Saturday's Michigan State-Notre Dame game wasn't five minutes old when I got my third voicemail message from a frustrated Spartan fan angry about his team's 40-37 loss.

He said a few choice words about coach John L. Smith and several MSU players, more than few more that I didn't understand because of his inebriated state, then signed off by saying, "Typical Spartans."

Unfortunately, that's the perception of Michigan State these days. A bumbling, mistake-prone group of outcasts with the talent to beat some of the nation's top teams, but not the heart or guile.

Saturday was memorable in many respects. Bubba Smith had his No. 95 jersey retired, many of his former teammates were on hand to celebrate the 40-year anniversary of "The Game of the Century," and 80,193 fans jammed into Spartan Stadium and sat through swirling winds and sideways rain to watch a game that captivated most of the nation.

But from MSU's standpoint, the night was eminently forgettable. The Spartans squandered a 16-point fourth-quarter with three turnovers in the final 6:10, and once again woke up Sunday with questions of how and why.

No matter whose feet you place the blame at - Smith for allowing MSU to get too conservative late, quarterback Drew Stanton for his turnovers, the offensive line for its rash of penalties - the reality is the Spartans are once again a fragile bunch approaching the crossroads of their season.

Last year, they started 4-0 but stinging losses to Michigan and Ohio State began a downward spiral that ended with six defeats in seven games. Next week is a chance to get healthy against Illinois, and MSU better take full advantage or it will be looking at a third straight year without a bowl bid - enough to make perception reality.

Pass, punt and kick

Pass: There are 19 undefeated teams left in Division I, including Purdue, which opened Big Ten play with a 27-21 win over Minnesota. The Boilermakers are well on their way to the postseason - they don't play Michigan or Ohio State this year - and things could get interesting if they win at Notre Dame next week.

Punt: Rather than pick on Northwestern or Indiana or Illinois again - easy targets all - how about Penn State's offense? (I think that's what it's called.) Six points and three turnovers Saturday against Ohio State, and stud sophomore Derrick Williams gets four touches? At least running back Tony Hunt (24 carries, 135 yards) looks like his old self again.

Kick: The big game next week pits the top-ranked Buckeyes against undefeated Iowa in a night game in Iowa City. Kinnick Stadium will be rocking, and the Hawkeyes might just stand the best chance of knocking off Ohio State this year. Troy Smith looked mostly human last week, and Iowa's Albert Young is just starting to catch stride.