Michigan State Spartans
Big Ten Conference
All the Spartans seem to do is win. They were out to prove that their outstanding season last year was not just smoke and mirrors. The Big Ten and the nation have taken notice of the Spartans. Last year they earned a share of the Big Ten title and this year they won the Legends division outright. This team has proven that they are a force to be reckoned with and have a lot of young talent. So take notice. Senior quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is nationally known for being a clutch player and just wining football games, will not let this team fail in his final season.
2011 Record: 10-3, 7-1
Last Bowl Appearance: 2010 Capital One Bowl vs. Alabama (L 7-49)
Big Wins: 10/15 Michigan (28-14), 10/22 Wisconsin (37-31)
Bad Losses: 9/17 at Notre Dame (13-31), 10/29 at Nebraska (3-24)
Coach: Mark Dantonio (43-22 at Michigan State, 61-39 overall)
Bowl Record: 0-4 at Michigan State, 1-4 Overall
Offensive Coordinator: Dan Roushar
Defensive Coordinator: Pat Narduzzi
Strengths:
This Spartan team always seems to find a way to win and that is due to their great defense. Their defense ranked number one in the Big Ten in total defense and rushing yards per game. They are second in the Big Ten in points allowed per contest, surrendering a measly 15.42 points per game. Their defense also led the Big Ten in sacks. The Spartans have an excellent front seven, which is the strength of their great defense. To complement their great defense, the Spartans have an outstanding passing offense. Quarterback Kirk Cousins is having an excellent year, tossing over 20 touchdowns on the year. His favorite target throughout the year has been fellow senior, B.J. Cunningham, who is a big physical receiver who has tallied over 1,200 receiving yards. The Cousins to Cunningham connection is a big reason that the Spartans have the second best passing attack in the Big Ten and score the fourth most points. The Spartans winning combination does not stop with an excellent defense and explosive passing attack, however. They also have an extremely efficient offense that, above all else, protects the football. The Spartans boast the second best turnover margin in the Big Ten and that is the key to their success. Teams cannot afford to make mistakes against the Spartans because it is hard enough to score on them already and their offense will not return the favor.
Weakness:
Despite the Spartans ability to put points on the board, their rushing attack has been less than stellar this year. The Spartans are dead last in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game at just 139. This hurts them when they are trying to bleed the clock late in games to seal wins. However, they utilize a short passing attack, which is still effective and carries them to victory lane. On special teams, the Spartans are solid overall, but their punt coverage team struggles occasionally. Michigan State ranked 8th in the Big Ten after conference play wrapped up, in net punting. Whether it be a shanked punt every once in a while or a missed tackle here or there, the Spartans have been only netting 35.11 yards per punt. This hurts them when they are locked in a defensive battle where field position is key. Michigan State’s defense has been up to the challenge so far this year, but will some team find a way to break them? This could be the way to attack the Spartans, as it can enable your offense to continually start in advantageous field position and eventually break the Spartans defense.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Le’Veon Bell, RB, 900 yards
Passing: Kirk Cousins, QB, 3,016 yards
Receiving: B.J. Cunningham, WR, 1,240 yards
Tackles: Max Bullough, LB, 86
Sacks: Denicos Allen, LB, 10.0
Interceptions: Isaiah Lewis, S, 4; Trenton Robinson, S, 4
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 139.00 (78, 12)
Passing Offense: 244.67 (46, 2)
Total Offense: 383.67 (64, 5)
Scoring Offense: 30.17 (43, 4)
Rushing Defense: 102.50 (11, 1)
Pass Defense: 164.17 (8, 4)
Total Defense: 266.67 (3, 1)
Scoring Defense: 15.42 (6, 2)
Turnover Margin: .75 (17, 2)
Sacks: 3.08 (8, 1)
Sacks Allowed: 1.25 (26, 2)
