Michigan State Football: 2011 New Year's Resolutions and 2010 Review

Well thanks to the "five-o," I mean, Crimson Tide for that 2010 buzz kill. But fear not Sparta, it was a season to remember and added motivation for 2011.

To begin, five facts that put the 2010 season in review:

1. 11-win season (most in school history)

2. First Big Ten Championship since 1990

3. 16 All-Big Ten Conference Selections

4. Head Coach Mark Dantonio receives the 2010 Dave McClain Big Ten Coach of the Year Award

5. MLB Greg Jones receives All-American Honors

If you ask me, these facts equal a successful season and a lot to be proud of.

Sure a bowl win would have capped arguably the best season in school history, but baby steps; and next season should be even more exciting.

Now we turn the focus to the 2011 offseason and some New Year's Resolutions.

1. Three/Four more ESPN Top 150 Recruits

Lawrence Thomas: Sparta's Top Recruit Thus Far

I'll get more in-depth into recruiting as the offseason unfolds, but it still needs some brief recognition.

Currently MSU has 16 verbal commits and only one ESPN Top 150 recruit (Lawrence Thomas pictured).

In order to reload as opposed to rebuild, at least three or four more Top 150 recruits must sign this offseason.

And there are three ESPN Top 150 recruits currently considering Sparty, but only time will tell, so if you know they're coming on campus, show 'em a good time will ya.

2. Recovery for Spring Ball

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 23: B.J. Cunningham #3 of the Michigan State Spartans leaps for the ball for a touchdown catch over Brian Peters #10 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 23, 2010 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated North

As for the current players, hope by spring ball that WR B.J. Cunningham will be 100 percent and those injured in the bowl game recover quickly as well.

But, spring ball can only be beneficial if there is that quick recovery. In doing so, it will lead momentum into the summer training program and into training camp as well.

3. Refilling Seniors Shoes

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 19: Greg Jones #53 of the Michigan State Spartans awaits the start of play against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on September 19, 2009 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Michigan State 33-30. (Pho

This year 17 seniors are graduating and by the looks of it, and no juniors are leaving early for the NFL.

Saying good-bye to the seniors is never easy and refilling their shoes may even be more difficult, but it must be done.

Therefore, the experience that the underclassmen received this year should bode well for next season.

4. Early Preparation

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 26: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans watches as his team takes on the Wisconsin Badgers on September 26, 2009 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

In regards to the juniors, their resolutions should be to come back and hit the ground running right now; not next week, right now.

They are now the seniors for next season, and the underclassmen are going to be influenced by their offseason efforts. 

And with that being said, the 2011 season begins NOW and getting a jump start on next season can only help.

Of course, it all starts with the head ball coach.

5. 2011 Expectations and Goals

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Michigan State Spartans passes the ball during the Capitol One Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Leading into training camp and ultimately the 2011 season, another Big Ten championship is expected.

But, next season a BCS bowl-bid/national championship is now on the radar and expected as well.

Throughout the 2010 season the Spartans' greatly overachieved. 

They began the season unranked, and were not ranked until after three weeks into the season.

Also according to the 2010 Big Ten preview at Scout.com http://cfn.scout.com/2/988944.html Michigan State was picked to finish fifth at 9-3 (5-3 in conference), while at collegefootballpoll.com http://www.collegefootballpoll.com/analysis_big_ten.html Sparty was predicted a seventh place finish with a 7-5 record (3-5 in conference).

As you can see, Michigan State gave Sparta more than expected, and much to be proud of.

And I know for the fans that 2011 can't come soon enough; But off-season preparation takes time, and that is what will dictate future success.