Michigan State Athletic Director Dr. Clarence Underwood walked slowly toward center court Saturday, raising his left hand to the rafters, while former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali clutched his right hand. The Citrus Bowl champion Michigan State football team stood to one side, and a crowd of 14,659 at the Breslin Center screamed their appreciation. It was a halftime ceremony of emotion and glee for the Spartans. For Underwood, it doesn't get any better than this. The Spartans are on a roll.
Alumni are happy.
Fans are giddy and the Izzone has never been louder. Underwood gets his fair share of credit when things go right, but he will be the target if this Spartans high turns to mush. Underwood felt chills when he introduced Ali to the crowd, but they were no more special than the ones he felt during a pregame reception with MSU boosters, who lit an entire room with their love for the school. Even though we won the Citrus Bowl, it was hard work and it was stressful. Today was fun.