The accelerated transition to the Mel Tucker era at Michigan State was a unique challenge that clearly warranted a one-year pass. Going into year two, expectations will be a bit higher.
Tucker was handed the keys in mid-February, right before COVID-19 radically challenged the way coaches were allowed to operate and recruit; a less than ideal time for him to construct a full staff and dissect a roster. Players and new coaches had to somehow familiarize each other during months of little football activity and lingering uncertainty of a full season cancellation.
Aside from uncontrollable obstacles, the roster that Tucker and newly hired offensive coordinator, Jay Johnson, inherited was far from electric.