MSU Football Tries To Refocus Season On Michigan

Oct. 30, 2007

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan State is ailing, but a win over Michigan could work wonders on the Spartans' health.

The rivals meet for the 100th time Saturday at Spartan Stadium. It's a game first-year Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio has emphasized since he was hired last November, and the matchup provides a rallying point for a Spartan team that has lost four of its past five games.

"It's a game we've pointed toward since I got here, and that's the way it should be at Michigan State," Dantonio said Monday during his weekly press conference. "It's a measuring stick game for us because I do consider Michigan as one of the elite teams in this conference. They have been and always probably will be."

In the offseason, Dantonio had clocks installed at some Michigan State practice facilities to count down the days until kickoff against the Wolverines. With game preparation finally here, the Spartans (5-4, 1-4 Big Ten) are searching for a big win over No. 15 Michigan (7-2, 5-0) to help ease the pain of some tough recent losses.

All the Spartans' defeats were by seven points or less and two were decided in overtime, including last week's frustrating 34-27 loss at Iowa. The Spartans dominated the Hawkeyes in most statistical categories and led by 14 points at halftime, but still lost.

The Spartans have been competitive in every game and have far better statistics than their record might indicate.

Michigan State ranks first in the Big Ten in total offense, averaging 436 yards per game. Its balanced attack is paced by running back Javon Ringer, who averages 120 yards rushing per game.

Quarterback Brian Hoyer has completed 60 percent of his passes for 1,910 yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. His favorite target, receiver Devin Thomas, has become one of the Big Ten's most explosive players.

Defensively, the Spartans rank in the middle of the Big Ten in most statistical categories.

The problem has been execution at key times. The defense still allows too many big plays, and the offense hasn't made enough of them -- especially late in games.

Dantonio is trying to build on the positives. He said the Spartans remain confident and unified heading into Saturday's showdown for the Paul Bunyan Trophy.

"We've not lost this football team," Dantonio said. "We will continue to play. ... Our players' confidence is not shaken."

Michigan has dominated the series with a 66-28-5 overall record. The Wolverines have won five straight, including two in overtime, and 12 of the past 16.

"We've got some catching up to do," Michigan State safety Travis Key said of Michigan's advantage in the series. "Why not start this year?"

Asked about how he might address his players who have never beaten Michigan, Dantonio didn't shy away from the lopsided record, either.

"`How long will we continue to bow to the University of Michigan?'" Dantonio said. "How's that? We'll find out."

By TIM MARTIN, The Associated Press