurgence ... let's just say he has a little PTSD.

We teach him what the numbers meet on a treadmill, he enlightens us on one of his favorite shows and elaborates why he's paying off a $1500 bet 10 years later. There's only one place to get this content -- right here!

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BASEBALL IS BACK BABY!!!

Pitchers and catchers reported earlier this week and the rest of the Tigers' team is soon to follow.

So we thought we should preview the season. Is there ANYBODY better to do that with than the man who took over for ERNIE HARWELL as the voice of the Detroit Tigers? 

Of course not -- the man is an absolute encyclopedia and NOBODY knows this organization better.

And you're going to have to PUT UP WITH ALL THESE CAPS BECAUSE WE ARE JACKED UP.

We talk the new coaching staff, what are the expectations for Mize and Skubal, how the pitching staff will be handled as a whole, who could surprise us this season, will Riley Greene and Spencer Torkleson debut this season and the over/under is set at 72 wins... is Dan taking the over?

Only one way to find out!

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Welcome back on a Tuesday!

You're snowed under and your power might be out because of the recent huge snowstorm.

What better way to spend your day than with the latest 'Michigan State of Sports'?

On this episode we discuss the Blake Griffin departure. Will he get traded or bought out? What does this mean for the franchise?

And now that Stafford and Griffin are gone -- the two most well known players on each of their respective teams -- who is the next face of Detroit sports?

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Welcome back!

We missed you all on Monday and thank you for sticking with us. We've got a fun one for you today.

First, we discuss the state of college basketball in our great state. What's more likely, Michigan making the final four or MSU missing the tournament? Or both? We get into the ceilings and floors for both teams as they prepare for the final month of what has been a unique season. (5:35)

Then, it's the time you've all been waiting for. We've both made some terrible takes and will surely do so again in the future. But up to this point, what are the worst takes we've both ever made? We provide you a top five list to laugh at our misery. (37:00)

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Welcome back to the Michigan State of Sports!

It's been a wild ride in Lions land with all the news the last few weeks, but we get into the biggest news of all on this episode.

The face of the franchise is no longer. What does it mean for the Lions, who won the trade, can we be happy for both sides and how do we feel now that Holmes has made his first move as GM? (4:45)

Plus -- it's a Monday mailbag! You've got questions, we've got answers. (24:00)

Welcome back!

The Lions continue to do positive things. That's not normal. So we talk about that. (3:36)

Meanwhile, the two best programs/organizations in this state (Michigan and Michigan State hoops) can't catch a break. (19:40)

And lastly -- GET YOUR BETS IN. All aboard the gambling express. (31:00)

So, did we miss anything in Lions land this week?

New GM --> Brad Holmes.

New Coach --> Dan Campbell

New OC --> Anthony Lynn

New DC --> Aaron Glenn

That's a whole lot for our guest, MLive's Ben Raven, to break down but he does it anyway. Enjoy a 100% Lions pod!

** This was recorded Sunday morning, one hour prior to the announcement of John Dorsey joining the front office**

None of our teams are championship caliber right now -- maybe with the exception of the college basketball programs.

But some day, they will be. 

Which team will win the next championship and who is the furthest away? We rank the teams 1-8 in order of when they will each next win a title.

Then, on the heels of Drew Brees likely retiring, we discussed which departures from our sports teams hurt us the most.

Welcome back Michigan State of Sportsers!

We've got a great two part show for you this time.

First, Dennis Fithian joins the program in part one and gives all of his thoughts on Michigan basketball and football. (5:10)

And then, it wouldn't be Lions offseason if we weren't doing mock drafts! We discuss a few names we're hearing being pegged to the Lions early on and then make our first picks -- as of RIGHT NOW, who  would want to draft? (31:09)

Welcome back and happy Monday! We've got some developments on who is in charge of two of our three football teams.

Jim Harbaugh's extension is finalized. What, if anything, does that say about the state of the Michigan football program? (8:25)

And the Lions search for a general manager and coach rolls on. What are they doing this time that's different than 2016? Is that a good thing? And who, if anybody, is separating himself in the search for either position? (29:15)

Find out now, on The Michigan State of Sports!

Hoops szn. Speculation szn. Apology tour szn. It don't matter, LeBron in 4.

But seriously, it's a packed episode.

First topic, Michigan's red hot start led by the front runner for Freshman of the Year (6:10). We may owe some apologies.

Next, don't sleep on those boys in East Lansing or their head man, who is GOING to figure this out (21:00).

Then, we get some stuff off of our chest -- the 2021 sports topics we're already annoyed with one week into the year (30:00).

Last, some scary and sad news for Detroit Pistons fans and one of the (hopefully) future faces of this franchise. (44:35)

Loaded show to open up 2021, starting with the introduction of our new co-host!! (1:38)

After getting to know the man behind the mic, we dive into the most appealing Lions GM candidate yet. (22:00)

Then, we wrap up with Jim Harbaugh's reported new contract extension at Michigan. (41:15)

It's a new year, so it's time to make all our 2021 dreams come true. On this episode we go through my No. 1 wish for every single Michigan-related sports team. But first WE HAVE A NEW CO-HOST COMING IN 2021. 

 The announcement of who will join Tony Garcia as the co-host going forward of TMSOS! (1:15)

As far as the rest of the pod ...

Lions: GM, coach and ... quarterback!? (5:15)

Michigan Football: Trying to find one position that's been missing for almost 20 years. (11:39)

Michigan State football: All I (want to) do is win, win, win no matter what. (18:02)

Pistons: Stop the Count! Or at least stop the wins. (23:49)

Michigan basketball: Fab 6? (26:30)

Michigan State basketball: Kumbaya, my lord. (30:15)

Tigers: Let the kids play! (33:50)

Red Wings: The NHL owes us one ... and I do mean ONE! (40:55)