A 7-6 season was an absolute failure for Michigan State in 2018. The Spartans returned almost every starter from a 10-3 team in 2017 and anything less than a Big Ten title would have been a disappointment but barely reaching seven wins and losing a meaningless bowl game was worst-case scenario.
Mark Dantonio is facing a crucial 2019 season because many believe he has lost his touch and a lot has to do with his coaching staff remaining intact despite a disappointing offensive performance in 2018 — arguably the worst offense in school history.
The veteran head coach shuffled the staff around, but it’s been compared to moving chairs around on the Titanic.