For non-Spartan fans, Michigan State isn’t usually the first school that springs to mind when considering historically outstanding college football programs.
When the program is mentioned, most people probably think of the Mark Dantonio Big Ten titles, but many people are unaware of the legendary and ground-breaking Duffy Daugherty teams from the middle of the 1960s.
However, Carter Bahns of 247Sports recently wrote an essay about the blooms of that period of Spartan football. The 1965–1966 national championship streak by Michigan State was one of Bahns’ “greatest AP-Poll era dynasties.”
“The last two of Michigan State’s six claimed national championships came in consecutive years,” Bahns stated. “The second of those two was a shared title with Notre Dame following their meeting in the infamous Game of the Century, which ended in a 10-10 draw between the No. 2 Spartans and the top-ranked Fighting Irish.
“The Spartans have occasionally flirted with titles since Nick Saban left, but they haven’t regained their position at the pinnacle of the sport. Michigan State didn’t reach the double-digit win total until he won 10 games in his final season. After taking over last season, Jonathan Smith is looking to return quickly to the Big Ten title race and beyond.
Other programs considered were Notre Dame (1946/1947), Army (1944/1945), Minnesota (1940/1941), Texas (1969/1970), Oklahoma (1955/1956, 1974/1975), Alabama (2011/2012, 1978/1979, 1964/1965), Georgia (2021/2022), and USC (2003/2004).
Since then, Michigan State has experienced success, especially under Dantonio, who guided the team to two Big Ten championships, a Rose Bowl triumph, and a College Football Playoff berth, as Bahns said. Under Mel Tucker, the Spartans even advanced to the New Year’s Six Bowl after defeating Pitt 11-2 in the 2021 Peach Bowl.
Although Michigan State is more known for its basketball programs, the Spartans occasionally make headlines in the collegiate football world. That is the criterion used against coach Smith, and it will be challenging for Michigan State to regain national relevance in a time when the Big Ten is as deep as it has ever been.