What a Win Over Rutgers Will Mean for Michigan State

Michigan State's Jonathan Smith is on the cusp of a bowl game in his first year with the Spartans.
Nov 16, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA;  Michigan State Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini  at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Nov 16, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

As the 2024 college football season nears its end, Michigan State finds itself on the brink of a much-needed breakthrough.

With a 5-6 record and only one game left, the Spartans are just one win away from securing a bowl berth. This potential postseason appearance could provide the spark Michigan State desperately needs, not only to salvage a season that has been defined by inconsistency and disappointment but also to set the foundation for future success under first-year Spartan coach Jonathan Smith.

The significance of a bowl game for Michigan State cannot be overstated. The Spartans have been in a period of uncertainty, grappling with the challenges of rebuilding both their roster and their culture. Smith, who took over the program in 2023 after a successful stint at Oregon State, has made strides in restoring stability, but the results on the field have been mixed.

A bowl game would give Smith and his staff a tangible goal to build toward, demonstrating to players, recruits, and the fan base that the program is heading in the right direction.

A bowl appearance could also be the perfect platform for Michigan State’s underclassmen to gain valuable experience in a high-stakes environment. The Spartans have a young roster, and giving them the opportunity to compete on a national stage would not only boost their confidence but also lay the groundwork for future seasons. Players like quarterback Aidan Chiles, who has shown flashes of promise, could benefit from the added experience and exposure that comes with bowl preparations.

For Michigan State, getting to a bowl game would also be crucial for recruiting. In a crowded Big Ten, where competition for top talent is fierce, showing recruits that the Spartans are postseason contenders—despite the challenges of this transition year — would send a strong message. It would illustrate that Michigan State is a program on the rise, and under Smith, it’s a place where success is possible even in the midst of rebuilding.

Ultimately, one win in the final game could be what turns the tide for Michigan State. A bowl game would provide a much-needed spark for a program searching for momentum and a clear direction. As they enter the final stretch of the season, the Spartans are poised for a bright future, with Smith at the helm, and a postseason appearance could be the key to unlocking it.

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