2009 NCAA - Michigan State
The other Big Ten program in Michigan is also in a current state of flux, as it was outgained by 36 yards per game in league play despite going 6-2. The difference is that third-year coach Mark D'Antonio is coming off a nine-win season that had his team playing in Happy Valley for the Big Ten title in the last game of the season. The uncertainty comes this fall in the form of his team losing roughly all of its offensive output. Running back Javon Ringer carried the ball 390 times, more than anyone in America. No one else even gained 100 yards. Quarterback Brian Hoyer also departs after he started the last 27 games, and there is no replacement as of the start of fall camp.
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Michigan State
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The good news? The O-line had a lot to do with Ringer's ground production last fall, and most of them are back. There are three decent receivers and good tight end depth. And the defense is certainly the strength this fall. All of the starting linebackers return, and the secondary appears as good as any in the league. The punter and kicker both return and should spearhead strong Spartan special teams. In all, 15 starters return to a team that went 6-2 in league play (despite being outgained by 36 yards per game). |
| ASK the bookie? - Michigan State plays games in 12 consecutive weeks. Ohio State, the only team who beat the Spartans in each of the last two seasons, is also off the schedule this fall. Four of the last six games are at home, with winnable road games against Minnesota and Purdue being the only trips out of state after Oct. 10. Despite the loss of the two offensive studs, another 9-win season certainly appears possible if D'Antonio develops a QB. |
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