You found a magic lamp, what will you do?
Here we are in the slow part of the year for collegiate athletics. The TOC writers were discussing the usual topics with MSU and suddenly we had an idea, let’s have a bit of fun. I ask you all to take this imaginative journey with us, and think for yourselves, what you may do if you had a similar occurrence.
Imagine yourself in the MSU Library and you are deep into some MSU athletics research. You are looking to find an old journal that was supposedly written by Duffy Daugherty himself. As you find yourself in the corner down an aisle on a floor where nobody is you see something shiny on the shelf. You pick it up, dust it off and realize you have found yourself a magic lamp. A giant Sparty Genie pops out and has the ability to grant you any three wishes you want for the MSU football program. Are you practical? Do you dream big? Are you wishing for longterm sustainability or instant gratification? Each of us here at TOC made our wishes so let’s take a look.
Brian:
1. I’d love to see at least one 5-star recruit and multiple head-turning four stars join this next class with intention to be SD4Ls and stick around until drafted – I imagine that has to come from supreme buy-in and belief in the program, seeing tangible success in this upcoming season as well as some decent NIL.
2. I’d wish for all Spartan football games to be broadcast on the same channel each week including that for some reason the peacock deal to be completely scrapped. I’m fine with the single channel being BTN/FoxSports – though I would like to be able to watch a game replay at any time as well, if I have to tune in late.
3. I want to see Aiden Chiles clearly outplay Sam Leavitt over the course of the season as well as directly in a head-to-head bowl game (given Sam has another excellent season at ASU), and for a Spartan player to earn a significant national award.
O:
I am not going to trick myself into thinking MSU will be a contender next year but I do have three things I feel are within the realm of possibility, to varying degrees.
1. Aidan Chiles cuts down on turnovers. This means fewer ill-advised passes AND fewer fumbles because he did not feel the pressure.
2. Jonathan Smith shows more personality. I wrote about this plenty down the stretch last year. I need to see more fire from our coach on the sidelines and more emotion in post-game press conferences.
3. A victory on October 25 in East Lansing. I am not mentioning the opponent’s name.
Mike:
At the risk of irritating everyone here, if I found a magic wish-granting genie, I’m not sure I’m using those wishes on football. At least not all three of them. So, like O, I’m going to try to stick to the realistic here.
1. An offensive line that can generate push and protect the quarterback. A defensive line that can pressure the quarterback.
2. A team that is entertaining and fun to watch – like the basketball teams this year. I also don’t think this team will contend for a title or win every game but I hope they can compete in every game. I want to have a hope that, when they really need a play, they can make it. At least have a realistic chance at doing so. That hasn’t happened for a few years.
3. Steady improvement throughout the year, have something to play for against Maryland, and look like they want to play for it.
Steve:
It would make wishing much easier if it was simplified into only being able to wish for something within the given constraints.
1. I’d like to see Smith develop a bit of a chip on his shoulders. Take strides into making East Lansing a destination of necessity. Visibly connecting with players and seeing that connection grow into positive development for the players.
2. I’d wish for bowl eligibility with a resume of quality wins against quality opponents. A statement making, program directional changing win on Oct 25.
3. Uh, this is a genie granting any wish, so obviously I’m wishing for a minimum eight peat National Champion run. We’re stuck in reality too much, it’s nice to smile at the fantasy realm.
TOC readers, it is now your turn to place your wishes. What would you like to see this year? Vote in the poll or comment below. Remember, no wish is too big or too small, have fun!