Is this the year? Changes in Ann Arbor have led to an opportunity for Michigan State football to have the spotlight in the state. Mark Dantonio has quietly redirected the philosophies and style of Michigan State football from the downward spiral that John L. Smith and Bobby Williams created. Coming off a 7-6 season with all 6 loses by less than 7 points, Michigan State is poised to make some noise in the Big Ten. A better bowl and a 8 to 9 win season surely are the realistic goals Dantonio has set for his team.
The offense will be led by 2 seniors this year, Brian Hoyer and Javon Ringer. Hoyer had a good year last year and he has a talented group of receivers to throw to. Mark Dell and B.J. Cunningham should be the starters at wide receiver with Deon Curry, and freshmen Fred Smith and Keyshawn Martin contributing this year. Ringer should be one of the top backs in the nation, getting more carries this year. His line has some guys returning, but will need to improve from last year.
On defense the Spartans will be looking for Trevor Anderson to carry the team up front. They will be inexperienced, so Anderson will be counted on leading the line. Eric Gordon and Greg Jones should make the linebackers an active group. Both players fly around the ball. As far as the secondary goes, Kendall Davis-Clark, Chris L. Rucker, and Otis Wiley will have to prove they can create turnovers and not let the top receivers in the Big Ten get by them. Let's not fool ourselves, the defense is a work in progress, probably the weak link of the team, but Dantoino knows this and is trying to right the ship. Adding one of the nation's best recruiting classes next year will help Michigan State on both sides of the ball and keep improving on the success that Dantonio has brought to this university.
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