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Knock It Off, Michigan Fans. The Spartans' Season Was Huge Success [BLOG]

By Mike Sullivan
@MikeSullivan

It's well-known that I root for the Michigan Wolverines.

I was thrilled to see Jim Harbaugh's first season capped off with a 41-7 victory over Florida in the Citrus Bowl on New Year's Day.

Simply put, it was a nice year for Michigan. Ten wins, three shutouts and two All-Americans. The Wolverines climbed as high as No. 10 in the College Football Playoff rankings at one point.

However, it was nothing compared to what the Michigan State Spartans did.

Some of the narratives I've heard on Twitter from my fellow Michigan fans over the past 48 hours have been absolutely deplorable.

  • When a fan base celebrates a 38-0 loss and a 4th place finish, you have hit your ceiling.
  • Michigan State got blown out in the playoff. None of what they've done matters. They have to start over.
  • MSU proved they were lucky all season and didn't deserve to be in the playoff.
  • I'd much rather win the Citrus Bowl in blowout fashion than get crushed in the playoffs.

 

All of this needs to stop. Right now.

Why is it that we celebrate and raise banners for basketball Final Fours, but now all of a sudden we criticize a team for making the Final Four in football?

I already know what you'll say: But in basketball it's one-and-done and you have to keep winning elimination games.

Let's be clear. Michigan State has played in elimination games in their last four matchups. After the controversial Nebraska loss on November 7, their games against Maryland, Ohio State, Penn State and Iowa were ALL "win or go home" contests in regards to making the playoff.

College football Final Fours need to be celebrated. They need to be treated with the exact same allure and prestige as basketball Final Fours.

The Spartans beat Oregon, Michigan, Ohio State and Iowa, won the Big Ten and went to the College Football Playoff all in one season. Yet some are saying their season was a failure? That you'd rather be Michigan and win the Citrus Bowl?

Come on.

Now, the real question that I can entertain is which program -- between Michigan and Michigan State -- has a brighter five-year future? That's where the true discussion lies. Both programs have key players returning, both teams have great coaching staffs, and both teams have very good upcoming recruiting classes.

It's a fun time to be a college football fan in the state of Michigan. The Spartans aren't going anywhere, and the Wolverines are on the rise.

But for right now, I urge Michigan fans to please give credit where credit is due. Michigan State's season was a huge success. A college football playoff appearance is far greater than a Citrus Bowl win.

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