[Bumped.  The perfect capstone to (the thankfully-holiday-shortened) "Michigan State Football: AGGGGHHH!!! Week" here at TOC.

Speaking of the holiday, things will likely be sporadic around here over the long weekend.  Look for the Florida game preview by Friday morning, though.  -KJ]

Based on this website I found from just googling the "seven stages of grief."

1. Shock and Denial- You will probably react to learning of the (CMU) loss with numbed disbelief (there's no way they could have recovered that onside is there?!?). You may deny the reality of the loss at some level, in order to avoid the pain (I fully expected to wake up the next morning in a world where MSU had won. I also contemplated the possibilities of alternate universes where MSU had won and I was not in such a bad mood). Shock provides emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once. This may last for weeks.
2. Pain and Guilt- As the shock wears off, it is replaced with the suffering of unbelievable pain (ie last second loss to Notre Dame and getting your ass kicked by Wisconsin). Although excruciating and almost unbearable, it is important that you experience the pain fully, and not hide it, avoid it or escape from it with alcohol (ha!) or drugs (ie calling a win over Michigan as making a successful season).You may have guilty feelings or remorse over things you did or didn't do with your loved one (why did we have to play Montana State and not someone with enough of a pulse to get this team ready?). Life feels chaotic and scary during this phase (can we still even make a bowl? Weren't we the Big Ten dark horse?).
3. Anger and Bargaining- Frustration gives way to anger, and you may lash out and lay unwarranted blame for the death on someone else (The refs are screwing us over!). Please try to control this, as permanent damage to your relationships may result (Fire Narduzzi!*). This is a time for the release of bottled up emotion (We can upset Iowa in SS!).You may rail against fate, questioning "Why me?" (Why does it happen to MSU, everytime?) You may also try to bargain in vain with the powers that be for a way out of your despair (Please Narduzzi, use some nickle and I will stop throwing nearby things everytime we blow a coverage).
4. "Depression", Reflection, Loneliness- Just when your friends may think you should be getting on with your life, a long period of sad reflection will likely overtake you. (Our offense is the top in the conmference, and despite the shuffling we have the best QB too, yet we're still sub .500!) This is a normal stage of grief, so do not be "talked out of it" by well-meaning outsiders (ie being told you did not deserve to lose). Encouragement from others is not helpful to you during this stage of grieving. During this time, you finally realize the true magnitude of your loss, and it depresses you (We could have won every game except Wisconsin). You may isolate yourself on purpose, reflect on things you did with your lost one, and focus on memories of the past (we went 9-4 last year). You may sense feelings of emptiness or despair.
5. The Upward Turn- As you start to adjust to life without your dear one, your life becomes a little calmer and more organized (Hello thar Western). Your physical symptoms lessen, and your "depression" begins to lift slightly (Hello Mr. Legett).
6. Reconstruction and Working Through- As you become more functional, your mind starts working again, and you will find yourself seeking realistic solutions to problems posed by life without your loved one (the defense may stink, but holy cow special teams!). You will start to work on practical and financial problems and reconstructing yourself and your life without him or her (special teams lead comeback win over Purdue to secure third consecutive bowl)
7. Acceptance and Hope- During this, the last of the seven stages in this grief model, you learn to accept and deal with the reality of your situation (We're 6-6 and the defense is terrible,but basketball has started!). Acceptance does not necessarily mean instant happiness (Dantonio still has this program in the right direction). Given the pain and turmoil you have experienced, you can never return to the carefree, untroubled YOU that existed before this tragedy (Crap, major off the field troubles). But you will find a way forward (Basketball).

*Not that it's unreasonable to question his position as DC given the terrible every down schemes.