Michigan State University Athletics
Dantonio, MSU Aim To Build On Momentum
8/7/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 5, 2008
By TIM MARTIN, The Associated Press
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - By recent Michigan State standards, last year's 7-6 record was pretty good.
But quarterback Brian Hoyer and the Spartans made it clear during their annual media day that they have far loftier goals heading into the 2008 season.
"We've got a lot to prove," Hoyer said Tuesday in a club-level lounge at Spartan Stadium, just a couple of days into preseason camp. "We've got to remind ourselves in the grand scheme of things, we really didn't do anything last year. For where our goals are, we just took a small step. But one thing we did is we proved to ourselves that we have the talent and the coaching to compete with anybody in the Big Ten."
Coach Mark Dantonio orchestrated a better turnaround in East Lansing than many expected in his first season. The Spartans had a winning season and appeared in a bowl game for the first time since 2003.
Each of Michigan State's six losses were by seven points or less, including a 24-21 loss to Boston College in the Champs Sports Bowl. Two defeats came in overtime.
The winning record and the close calls have combined to raise expectations among Michigan State fans hungry for a consistent winner.
"We've got very, very high hopes this season," said Dantonio, who is entering his second year as Michigan State's head coach. "With that said though, I think it's important to realize that we're a work in progress."
The Spartans have only 13 seniors among their core group, including Hoyer and running back Javon Ringer.
Ringer gained 1,447 yards rushing last season and is one of the nation's better running backs. Hoyer threw for 2,725 yards and 20 TDs last season.
Hoyer's receivers will have to join forces to replace the production of the departed Devin Thomas, now with the Washington Redskins.
Mark Dell had 20 catches for 220 yards and two TDs last season. Deon Curry, son of Detroit Pistons coach Michael Curry, had 24 catches for 200 yards and a TD.
The offensive line returns three starters -- tackle Jesse Miller, guard Roland Martin and center Joel Nitchman -- and tackle Rocco Cironi also has previous starting experience.
The Spartans need to replace some starters along the defensive front, but should get a boost from Cincinnati transfer Trevor Anderson. Justin Kershaw and Brandon Long are among those returning with experience.
Greg Jones and Eric Gordon are back as starting linebackers. Jones was Michigan State's leading tackler last season as a freshman.
Michigan State's secondary, considered a weakness in recent seasons, could be a strength this year. Otis Wiley, Kendell Davis-Clark, Roderick Jenrette, Chris L. Rucker and Ross Weaver are among those returning to the defensive backfield.
"We've learned about what it takes to get the job done," said Wiley, who is moving from free safety to strong safety. "It all comes back to communication and technique. If we do that right, everything will fall into place."
Special teams also could be a strength for the Spartans. Punter Aaron Bates and kicker Brett Swenson both return.
Michigan State starts the season Aug. 30 with a difficult road test at California.
