Opinion: A Magical Rose Bowl

As I walked out of South Neighborhood, I had a glum feeling in my gut and disappointment in my heart. The Spartans had just dropped a heartbreaker to Notre Dame, 17-13. As I walked back to my dorm, I had serious doubts as to what the future would hold for this Spartan football team.

That was September.Flash forward three months and the team changed–significantly.

The Spartans jump-started their season after that loss to the Irish and have never looked back, winning nine games in a row each by double-digit scores. The Spartan offense, led by sophomore quarterback Connor Cook, has answered all the early season questions by rising up and playing at a level equal to the vaunted defense.

This year has certainly been one for the MSU history books. The Michigan State Spartans entered the season unranked and overlooked, but ended up finishing 11-1 overall and 8-0 in Big Ten play, with historic wins over Michigan and Nebraska. And of course, adding an exclamation point, the Spartans beat undefeated Ohio State for the Big Ten Championship and earned a spot at the 100th Rose Bowl Game. A script worthy of Disney, am I right?

But However, this season has not only had an impact on the players and the wonderful fans of Spartan Nation. It has had a tremendous effect on the students.

For those leaving MSU this year, this season is the pinnacle of a four-year football campaign that has had its fair share of celebrations and heartbreaks. For freshmen like me, who are new to the whole ‘MSU thing’, this season has been the greatest introduction to Spartan football and athletics that one could ever ask for.

So while all of you are out there watching the Rose Bowl Game, whether you are there in Pasadena, in your house, with your friends, or in a bar, take a moment to look around. Feel the excitement and pride that is Spartan Nation.

Take in the atmosphere, and remember where you were. Because the Spartans are in the Rose Bowl and history is going to be made.

 

Jason Ruff is a multimedia journalist for Impact Sports.

Photo: David Defever