ARLINGTON, Texas – This time, there would be no fabulous finish or great escape, no MVP performance or celebratory dance party in the locker room.
As Thursday night surrendered to the New Year, all No. 3 Michigan State had to show for its first appearance in the College Football Playoff was a 38-0 Cotton Bowl loss to No. 2 Alabama that in no way mirrored the accomplishments of this season or the previous three for that matter.
The ultimate goal went unrealized, dreams of hoisting the National Championship trophy were crushed and the Spartans were left to take stock of their body of work while pointing to a future that bypasses Glendale, Arizona, host city for the CFP final between the Crimson Tide and Clemson on Jan.