The hiring of Jim Harbaugh as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines will have far ranging consequences in more than just Ann Arbor. Harbaugh’s hiring will have a ripple effect not only nationally, but also just an hour’s drive away in the town of East Lansing, where Mark Dantonio and the Michigan State Spartans have built a perennial top-ten power.
Upon the moment that Harbaugh was hired, questions about MSU’s ability to remain among the country’s elite soon followed. The Spartans responded with a comeback win for the ages in their 42-41 Cotton Bowl win over Baylor in which they rallied from a 20-point third quarter deficit. Consider the win a shot from the bow and the ultimate response to a new and daunting challenge.
Little Brother fights Big Sister
Michigan State has not ever forgiven or forgotten the remark made by Michigan’s Mike Hart in 2007 when he referred to the Spartans as “Little Brother.” The remark has since become a curse to the school that Spartan fans derisively refer to as “Big Sister.”
Since Hart made those comments, Michigan State has dominated the series with six wins in the last seven meetings. The past two years saw the strong and physical Spartans throw the soft and entitled Wolverines around like helpless rag dolls in a 29-6 win in 2013 and a 35-11 win this year.
Dantonio’s Response
It is often said that a team reflects the personality of its head coach. That is never more evident than at Michigan State where the Spartans have been developed into a tough and gritty team that plays with the nasty snarl and edge of its head coach. Dantonio was at his best self when asked about the arrival of Harbaugh.
“I’ve got no thoughts right now,” said Dantonio. “No thoughts. One problem at a time.”
When asked to clarify that remark by stating if Harbaugh’s arrival was a problem, Dantonio remarked, “Life’s a problem.”
The Case for Michigan State
Dantonio also said Michigan State is far from being out of the Big Ten race every year and expects the electrifying Cotton Bowl win to take the program to new heights.
“I think we have a national brand,” said Dantonio. “I think we have a national reputation right now. But the only way you prove that is by continuing to win.”
Michigan State has completed two consecutive seasons as a top ten in the nation ranked program and finished this season at 11-2. Harbaugh or no Harbaugh that is a tremendous sales point for future recruits.
Junior QB Connor Cook agrees with the assessment of the program by his coach, saying recent accomplishments from the past two years have served to bring expectations to another level.
“It’s crucial,” said Cook in regards to the Cotton Bowl win and second straight top ten finish. “For us to win in such an emotional and dramatic fashion like you just saw out there really just, I think, with all the guys coming back, really just makes us feel good and brings us closer together. Wins like this bring you even closer. So I think it’s crucial for us in 2015.”
Questions Linger However
A big part of Michigan State’s success has been due to the work of defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, who has departed to become head coach of the Pitt Panthers. Top defensive back Trae Waynes will depart for the NFL and defensive end Shilique Calhoun may as well.
The challenges will be more demanding than ever before. Ohio State is back as a national power, Penn State is free of penalties and sanctions and Harbaugh’s arrival has stolen headlines from MSU. The Big Ten East has become a nuclear power plant of coaches which will make competition fierce starting with the upcoming recruiting wars that will rival the SEC for intensity.
Character Counts
Michigan State’s success has not been built on five star recruits. It has been built on relentless determination, fight and character. It all begins with Dantonio and that is why their success is unlikely to end any time soon, whether Harbaugh finds immediate success at Michigan or not.
