Couch: Ranking Michigan State football’s top non-conference fan destination road games of the last 50 years

Sep 19, 2024 at 11:00 PM

Exploring the Allure of MSU's Captivating Non-Conference Road Games

As the college football season kicks into high gear, Michigan State University's (MSU) upcoming matchup against Boston College on September 21, 2024, has emerged as a tantalizing non-conference road game for Spartan fans. With a 3-0 start and a sense of optimism surrounding the program, this weekend getaway promises to be a thrilling experience for those who make the trek to the East Coast.

Uncovering the Allure of MSU's Captivating Non-Conference Road Games

Embracing the Allure of Miami and Seattle

MSU's recent non-conference road games have provided Spartan fans with unforgettable experiences. The 2021 matchup against Miami in South Beach was a highlight, as Kenneth Walker's dazzling debut and the team's 8-0 start that season took flight in the humid Miami air. Similarly, the 2022 clash with Washington in Seattle generated a palpable energy, with a sizable contingent of MSU fans making the trek to the Pacific Northwest, despite the eventual defeat.

Revisiting the Legendary Showdown with USC

Looking back, MSU's 1978 non-conference road game against the powerhouse USC Trojans in the LA Coliseum stands out as a true test of the Spartans' mettle. Facing a team loaded with future NFL stars, including Charles White and Marcus Allen, MSU entered the game with its starting quarterback, Eddie Smith, nursing a broken hand. While the Spartans ultimately fell short, the experience of playing in such a renowned venue against a formidable opponent left an indelible mark on the program and its fans.

Anticipating the Potential of the Boston College Matchup

As the Spartans prepare to face Boston College in 2024, the anticipation is palpable. The game's location in New England, coupled with the character and intimate atmosphere of Boston College's Alumni Stadium, promises to create a unique and memorable experience for MSU fans. With a hopeful outlook for the Spartans' program and a worthy opponent in the Eagles, this matchup has the potential to be a highlight of the non-conference schedule.

Reflecting on the Heartbreak of Hawaii and the Triumph in Kalamazoo

While not all of MSU's non-conference road games have been triumphant, they have still left an indelible mark on the program and its fans. The 2004 loss to Hawaii, marred by controversial officiating, remains a sore spot for Spartan faithful, while the 2015 victory over Western Michigan in Kalamazoo provided a unique and intimate setting for MSU fans to experience the team's success at the height of the Dantonio era.

Embracing the Scenic Splendor of Boulder and Tempe

Beyond the on-field action, MSU's non-conference road games have also offered Spartan fans the opportunity to explore some of the country's most captivating college football destinations. The breathtaking beauty of Boulder, Colorado, and the sun-drenched, yet sweltering, atmosphere of Tempe, Arizona, have added to the allure of these road trips, providing a unique and unforgettable experience for those who make the journey.As MSU fans eagerly await the 2024 matchup against Boston College, the anticipation for another captivating non-conference road game continues to build. Whether it's the electric atmosphere of a primetime showdown, the chance to witness the program's history, or the opportunity to explore new and exciting destinations, these road games have become a cherished part of the Spartan football experience.