"The first five or six games (of the season), we actually did some good things," Rensing said. "Our record doesn’t show it. We would have liked to have that non-conference slate back a little bit."

While their out-of-conference run was underwhelming, the Spartans turned their struggles into strengths, ending the season with the second-best defensive record in the Big Ten. MSU showed it could compete with the conference’s elite, tackling a grueling schedule on the road. 

"I think that speaks volumes of how we've been playing as a group the last 10 days," Rensing said. "In the standings, you've got Indiana, one, you've got Ohio State, two, you've got Maryland, three, us four, and UCLA tied for fifth. We played the best teams in the conference, all those games on the road."

In 16 years of coaching, Rensing said this season was the was the most competitive he's seen in the Big Ten. 

Though scoring has remained a challenge for the Spartans with just 14 goals in 15 games, they haven't struggled to create chances, particularly in conference play. Rensing said he's impressed by his team’s growth and resilience as the season has progressed.

"I think we've gotten stronger and played better as we go on, and that's what I've been the proudest of with this group," Rensing said. "I think we got a chance to keep pushing that agenda."

As the Big Ten Tournament approaches, MSU enters with renewed confidence. Though it was statistically the least threatening team entering conference play, MSU has managed to contend with the best in college soccer.

Last year, the Spartans exited the conference tournament in the quarterfinals against Ohio State. 

With one game remaining against last-place Rutgers, the Spartans have an opportunity to solidify their position. MSU will face off against the Scarlet Knights at DeMartin Stadium on Nov. 3 at 1 p.m.