Wizzle
08-25-2008, 03:30 PM
in the interest of being fair
http://www.msu.edu/images/aktl/7.jpgAThttp://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/cal/nonsport/oski-trads.jpg
MICHIGAN STATE
Last year: 7-6
Big Ten: 3-5
Bowl: Champs Sports; lost to Boston College, 24-21.
Coach: Mark Dantonio (7-6, 1 year; 25-23 overall, 4 years)
The good stuff: Quarterback Brian Hoyer shows nice promise and tailback Javon Ringer could be among the Big Ten's best players. A defense led by linebacker Greg Jones and corners Kendell Davis-Clark and Ross Weaver should be one of MSU's best in recent memory.
To be determined: The loss of three starters and a semi-starter leaves the offensive line in flux. The Spartans need a passing game playmaker to replace Devin Thomas (NFL early entry).
Camp update: Keshawn Martin's early camp performance immediately sparked speculation the freshman wideout could help fill Thomas' role in the passing game. The Spartans think they'll have excellent depth at the position regardless.
Newcomer to watch: Dantonio thinks enough of junior Rocco Cironi to project him as starting left tackle. Redshirt freshman receiver B.J. Cunningham should be a factor.
Pivotal players: Early question marks about the line and receivers put the onus on Ringer to carry the Spartan offense in a big way early.
Make or break games: State hasn't beaten rival Michigan since the disputed clock game of 2001 and probably won't get a better chance than the Oct. 25 matchup in Ann Arbor.
In the end: Road trips to Indiana, Northwestern and Michigan will be the barometer of whether the Spartans are now an upper-division Big Ten team. If State wins all three, Dantonio's team be the talk of the conference.
I wouldn't put this game in the must win category but more in the must play well category if that makes sense. Sort of a national tv game but most of the country will probably get Alabama at Clemson.
http://www.msu.edu/images/aktl/7.jpgAThttp://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/cal/nonsport/oski-trads.jpg
MICHIGAN STATE
Last year: 7-6
Big Ten: 3-5
Bowl: Champs Sports; lost to Boston College, 24-21.
Coach: Mark Dantonio (7-6, 1 year; 25-23 overall, 4 years)
The good stuff: Quarterback Brian Hoyer shows nice promise and tailback Javon Ringer could be among the Big Ten's best players. A defense led by linebacker Greg Jones and corners Kendell Davis-Clark and Ross Weaver should be one of MSU's best in recent memory.
To be determined: The loss of three starters and a semi-starter leaves the offensive line in flux. The Spartans need a passing game playmaker to replace Devin Thomas (NFL early entry).
Camp update: Keshawn Martin's early camp performance immediately sparked speculation the freshman wideout could help fill Thomas' role in the passing game. The Spartans think they'll have excellent depth at the position regardless.
Newcomer to watch: Dantonio thinks enough of junior Rocco Cironi to project him as starting left tackle. Redshirt freshman receiver B.J. Cunningham should be a factor.
Pivotal players: Early question marks about the line and receivers put the onus on Ringer to carry the Spartan offense in a big way early.
Make or break games: State hasn't beaten rival Michigan since the disputed clock game of 2001 and probably won't get a better chance than the Oct. 25 matchup in Ann Arbor.
In the end: Road trips to Indiana, Northwestern and Michigan will be the barometer of whether the Spartans are now an upper-division Big Ten team. If State wins all three, Dantonio's team be the talk of the conference.
I wouldn't put this game in the must win category but more in the must play well category if that makes sense. Sort of a national tv game but most of the country will probably get Alabama at Clemson.