Michigan State Football: Future of program could be riding on Illinois game

There are many questions circling Michigan State football and it faces Illinois on Saturday that is riding high on a three-game winning streak.

Everyone knew the three-game stretch would be difficult if not impossible, but no one thought the Spartans would lose all three games in October. Many thought they could get two out three or one out of three games. However, losses to Ohio State, Wisconsin and Penn State have buried Michigan State’s season.

The Spartans are who we feared they would be.

This was all set up by the loss to Arizona State. If MSU beats the Sun Devils, then fans could perceive this Illinois game differently. That loss resurrected memories of the John L. Smith and Bobby Williams years.

If the Spartans had Minnesota’s schedule, fans might feel differently about Michigan State. The Gophers are finally playing a legit team on Saturday, something they have not done all season. They almost lost to a South Dakota State team as well as Fresno State squad.

Is the offense bad for MSU? I believe they have not had the luxury of playing low-level teams in order to work out their kinks. Instead, they have played three straight top-10 teams that appear to be legit.

Northwestern is a struggling team, however, they are also on their third-string quarterback. Indiana is looking better than advertised with Michael Penix Jr. as the starter. Playing low-level foes grants teams an opportunity to work out their struggles.

Michigan appeared to be dead in the water until they got to play Rutgers and Maryland and now Wolverine fans have hope. However, ask them how they felt after the Army win and it’s a different story. The expectations arriving into this campaign were real, however, the team has shown they have not improved from last year’s mistakes.

Saturday is judgment day for MSU football. If the Spartans come out and prove themselves in a win and execute then everything will be chalked up to a tough early schedule. If they lose or it’s close, then they are who we feared them to be — a shaky team that is a resemblance of the missed recruiting classes they’ve had.

Much was riding on this season and that is in part due to Mark Dantonio not making any changes on his staff but reshuffling. Therefore, the blame does fall on him.

However, it is possible to say that they were set to fail from the beginning due to arrogance. Pride does come before a fall. It is the cockiness of Dantonio they made us love him when he stood up to the Michigan pride and sold results. However, it’s his lack of results that has fans wondering what happened.

If Dantonio had made a change then it would have appeased fans and would have been something to rally around. No changes mean that you are sticking your neck out for beliefs you hold. This season is crushing for Dantonio and fans.

If they can rally and win handily on Saturday, it gives everyone hope for the Michigan game. If it’s close, it will be a sign of the end for a historic coach.

The future is riding on Saturday.