Rutgers wraps up miserable season at Michigan State
EAST LANSING, MICH. >> Asa senior at Michigan State, Khari Willis has certainly experienced college football’s ups and downs.
His freshman season, the Spartans won the Big Ten and went to the College Football Playoff. Then the team collapsed to a 3-9 record the following year. Michigan State bounced back to win 10 games in 2017, but this season has been another disappointment — the Spartans are barely bowl eligible as they enter their regular-season finale.
“I think it’s a lot of growth,” said Willis, a Michigan State safety. “Through it all, learning, finding a way to stick together.”
Willis is one of several Spartans set to be honored in a senior day ceremony before Saturday’s game against Rutgers. Michigan State has lost two straight, which is nothing compared to Rutgers’ 10-game skid but still leaves the Spartans with little to play for besides pride. Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio has urged fans to turn out anyway and make the experience a positive one for the seniors playing their final home game.
The Spartans (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) lost last weekend on the road against a Nebraska team that is also having a rough season.
“You look at Nebraska and what they were able to do just from a fan-support standpoint,” Dantonio said. “So looking for fans this weekend to come out . ... I don’t ask for much sometimes. I just keep moving in the direction forward, but you know, this is a moment for our seniors.”
The Spartans at least have enough victories to qualify for a bowl. Rutgers (1-10, 0-8) is wrapping up its fourth straight losing season and needs a win to avoid its first 11-loss season since 2002.
“We’re worried about continuing to improve,” coach Chris Ash said. “The wins are great. We want to win. But our focus is on the things that it takes to win. We’ve got to play cleaner football. We’ve got to take care of the football. We’ve got to try to score some points. We’re focused on those things. If we do those things, then wins will come, whether it be this Saturday or next year.”