2009 Michigan State Spartans College Football Predictions

2009 Michigan State Spartans Predictions
2008 Record: (9-4, 6-2)
Coach: Mark Dantonio, 3rd year (16-10)
Off. Coordinator: Don Tredwell (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Pat Narduzzi (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 17, (7 offense, 8 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

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Offense: The Spartans lose star RB Javon Ringer and qb Brian Hoyer, who were driving forces behind their Capital One Bowl appearance (their first since 2000). At quarterback, Hoyer was erratic as a passer, but he was a leader. They have two sophomores battling it out as sophomore Kirk Cousins (6-3, 202) and Oklahoma transfer Keith Nichol (6-2, 212) are vying for the starting job. Senior A.J. Jimmerson and sophomore Ashton Leggett are also battling it out for the starting running back position. Neither back had many touches last year since Ringer was such a workhorse. Junior TE Charlie Gantt (6-4, 245) has All-Conference potential. At receiver, they do return junior Mark Dell who had 679 yards in receiving last year as well as senior Blair White (659 yds). The offensive line returns three starters but will have a brand new right side.

Defense: The defense returns eight starters, including every linebacker, from a unit that allowed 22.1ppg (41st in the nation) and 355.9yds per game (58th). Senior Trevor Anderson (6-2, 259), who led the team with eight sacks in 2008, anchors the line. At linebacker, junior Greg Jones (6-1, 222) has led the team in tackles the last two seasons. Seven of eight defensive backs that contributed regularly last season are back this year. At corner, junior Chris L. Rucker (6-2, 197) has struggled with injuries but has the most potential to break out and has great size. The lone loss is safety Otis Wiley, though backup sophomore Trenton Robinson had a great spring.

Outlook: The Spartans open with Montana State and Central Michigan so they should start out 2-0. A road game against Notre Dame will be tough, but home games against Penn State and roadies at Purdue and Wisconsin could put them at or near the top at the end of the season. It also doesn’t hurt to skip out on Ohio State this year. Of course, finding a quarterback and a running back rotation can’t hurt.

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