Finally, the first playoff rankings of the season came out on Tuesday night as Michigan State football fans were glued to their TVs.
No one would have expected Michigan State to even be in the conversation for the first playoff rankings or even a bowl after eight games, but the Spartans are 8-0 after beating No. 6 Michigan.
Mel Tucker has worked wonders with this team in a short period of time and it’s been due to a mixture of veteran players and transfers. Mark Dantonio players like Xavier Henderson, Payton Thorne, Jayden Reed, and Jalen Nailor are responsible for a lot of the success, but Kenneth Walker III and a number of transfers have aided the quick turnaround.
And speaking of Walker III, after his 197-yard, five-touchdown performance against Michigan, many believe he’s the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.
It’s been a wild season that’s only going to get crazier in the final month as the Spartans will see a tough Purdue team, Maryland, Ohio State, and Penn State.
If Michigan State can win out and make the Big Ten title game, there’s a good chance it’ll make the playoff’s top four.
But after nine weeks, the Spartans are ranked No. 3 and in a prime position to make their second playoff in school history.
How did Twitter react?
Twitter went crazy after seeing Michigan State football’s No. 3 ranking
As you can imagine, fans went nuts after finding out Michigan State would make the playoff field if the season ended today.
There were also some good quotes from the selection committee.
Barta on MSU: "Clearly, that Michigan-Michigan State game was important in evaluation."
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) November 3, 2021
Also mentions Kenneth Walker III's play as a reason for MSU at No. 3.
https://twitter.com/AHT3rd1999/status/1455689147683852291?s=20
#MichiganState went from 3pt underdogs in Week 1 at Northwestern to (8-0) & #3 in Week 9 in the #CFBPlayoff Poll. #TuckComin pic.twitter.com/wCXTvw3LfS
— Rico Beard (@RicoBeard) November 2, 2021
Bama is 1-1 against CURRENTLY ranked teams. Should not be #2.
— Double D (@GatorNTexas) November 3, 2021
Cincy got snubbed, should be #4.
MSU and OU also got robbed. MSU should be #2. I hate OU, but until they lose, they should be #3
So there ya have it. @MSU_Football installed at 3 in the first @CFBPlayoff Ranking! Let’s just keep chopping @BoilerFootball on Saturday! #GoGreen #TuckComin
— Steve Courtney (@SteveCourtney66) November 3, 2021
I see some joy about the CFP ranking from the fan base but even more, I’m seeing concentration on Purdue. I love that. Keep that energy and #KeepChoppin
— Mady Rose (@madirosefaith) November 3, 2021
We have to remember Purdue upset Iowa when they were ranked number 2 in the nation, so it’s important that @MSU_Football is at their best this Saturday!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 2, 2021
Michigan State fans need to soak this season in:
— 𝕊𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕟 𝔽𝕒𝕟 (@SpartyOn70) November 3, 2021
- 8-0
- Beat top ranked rival Michigan
- Have a Heisman contender RB
- A CFB Playoff contender after a 2-5 season
Mel Tucker has turned this program around and is making Michigan State a National brand.
https://twitter.com/TheRealSparty/status/1455689388537618433?s=20
TUCK COMIN
— 7 EMOTIONAL SUPPORT GERBILS (@BreslinBirds) November 3, 2021
Thank you for the disrespect @CFBPlayoff #GoGreen
— MSU Chief of Propaganda (@OdellBretthamJr) November 2, 2021
The consensus opinion is that this is a good spot for the Spartans while Tucker is tweeting how he is focused on Purdue. This team means business.