Even After Devastating Loss, Michigan State Spartans Can Still Salvage Season

It took a seven-stage coping method for Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio to try to get his players (and himself) over the crushing loss to Iowa last weekend. Yet, even after such a defeat, the Spartans still have a lot to play for.

Sitting in the muddled Big Ten at 4-4, Michigan State is currently ranked fourth in the conference. With that being said, a shot at the Big Ten title and a spot in the Rose Bowl is completely out of grasp. But playing for a bowl game after starting 1-3 could be a blessing in disguise.

Even though their record is paltry and average, Michigan State is not a bad football team. The team’s only loss that could be considered a legitimate beat-down would be the defeat to Wisconsin. But if you look at the losses to Notre Dame, Central Michigan and Iowa, the Spartans had great chances to win all of those games.

In fact, Michigan State lost those three games by a combined seven points. In the end of each game, Sparty just fell apart one way or another. But saying that they are a bad team is ludicrous.

And with the way the rest of the schedule looks, I would be quite shocked if Michigan State did not make a bowl game. With games remaining against Minnesota, Western Michigan, Purdue and Penn State, the Spartans have a good chance to end the season with at least seven victories. I’m not saying it is a given, but the possibility is definitely there.

Going to some average bowl game named after an auto repair shop or a pizza chain is not the same as playing in a New Year’s Day bowl game, but at this point in time, Michigan State should and would be happy with playing football anywhere in December. It is a step back from last season, but this year has really shown the potential of the team for the next few seasons.

The quarterbacks are returning, the team’s freshmen running backs have shown flashes, and the defense has vastly improved since the first four games.

A bright future is great for the university, but going to bowl games every season is something Michigan State fans should get accustomed to under Dantonio—and this season may continue the trend.