Michigan State University Athletics
MSU Football Searches For Stability Under Smith
8/21/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 21, 2005
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - It isn't easy to forecast the fortunes of Michigan State's football program in its third season under John L. Smith.
On paper, the Spartans have the offensive firepower to play with any team in the Big Ten. But of concern is a lack of depth at key positions and a defense that could be susceptible to the big play.
It sounds a lot like last season, when Michigan State suffered through a maddeningly inconsistent 5-7 campaign.
The Spartans were good enough to pound highly touted Wisconsin and Minnesota and lead perennial powerhouses Michigan and Ohio State into the fourth quarter. But they also blew those leads against the Wolverines and Buckeyes and lost to lightly regarded Rutgers, Penn State and Hawaii.
"We should have, could have, and all those things last year," Smith said. "(We could have) been better than we were. I think our kids want to prove that."
Smith is coming off just the second losing season in his 16 years as a head coach. Last season's performance also snapped Smith's personal streak of seven straight bowl appearances compiled at Utah State, Louisville and Michigan State.
To get back in the bowl hunt, the Spartans will look to a prolific spread offense led by quarterback Drew Stanton, who accounted for 2,288 total yards in 10 games last season. Michigan State returns eight starters from a unit that averaged 29.4 points per game last season and ranked 10th in the nation in total offense.
Stanton completed 64 percent of his passes last season and had two 100-yard rushing games.
The junior said he is healthy, which is important because both quarterbacks behind him -- Brian Hoyer and Domenic Natale -- have no experience.
"If we keep working at it and become more consistent, we should be dynamite," tackle Stefon Wheeler said.
Wheeler is part of a solid offensive line that returns three starters and four players with plenty of experience, including center Chris Morris, whom the Spartans tout as an All-America candidate.
The line is expected to open holes for backs Jason Teague and Jehuu Caulcrick, who combined for 1,307 yards last season.
Freshman Javon Ringer could provide the explosive speed neither returning back possesses. Last year's speedster, DeAndra Cobb, has used up his eligibility.
Stanton's receivers are among the most experienced in the nation, but they've been inconsistent throughout their careers.
Matt Trannon, a 6-foot-6 target who also plays on the basketball team, is perhaps the most physically gifted. He had 36 catches for 405 yards and two touchdowns last season.
Jerramy Scott led the Spartans with 39 catches and 444 receiving yards last season. Kyle Brown, Aaron Alexander and Terry Love all return with experience, and they may be pushed for playing time by freshman Diego Oquendo and junior college transfer Kerry Reed.
Agim Shabaj won't be back because he was declared academically ineligible.
Ryan Woods, Kellen Davis and Dwayne Holmes -- a converted defensive end -- are competing at tight end. They'll try to fill a hole left by the departures of Eric Knott and Jason Randall.
Smith is more excited about the offense than the defense, which has four starters back from last year's team, which allowed 27.2 points per game. That does not count cornerback Jaren Hayes, who has been indefinitely suspended for an undisclosed off-the-field incident.
"On the defensive side of the ball, we have to step up and stop people," Smith said.
Key losses to graduation include linemen Clifford Dukes and Kevin Vickerson, linebacker Ronald Stanley, and defensive backs Jason Harmon, Tyrell Dortch and Roderick Maples.
The returning defensive leader is strong safety Eric Smith, who collected 115 tackles last season despite injuries.
"To get better, we've got to get everybody on the same page," Eric Smith said.
Several players, including former walk-on Travis Key, will contend for Hayes' spot. Ashton Watson is expected to return with some experience at the other corner.
Coaches say Sir Darean Adams could emerge as a big playmaker at the Spartans' hybrid defensive back/linebacker position.
David Herron Jr. is the established veteran among the linebackers, joined by Kaleb Thornhill.
The defensive line could be the unit's strength. Clifton Ryan and Michael Bazemore are expected to be the starting ends, joined by tackles Brandon McKinney and Domata Peko.
Brandon Fields, an All-America punter, returns to lead Michigan State's special teams. He led the nation and set a school record averaging 47.9 yards per punt last season.
John Goss takes over the place-kicking duties from the departed Dave Rayner, who was drafted by Indianapolis.
Michigan State starts the season by hosting Kent State on Sept. 3. The Spartans travel to Notre Dame on Sept. 17.
There aren't many breaks in the Big Ten schedule. Michigan State hosts Michigan on Oct. 1, travels to Ohio State on Oct. 15 and travels to Purdue on Nov. 5.
By TIM MARTIN, The Associated Press
