So the first-time-back-to-being-decent-in four years-Wolverines, not Sparty, end up playing in a BCS bowl game.

FORBES: Michigan State Is Bowled Over Again By The BCS

Well if Sparty was bowled over last year, this year is worse.

FORBES: Michigan State Is Bowled Over Again By The BCS

In head-to-head competition this season, Sparty beat Michigan, end of story.

FORBES: Michigan State Is Bowled Over Again By The BCS

First, Sparty had Wisconsin beat in the championship game for the second time this season until a questionable strategy was employed to try to block the last Badger punt.

FORBES: Michigan State Is Bowled Over Again By The BCS

Fairness screams for Sparty to be there too.

FORBES: Michigan State Is Already Bowled Over By The BCS

Sparty cannot take its ball and go home.

FORBES: Michigan State Is Bowled Over Again By The BCS

Among the highest scoring: the University of Georgia Bulldogs' Hairy Dawg, Michigan State University's Sparty (as in Spartan) and the University of Minnesota's Goldy the Gopher, who is hugely popular with local fans despite looking like a squirrel.

FORBES: Magazine Article

And if we consider that Michigan State, affectionately known as Sparty, also beat Wisconsin in October, your common sense would surely tell you Sparty would get the affectionate nod as the second team to play in a BCS bowl game.

FORBES: Michigan State Is Bowled Over Again By The BCS