michigan state football: we’re number 55!

Okay, so we may have the best basketball program of the last decade, but when it comes to football we’re number… 55? (from ESPN via Gang Green)

Perennially the Big Ten’s most underachieving program, MSU constantly shot itself in the foot in the John L. Smith era. Penalties and late-season collapses became MSU trademarks. There was a lot of talent but little productivity to show for it in the standings. The past 10 years, MSU was 19-37 against the rest of the Big Ten. On the positive side, the Spartans did rank No. 21 in the nation last season in attendance. That said, coach Mark Dantonio’s discipline figures to be a welcome addition.

I’d say the whole thing could be summed up by that first sentence: “Perennially the Big Ten’s most underachieving program.”

Yep. Couldn’t have said it better myself. Anyone else remember Bobby Williams’ last year when we were preseason favorites to win the Big Ten (with Charles Rogers and Jeff Smoker on the billboards outside Spartan Stadium)?

Nah, me neither.

For the record, UM came it at #7 on the list, OSU at #4, and Miami was in the top spot.