2018 was a tumultuous year for Michigan State University to say the least. The University came under fire for its handling of sexual assault on campus as well as a myriad of other issues. The university as a whole is in a period of serious reflection.
On the athletic field of play, the Spartans competed regardless of outside noise. Michigan State had some great moments and some that weren’t so great.
As people we always want to know what we can do to improve ourselves. New Years is a time of reflection.
Football
Mark Dantonio needs to reassess his relationship with his coworkers. Since 2014 the Michigan State offense has regressed significantly each year. Dave Warner and Jim Bollman are not going to cut it if Mark Dantonio wants to field another great team for Michigan State.
Mark Dantonio has earned the right to leave on his own accord. He’s taken Michigan State to heights no one would have dreamed of during the John L Smith days. He has not, however, earned the right to lead the program back into mediocrity. Loyalty is one of the things that got Dantonio to where he is today. But it is now time for him to make some tough decisions pertaining to two of his assistants. If he isn’t capable of making the hard decisions, he is not fit to lead a program that has much higher expectations than it did when he took over.
Basketball
Tom Izzo needs to repair his March reputation. Michigan State making the Sweet Sixteen has been a staple of Izzo’s time in East Lansing. Expectations for the Spartans are always high. The heralded 2016 recruiting class made expectations even higher. Two years of Miles Bridges yielded zero trips to the Sweet Sixteen. That’s a problem.
The 2018 Spartans might be Izzo’s most complete team since the 2014 Elite Eight team that featured Gary Harris. This team is still writing its story, for sure. But finishing big games in March is a must for a program whose reputation has taken a hit the last few years.
Hockey
Danton Cole has the Spartans beaded in the right direction. He’ll have the Spartans competing in the Big Ten before too long.
Best of the Rest
Soccer made the final four this year! MSU soccer is wildly under appreciated on campus. The next big break through for the Spartans is winning it all.