According to an ESPN analyst, Michigan State is in trouble. Rece Davis is normally known for being somewhat conservative regarding his hot takes and speaking out against particular players or teams. Instead, he tends to joke and jump on various bandwagons that other college football commentators make.
That wasn’t the case on Monday when discussing the Michigan State Spartans.
In a surprising, almost out-the-blue way, Rece Davis had some shocking comments regarding the Spartans regarding them against Michigan and Ohio State.
Rece Davis Says Michigan State Will Never Be at the Same Level as Michigan or Ohio Stat
During a College Gameday podcast, host Rece Davis did not hold back on his feelings toward Michigan State. Davis said that despite efforts and investment, the Spartans will never rise to the competitive level of their two main rivals, Michigan and Ohio State.
“People find it unpleasant to hear, particularly if they are supporters of the university,” Davis began. “And although it may sound like one, this is not a criticism. They will never match Ohio State or Michigan in terms of quality.
According to Davis, the Spartans will have successful seasons. Individual seasons in which the team defeats and outperforms the Wolverines and Buckeyes are possible. They will, however, never be able to maintain a sustained competitive advantage.
Jonathan Smith is Looking for the Mike Dantonio Spark
These comments were primarily made in response to the discussion of new Michigan State Head Coach Jonathan Smith. The reference was that the Spartans won eight out of 13 matchups agains the Wolverines under Mike Dantonio and Jonathan Smith would do well to take a page out of that playbook and understand that a winning culture can be developed without necessarily dominating every game or season.
Reece Davis might, however, make a valid point. It may not be realistic to expect to win Playoff games and finish 10-2 or better every season; this will result in failure and the firing of coaches on a regular basis.
Maybe Spartan supporters should come to terms with the fact that they won’t be on the same footing. It’s acceptable for them to have seven or eight victories, with the rare season when they defeat their opponents to reach the ten-win plateau. They may be lot happier and content with a solid squad in one of the most competitive conference in college football if they adopt that strategy.