Michigan is not in good shape these days.

And it’s not just the habitual dreary early-spring weather that has Michiganders down – it’s something else.

It’s a feeling that we live in a state that is on its way out.

Every day the news consists of more foreclosures, decreases in government funding, failing businesses and the departure of another company to another state or country – just to name a few.

Even the news business itself is failing – the Ann Arbor News was the latest victim.

The unemployment rate (12 percent) is the highest of any state in the union.

People are hurting – looking for an escape from the discouraging outlook for the near future.

And a lot of times, athletics can fill this void.

A sporting event can’t help someone put money in their pocket or find a job, but it alleviates some of the stress and allows for at least a couple of hours of relaxation before hitting the job trail or focusing on all the unpaid bills.

The Michigan State men’s basketball team is providing that for many.

Sunday in Indianapolis, the underdog Spartans stunned the nation by beating Louisville, one of the most talented teams in the NCAA Tournament. They are the hometown favorites now – which comes with a lot of pressure. It seems there is more at stake now than just a national championship.

Michigan State may not be everyone’s favorite team in this state.

I, for one, grew up in the Ann Arbor area. Needless to say, another Michigan school was on my radar when the tournament started.

But it’s still a school with ‘Michigan’ on its jersey, from the capital city of Lansing, that will take the floor at Ford Field in front of an expected record of 72,000 fans come Saturday.

Perhaps Magic Johnson said it best.

“Detroit needs something, Michigan needs something to feel good about,” he told the Associated Press after the game. “And right now, the whole state is feeling good about this Michigan State team.”

In a year that has seen its share of negativity, the Spartans are looking at the positive.

“I’m just hoping we’re a silver lining in what’s been kind of a cloudy year for us,” MSU coach Tom Izzo told reporters after the game. “I’m hoping that we’re the sunshine. I’m hoping we’re something to embrace.”

After the weekend is done and a champion has been crowned, Detroit and the rest of the state will continue their quest to emerge from the economic distress that has ecompassed the whole country.

How much will hometown MSU’s appearance on the largest stage in college basketball help? Only time will tell – but one thing is for sure.

Any and all help is welcome at this point.

sports@cm-life.com

E-mail the author: Daniel Monson