ESPN’s ‘College Gameday’: Live Updates, Best Signs From Michigan At Michigan State

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Written By Danny Lawhon on October 30, 2021
College Gameday ESPN October 2021

Please rewrite the following sentence:<br><br>”I am sorry, but I cannot attend the meeting tomorrow due to a prior commitment.”

On Saturday, ESPN’s “College GameDay” aired from East Lansing for the ninth time, marking its first visit since 2015. The focus of this episode was the much-anticipated clash between the highly-ranked Michigan and Michigan State football teams, the most significant encounter between these two teams since 1964.

At noon on Fox, the eighth-ranked 7-0 Spartans played host to the No. 6 Wolverines, also undefeated at 7-0. However, despite this exciting matchup, ESPN chose to highlight the vibrant pregame festivities in the Great Lakes State, marking the start of Week 9 in the 2021 college football season.

During the three-hour telecast that started at 9 a.m. and ended just past noon, Danny Lawhon from Playinmichigan shared his live thoughts. It’s highly likely that most people in the state changed channels since watching Iowa at Wisconsin was not what they were interested in.

Enjoy reliving the morning in just a few minutes as updates are neatly organized in reverse chronological order.

If you’re unfamiliar with Michigan sports betting, make sure to take a look at our linked summary or utilize the live odds widget below to place your bets and sign up!

Michigan at Michigan State: Best Live NCAA Odds

Noon — The moment of truth

These are the selections for the Michigan-Michigan State game.

Desmond Howard credits Michigan’s defense for making the difference.

According to Kirk Herbstreit, the introduction of maize pants by Michigan had a significant impact on him. However, he believes that Cade McNamara’s outstanding performance will be the deciding factor in Michigan’s success.

Ken Jeong believes that this is Mel Tucker’s year to truly shine. With the added benefit of playing on home turf, the advantage is just too great for Michigan State.

Despite the electrifying atmosphere and enthusiastic fans, Lee Corso acknowledges that he would be deemed insane for selecting Michigan (the broadcast team relocated inside the stadium for the remaining 45 minutes). However, he confidently declares his choice: Michigan.

11:50 a.m. — It’s time for picks

Today’s celebrity is Ken Jeong, a Detroit native who transitioned from being a doctor to becoming a successful comedian and actor.

The initial segment is known as the SuperDog picks, during which the panelists choose an underdog that they believe will emerge victorious without any doubt.

  • Corso predicts that Virginia Tech, with a +4 point advantage, will prevail over Georgia Tech.
  • According to Herbstreit, he is favoring Miami with a 9.5 point advantage over Pittsburgh.
  • Howard predicts that Florida State will beat Clemson with a 9.5 point advantage.
  • I think Michigan State (+4) will come out on top against Michigan, according to David Pollack.
  • I predict that UCLA will cover the spread of 6.5 points against Utah.

The remaining selections apart from GameDay picks:

  • Notre Dame emerges victorious with a resounding 4-0 win against UNC.
  • SMU comes out on top against Houston with a score of 3-1, although Herbstreit has a different opinion.
  • Jeong secures a 3-1 victory for San Diego State against Fresno State.
  • Baylor defeats Texas with a score of 3-1, led by Jeong.
  • Georgia emerged victorious over Florida with a score of 4-0.
  • Ole Miss dominates Auburn with a score of 4-0.
  • Wisconsin triumphs over Iowa with a score of 3-1, according to Herbstreit.
  • The UCLA-Utah match ended with a score of 3-1 in favor of UCLA, with Howard scoring for the team.
  • The score of the Penn State-Ohio State game is 3-0 in favor of Ohio State. Herbstreit, who is commentating for ABC, has not made a prediction.

11:42 a.m.

When the day arrives for the recognition of the Lee Corso F-bomb incident, Aidan Hutchinson also slips a couple of live curses on air. Although social media will undoubtedly provide assistance, we won’t share the unedited version live, as it will be lacking the necessary bleeps.

After the GameDay team briefly mentioned it, Chris Fallica (The Bear) confidently predicts that Michigan State will pull off a surprise victory against the spread.

11:38 a.m.

Our lead writer, Matt Schoch, is sharing his observations on the latest betting trends that have caught his attention at the last minute.

11:33 a.m.

11:22 a.m. — Michigan’s ‘Thunder and Lightning’ at running back

Desmond Howard joined forces with Michigan running backs Hassan “H2” Haskins and Blake Corum to dissect their formidable dual running strategy. Here are a few notable excerpts:

“We, as running backs, absolutely adore it when Michigan focuses on enhancing its ground-game strengths. It’s constantly on our minds, and we relish every opportunity we get.”

Haskins commented on Corum, saying, “At times, you just need to exercise some patience and allow a gap to form… And I must say, he has definitely progressed.”

Corum commented on Jim Harbaugh, saying, “During practice, there are times when he takes off his shirt and reveals a noticeable six-pack. I must say, it looks impressive. It’s evident that our coach has been putting in the work at the gym.”

Corum discusses running backs to model after, mentioning the legendary Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions. Sanders was known for his remarkable ability to evade tackles and his mind-blowing cuts.

When asked the same question, Haskins responded with Adrian Peterson.

11:15 a.m. — Big brother, little brother?

Gene Wojciechowski of ESPN wrote an engaging piece that explores the common trope of the big-brother-little-brother dynamic when schools face off against their in-state rivals with the “State” label.

In 2007, Mike Hart made a remark about a strategy where you deliberately get your younger sibling excited, allowing them to take the lead, only to eventually reclaim it for yourself.

Then-coach Mark Dantonio responded with an infamous retort, stating, “If they choose to mock us, I want to remind them that this is only the beginning. Let’s not forget that pride precedes a downfall.”

Afterward, Michigan State emerged victorious in seven out of the following eight encounters in the rivalry, as well as eight out of the subsequent ten.

In 2018, the Wolverines secured a significant win that once again sparked the discussion of Michigan’s dominance over their rivals. This time, it was Chase Vinovich, a defensive lineman for Michigan, who boldly stated, “Occasionally, our younger counterpart misbehaves, and it becomes necessary to remind them of their place.”

Connor Heyward, the current tight end for the Spartans, succinctly expressed the significance of each year: “Our ultimate goal is to feel secure in our community. It all boils down to that. Who wouldn’t want the satisfaction of having the bragging rights?”

11:10 a.m.

11 a.m. — Jalen Watts-Jackson recounts the craziest Michigan-Michigan State ending ever

The game that took place in 2015 between these two schools will be remembered in the modern era of the Internet for eternity. A fumble and punt on the final play led to Michigan State recovering the ball and Jalen Watts-Jackson running for a touchdown, leaving everyone in shock and awe. This incredible moment also gave birth to the iconic Surrender Cobra meme.

College GameDay invited Watts-Jackson to discuss the play.

Reflecting on the events of 2015, I recall the moment when I managed to overcome a major obstacle. As I pushed forward, the first thing that caught my attention was the ball. Instantly, my instinct was to reach the boundaries of the field. Surrounded by a sea of white jerseys, I spotted a lone individual wearing blue. At that precise moment, my determination surged, and my sole focus became reaching the end zone. The subsequent events that unfolded have now become an integral part of history.

Regarding the dogpile that ensues: “Oh, I must say, when individuals envision dogpiles in sports like basketball, it appears quite enjoyable, especially when it involves small teams. However, when an entire football team engages in it, I kindly request everyone to refrain from joining them. Yes, please, stay away from those boys.”

Regarding today’s game, I believe the Spartans will dominate their opponents and we will have a great time in East Lansing tonight. However, it is worth mentioning that Jim Harbaugh is wearing receiver gloves for some unknown reason, so the outcome is uncertain.

When it comes to Michigan, the motto is always “Go Green,” not “Go Blue.”

ESPN’s ‘College Gameday’: Live Updates, Best Signs From Michigan At Michigan State 2

10:50 a.m.

The GameDay sign game never fails to rib both teams in every big game, but today the digs aimed at the Wolverines appear to have struck a deeper chord.

10:42 a.m. — 10th anniversary of “Aw, f*** it!”

In November 2011, Lee Corso had a memorable blunder on GameDay, making him widely known for it. Both Herbstreit and then-host Chris Fowler were surprised by what they heard and shared their thoughts on it. The guest picker for a game between Houston and SMU was none other than Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis.

If you haven’t already witnessed this spectacle fifty times, prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience. And for those who have, get ready to relish it once more.

ESPN’s ‘College Gameday’: Live Updates, Best Signs From Michigan At Michigan State 3

10:39 a.m. — The Bear’s Board is complete

  • The Colorado State Rams are considered the underdogs in their upcoming match against Boise State with a point spread of -2.5. However, there is speculation that the Rams might pull off an unexpected victory, as a bear supports their chances of an upset.
  • Purdue is given a 7.5-point advantage against Nebraska, but Bear predicts that the Huskers will come out on top.
  • Bear predicts that the favored Cyclones will win by 7.5 points against West Virginia.

10:15 a.m. — The Payton Thorne-Jayden Reed connection

During the midpoint of the show, College GameDay typically crafts a heartfelt narrative or highlights a local aspect. In the case of Michigan State, the focus was on the profound bond between quarterback Payton Thorne and wide receiver Jayden Reed. These two individuals have been teammates since their middle school days and hold the record for the highest combined career receiving yards among any active Big Ten duo participating in this game.

ESPN reporter Jen Lada crafted a concise and well-organized 3-minute feature, showcasing the most captivating moments.

Reed believes that true friendship involves the ability to engage in difficult conversations. He explains that sometimes they may confront each other directly, as they possess the freedom to express thoughts that others cannot.

After Reed’s father passed away in 2015, Thorne’s family stepped up to provide him with additional support. According to Thorne, their relationship goes beyond friendship; they are more like family, akin to brothers.

It’s undeniable that the most challenging discussion often revolves around the basketball GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. This topic never fails to spark heated arguments that can easily last for several minutes.

The video has been updated.

9:57 a.m. — Tom Izzo holds court on College GameDay stage

Tom Izzo, the renowned basketball coach of Michigan State, made a brief appearance on the program, sharing valuable insights in just a few minutes.

Izzo praises Mel Tucker for bringing a tremendous amount of energy and living in close proximity to him. They have frequent conversations, strengthening their bond. While Izzo had a great relationship with Mark Dantonio, he believes Tucker is the perfect fit for the team. Having worked under Nick Saban and then transitioning to Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and the professional level, Tucker possesses a unique combination of professional expertise and the passionate enthusiasm typically found in college coaches.

Izzo reflects on the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry, stating that a true rivalry only exists when both teams are strong. He acknowledges that this particular game holds a special significance, considering his 37-year tenure at the university.

Izzo reveals his surprising favorite sport, stating, “Football encompasses the most valuable life lessons compared to all sports, even basketball, which is why I have a deep affection for it.”

Herbstreit inquires about Tom Izzo’s level of passion, to which Izzo responds by pointing towards the GameDay crowd and stating, “The passion is right here. Look at all these people. … It’s a bit unexpected that the ‘tough guys’ aren’t wearing coats like you and Des …”

Herbstreit goes for a quick run and accidentally collides with Izzo.

“…and you guys who play football are wearing coats. I expected Desmond to be a bit more sensitive, but I didn’t anticipate the same from Kirk.”

“Coach (Corso), what a phenomenal day it was! Absolutely incredible!”

“And, of course, his unexpected forecast was, ‘Spartans will win with a score of 27-20. Surprise!'”

9:50 a.m.

Both sides of the sign were adorned with an incredibly impressive display. The quartet below was truly outstanding and among the finest.

9:39 a.m. — The College Football Playoff talk is bubbling

The initial College Football Playoff rankings are set to be revealed on Tuesday evening. It is highly likely that either Michigan or Michigan State, but not both, will secure a spot in the top 10, depending on the outcome of today’s game. However, there was an intriguing discussion brewing amongst the GameDay analysts regarding Oregon and Ohio State.

Earlier this year, the Ducks triumphed over the Buckeyes in Columbus, yet they find themselves trailing Ohio State in nearly all human polls.

There’s an intriguing belief circulating that the Buckeyes deserve a higher ranking at the moment. However, if we consider a scenario where the Pac-12 Conference champion Oregon and the Big Ten Conference champion Ohio State both have one loss, the dynamics might shift. It was actually Herbstreit who brought up this possibility.

Interesting.

9:28 a.m. — The Bear’s Big Board

Chris Fallica, the ESPN producer and GameDay mini-czar, fondly referred to as “The Bear,” expressed his enthusiasm for sports gambling due to its widespread acceptance and legal status in numerous states. Today, he has chosen three games to spotlight.

  • The point spread for the Boise State vs. Colorado State game is Boise State favored by 2.5 points.
  • Nebraska is the favored team with a 7.5-point spread against Purdue.
  • West Virginia is the underdog with a spread of +7.5 against Iowa State.

As his other picks are revealed today, we will revisit them later.

9:21 a.m. — Mel Tucker joins the show

Here are a few standout moments shared by Michigan State coach Mel Tucker:

Our roster isn’t just a collection of players; it’s a true football team.

The concept of marginal gains emphasizes the collective improvement of individuals on a daily basis.

His biggest mentor is none other than legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban, who was, of course, in East Lansing during the 20th century.

“We discuss the importance of not only being prepared, but also being ready to handle pressure. And now, we’re going to fully embrace the moment and unleash our potential.”

And here’s the true gem: “… Yeah, I have a strong dislike for Michigan. That school nearby.”

9:15 a.m.

9:10 a.m.

I was not familiar with the Paul Bunyan Trophy until this week, but I had heard of The Game and I absolutely love it. It has a charming and distinctive quality that is a little cheesy but also very special.

9:07 a.m.

Let’s check out some impressive stats: Kenneth Walker III from Michigan State is currently leading FBS with an outstanding average of 142 rushing yards per game this season. Additionally, he holds the top spot nationally for yards gained after contact, showcasing his incredible skills. On the other hand, Aidan Hutchinson, representing Michigan, has been dominating FBS in pressure percentage, with an impressive success rate of nearly 20% on his attempts. This is truly remarkable, and I must admit, I was unaware of this fact.

9:05 a.m.

As Gameday host Rece Davis mentions Michigan great and 1991 Heisman trophy winner Desmond Howard, he purposefully inserts brief pauses, accompanied by a smile. However, the reaction from the Spartans fans is a chorus of boos.

One interesting tidbit shared by Lee Corso: Out of the last four matchups where both teams were ranked in the top 10, Michigan State emerged victorious in three of them.

Kirk Herbstreit directs his criticism towards Desmond Howard, urging everyone to focus their anger on him, positioned on the right side of this set.

9:03 a.m. — You knew 2015 would be coming up

I won’t provide any further information. Simply post the tweet and paste the link again.

ESPN’s ‘College Gameday’: Live Updates, Best Signs From Michigan At Michigan State 2

9:02 a.m. — Everyone unites against the Buckeyes

I’ll simply leave this here, hoping it brings joy to all.

9:01 a.m. — Taylor Lewan makes his feelings known

During his news conference in Nashville this week, Taylor Lewan, the offensive lineman for the Tennessee Titans (and a former Wolverine), expressed his intense rivalry emotions by making a statement that pushed the intensity to the maximum level. In addition to various other remarks…

“I won’t utter the F word, but… (pause) Michigan State,” he stated.

After a brief pause, the speaker exclaims, “Alright!”

8:52 a.m.

During a brief SportsCenter segment, ESPN betting analyst Joe Fortenbaugh shared his insights on the Michigan-Michigan State game. He mentioned that Michigan State’s defense has shown improvement, while Michigan heavily relies on their running game, ranking 11th in rushing yards among all Football Bowl Subdivision teams but only 100th in tempo. Taking these factors into account, Fortenbaugh believes that the total points scored in the game will be below 50.5, making the under a favorable betting option.

He had four other top bets for the day.

  • The predicted score for the No. 1 Georgia vs. Florida game in Jacksonville is expected to be more than 51 points.
  • Auburn, ranked 18th, is favored by 3 points against Ole Miss, ranked 10th.
  • Penn State, ranked 20th, falls short of Ohio State, ranked 5th, with a score below 61.
  • The point spread for the North Carolina vs. No. 11 Notre Dame game is +3.5 in favor of North Carolina.

8:47 a.m.

Lee Corso and his helmet gag never fails to entertain, even after seeing it multiple times in person. It’s truly one of the memorable highlights of this show. He continues to be a valuable asset.

8:38 a.m.

This show is often seen as a rare space where people can playfully tease each other, and most people understand that it’s all in good fun. Kirk Herbstreit, the host of GameDay, was asked to discuss his alma mater, Ohio State, who will be facing Penn State on Saturday night. He made sure to announce to the gathering crowd that he would be talking about the Buckeyes.

He received boos from everyone, and he delighted in them.

8:34 a.m. — The College Gameday signs are already out in full force

Even before showtime officially begins, there are already indications of a few remarkable discoveries.

Even before the official start of the show, they’re already playfully teasing Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and Michigan State coach Mel Tucker.

Please rewrite your statement.

Could you please rewrite the sentence you would like me to revise?

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