Michigan State University Athletics
MSU Football Searches For Respect In 2007
8/20/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 20, 2007
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan State is coming off three straight losing seasons for the first time since the early 1980s.
The Spartans are trying to win back some respect after not finding much in the preseason polls and publications.
With a tough schedule and a new coach, Michigan State is generally picked to finish in the bottom third of the conference entering the 2007 football season.
"We know we're not really picked to win anything," safety Otis Wiley said. "It kind of gives us that us-against-the-world attitude. Every day we have to prove our opponents wrong. We have to prove the people that ranked us wrong.
"We have nothing to lose, and we have a lot of stuff we have to prove."
Michigan State seeks a fresh start under coach Mark Dantonio, who comes to East Lansing after three seasons leading the University of Cincinnati. It's a Big Ten homecoming for Dantonio, who was a defensive assistant from 1995-2000 for the Spartans under Nick Saban and Bobby Williams. Dantonio also was defensive coordinator at Ohio State from 2001-03, helping the Buckeyes win a national championship.
The Spartans are going back to the basics -- running on offense and attack on defense -- after fired coach John L. Smith's pass-happy scheme led to a 22-26 record.
Dantonio said there is no reason the Spartans can't surprise the college football world this season.
"Certainly you need execution, but it can be done," he said. "You look across America and every year there are teams that do it. Why not us?"
Michigan State has endured bad breaks recently, some of them self-inflicted.
The Spartans started last season 3-0 and led Notre Dame by 16 points entering the fourth quarter. They lost 40-37 and never recovered, losing eight of their last nine games.
"What happened last year, you wipe it completely clean," said quarterback Brian Hoyer, who replaces Drew Stanton.
Hoyer appeared in eight games last season and completed 82 of 144 passes for 863 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. He started the season finale against Penn State, setting the school record with 61 pass attempts.
Michigan State may keep some elements of its old spread offense, but look for a more balanced, pro-style offense that includes a fullback and perhaps 20 to 30 passes a game.
"I feel that when you have a balanced offense, you are going to be more successful," Hoyer said. "Establishing the running game is going to help the passing game and vice versa."
The Spartans have a pair of experienced running backs in shifty Javon Ringer and bruising Jehuu Caulcrick. They combined to gain 923 yards last season.
Four starters are back on the offensive line, though guard Pete Clifford might shift to guard.
The receiving corps must replace departed starters Matt Trannon, Jerramy Scott and Kerry Reed. Key returning receivers include Devin Thomas and Deon Curry. Terry Love should be in the mix if he addresses academic concerns by the start of the season. T.J. Williams could be a factor if he rebounds from a disciplinary action for undisclosed reasons that moved him down the depth charts after spring practice.
Michigan State has two experienced tight ends, Kellen Davis and Eric Andino, who could figure prominently in the offense.
Dantonio comes to Michigan State with a reputation as a defense-oriented coach. That's where the Spartans need the most help, allowing 28.42 points a game last season -- ranking 100th among 119 Division-I teams.
Clifton Ryan and David Stanton are gone from last year's defensive line, but several Spartans return with experience.
Ervin Baldwin should start at one end, with Brandon Long and Jonal Saint-Dic getting time at the other slot. Justin Kershaw, an end last year, shifts to tackle. Junior college transfer Michael Jordan could give the defensive line some immediate help.
Linebacker Kaleb Thornhill has started 26 games in his career, despite knee and shoulder injuries. Two redshirt freshmen, Jon Misch and Eric Gordon, could be the other starters although SirDarean Adams -- who has started 23 straight games -- could work his way back into the rotation.
Wiley, who led the Spartans with 94 tackles last season, anchors the secondary at free safety. Nehemiah Warrick returns as the starter at strong safety and Travis Key should be a key contributor.
But the corners are relatively untested. Ross Weaver and Kendell Davis-Clark were the projected starters entering fall camp, although several other players could get a shot.
The Spartan special teams return placekicker Brett Swenson, but lost Brandon Fields, one of the best punters in school history. Aaron Bates or Ed Wagner likely will replace him.
Michigan State opens the season hosting UAB on Sept. 1.
The Spartans may have one of the nation's toughest schedules including road games at Notre Dame, Wisconsin and Ohio State. Michigan State skips Minnesota and Illinois in the Big Ten's rotating schedule.
By TIM MARTIN, The Associated Press
