Dec. 06--Michigan State is a non-entitled team, the kind that will play anytime, anywhere. So no surprise that the Spartans are ready for whatever playoff matchup is in store.
"Just as long as we're in and have an opportunity," center Jack Allen said.
Defensive lineman Demetrius Cooper: "Either way we have to go out there and ball."
Linebacker Riley Bullough: "Whatever happens, happens."
And then, after being egged on by a reporter, Bullough said: "But if I had to choose, I'd rather go to Miami."
The Orange and Cotton bowls will host the Dec. 31 semifinal playoff games.
The selection committee will reveal its rankings and matchups about 11:30 a.m. Sunday on ESPN.
I expect it to go like this: 1-Clemson; 2-Alabama; 3-Michigan State; 4-Oklahoma.
The Sooners were ranked higher than the Spartans last week, but Michigan State should get a boost from beating formerly 12-0 Iowa. The Spartans also had high-end victories over Oregon, Michigan and Ohio State.
If Clemson is the top seed, it will get sent to Florida. So the 2 vs. 3 game would be played in Dallas.
"This means everything," Bullough said after the Spartans' dramatic 16-13 victory over Iowa. "We achieved the first part of our goal, to win the Big Ten championship. Now we'll reach higher. Win the playoff."
tgreenstein@tribpub.com
