The rise of the Michigan State Spartans program is ahead of schedule.
Way ahead of schedule.
At least outside the walls of the Duffy Daugherty Building.
Inside, at least in their head coaches mind, they've been ready to recapture their place in the college football world.
After beating seventh ranked Penn State on Saturday, the Spartans jumped from 24th to 12th in the latest college football playoff rankings.
One spot ahead of their next opponent, Ohio State.
Undefeated Wisconsin is the only conference team ranked ahead of the Spartans.
The top four are undefeated Georgia and Alabama, followed by one loss Clemson and Notre Dame.
Michigan State (7-2) can continue their climb amongst the nations elite, with a victory against the Buckeyes this weekend in Columbus.
If they were to do that, they'd be in the drivers seat all alone to represent the East division in the Big Ten Championship game in Indianapolis the first weekend in December.
