Michigan State Football: Should we be worried about the Spartans?
By Phil Poling
3. Every opponent is a worthy opponent
There are no “gimme” games in college football. Often, teams can be heavy favorites yet struggle to win even if they’re playing at home. We all remember Appalachian St. beating Michigan in the 2007 season-opener. Who expected that? Friday night’s game wasn’t quite as climactic, but the Utah State Aggies proved to be more than previously advertised.
Michigan St. came into this contest ranked No. 11 in the country, but struggled slowing the Aggies’ up-tempo offensive attack in the first half. Being able to move the ball themselves helped, though. Also, facing an unfamiliar, up-tempo offense in the season-opener? That can be a tough adjustment for anybody.
The Aggies, however, did come to play. They scored within the first 2:02 of play and held the Spartans out of the endzone in the first quarter, stopping them twice in the redzone. Twice the Aggies forced the Spartans to kick field goals after having first-and-goal opportunities from the 1-yard line, too.
Friday night’s Michigan St.-Utah State bout should be a warning to all the programs and fanbases who believe their teams’ season-opener will be a cake-walk: don’t be so sure – anything can happen.