Indianapolis — When you travel nearly the length of a football field through suffocating tension, no distance seems too far, no task too tough. So pardon the Spartans if they’re not intimidated by what’s next.
At this lofty level, the gauntlet keeps rising, and it doesn’t get much higher than this. Michigan State will face Alabama and old friend Nick Saban in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve, the marquee semifinal game in the national playoff. And in many ways, it’s as fitting as it is daunting.
Michigan State prevailed against the best of the Big Ten in all the important areas — in the grimy trenches and the sweaty final moments.