Michigan State University has been around since the mid-1800s, beginning as Michigan State Agricultural College. In 1964, it changed direction and became Michigan State University, broadening its horizons.
In sports, things are going pretty well overall. Football-wise, the Spartans were decent back in the day, but really took off under coach Duffy Dougherty in the 1950s and 1960s.
Michigan State won its first national championship in 1952 and again in 1965. The second championship was a big deal, with stars like Bubba Smith and George Webster stepping up to the plate.
Men's basketball is a different story. Michigan State started to get attention in the 1970s and 1980s thanks to coach Jud Heathcote, but Tom Izzo, who took over in 1995, took the team to the next level. In 2000, the Spartans won the national championship behind players like Mateen Cleaves.
The win cemented Izzo as one of the best coaches around.
Michigan State didn't stop there. They went on to play in a national championship game in 2009. The Spartans then made two more Final Four appearances in 2015 and 2019. Cassius Winston The 2019 Michigan State team was led by one of the best varsity players in recent memory, Xavier Tillman, and defeated a Zion Williamson-led Duke team before losing to Texas A&M in the Final Four.
Aside from winning titles, Michigan State's football and basketball teams have produced a wealth of talent, some of whom have gone on to play in college and the pros. Their dedication to greatness and the passionate support of their fans have cemented the Michigan State football and basketball programs as powerhouses in the world of college sports.
With Izzo nearing the end of his tenure with Michigan State basketball and Jonathan Smith entering his first season as head football coach, the Spartans have a clean slate and it's almost like a whole new game. Michigan State has faced a lot of controversy and adversity in football over the past few years, but Smith looks to be the gateway to a fresh start.
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