Burning questions for MSU football, Big Ten roundup: Iowa pretty in pink
Dave Dye of the Detroit News tries to answer some of the burning questions that MSU fans have coming into the season including who will be replacing Dave Rayner as placekicker.
Q. How does Michigan State replace Dave Rayner, the team’s career leader in scoring, field goals and extra points?
A: The heir apparent, junior-college transfer John Goss, has struggled at times to keep the job ahead of Kyle Mayer, a third-year walk-on.
In fact, Mayer surpassed Goss at one point recently, according to coach John L. Smith. That speaks highly of Mayer, but also suggests that the Spartans could take a significant step back when it comes to this aspect of their special teams.
It’s hard to imagine Mayer seriously pushing Goss for the job.
Also, Iowa is seeing pink in this week’s installment of the Detroit News’ Big Ten roundup.
One of the stranger traditions in Big Ten football lives on in the visiting locker room at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The renovated locker room still is the same color — pink.
It’s officially called “Dusty Rose,” according to Jane Meyer, associate athletic director.
This is an old psychological ploy started by former coach Hayden Fry. He believed the color would make opposing less aggressive.
If nothing else, it’s certainly annoying. Former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler used to have the walls covered with paper before his team entered the locker room.