Arlington, Texas – The Spartans knew they had room to grow, they just had no idea how much. They found out in the most painful, humbling way possible.
The higher you go, the harder you fall, and this was a brutal plummet. Michigan State had accomplished so much, it believed it was past this type of defrocking. But Alabama delivered a staggering rebuke, and a reminder that the highest level requires uncommon talent, in addition to physical play and motivation.
Once the Tide got rolling, the Spartans could do little to stop it. By the end of Alabama's 38-0 thumping in the Cotton Bowl Thursday night, it was hard to keep it all in perspective.