Michigan State Looks to End Nine-Year Playoff Drought

A look back into Michigan State's last College Football Playoff appearance

Former Michigan State football head coach Mark Dantonio looks on from the sideline during the football game against Washington on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA

Michigan State football, once a powerhouse in the college football landscape, has declined in recent years, losing its touch and struggling to reclaim its former glory. The team, known for its gritty play and competitive spirit, has faced numerous challenges on and off the field that have contributed to its downfall.

One of the key factors in Michigan State's decline has been the departure of longtime head coach Mark Dantonio. Dantonio, who led the Spartans for 13 seasons, was instrumental in building the program into a national contender. Under his leadership, Michigan State achieved unprecedented success, including multiple Big Ten championships and a berth in the College Football Playoff.

However, since Dantonio's departure, the Spartans have struggled to find stability at the head coaching position. A series of coaching changes and transitions have disrupted the team's momentum and hindered its ability to compete at a high level consistently.

Additionally, Michigan State has faced challenges in recruiting top talent and developing players to their full potential. In a highly competitive recruiting landscape, the Spartans have struggled to attract the caliber of players needed to compete with the elite programs in college football.

The decline of Michigan State football was perhaps most evident in the last season they made it to the playoffs, which was the 2015 season. That year, under Dantonio's leadership, the Spartans finished with a record of 12-2 and claimed the Big Ten Championship. Their playoff journey began with a thrilling victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Championship Game, securing their spot in the College Football Playoff.

In the playoff semifinals, Michigan State faced off against the Alabama Crimson Tide, a perennial powerhouse in college football. Despite putting up a valiant effort, the Spartans were ultimately overmatched and fell to the Crimson Tide by a score of 38-0.

Although the playoff appearance was a testament to the team's talent and resilience, it also marked the peak of Michigan State's recent success. Since then, the program has struggled to maintain its competitive edge and has fallen short of returning to the national spotlight.

To regain its touch and compete at the highest level again, Michigan State football must improve recruiting efforts and commit to developing players both on and off the field. Only then can the Spartans hope to reclaim their former glory and return to prominence in college football.

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