Sports

John U. Bacon talks U of M football's spring game and why he's done predicting March Madness

Michigan Public | By Stateside Staff

Published April 2, 2015 at 3:43 PM EDT

Listen to our conversation with John U. Bacon

There hasn't been a whole lot for Wolverine fans to cheer about lately.

But, amidst all the buzz about MichiganState University and the Final Four, Michigan Radio sports commentator John U. Bacon says there's something for the Maize and Blue to be excited for.

"The spring game this year for the first time since 2000 is going to be an actual game," says Bacon.

The game splits Michigan's team up into two with a draft amongst the coaches to choose each side.

Bacon says according to an unnamed source, Alex Malzone, an incoming freshman from Brother Rice, was the first quarterback drafted.

But Malzone will have tough competition for the quarterback position. Head coach Harbaugh has also added another quarterback, Jake Rudock, a fifth-year transfer student from Iowa, to next year's lineup.

"Clearly the job is up for grabs," Bacon says of the position next year.

NCAA Basketball Final Four

"I'm done predicting this thing because Michigan State's got no business being there, but they're still there," Bacon says.

While Bacon points out that Michigan State has been beaten a total of three times between the remaining Duke and Wisconsin, he says MSU's chemistry is unbelievable.

Longtime equipment manager for Michigan State, Dave Pruder, has told Bacon that in his 20 years of experience he has never seen a team with better chemistry.

"This team has got some talent and they are well-coached obviously, but this team, if they win it, will win it on emotion," Bacon says.

The Spartans have been an underdog since they won their first game, and Bacon says, "They like it when you bet against them it seems like, and they're getting used to that."

Bacon describes their chemistry and teamwork as almost palpable, saying it's noticeable even when watching on TV during their huddle and how they interact with each other off the court.

"This team has got a lot of love going for it and if they win it that's why. Seventh-seeded teams don't win this thing very often. But their chances right now, honestly, about as good as anybody's," Bacon says.