Michigan State fans can now turn their focus to something other than football.
The Spartans finished the 2022 regular season 5-7 and one win short of automatically locking up a bowl bid. However, entering this week there was still an outside chance of the Spartans earning a bowl bid if a few things fell their way. You can read up on those conditions by clicking here.
Buy Spartans TicketsWell, things haven’t landed in the Spartans’ favor and as of today it seems essentially impossible for Michigan State to receive a bowl bid. On Wednesday, Brett McMurphy of the Action Network reported that UNLV would accept a bowl bid if offered and with the Rebels ahead of the Spartans in the APR tie-breaker, that meant one less bowl bid available. Then, on Thursday, McMurphy reported that New Mexico State has received a bowl waiver at 5-6 and are officially bowl eligible over any 5-7 teams — such as the Spartans.
With New Mexico State getting bowl waiver, Auburn officially eliminated from bowl contention. New Mexico State & Rice guaranteed bowl bids. If Buffalo wins, Bulls get final spot. If Buffalo loses, UNLV gets final spothttps://t.co/vKGwslZYr1
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 1, 2022
UNLV, w/2nd highest APR among 5-win teams, will accept a bowl bid if offered, source told @ActionNetworkHQ. UNLV guaranteed bid if Buffalo loses to Akron or New Mexico State doesn't receive bowl waiver. Auburn potentially could get last bid, but hasn't decided if it will accept
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 29, 2022
So what’s this mean for the Spartans? Well, there’s two bowl bids up for grabs and at least three teams ahead of the Spartans in the APR tiebreaker — Rice, UNLV and Auburn. The Rebels will reportedly accept the bowl bid offer so really there’s only one spot available.
Additionally, Buffalo will play Akron on Friday as a double-digit favorite. If the Bulls win, then they’ll be 6-6 on the season and also bowl eligible. So if that’s the case, then they’ll grab the final bowl bid and effectively end the Spartans’ year.
With all of that being said, here’s how Michigan State could still get a bowl bid offer:
- Buffalo losses to Akron
AND
- Rice and Auburn turn down their bowl bid offer
That seems very unlikely, and thus, it seems pretty clear the Spartans’ season is over. It won’t be official until bowl games are announced on Sunday, but I wouldn’t expect Michigan State to be getting an offer after the recent developments.
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