East Lansing — The stands were more than half empty, and so was the tank. The Spartans were reeling late in the game, slipping in the rain, likely sliding in the rankings.
If you’re the No. 2 team in the country, it was not a good look. That’s OK, because Michigan State probably won’t remain No. 2 for now, not that it matters. The Spartans hung on against the underdog Boilermakers 24-21 Saturday, dodging disaster but not dodging questions.
Hey, it’s life near the top, and perhaps the Spartans are still getting used to the weight of lofty expectations.