Spartan Nation Reader Chimes in as a Guest Author with Firm Support of Coach Dantonio!

By Michael Lee November 27th, 2006. That’s two years and 10 months, Mark Dantonio has been given by some “fans” to rebuild Michigan State University

By Michael Lee

November 27th, 2006. That’s two years and 10 months, Mark Dantonio has been given by some “fans” to rebuild Michigan State University Football and change nearly 40 years of a culture of mediocrity in its football program.

Now I am certainly no “insider” into the Michigan State Football program. I am just a third generation season ticket holder that has been going to Michigan State Football games for over 35 years.  (I am 37) but who’s counting.

Over my life span I have seen the likes of Doug Weaver, Terry Braverman, and others at our home in Jackson Michigan, where I grew up. Telling stories upon stories about the legacy of Michigan State and how Michigan State was the “U” before the likes of Miami, Florida, Oklahoma, etc. etc. They also spoke how two men by the names of “Biggie Munn” and “Duffy Daugherty” put Michigan State football on the map for over 20 years. Their passion was very obvious to me at a very impressionable age.

 What went wrong? I asked. In a nutshell. Duffy was at the end of a stellar coaching career and a young buck named Bo Schembechler was 4 years into his career and the balance of power in recruiting, wins; exposure, etc. etc. began to shift. Some would say forever. Well as we know. Nothing is forever.

Fast forward 40 plus years. The University of Michigan Football program is in a very vulnerable position since the hiring of Coach Rodriguez. Why? You may ask? “We’re 4 and 0!” Because Michigan State University has it right in the hiring of Coach Dantonio and Michigan knows it. The balance of recruiting in the State of Michigan, (though) a tough battle, is slowly beginning to shift to Michigan State. Rich Rod feels there’s better talent out there for his system then in this State.

 My point is this. Michigan State University Football is a 4 to 5 year rebuild project. Every true Spartan knew that going into this. Coach Dantonio was changing more then just the win – loss record when he came in here. He was changing an entire culture.

 After over 30 years of watching Michigan State Football I can see the changes on the field, how the kids and coaches handle themselves in the media, in public, etc. This is a different program in its very early stages. 

 Relax Spartan fans. Mark Dantonio is getting it right. It takes time. Michigan State currently has the right recipe in place. Mr. Hollis serves as the Chef with Izzo providing the batter and foundation. A Spartan win this Saturday and Coach D at the helm is icing on the cake! Go Green!