No One Has Been Disrespecting Michigan State
By Ty Duffy
Mark Dantonio likes his teams to play with an underdog’s chip. Inherent in this mindset is the perpetual notion that Michigan State is being disrespected. MSU QB Connor Cook echoed the refrain this week before the Ohio State game, claiming “no one really gives us the kind of respect that we deserve.”
"“Same story, different week,” Cook said of being doubted. “You know, no one really gives us the kind of respect that we deserve, that we think we need. Just another reason why we’ve said it thousands and thousands of times, it seems like — the chip on your shoulder. Provides more motivation to us. My shoulder is good, I’m going to be ready to go, so there is no issue with that. I mean, just like I said, same story, different week."
This is great for motivation, particularly against Michigan. It’s also untrue. The Spartans may be the most respected team in the nation.
Voters respect Michigan State. There were valid reasons to be concerned preseason. MSU lost skill players, seasoned defenders, and star coordinator Pat Narduzzi. Preseason polls had Michigan State at No. 5. The Spartans have risen as high as No. 2. They have been ranked outside the Top 10 once this season, for a week, after losing to a 3-6 team.
2015 – 9 (14)
2014 – 5 (7)
2013 – 3 (15)
2012 – NR (42)
2011 – 11 (22)
2010 – 14 (23)
Fans respect Michigan State too. The Spartans have been awful ATS. They are 3-7. Nonetheless, more public money has been bet on the Spartans than an other team this season. That trend has continued so far this week. 74 percent of bettors have picked Michigan State against Ohio State. Most of those folks probably still think the Spartans play defense.
Perhaps “the media” has been disrespectful toward Michigan State? Let’s look at the scathing, scorched earth feature that came out this week from Sports Illustrated…
Oh. Sure, mishaps like this happen on occasion. Though, by and large, everyone seems to be pretty darn respectful of the Michigan State Spartans.