Graham Couch
@grahamcouch.bsky.social
Lansing State Journal columnist, sports and otherwise (a lot of Michigan State football and MSU basketball). Co-host of the Couch and The Rube podcast three days a week.
Here's a 3 quick takes column on Michigan State women's basketball's painful and potentially costly defeat at Michigan on Sunday, and what's ahead for the Spartans.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
Couch: 3 quick takes on MSU women's basketball's painful defeat at Michigan and what's ahead for the Spartans
A look at what went wrong for the Spartans at Michigan on Sunday, and the potential ramifications of a couple painful injuries, one of them scary.
www.lansingstatejournal.com
February 16, 2026 at 5:06 AM
Here's a 3 quick takes column on Michigan State women's basketball's painful and potentially costly defeat at Michigan on Sunday, and what's ahead for the Spartans.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
🚨 🎙️Couch and The Rube listeners: We'll begin our Monday show with our takes.
We want your best take, too — and maybe a bonus or baked take — on MSU basketball, the Big Ten, bad bets, life, love, anything.
Reply 10 a.m. or email [email protected]
We want your best take, too — and maybe a bonus or baked take — on MSU basketball, the Big Ten, bad bets, life, love, anything.
Reply 10 a.m. or email [email protected]
February 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM
🚨 🎙️Couch and The Rube listeners: We'll begin our Monday show with our takes.
We want your best take, too — and maybe a bonus or baked take — on MSU basketball, the Big Ten, bad bets, life, love, anything.
Reply 10 a.m. or email [email protected]
We want your best take, too — and maybe a bonus or baked take — on MSU basketball, the Big Ten, bad bets, life, love, anything.
Reply 10 a.m. or email [email protected]
Losing at Wisconsin isn't that big of a deal. The bigger issue for Michigan State basketball is that no team with the Spartans' offensive profile has won the national title in the modern era. And MSU hasn't been good enough offensively since 2020.
Column.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
Column.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
Couch: Unless something changes, Michigan State basketball's offensive limitations will be an insurmountable hurdle
Losing to Wisconsin isn't a big deal. The bigger problem for the Spartans is that nobody with an offense as inefficient as theirs has won it all.
www.lansingstatejournal.com
February 14, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Losing at Wisconsin isn't that big of a deal. The bigger issue for Michigan State basketball is that no team with the Spartans' offensive profile has won the national title in the modern era. And MSU hasn't been good enough offensively since 2020.
Column.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
Column.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
[email protected] makes a helluva point, plus 10 more minutes of MSU basketball analysis after the Spartans were blitzed in Madison.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/videos/sport...
www.lansingstatejournal.com/videos/sport...
Talkin’ Spartans: Analyzing Michigan State basketball’s 92-71 loss at Wisconsin
Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari break down MSU’s loss to the Badgers in Madison.
www.lansingstatejournal.com
February 14, 2026 at 4:45 AM
[email protected] makes a helluva point, plus 10 more minutes of MSU basketball analysis after the Spartans were blitzed in Madison.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/videos/sport...
www.lansingstatejournal.com/videos/sport...
Michigan State basketball gets blitzed by the Badgers, 92-71. Here is a 3 quick takes column from Madison.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
Couch: 3 quick takes on Michigan State basketball's 92-71 loss at Wisconsin
Graham Couch breaks down the Spartans' performance in a 92-71 defeat at Wisconsin on Friday night with three quick takes.
www.lansingstatejournal.com
February 14, 2026 at 3:28 AM
Michigan State basketball gets blitzed by the Badgers, 92-71. Here is a 3 quick takes column from Madison.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
Feel. Good. Home. Game. They happen. MSU has had a few.
Tough to overcome. Have to be more efficient on offense to whether the storm. Wisconsin is a good 3-point shooting team, but unlikely to stay at this pace (10-for-16). MSU has to make sure it doesn't get any worse by HT.
Tough to overcome. Have to be more efficient on offense to whether the storm. Wisconsin is a good 3-point shooting team, but unlikely to stay at this pace (10-for-16). MSU has to make sure it doesn't get any worse by HT.
February 14, 2026 at 1:54 AM
Feel. Good. Home. Game. They happen. MSU has had a few.
Tough to overcome. Have to be more efficient on offense to whether the storm. Wisconsin is a good 3-point shooting team, but unlikely to stay at this pace (10-for-16). MSU has to make sure it doesn't get any worse by HT.
Tough to overcome. Have to be more efficient on offense to whether the storm. Wisconsin is a good 3-point shooting team, but unlikely to stay at this pace (10-for-16). MSU has to make sure it doesn't get any worse by HT.
Here's a look at Michigan State's men's basketball game at Wisconsin on Friday night — including matchup analysis, how to watch and listen, the betting line, and a prediction.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
Michigan State basketball at Wisconsin tipoff: Matchup analysis and a prediction
A look at MSU's men's basketball game at Wisconsin on Friday — including matchup analysis, how to watch and listen, the betting line and a prediction.
www.lansingstatejournal.com
February 12, 2026 at 9:24 PM
Here's a look at Michigan State's men's basketball game at Wisconsin on Friday night — including matchup analysis, how to watch and listen, the betting line, and a prediction.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
🚨🎙️📺 Thursday's Couch and The Rube — featuring a conversation on the Tigers with @codystavenhagen.bsky.social and answering questions on MSU basketball, PG options, U-M's own flagrant foul, and more — begins now.
Pod will be up when the show ends.
Watch/Listen now ⬇️ www.youtube.com/live/NDmjKVX...
Pod will be up when the show ends.
Watch/Listen now ⬇️ www.youtube.com/live/NDmjKVX...
Ep. 1113: Cody Stavenhagen on the Tigers; and Twitter questions on MSU basketball and more
YouTube video by Couch and The Rube
www.youtube.com
February 12, 2026 at 6:11 PM
🚨🎙️📺 Thursday's Couch and The Rube — featuring a conversation on the Tigers with @codystavenhagen.bsky.social and answering questions on MSU basketball, PG options, U-M's own flagrant foul, and more — begins now.
Pod will be up when the show ends.
Watch/Listen now ⬇️ www.youtube.com/live/NDmjKVX...
Pod will be up when the show ends.
Watch/Listen now ⬇️ www.youtube.com/live/NDmjKVX...
For MSU women's basketball, Wednesday night's loss to UCLA was the sort of defeat that can be motivating or discouraging, and is definitely humbling.
“All of the above.”
And a reminder of the steps still to take for MSU's program.
Column.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
“All of the above.”
And a reminder of the steps still to take for MSU's program.
Column.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
Couch: Humbling loss to UCLA a reminder of the work still ahead for Michigan State women's basketball
MSU's loss to UCLA on Wednesday was over quickly and decisively, the sort of defeat that can be motivating or discouraging and is definitely humbling.
www.lansingstatejournal.com
February 12, 2026 at 9:25 AM
For MSU women's basketball, Wednesday night's loss to UCLA was the sort of defeat that can be motivating or discouraging, and is definitely humbling.
“All of the above.”
And a reminder of the steps still to take for MSU's program.
Column.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
“All of the above.”
And a reminder of the steps still to take for MSU's program.
Column.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
Desperation tip for defending UCLA 6-7 center Lauren Betts: She's used to undersized 6-2 posts guarding her. She's not used to strong, 5-8 players disrupting her center of gravity. Seen this work at the juco men's level, where true bigs struggle against 6-4 guys with quick hands.
February 12, 2026 at 1:47 AM
Desperation tip for defending UCLA 6-7 center Lauren Betts: She's used to undersized 6-2 posts guarding her. She's not used to strong, 5-8 players disrupting her center of gravity. Seen this work at the juco men's level, where true bigs struggle against 6-4 guys with quick hands.
For a game that's streamed on Peacock, there is zero excuse for an 8 p.m. tip time midweek. Women's basketball is a family crowd. I get that it's part of the Big Ten content factory, but streaming should give you some flexibility to have 7 p.m. tip times.
February 12, 2026 at 1:32 AM
For a game that's streamed on Peacock, there is zero excuse for an 8 p.m. tip time midweek. Women's basketball is a family crowd. I get that it's part of the Big Ten content factory, but streaming should give you some flexibility to have 7 p.m. tip times.
UCLA just too much for MSU in the first quarter. Bruins lead 23-9. The Spartans need to settle in offensively. They're missing some shots they usually make. There's so much pressure to score, because it's a lot of work to get a stop.
February 12, 2026 at 1:25 AM
UCLA just too much for MSU in the first quarter. Bruins lead 23-9. The Spartans need to settle in offensively. They're missing some shots they usually make. There's so much pressure to score, because it's a lot of work to get a stop.
Here at Breslin for tonight's MSU-UCLA women's basketball game. The crowd is a little light. I know it's 8 p.m. on a Wednesday, but I would've expected a bit more for the No. 2 team in the country.
February 12, 2026 at 12:59 AM
Here at Breslin for tonight's MSU-UCLA women's basketball game. The crowd is a little light. I know it's 8 p.m. on a Wednesday, but I would've expected a bit more for the No. 2 team in the country.
🎙️❓We’ll answer your questions as part of our THURSDAY AFTERNOON show.
Have one (no more than two)?
Reply by 10 a.m. Thursday or email [email protected].
Have one (no more than two)?
Reply by 10 a.m. Thursday or email [email protected].
February 11, 2026 at 11:35 PM
🎙️❓We’ll answer your questions as part of our THURSDAY AFTERNOON show.
Have one (no more than two)?
Reply by 10 a.m. Thursday or email [email protected].
Have one (no more than two)?
Reply by 10 a.m. Thursday or email [email protected].
🎙️NEW SPARTAN SPEAK POD: @chrissolari.bsky.social and I discuss where this MSU men's basketball team is headed and the teams in the Big Ten title race. Plus, a massive week for the MSU women's basketball team.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts or ⬇️
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
Listen wherever you get your podcasts or ⬇️
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
Where is this MSU basketball team headed? | Spartan Speak podcast
On this week's podcast, Graham and Chris discuss MSU men's place in the Big Ten standings and what to expect going forward. Plus, women's hoops talk.
www.lansingstatejournal.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:22 PM
🎙️NEW SPARTAN SPEAK POD: @chrissolari.bsky.social and I discuss where this MSU men's basketball team is headed and the teams in the Big Ten title race. Plus, a massive week for the MSU women's basketball team.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts or ⬇️
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
Listen wherever you get your podcasts or ⬇️
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
Michigan likely won at least a share of the Big Ten tonight. Hard to imagine that team slipping up more than twice the rest of the way.
February 11, 2026 at 3:44 AM
Michigan likely won at least a share of the Big Ten tonight. Hard to imagine that team slipping up more than twice the rest of the way.
All I want for the next 12 Christmases is for Tottenham to be relegated.
February 10, 2026 at 11:01 PM
All I want for the next 12 Christmases is for Tottenham to be relegated.
🚨🎙️📺 Monday's Couch and The Rube show, digging into our takes and yours — on MSU basketball beating Illinois, MSU's ceiling, Kenneth Walker as Super Bowl MVP, why the Lions can win one, and more — begins now.
The pod will be up when the show ends.
Watch/Listen now ⬇️ www.youtube.com/live/O8hJ73k...
The pod will be up when the show ends.
Watch/Listen now ⬇️ www.youtube.com/live/O8hJ73k...
Ep. 1110: Hot Take Monday: MSU basketball beats Illinois; and a Super Bowl within the Lions' reach
YouTube video by Couch and The Rube
www.youtube.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:34 PM
🚨🎙️📺 Monday's Couch and The Rube show, digging into our takes and yours — on MSU basketball beating Illinois, MSU's ceiling, Kenneth Walker as Super Bowl MVP, why the Lions can win one, and more — begins now.
The pod will be up when the show ends.
Watch/Listen now ⬇️ www.youtube.com/live/O8hJ73k...
The pod will be up when the show ends.
Watch/Listen now ⬇️ www.youtube.com/live/O8hJ73k...
Michigan State showed in beating Illinois that, on its day, it can beat anyone and that it has a point guard who will be on a short list for Big Ten player of the year.
But can the Spartans still grow into something more, like actual contenders?
Column.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
But can the Spartans still grow into something more, like actual contenders?
Column.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
Couch: Michigan State's win over Illinois makes it easier to imagine the Spartans growing into contenders
The Spartans showed they can beat the top teams in college basketball Saturday. But for MSU to grow into a title contender will take some more work.
www.lansingstatejournal.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:58 AM
Michigan State showed in beating Illinois that, on its day, it can beat anyone and that it has a point guard who will be on a short list for Big Ten player of the year.
But can the Spartans still grow into something more, like actual contenders?
Column.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
But can the Spartans still grow into something more, like actual contenders?
Column.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
🚨 🎙️Couch and The Rube listeners: We'll begin our Monday show with our takes.
We want your best take, too — and maybe a bonus or baked take — on MSU and Big Ten basketball, the Super Bowl, Olympics, MSU/U-M hockey, anything.
Reply 10 a.m. or email [email protected]
We want your best take, too — and maybe a bonus or baked take — on MSU and Big Ten basketball, the Super Bowl, Olympics, MSU/U-M hockey, anything.
Reply 10 a.m. or email [email protected]
February 9, 2026 at 12:55 AM
🚨 🎙️Couch and The Rube listeners: We'll begin our Monday show with our takes.
We want your best take, too — and maybe a bonus or baked take — on MSU and Big Ten basketball, the Super Bowl, Olympics, MSU/U-M hockey, anything.
Reply 10 a.m. or email [email protected]
We want your best take, too — and maybe a bonus or baked take — on MSU and Big Ten basketball, the Super Bowl, Olympics, MSU/U-M hockey, anything.
Reply 10 a.m. or email [email protected]
Big Ten hoops fan discourse here is something. The home whistle is a real thing, on every home court. It’s not intentional. Refs are not out to get your team.
Also, if your inclination is that your team/coach did right and the other team/coach did wrong, you have no credibility.
Also, if your inclination is that your team/coach did right and the other team/coach did wrong, you have no credibility.
February 8, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Big Ten hoops fan discourse here is something. The home whistle is a real thing, on every home court. It’s not intentional. Refs are not out to get your team.
Also, if your inclination is that your team/coach did right and the other team/coach did wrong, you have no credibility.
Also, if your inclination is that your team/coach did right and the other team/coach did wrong, you have no credibility.
Whether you're just going to bed or waking up Sunday morning, let these two faces and six chins live in your mind with eight minutes of MSU basketball analysis after the Spartans' overtime win against Illinois.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/videos/sport...
www.lansingstatejournal.com/videos/sport...
Talkin’ Spartans: Analyzing Michigan State basketball’s 85-82 overtime win against Illinois
Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari break down MSU’s overtime win against Illinois.
www.lansingstatejournal.com
February 8, 2026 at 5:30 AM
Whether you're just going to bed or waking up Sunday morning, let these two faces and six chins live in your mind with eight minutes of MSU basketball analysis after the Spartans' overtime win against Illinois.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/videos/sport...
www.lansingstatejournal.com/videos/sport...
Here's a 3 quick takes column on Michigan State's 85-82 overtime win over Illinois on Saturday night.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
Couch: 3 quick takes on Michigan State basketball's 85-82 overtime win against Illinois
Graham Couch analyzes the Spartans' performance in an 85-82 overtime win over Illinois on Saturday night with three quick takes.
www.lansingstatejournal.com
February 8, 2026 at 4:16 AM
Here's a 3 quick takes column on Michigan State's 85-82 overtime win over Illinois on Saturday night.
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...
www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports...