Tribune college football reporter Teddy Greenstein offers his take on the predicament of Michigan State coach John L. Smith.
They sign the “Fire John L. Smith” online petition using names such as Woodrow Hayes, Bono and Lloyd Carr.
But many of the comments are real. There’s this one: “For the first time in my life, I am embarrassed to be a Spartan.”
And this: “He is a high school coach at best. Go get Steve Mariuchi (sic) and begin to build a program.”
Smith became an easy target after his team, still undefeated, gagged away a 37-21 fourth-quarter lead against Notre Dame. A week later the Spartans treated Illinois to its first Big Ten victory since 2004. And it came during Michigan State’s homecoming.
So suffice it to say Smith needs a friend. And a victory.
But it can’t possibly come Saturday at sixth-ranked Michigan, can it? The Spartans’ mental health is the least of their problems. Speedy tailback Javon Ringer is out after tearing a ligament in his right knee. And Michigan State’s offensive line has been so erratic, quarterback Drew Stanton left the Illini game with sore ribs.
Stanton will give it a go Saturday, but it won’t be enough. Call it Michigan 31, Michigan State 13. Next time you check that petition, you might even find Bo Schembechler’s name.
