Michigan State Football: Top 10 Items on the Spartans' Christmas Wish List
To: St. Nick
From: John Rozum
Re: Michigan State Football Christmas List
Dear St. Nick:
As a Michigan State football columnist, I feel it is necessary to write you a letter regarding Sparty's recent season.
I am quite aware of the "naughty or nice" list, but I am curious as to whether it pertains to college football as well.
If it does, then I am only to assume that the Spartans are on your "nice" list.
Therefore, I have compiled a Top 10 list of items that I wish to be considered.
I hope you enjoy this list as much as Spartan fans enjoyed watching their team this season.
Thanks,
John
10. Buckeyes and Badgers BCS Losses
1 of 11
Although it's out of Michigan State's control, Ohio State and Wisconsin losses would put Sparty alone atop the Big Ten in the final overall standings.
Not to mention it would definitely catapult Sparty into the Top Five in the final college football polls.
Now some of you are probably not hoping for this because the Big Ten needs to stick together in order to jump the SEC for best conference. However, for the sake of Sparty, I want them to finish as high as possible in the final rankings.
I can see this one being rather debatable, but as I think the saying at Michigan State University should go, "THIS IS SPARTA!!!" (Guess the movie and you win 300 Whose Line Is It Anyway? points.)
9. Three More TD Passes from Kirk Cousins
2 of 11
To enhance this historical Spartan season, if Cousins throws at least three TD passes, he will break the school record for most TD passes in a single season.
The current record is 22 by Drew Stanton back in 2005—a season in which Michigan State finished with a mediocre 5-6 record and a dismal 2-6 mark in-conference.
It's already been a season to remember, but to make it a more all-encompassing success, three Kirk Cousins TD passes would most definitely suffice.
8. Four More "TFLs"
3 of 11
There's really not much else you can add to Greg Jones' repertoire that Spartan fans aren't already aware of.
Whether it's All-Big Ten honors, All-American honors, National Defensive Player Awards (the Chuck Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski or Dick Butkus awards) or conference Defensive Player of the Year awards, Jones has easily made a name for himself throughout the football world.
One thing Jones doesn't have is a school career record (not like it matters), but it's something I feel he deserves as much as everything else.
With all this being said, four more tackles for a loss and he owns the MSU career record.
The current record is 48 by Julian Peterson from 1998-1999.
As of now, Jones has 44.5, so hopefully he'll get in on a few sacks with some blitzes from Coach D.
For the 2010 Michigan State Football MVP, this record deserves to be his.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
7. Kick Cousins Returns for Senior Season
4 of 11
I know there hasn't been any talk of Cousins leaving for the NFL early, but just to entice him a bit more to stay at MSU, maybe this slide will (because I'm sure he's read my MSU articles on here before, not).
Next season Sparty has a lot to play for, especially the way this season has gone.
With national recognition and a lot coming back next season, Cousins, along with teammate Edwin Baker, could be in the Heisman race.
A national championship is not out of the question either.
It will also definitely boost his NFL draft status, because even though he probably would get drafted this year, another year of preparation would only help him in the long run.
6. Two More ESPN Top 150 Recruits
5 of 11
Freshman RB Le'Veon Bell is proof of how well MSU has recruited the past few years.
As of now Sparty has a total of 16 verbal commits but only one ESPN Top 150 recruit.
In order to compete in college football (let alone for a national championship), recruiting is arguably the most important aspect.
In doing so, a bowl win over Alabama should give a boost to recruiting and keep Spartan football in the upper echelon of college football in the foreseeable future.
5. KeShawn Martin and Keith Nichol Step Up
6 of 11
KeShawn Martin and Keith Nichol are the two backup receivers to Mark Dell and B.J. Cunningham.
But with the unfortunate injury to Cunningham (more on that later), either Martin or Nichol will receive the start.
My gut says Nichol because he is more offensively versatile, while Martin is the primary return man.
Anyone remember former Washington Redskin Brian Mitchell? This is who Martin reminds me of.
However, regardless of who gets that start, both will have to contribute to the passing game at some point.
Therefore, it is extremely crucial for both to step up when their opportunities arise.
4. A Top Five Finish
7 of 11
Currently Michigan State is ranked No. 7 in the USA Today and AP polls.
Therefore, a Top Five finish is quite possible and would place Sparty in the Top Five for the first time since the 1966 season (pictured).
Regardless of whether or not Ohio State and Wisconsin lose, the opportunity is still in sight, and a win over 'Bama (even if OSU and Wisky win) may propel Sparty over them.
Not to mention it will improve recruiting this offseason and give the Spartans more respect heading into next season (in case you forgot, MSU was unranked at the beginning of the year).
3. Bowl Win
8 of 11
Any Spartan fans miss Charles Rogers?
The 2001 Silicon Valley Classic Bowl MVP led Sparty to a win over Fresno State 44-35.
Don't forget the 10-year anniversary of the Spartans' most recent bowl win is coming up on December 31st.
"This calls for a little of the bubbly!!" (For all the people like me who quote Dumb and Dumber on a daily basis.)
But I'm sensing a win over Alabama matters more to Spartan fans.
Unless, of course, you own a Detroit Lions Charles Rogers jersey, but then again, who doesn't? Am I right? Probably not.
2. Full Recovery for B.J. Cunningham
9 of 11
It's a shame that this kind of thing has to happen to such a young player.
For those that have yet to hear about the bad news, Cunningham suffered a broken foot on December 18th at practice and then underwent surgery the next day.
However, he is expected to recover in time for spring practice.
As for now, Spartan fans, Kirk Cousins must rely on KeShawn Martin and/or Keith Nichol as the No. 2 WR.
Hope for a quick recovery so Cunningham can hit the ground running come spring ball and then into the 2011 season.
1. Coach Mark Dantonio's Health
10 of 11
More important than wins and losses, yet a situation that may have motivated Spartan players to another level.
We've seen how coaches can get burned out/stressed from how much pressure is put on them.
Universities, media, fans, etc....and even if none of these relate to Coach D, they still need to be recognized.
As for Dantonio, a heart attack and a blood clot in one of his legs for the 2010 season.
As this obviously shows his mental toughness and dedication to MSU football, next season he won't have to prove anything to anyone.
After going through these health issues, all while leading Sparty to an 11-1 record, Michigan State University must feel extremely fortunate to have him on staff.
Summary
11 of 11
10. Bucks and Badgers BCS Losses
9. Kirk Cousins TD Passes
8. Greg Jones TFLs
7. Kirk Cousins and the 2011 Season
6. Recruiting
5. KeShawn Martin and Keith Nichol
4. Top Five Finish
3. Bowl Win
2. B.J. Cunningham's Recovery
1. Coach Mark Dantonio's Health
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
