Michigan State Spartans
Overall Rank: #31
#5 Big Ten
Michigan State Team Page
2010 Record: (11-2, 7-1)
2010 Bowl: Capital One Bowl vs. Alabama (L 7-49)
Coach: Mark Dantonio (33-19 at Michigan State, 51-36 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Dan Roushar
Defensive Coordinator: Pat Narduzzi
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Edwin Baker, RB, 1,201 yards
Passing: Kirk Cousins, QB, 2,825 yards
Receiving: B.J. Cunningham, WR, 611 yards
Tackles: Trenton Robinson, S, 76
Sacks: Jerel Worthy, DT, 4.0
Interceptions: Trenton Robinson, S, 4
Other Key Returnees: CB Johnny Adams, RB Le’Veon Bell, G Joel Forman, DE Tyler Hoover, TE Brian Linthicum, WR Keyshawn Martin, G Chris McDonald, WR Keith Nicol, LB Chris Norman, DT Kevin Pickelman,
Key Losses: OT J’Micheal Deane, WR Mark Dell, TE Charlie Gantt, LB Eric Gordon, S Marcus Hyde, LB Greg Jones, DE Colin Neely, CB Chris L. Rucker, C John Stipek, OT D.J. Young
The 2010 season was a memorable one for Michigan State. On the field the team went 11-2 and won a share of the Big Ten title. The losses, a couple duds at the hands of Iowa and Alabama, stick out, but so does the victory in Happy Valley that clinched a share of the conference crown. Coach Mark Dantonio suffered a mild heart attack following a thrilling overtime victory against Notre Dame and missed a few games. In the end the 2010 campaign was an interesting one for the Spartans, but it could be just the beginning of their success under Coach Dantonio.
Strengths:
What has Spartan fans excited is the bevy of skill players returning. Kirk Cousins turned into a steady quarterback who would do enough not to lose games to a fine signal caller who can win games. During his junior season in 2010 Cousins threw for 2,825 yards and 20 touchdowns. He did throw ten interceptions during the season, but four of those were against the blowout losses to Iowa and Alabama. With B.J. Cunningham, Keshawn Martin and Keith Nichol, Cousins has plenty of wide receivers to work with. Tight end Brian Linthicum is a big target in the red zone and has been a part-time starter over the last two years. With Charlie Gantt gone, Linthicum will see plenty of passes from Cousins. While the passing game should be good, it is the running backs that are really good. Edwin Baker ran for 1,201 yards and 13 touchdowns during his sophomore season. He could put up numbers like that again, but he has a lot of competition. Le’Veon Bell had a great freshman season until his legs started getting a little tired at the end of the year. Larry Caper is an experienced rusher as well, but a nagging injury gave Baker and Bell the opportunity and they ran with it.
Weaknesses:
However, the offense may not be as strong if the line fails to replace some key components. Chris McDonald and Joel Foreman are experienced guards, but it will not be easy to replace both tackles and a center. There will be a lot of pressure put on Skyler Schofner and Fou Fonoti to fill the void. The retirement of Zach Hueter due to constant injuries leaves very little experience at the tackle spots. The other major area of concern is replacing linebackers Greg Jones and Eric Gordon. Those two alone tallied nearly 200 tackles last year. Chris Norman will have to shoulder a bigger load, but sophomores Max Bullough and Denicos Allen will have to grow up quickly. The secondary also lost a couple major contributors in safety Marcus Hyde and corner Chris L. Rucker. The good news is Trenton Robinson is ready to take over a big role in the secondary and cornerback Johnny Adams is one of the best in the conference.
The Bottom Line:
What could turn the defense into something special is the line. Jerel Worthy is a stud in the middle of the line and Kevin Pickelman is a capable starter and there is plenty of interior depth, most notably Johnathan Strayhorn. The Spartans did not do a particularly good job of getting to the opposing quarterback in 2010, but this is the year most expect William Gholston to make an impact. The 6-7 sophomore was a highly regarded recruit and is ready to play at this level. With Tyler Hoover on the other end, the Michigan State line could be very dangerous. If the offensive line can be anywhere near as effective as the defensive line, the Spartans will be eyeing another memorable season.
Projected Bowl: Gator Bowl
2010 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 152.15 (64th in nation, 7th in conference)
Passing Offense: 236.38 (46, 3)
Total Offense: 388.54 (53, 6)
Scoring Offense: 29.46 (47, 5)
Rushing Defense: 133.69 (37, 5)
Pass Defense: 220.08 (60, 5)
Total Defense: 353.77 (43, 6)
Scoring Defense: 22.31 (39, 4)
Turnover Margin: .38 (31, 5)
Sacks: 1.54 (90, 6)
Sacks Allowed: 1.85 (58, 9)
Madness 2012 NFL Draft Rankings:
#24 Jerel Worthy
#38 Kirk Cousins
Madness 2011 FBS Football Recruit Rankings:
#47 Lawrence Thomas
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