Even though it’s within the middle of a long holiday weekend and temperatures figure to be significantly below normal, that shouldn’t stop any serious Michigan State Spartans’ fan from flocking to Spartan Stadium for the season’s last game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Before anyone seriously decides to question the validity of what’s at stake or dares suggest that the final Big Ten game is completely meaningless or irrelevant, here’s an idea of what the Spartans will be tangibly playing for on Saturday afternoon:
- An undefeated Big Ten regular season.
- Attempting to win every Big Ten regular season game by double digits.
- An undefeated season at home.
- A continuation of their BCS life.
Intangibly, perhaps the most important element will, of course, be the Spartans’ senior class. Max Bullough, Denicos Allen, Darqueze Dennard, Denzel Drone, Kyler Ellsworth, Fou Fonoti, Bennie Fowler, Dan France, Tyler Hoover, Isiah Lewis, Andrew Maxwell, Kevin Muma, Micajah Reynolds and Blake Treadwell will each play their final game in Spartan Stadium, and each deserve a raucous sendoff.
Over the past four years, each of those players has sacrificed plenty to Michigan State’s program in order for the team to have success on and off the field. Each has had their moments of glory on the gridiron, and each has contributed in the continuation of the Spartans’ mental and physical football turnaround, which nobody should be taking for granted.
How many times have Spartan fans been forced to enter the final week of the season with little to nothing at stake? This senior class is part of the reason why that’s not happening in 2013. Each player listed is the reason that Michigan State is playing for a big finish to a wildly successful season.
There should be no empty seats in Spartan Stadium. The players who sacrificed on the field for the fans enjoyment shouldn’t have to see a half-full stadium on their big day. Any fans who aren’t “all in” on Saturday’s game need to give their tickets to people who are willing to support the program.
Any students who don’t attempt to pack the student section to the gills? Shame on you. Even though it’s Thanksgiving weekend, find a way back to the stadium if you’re in Michigan and support your fellow students on the field. You’ve seen a season that many alumni from all eras would be envious of. Give this team the support they’ve earned every day this season, from spring practice until now.
Even if the Spartans don’t end up in the Rose Bowl or another BCS game, this season has been representative of another special moment in Mark Dantonio’s tenure. It deserves celebration and admiration, regardless of who the team is playing or when the game is being contested.
Local Big Ten This Week
Ohio State at Michigan
Minnesota at Michigan State
Players To Watch
Michigan: Jeremy Gallon, WR. In order to beat the Buckeyes, the Michigan Wolverines will need a solid offensive output in a game which is likely to be a shootout. That means Gallon, a player who has proven himself as one of Michigan’s only offensive weapons, will have to step up with a major game. That means a better effort than the 67, 49 and 47 yard efforts he has had against Michigan State, Nebraska and Iowa. If Gallon manages to go over 100 yards and score, the Wolverines will give themselves a chance at winning. If not, it’s probably another long day.
Michigan State: Denicos Allen, LB. In his final game at Spartan Stadium, how will the emotional Allen play? He’s a tough playmaker who has been all over the field all season long. Allen is often an explosive play waiting to happen, and Minnesota’s offense struggled to move the ball against a good Wisconsin defense. That could pose a problem for the Gophers, especially against a Spartan defense which can force turnovers.
Standings Update
#11/#11/11 (BCS) Michigan State 10-1 (7-0 Big Ten Legends)
Michigan 7-4 (3-4 Big Ten Legends)
Max DeMara is a senior editor at The Detroit Sports Site. You can find him on Twitter @SportsGuyTheMax