John L. Smith, Leader of the Michigan State Implosion Squad

Following their game with Notre Dame last week, a few Michigan State players stood near the 50-yard-line, guarding it from a possible revenge flag planting attempt by the Irish. But with the Notre Dame players too busy singing the Alma Mater with students in a far corner of the stadium, nothing came to pass.

But this week, the post-game was far more juicy. Michigan State continued its annual collapse against hapless Illinois on Saturday and after the game, Illinois players ran to the 50 with their flag in tow and attempted to stake their claim. A fracas ensued, resulting in MSU protecting their 50-yard-line only slightly better than the end zone.

Michigan State coach, John L. Smith, discussed the incident in his post-game press conference, essentially blowing things off with the “boys will be boys” excuse. But as he was walking off the podium, Smith, who is the Peter Principle personified, slapped himself in the face – literally (Youtube below).

This was likely a parting shot at Charlie Weis, who claimed that a Spartan may have slapped him in last week’s sideline fracas. But If Smith is going to make gratuitous references to previous week’s events, perhaps this gesture to the right is more appropriate.

In any case, check out SportsbyBrooks today for my most recent update, which features some of the following nuggets:

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John L. Smith, leader of the Michigan State Implosion Squad:

Robin Van Persie Made Me Weak in the Knees

The Mighty Arsenal defeated Charlton United yesterday courtesy of a brilliant brace from Robin Van Persie. His brilliance overshadowed what can only be described as a curious mixture of the sublime and the ugly that could have easily been 2-2 as 1-6. As it happens, thanks in part to van Persie and Charlton’s own ineptitude, it was neither and the great Arsene was able to celebrate 10 years in charge with a win to haul the lads out of the mid-table ruck.

As you can see here, the Dutchman’s strike was technical perfection. Van Persie, arriving like a man late for work, had two options: manage a speculative header or go for the impossible by bringing the ball under control with a shoulder-high volley from short range. He went for the impossible and Scott Carson had no chance.

To hit the ball that cleanly with that pace while flying through the air like Carl Lewis is an incredible skill, but to do so with such a supreme measure of accuracy and level of control is positively sublime.