Garrett Jackson brings it strong with his second article.

Last Saturday we witnessed the Michigan State Spartans suffer defeat at the hands of the #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 24-17. I am sure that the Spartan faithful is disappointed that this edition of the Spartans couldn’t accomplish what the 1998 team did in Columbus against another top ranked Buckeyes team, but there is no reason to hold your head down or feel deflated because of this loss.

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The Spartans showed a side of them that has been lacking in recent years. They showed tremendous fight and resiliency in the second half of Saturday’s game. Todd Boeckman completed big pass after big pass. Chris Wells showed why he was the top running back recruit in the nation when he came out of high school, but that didn’t deter the Spartans effort.

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After Brian Robiskie’s touchdown reception gave OSU a 24-point lead, the momentum shifted in the game in large part due to Defensive Coordinator Pat Narduzzi’s aggressive approach to the game and the play of the defensive line. The MSU defense put constant pressure on Boeckman with the front four and their extensive blitz package that eventually forced two turnovers that led to 14 points for the Spartans.

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Showing that they can be competitive in one of the toughest environments in the country against the #1 team could quite possibly earn the Spartans a great deal of respect from those that aren’t familiar with Michigan State football. MSU is still a long ways away from reaching the talent level and quality depth that an Ohio State or Michigan possesses, but this game could be a step in the right direction towards getting prized recruits to attend MSU.Â

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Due to the recent struggles of the football program, the Spartans have missed out on several quality in-state recruits. One of those players played in the game on Saturday, and put consistent pressure on Brian Hoyer all game long. That player was Ohio State defensive end, and future professional Vernon Gholston, who was a standout at Detroit Cass Tech, but opted to leave the state to attend college. Gholston is just one example of the many players that could be donning the green and white this season, but I expect the trend to change.

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Potential recruits are definitely taking notice after seeing the game in Columbus. As Coach Mark Dantonio continues to mold this program into one that reflects his views and ideals, the talent will accumulate and the program will reach a new level of consistency and success.