Sparty's On The Upswing : Turning It Around When It Counts

After an impressive 9-3 regular season in 2008, best since '99, the Spartans have a lot to prove to nay sayers in 2009. Being known as a 6-6 team for the better part of two decades, the "Little Brother" monichre from the University of Michigan, and heart breaking nail biters have seemed to be the norm for Spartan fans and players alike.

It's different now.

2008 was no fluke, contrary to some (mainly the U of M faithful ) opinions. The Spartans have proved that they are better than their 3-3 mark, 2-1 in the Big Ten, after their 24-14 victory over Illinois. Not only did Sparty spoil the Illini's homecoming, but they proved that they are a team not to be taken lightly.

Excuses don't win games, "moral" victories do not put "W's" in the win column. After suffering a loss to Central Michigan, 29-27, some were quick to peg Michigan State as "same old Sparty". The last drive interception thrown by Kirk Cousins as MSU was in the driver's seat for a win against Notre Dame, beckoned the "I told ya so's" from critics everywhere.

October 3, Sparty proved their opponents wrong. With a second consecutive win over arch rival Michigan, Michigan State finally earned some much deserved respect back from those who counted them out.

Beginning the season at 1-3 wasn't what most Spartan fans expected. It was literally two series that kept MSU from a promising 3-1 start.

For 3 1/2 quarters, Michigan State absolutely dominated the Wolverines in every stat column. Time of possession, offensive production, and just plain out played their over confident "Big Brother".

The once dominate ground game was thought to be a thing of the past once Javon Ringer graduated. Javon carried the Spartans on his back in 2008, seemingly leaving no to heir to his throne.

Larry Caper and Glenn Winston have improved game by game, demonstrating that MSU's running game is no "one trick pony", as  thought the year prior. With the emergence of Caper, Winston, and Ray, it is evident that Michigan State CAN run the ball, even without Javon.

The quarterback controversy was a-stir prior to the start of the season in East Lansing. With the departure of Brian Hoyer, who would take the reigns of this potent offense ? Both Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol have shown that they are both more than capable of producing behind center. Keith Nichol, the transfer from Oklahoma, can do it with his accurate arm and elusive footwork. Kirk Cousins proved that he too can scramble, when tested, with electric runs against Michigan.

Nichol has the mobility and game sense that has given opposing defenses fits so far this year. Avoiding sacks, turning what looks to be a loss into a gain, throwing on the fly.... those are Keith's strengths.

Nichol got the nod Saturday, after Kirk Cousins missed two practices this week due to an ankle injury suffered against in state rival Michigan last week. Slinging the ball  down-field with ease, the Spartans were able to score on a whim in the first half against Illinois.

I firmly believe that the Spartans are an eight win team. They have been tested, and passed with flying colors. Forget about Central, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin. This is a different team post October 3rd, 2009.

The inability to put teams away, however worries supporters. With an offense packing knockout punch potential, it is frustrating to see teams creep their way back into the game late. This is an issue I'm sure defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi will address. The offensive play calling expertise of Don Treadwell will soon utilize the true potential of this game breaking offense. Count on that.

Michigan State is now 2-1 in the Big Ten, with two difficult games left on the schedule. Iowa and Penn State.

Sparty took it to the limit battling Iowa last year on Homecoming, and thanks to All American kicker Brett Swenson, were able to seal the deal with a field goal. Penn State came to town and flexed their muscle, a game I'm sure the players and fans would like to forget.

The secondary is making strides game by game, coming up big when needed. Danny Fortener made his presence felt for the second week in a row, with a key play defensively. Chris L. Rucker has been under intense scrutiny since training camp. You can throw all of that out of the window, Rucker has tightened it up. Chris put the nail in Michigan's coffin with his interception (tipped by Danny Fortener) vs. Michigan, and seems to put his recent sub par play behind him.

In order for Michigan State to silence those who don't believe in them, they must continue to do what they've been doing ; playing with heart. Week in and week out, the effort to make strides on both sides of the ball has been apparent.

Northwestern is on the schedule this week for Sparty, which has been known to be a thorn in the side of the men in green and white. Must I remind you, the reader, that this is a NEW team as of October 3rd. The demeanor of the players is written all over their faces, the determination to shed the "Little Brother" nickname achieved.

A 6-2 Big Ten campaign is not out of reach, rather, it is very much attainable. I usually take the time to pack my articles with numbers, but this is piece is different.

Bottom line: don't count the Spartans out.  Go green, go white.