With the great momentum this year on the 2016 class, I did have concerns of what a less than stellar year would mean to all the good work done by Dantonio and the team of coaches. Now with the win over Oregon, a great many positive things fall into place.
1. The risk of attrition on the 2016 class took a big step toward solidifying those recruits. An 11 or 12 win season (even without the Final Four) should keep those recruits fairly solid. Obviously a Final Four is a real possibility.
2. The Spartan 300 recruiting event laid a foundation for 2017, 2018, 2019 and beyond. The magic of the campus, Game Day, positive experience, great win really had no negatives. The picture of the green and white sections had to impress every viewer.
3. The season is shaping up nicely. This is a huge win for this team. Focus on the work at hand, and another game with all eyes on Michigan State in Columbus will come in November.
4. A top bowl game with the potential of Final Four is a real possibility.
5. Basketball recruits for 2016 and beyond also had a great experience. Good news may be forthcoming there as well.
6. President Simon, the AD Hollis, Dantonio, and Izzo have continued with a great public relations program with our athletics. In many respects, I've always viewed the athletic department and the teams that excel are a kind of marketing department for the university. This can help drive community enthusiasm, alumni enthusiasm, donations, freshman applications, grants and all the rest.
This past winter we had the opportunity to see an unbelievable Cotton Bowl followed up by a Michigan State basketball team in the Final Four. When the four Final Four teams spread out their banners on the four corners of the Basketball court in the opening ceremonies of the semi-finals, there was great cause to be proud of our university. The best is yet to come.
1. The risk of attrition on the 2016 class took a big step toward solidifying those recruits. An 11 or 12 win season (even without the Final Four) should keep those recruits fairly solid. Obviously a Final Four is a real possibility.
2. The Spartan 300 recruiting event laid a foundation for 2017, 2018, 2019 and beyond. The magic of the campus, Game Day, positive experience, great win really had no negatives. The picture of the green and white sections had to impress every viewer.
3. The season is shaping up nicely. This is a huge win for this team. Focus on the work at hand, and another game with all eyes on Michigan State in Columbus will come in November.
4. A top bowl game with the potential of Final Four is a real possibility.
5. Basketball recruits for 2016 and beyond also had a great experience. Good news may be forthcoming there as well.
6. President Simon, the AD Hollis, Dantonio, and Izzo have continued with a great public relations program with our athletics. In many respects, I've always viewed the athletic department and the teams that excel are a kind of marketing department for the university. This can help drive community enthusiasm, alumni enthusiasm, donations, freshman applications, grants and all the rest.
This past winter we had the opportunity to see an unbelievable Cotton Bowl followed up by a Michigan State basketball team in the Final Four. When the four Final Four teams spread out their banners on the four corners of the Basketball court in the opening ceremonies of the semi-finals, there was great cause to be proud of our university. The best is yet to come.
