Mark Dantonio, Michigan State Spartans Face Defining Game

Mark Dantonio's Spartans have a chance to reach 3-0 in the Big Ten for the first time since 2003 this weekend when they visit the Northwestern Wildcats. 

But more importantly, Michigan State has an opportunity for a program-defining win.  Spartan football has been defined by mediocrity for the last quarter-century.

They will occasionally show promise with a huge upset victory over a top team. One week later, they find disaster lurking around the corner, and they will gift-wrap a game for a below-average opponent.

If Michigan State can knock off the Wildcats on Saturday at Ryan Field, it will mark a giant leap in the right direction. It will mean the program is on the verge of arriving on the national scene. 

The arrival is a process. They may win this weekend and still finish the year 7-5.  That is entirely possible; however, it will show critics and prospects that MSU is capable of winning the games it's supposed to.  

If Michigan State can win the games it's supposed to, it could annually finish in the upper tier of the Big Ten.  Dantonio is bringing in what many experts feel is a top 15 recruiting class, which features some of the top skill position prospects in the Midwest.

Winning games you're supposed to will allow you to gain some consistency, not only on the field, but also on the recruiting trail.

Combine that with a University of Michigan program that currently has a lot of questions, and there is a small window of time for the Spartans to establish themselves as a nationally prominent program.

The task for the Spartans will be difficult.  Northwestern is a skilled offensive team with a surprisingly effective defense.  The Wildcats have put up huge offensive numbers the last two years against the Spartans, scoring 89 points.

The MSU secondary was torched by CJ Bacher and Co. a year ago, and unfortunately for defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, the Spartans may be headed into the game without starting safety Otis Wiley.  

Spartan fans will be holding their collective breath this weekend watching things unfold in Evanston.

Michigan State is a sleeping giant that may be waking from a 40-year slumber.  A win Saturday will put the rest of the conference on notice that these are not the same old Spartans. 

They will have a chance to go to back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 1989-90.  And Mark Dantonio will have a chance to become a legend in East Lansing.