2007 Michigan State
Spartans
2007 Recap:
The Spartans took a modest step forward in Mark Dantonio’s first
season in East Lansing, winning seven games and earning a bowl berth
for the first time since 2003. Unlike recent Michigan State teams,
this year’s edition showed some heart in November, outscoring Purdue
and Penn State in the final two weeks to earn that bid opposite
Boston College in the Champs Sports Bowl. Led by complimentary
backs Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick, the Spartans wasted no time
adopting Dantonio’s offensive philosophy, grinding out almost 200
yards a game on the ground behind a veteran offensive line.
Offensive Player of the Year: WR Devin Thomas
Defensive Player of the Year: DE Jonal Saint-Dic
Biggest Surprise: John L. Smith’s Spartan teams would have
caved in after losing five of six Big Ten games in the middle of the
season. This year’s squad, however, battled through the adversity
to land season-saving upsets of Purdue and Penn State in November.
In both cases, Michigan State was sparked by a balanced offense and
the big-play ability of Thomas.
Biggest Disappointment: To really feel the love, Dantonio
recognizes that he’s got to start beating Michigan once in a while,
something that hasn’t happened since 2001. The Spartans almost
pulled it off on Nov. 3, but let a 10-point lead in the middle of
the fourth quarter slip through their fingertips.
Looking Ahead: With a year in the rear view mirror,
Dantonio’s no-nonsense approach will resonate even louder in 2008.
After losing all six games in 2007 by a touchdown or less, the
Spartans are determined to finish stronger next fall.
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2007 MSU Preview
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2006 MSU Season
2007 Schedule
CFN Prediction: 4-8
2007 Results:
7-6
Sept. 1
UAB
W 55-18
Sept. 8
B. Green
W 28-17
Sept. 15 Pitt
W 17-13
Sept. 22 at
No Dame W 31-14
Sept. 29 at
Wisconsin L 37-34
Oct.
6
Nwestern
L 48-41 OT
Oct.
13
Indiana W 52-27
Oct.
20 at
Ohio State L 24-17
Oct.
27
at Iowa
L 34-27 2OT
Nov.
3
Michigan L 28-24
Nov.
10 at
Purdue W 48-31
Nov.
17 Penn
State W 35-31
Champs Sports Bowl
Dec. 28 Boston College L 24-21 |
Dec. 28
2007 Champs Sports Bowl
Boston College 24 ... Michigan State 21
Five Michigan State turnovers and a big bomb gave Boston
College its eighth straight bowl win and its first 11 win season
since 1940. Up 17-13 midway through the fourth quarter, Matt Ryan
found Rich Gunnell for a 68-yard touchdown pass, but the Spartans
wouldn't go away as Brian Hoyer, who threw four picks, threw a
14-yard touchdown pass to Deon Curry and a pass for a two-point
conversion to Kellen Davis to pull within three with 6:04 to play.
BC's offense struggled to close, but punter Johnny Ayers did a good
job of pinning the MSU offense deep. BC's Paul Anderson picked off
an overthrown Hoyer pass to snuff out any late hopes of forcing
overtime. Ryan threw three touchdown passes in all, including two to
Gunnell, while Hoyer finished with two scoring passes.
Offensive Player of the Game:
Boston College WR
Rich Gunnell caught six passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns
Defensive Player of the Game: Boston College S Jamie Silva
made ten tackles and intercepted two passes
Stat Leaders: Boston College - Passing: Matt
Ryan, 22-47, 249 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Andre Callender, 12-33. Receiving:
Rich Gunnell, 6-138, 2 TD
Michigan State - Passing: Brian Hoyer, 14-36,
131 yds, 2 TD, 4 INT
Rushing: Javon Ringer, 21-101. Receiving: Kellen Davis,
4-38, 1 TD
Thoughts & Notes ... Michigan State lived on ball control offense
all year long with a great running game and a mere 13 turnovers, but
it gave the ball away five times to BC, only ran for 172 yards, and
couldn't find much of an offensive rhythm. It didn't help that Javon
Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick each appeared to be bothered by little
injuries. ... Even without Jonal Saint-Dic, who was suspended, MSU
got consistent pressure on Matt Ryan and came up with three sacks.
The defense did enough to win the game allowing just 276 yards with
68 coming on one play. ... BC's defense never let the great MSU
backs break off the type of big runs that could've changed the game
around. With QB Brian Hoyer struggling, MSU needed Javon Ringer to
hit a home run or two, and he didn't. ... MSU star return man Devin
Thomas started the game off with a 79-yard kickoff return leading to
an early Spartan touchdown, but BC kept him under wraps the rest of
the way. A few bobbles helped, but Eagle punter Johnny Ayers had a
great game pinning MSU deep.
Nov. 17
Michigan State 35 ... Penn State 31
Down 24-7 at halftime, Michigan State rallied with 28 second
half points on three of Brian Hoyer's four touchdown passes, and a
one-yard Jehuu Caulcrick scoring run. Devin Thomas scored from 12,
33 and 26 yards out for the Spartans with two coming in the second
half rally. Penn State started out hot, and kept pace for a while,
with Deon Butler scoring from 37 yards out, Rodney Kinlaw getting
two four-yard touchdown runs, and even getting a five-yard touchdown
run from PK Kevin Kelly on a direct snap. The Nittany Lions had the
ball with one final shot at pulling it out, but the drive stalled
and MSU pulled out the stunner.
Player of the game:
Michigan State WR Devin Thomas caught seven
passes for 139 yards and three touchdowns
Stat Leaders: Penn State - Passing: Anthony
Morelli, 16-35, 188 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Rodney Kinlaw, 28-125, 2 TD. Receiving:
Rodney Kinlaw, 4-22
Michigan State - Passing: Brian Hoyer, 16-21,
257 yds, 4 TD
Rushing: Jehuu Caulcrick, 22-99, 1 TD. Receiving: Devin
Thomas, 7-139, 3 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... Talk
about overcoming a heartbreak, MSU not only got past the loss to
Michigan, but it came up with two key wins of its own to assure
itself of a bowl game. The running game was slowed down by Penn
State, so Brian Hoyer went to work with Devin Thomas coming up with
yet another strong game. The team's top receiver over the second
half of the season has become unstoppable with three touchdown
catches against the Nittany Lions, and now he'll go into next year
as the Big Ten's hot receiving weapon. But first, there's a 13th
game to prepare for. The team has earned it.
Nov. 10
Michigan State 48 ... Purdue 31
Michigan State took advantage of three Purdue turnovers,
breaking the game open in the fourth quarter on a 20-yard Travis Key
fumble return for a touchdown, and putting it away with a three-yard
Eric Andino catch. Jehuu Caulcrick ran for two short scores for the
Spartans, and Brian Hoyer threw for two scores and ran for a
one-yard run. MSU needed to keep putting points on the board with
Purdue's offense cranking out 517 yards. Curtis Painter ran for
touchdowns from 27 and seven yards out and threw a 41-yard touchdown
pass to Kory Sheets, but it wasn't nearly enough. MSU held on to the
ball for 38:18.
Player of the
game: Michigan State WR Devin Thomas caught ten passes for 116
yards
Stat Leaders: Michigan State - Passing: Brian
Hoyer, 22-31, 266 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: Javon Ringer, 23-86. Receiving: Devin Thomas,
10-116
Purdue - Passing: Curtis Painter, 29-45, 344
yds, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Kory Sheets, 6-80, 1 TD. Receiving: Dustin
Keller, 7-51
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... The
Spartans could've gone into the tank after yet another painful loss
to Michigan, and past teams would've, but this year's group cranked
out an effective, efficient game against Purdue, keeping the ball,
answering every home run, and converting ten of 19 third down
chances to keep drives rolling. The defense couldn't handle anything
Purdue wanted to do, but it took it away three times and took
advantage of several chances. Now bowl eligible, it'll take a win
over Penn State to ensure a 13th game.
Nov. 3
Michigan 28 ... Michigan State 24
Michigan overcame a late ten-point deficit with a 14-yard Greg
Mathews touchdown catch and with 2:28 to play, a 31-yard Mario
Manningham grab. The Wolverine defense hung on as the Spartans
sputtered out. Chad Henne finished the game with four touchdown
passes, with two going to Manningham, while Mike Hart came back from
injury to get 110 yards. The Spartans cranked out 352 yards with two
one-yard Jehuu Caulcrick touchdown runs and Kellen Davis making a
five-yard scoring grab in the fourth.
Player of the
game:
Michigan QB Chad
Henne completed 18 of 33 passes for 211 yards and four touchdowns
with an interception
Stat Leaders: Michigan State - Passing: Brian
Hoyer, 19-35, 161 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Javon Ringer, 15-128. Receiving: Devin
Thomas, 7-65
Michigan - Passing: Chad Henne, 18-33, 211 yds,
4 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Mike Hart, 15-110. Receiving: Mario
Manningham,
8-129, 2 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... How does
MSU possibly bounce back from this crushing late loss to the
Wolverines? It all was set up so well with a fourth quarter lead and
the running game working well, but in the end, the Spartans were
beaten by a veteran passer in Chad Henne, who found his groove at
the right time. After losing in double overtime to Iowa, and with
five loses in the last six games, head coach Mark Dantonio will have
to work wonders on his team's psyche. A bowl bid is still possible
with another win, but going on the road to face Purdue, and hosting
Penn State isn't going to be easy after this.
Oct. 27
Iowa 34 ... Michigan State 27 2OT
Iowa got a one-yard Jevon Pugh touchdown run in the second
overtime, and then came up with a fourth down stop to pull off a big
comeback. Up 17-3 at halftime, the Spartans appeared on their way to
an easy win, but the Iowa running game took over in the second half
as Albert Young scored from 26 and three yards out. Daniel Murray
connected on a 47-yard field goal for Iowa's first lead of the game,
but MSU was able to force overtime on a 29-yard Brett Swenson field
goal with four seconds to play. In the first overtime, Jehuu
Caulcrick gave MSU the lead with his third touchdown of the game,
but Iowa answered with a 23-yard Paul Chaney catch. Iowa outrushed
MSU 230 yards to 160, but MSU had the ball 36:26 to 23:34.
Player of the
game:
Iowa RB Albert Young
ran 34 times for 179 yards and two touchdowns, and LB Mike Humpal
made 18 tackles and broke up a pass
Stat Leaders: Michigan State - Passing: Brian
Hoyer, 25-42, 308 yds
Rushing: Javon Ringer, 23-103. Receiving: Devin
Thomas, 9-139
Iowa - Passing: Jake Christensen, 5-15, 53 yds,
1 TD
Rushing: Albert Young, 34-179, 2 TD. Receiving: James
Cleveland, 2-17
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... The
Spartans weren't able to run the ball well on the nasty Iowa
defensive front, only averaging 3.1 yards per carry, but it got a
great day from Brian Hoyer. The problem for the second week in a row
was a run defense that couldn't handle a hot back. Last week it was
Ohio State's Chris Wells who ran wild, and this week it was Albert
Young. The MSU defensive line is being pushed around in the second
halves of games, and that could be a big problem with Michigan and
Penn State still on the slate.
Oct. 20
Ohio State 24 ... Michigan State 17
Ohio State appeared to be coasting to yet another easy win
with a 24-0 lead late in the third quarter on two Todd Boeckman
touchdown passes, highlighted by a 50-yard score, and a five-yard
Chris Wells touchdown run, and then Michigan State made things
interesting with Otis Wiley took a Boeckman pass 54 yards for a
touchdown and SirDarean Adams picked up a fumble for a 25-yard
score. The Spartans got within seven late on a 43-yard Brett
Swenson, but didn't get any further. MSU only gained 185 total yards
and nine first downs.
Player of the
game:
Ohio State RB
Chris Wells carried it 31 times for 221 yards and a touchdown
Stat Leaders: Michigan State - Passing: Brian
Hoyer, 12-23, 126 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Javon Ringer, 18-49. Receiving: Devin Thomas,
4-77
Ohio State - Passing: Todd Boeckman, 15-23, 193
yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Chris Wells, 31-221, 1 TD. Receiving: Brian
Hartline, 4-41
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ...
The Spartans sure did make it
interesting against Ohio State with its aggressive defense creating
problems and making things happen when the offense wasn't going
anywhere. The Buckeye defense is just that good, so for the ground
game to not work for one week isn't anything to get in a twist over.
After all, at the moment, this is the number one team in America MSU
lost to. The Spartan defense might have been carved up by the OSU
running game, but there were nine tackles for loss against a great
offensive line. There's still plenty of time to make enough noise to
get to a bowl, but next week's game at Iowa will be a must-win.
Oct. 13
Michigan State 52 ... Indiana 27
Michigan State dominated Indiana with 368 rushing yards to 22,
28 first downs to nine, and 41:05 on the time of possession to 18:55
thanks to 202 yards from Javon Ringer and a near-perfect passing day
from Brian Hoyer, Indiana tied if at seven midway through the first
quarter on a 59-yard Kellen Lewis touchdown run, and then MSU
dominated until late in the third with two of Jehuu Caulcrick's
three short touchdown runs, a 64-yard Ringer dash, along with a
three-yard run, and a 34-yard Devin Thomas scoring catch. Ervin
Baldwin and the defense got into the act with a 12-yard fumble
return for a score to make it 45-13. IU got a big defensive score of
its own on a 76-yard Tracy Porter fumble return for a touchdown.
Player of the game:
Michigan State RB
Javon Ringer ran 29 times for 203 yards and two touchdowns
Stat Leaders: Indiana - Passing: Kellen Lewis,
13-19, 171 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Kellen Lewis, 7-23 1 TD. Receiving:
James Herdy, 6-121, 1 TD
Michigan State - Passing: Brian Hoyer, 20-23,
190 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Javon Ringer, 29-203, 2 TD. Receiving: Devin
Thomas, 13-148, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... This
isn't the same MSU team. Usually, it would follow up two losses with
another meltdown, but the defense was night-and-day better against
Indiana than it was against Northwestern, and the offense pitched a
near-perfect game. Javon Ringer and the running game will likely get
all the attention, but Brian Hoyer was magnificent, missing just
three of 23 passes. Now it a chance to really make a statement
against number one Ohio State, and if the offense plays like it did
this week, it could come up with the stunner.
Oct. 6
Northwestern 48 ... Michigan State
41 OT
Northwestern QB C.J. Bacher threw five touchdown passes
including a 12-yarder to Omar Conteh in overtime. Michigan State
misfired on four passes, and the Wildcats pulled off the big road
win. The two teams traded shots all game long, with neither getting
up by more than a score in the see-saw battle. Northwestern rolled
up 611 yards, with Conteh scoring three times, with touchdown runs
of 11 and nine yards in the first quarter, and then it was all
Bacher, hitting five different receivers for scores, including a
78-yarder to Jeff Yarbrough and a 70-yarder to Eric Peterman. Until
overtime, MSU always had an answer, with Javon Ringer ripped off
three touchdowns with dashes from four, 47 and 80 yards.
Player of the game:
Northwestern QB C.J. Bacher completed 38-of-48 passes for 520 yards
and five touchdown passes, and rushed five times for five yards.
Stat Leaders: Northwestern - Passing: C.J.
Bacher, 38-48, 520 yds, 5 TDs
Rushing: Omar Conteh, 19-70, 2 TDs. Receiving: Eric
Peterman, 9-141, 1 TD
Michigan State - Passing: Brian Hoyer, 17-31,
194 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Javon Ringer, 12-185, 3 TDs. Receiving: Javon
Ringer, 6-54
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... The
MSU aggressive pass rush was all but neutralized by the Northwestern
spread offense that got rid of the ball quickly enough to avoid
taking sacks. The Spartan offense did its job, for the most part,
always getting the big scores needed to keep pace, but it didn't
hold on to the ball long enough to give the defense much of a rest.
QB Brian Hoyer wasn't effective enough on third downs, while the D
did nothing to get the Wildcats off the field until late in
regulation. Now a win over Indiana is a must to avoid talk of yet
another MSU meltdown.
Sept. 29
Wisconsin 37 ... Michigan State 34
In what was supposed to be a bit of a defensive slugfest, the
two teams combined for 1,025 yards of total offense with several
huge plays. The Badgers hung on, as MSU PK Brett Swenson missed a
53-yard field goal late, and later had a chance to drive deep, but
misfired on a fourth down pass. The Spartans got 145 rushing yards,
and 88 receiving, from Javon Ringer, who set up two, two-yard Jehuu
Caulcrick touchdown runs. The two teams traded haymaker after
haymaker, highlighted by a second quarter stretch when MSU answered
a 64-yard Kyle Jefferson touchdown with an 80-yard Devin Thomas
touchdown on the next play from scrimmage. Donovan threw two
touchdown passes and P.J. Hill added two short scoring runs, but it
was Taylor Mehlhaff's field goals from 35, 47 and 22 yards that
helped the Badgers stay ahead.
Player of the
game:
Wisconsin RB P.J.
Hill ran 34 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns
Stat Leaders: Michigan State - Passing: Brian
Hoyer, 22-36, 323 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: Javon Ringer, 10-145. Receiving: Javon
Ringer, 7-88
Wisconsin - Passing: Tyler Donovan, 17-24, 247
yds, 2 TD.2 INT
Rushing: P.J. Hill, 29-155, 2 TD. Receiving: Travis
Beckum, 10-132, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ...
Don't start assuming Michigan State is the same, flaky program that
would usually go into the tank after a tough loss like the one
against Wisconsin. This was a tremendous game for the offense,
hitting several home runs and doing a fantastic job of keeping the
Badger defense on its heels. It was a game that could've gone either
way, and MSU just came up short. This is a strong team that'll make
a whole bunch of noise in the Big Ten race this year.
Sept. 22
Michigan State 31 ... Notre Dame 14
Notre Dame scored its first offensive touchdown of the year on
a one-yard Travis Thomas touchdown run for a 7-0 lead, and then MSU
went on a 17-point run with two short Brian Hoyer touchdown passes
and a 27-yard Brett Swenson field goal. The Irish marched 80 yards
in five plays with Robert Hughes busting in a three-yard scoring
run, but the Spartans owned the second half with two more Hoyer
touchdown passes, highlighted by a fourth down 30yard touchdown
throw to Kellen Davis, his second score of the day. The Irish ended
up getting outgained 354 yards to 203.
Player of the
game:
Michigan State
QB Brian Hoyer finished 11-of-24 for 135 yards, four touchdown
passes, and one interception..
Stat Leaders: Michigan State - Passing: Brian
Hoyer, 11-24, 135 yds, 4 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing: Javon Ringer, 26-144. Receiving: Devin
Thomas, 4-55, 1 TD
Notre Dame - Passing: Jimmy Clausen, 7-13, 53
yds
Rushing: James Aldridge, 18-104. Receiving: George West,
3-25
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... Give
QB Brian Hoyer credit for coming up with the big plays needed to
overcome a shaky, inconsistent day. He struggled with his accuracy,
but he only threw one interception and came up with the key fourth
down touchdown pass to Kellen Davis to ice the game. The defense
never let the Irish passing game get going, and while the run
defense struggled at times, it came though in the second half. Now
the defensive line has to be even better next week at Wisconsin,
while Hoyer will have to be more efficient.
Sept. 15
Michigan State 17 ... Pitt 13
Pitt had one last gasp, but a bomb into the end zone fell
incomplete to allow Michigan State a chance to finally exhale. The
Spartans got a two-yard Jehuu Caulcrick touchdown run and a 31-yard
interception return for a score in the second quarter, but could
only manage a 23-yard Brett Swenson field goal the rest of the way.
Pitt got a 64-yard LeSean McCoy touchdown dash in the second
quarter, but could only manage to Conor Lee field goals the rest of
the way.
Player of the
game:
Michigan State
DE Jonal Saint-Dic had five tackles, three tackles for loss, two
sacks and a pair of forced fumbles.
Stat Leaders: Pittsburgh - Passing: Kevan
Smith, 9-18, 85 yds, 2 INTs
Rushing: LeSean McCoy, 25-172, 1 TD. Receiving: Marcel
Pestano, 3-30
Michigan State - Passing: Brian Hoyer, 14-28,
183 yds
Rushing: Javon Ringer, 20-92. Receiving: Devin Thomas,
3-53
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... MSU
will take the win over Pitt and run, because it wasn't exactly
Spartan football the way Mark Dantonio wants to play it. The offense
has to outgain the opponent on the ground, but thanks to one big run
from Pitt's LeSean McCoy, that didn't happen. However, the defense
was tremendous against Kevan Smith, Pitt's No. 2 quarterback, and
came through with the pressure it needed to throughout. The front
seven is doing a fantastic job of speeding up the tempo. 11
penalties for 125 yards are way too many.
Sept. 8
Michigan State 28 ... Bowling Green
17
Bowling Green gave a big push with Tyler Sheehan
throwing a 23-yard touchdown pass to Tyrone Pronty and running for a
six-yard score in the second quarter, but Michigan State owned the
second half with two Brian Hoyer touchdown passes and a five-yard Jehuu
Caulcrick scoring run. MSU's Javon Ringer started out the scoring with a
four-yard dash, but the Falcons answered with 14-straight points. The
Spartans came up with seven sacks of Sheehan.
Player of the game:
Michigan State DE Jonal
Saint-Dic had four tackles, three sacks and forced a pair of fumbles.
Stat
Leaders: Bowling Green
- Passing: Tyler
Sheehan, 32-50, 295 yds, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Rushing:
Willie Geter, 3-31. Receiving: Fred Barnes, 9-80
Michigan State
- Passing: Brian Hoyer, 17-29, 250 yds, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Rushing:
Javon Ringer, 22-83, 1 TD. Receiving: Devin
Thomas, 4-156, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... The
Spartans struggled with Bowling Green QB Tyler Sheehan, who gave
Minnesota fits in the upset the week before, but the coaching staff made
the right adjustments at halftime and pounded the ball, pounded the
ball, pounded the ball. QB Brian Hoyer did a nice job of keeping the
chains moving, but it was the running game, and the play of the defense
to get into the backfield, that helped the Spartans hold on to the ball
for 17:18 of the second half. This isn't a world-beater of a team quite
yet, but as long as there aren't a slew of turnovers, the running game
will be the great equalizer. This Spartan ground game will be effective
against just about everyone.
Sept. 1
Michigan State 55 ... UAB 18
Jehuu Caulcrick ran for three first quarter touchdowns,
including a 42-yard dash for a 21-0 lead, and added a fourth
score early in the second quarter as the Spartans got out to a
42-0 lead before UAB finally got on the board with a 35-yard
Swayze Waters field goal. The Blazers didn't get into the end
zone until the fourth quarter on a 15-yard Joe Webb catch, but
that was the only highlight. The Spartans outgained the Blazers
298 yards to 12 on the ground.
Player of
the game ...
Michigan
State RB
Jehuu
Caulcrick
ran for 93
yards and four touchdowns on ten carries.
Stat Leaders: UAB - Passing: Sam Hunt,
21-39, 214 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Rashaud Slaughter, 13-25 Receiving:
Joseph Webb, 6-98, 1 TD
Michigan State - Passing: Brian Hoyer,
14-17, 201 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Jehuu Caulcrick, 10-93, 4 TDs Receiving:
Devin Thomas, 5-106, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... Talk
about making a statement, Michigan State dominated UAB from the
start with a brutal running game and efficient passing that
moved the ball at will. The hapless Blazers weren't going to be
much of a challenge, and MSU never let it be interesting; that's
what it was supposed to do. How tight was the offense? MSU
converted eight of 13 third down chances. However, we've seen
this all from past Spartan teams. Let's wait a few weeks before
putting them in the Rose Bowl.
Sept. 1 - UAB
Offense: From the staff and the system to the personnel, the
offense will be getting a complete facelift in 2007. Nothing will look
the same which isn’t such a bad thing considering how poorly the unit
executed last season. New coordinator Kim Helton is installing a
pro-style attack that sprinkles in some no-huddle and option calls, but
realizes he’ll have to tailor the first-year playbook to the talent he
inherits. All eyes in August will be on the continuing quarterback
battle between senior Sam Hunt and sophomore Joseph Webb, a potential
savior once he gets up to speed. Whether or not the offense climbs out
of the Conference USA cellar will depend heavily on the maturation of a
rebuilt line that’s replacing four senior starters.
Defense: While the back seven of the defense figures to be a
strength in 2007, you might not know it unless the defensive line can
effectively replace three key starters from last year. Senior end
Brandon Jeffries will be productive, but after him, UAB is feverishly
searching for answers to prevent opposing passers from having all day to
throw. Junior college transfer Antonio Forbes is being counted on to
deliver right out of the gate at tackle. The linebackers have a budding
star in junior Joe Henderson and senior free safety Will Dunbar is one
of just a handful of Blazer defenders with all-league potential.
Sept. 8 - Bowling Green
Offense:
The offense went from being all-pass, no-run
in 2005 to being a running team last year thanks to mobile quarterbacks
in Anthony Turner, and early on, Freddie Barnes. Now there's a battle
between Turner and Tyler Sheehan for the starting job with the hopes of
balancing things out. The backfield should be excellent with the
addition of JUCO transfer Eric Ransom to go along with power of Chris
Bullock and Dan Macon. All-star center Kory Lichtensteiger leads a a
good line that should get better and better as the year goes on. The one
area of development will be receiver with some deep threats needing to
emerge to go along with mid-range possession-target Corey Partridge.
Defense: Bowling Green might not always be a brick wall on
defense, but it will do whatever it can to make plays all over the
field. Last year this was a break-but-don't bend defense giving up
points, but not yards. Now it needs to stiffen. With an emphasis on
speed and quickness, the front seven will be flying around looking to
get into the backfield to dictate the tempo, while the solid secondary
will benefit. There might be problems against the better power running
teams with a new set of tackles and smallish linebacking corps, but
that'll be offset by the big plays ... at least that's the hope.
Sept. 15 - Pitt
Offense: The graduation of Tyler Palko leaves a gaping
hole on the Panther offense that’ll be filled by either junior Bill
Stull or hot-shot rookie Pat Bostick. Whoever gets the ball will enjoy
an outstanding supporting cast that includes junior running back LaRod
Stephens-Howling, one of the deepest receiving corps in the nation and
the program’s best front wall since Dave Wannstedt arrived. Wannstedt
and Matt Cavanaugh want to establish a more physical ground game, but if
the new hurler is up to the challenge, the ensuing balance will make
this a very dangerous offense.
Defense: Last year’s defense had big names, like H.B. Blades and
Darrelle Revis, with poor results. This year’s defense is devoid of
stars, but might wind up being statistically better. The key will be
stopping the run, something that vexed the Panthers throughout the
second half of the 2006 season. The difference this fall will be a
defensive line that’ll be much deeper than last year, and capable of
creating inside-outside pressure with junior tackle Gus Mustakas and
senior end Joe Clermond. Although replacing Revis won’t be a snap, the
secondary is busting with potential from future all-Big East players,
like sophomores Aaron Berry and Elijah Fields.
Sept. 22 – at Notre Dame
Offense: Yeah, Charlie Weis is a great offensive coach,
but there's some serious rebuilding needing to be done. There are good
prospects, but there are several major concerns and no proven
production. Can the line be better despite losing three starters? Will
the skill players be remotely close to as good as the Brady Quinn, Jeff
Samardzija, Rhema McKnight and Darius Walker foursome of last year? Are
the quarterbacks ready? The quarterbacks appear to be fine, the running
backs will be solid in a combination, and the receivers are fast and
decent. The line will be a plus by the end of the year, but it'll be a
problem early on.
Defense: Charlie Weis is trying to improve a defense that was
fine against the mediocre, but lousy when it came to stopping the better
offenses. Gone is defensive coordinator Rick Minter, and in comes Corwin
Brown, who installed a 3-4 scheme to try to generate more big plays and
get more speed and athleticism on the field. The line will be the issue
early on as two steady starters are needed to help out Trevor Laws.
Maurice Crum leads a promising linebacking corps that should shine in
the new defense. The big problem could again be the secondary. It has
experience, but it won't get as much help from the pass rush, like it
did last year, and needs the young corner prospects to push the
unspectacular veterans for time.
Sept. 29 – at Wisconsin
Offense:
The offense wasn't always pretty, but it
produced. Now it welcomes back nine starters, led by power runner P.J.
Hill working behind a deep and talented offensive line. The receiving
corps is loaded with deep threats with Paul Hubbard, Luke Swan, and top
pass-catching tight end Travis Beckum returning. It's all there to have
a huge season as long as the quarterback situation is settled. Tyler
Donovan and Allan Evridge are each good enough to start, but one has to
break free and take the job by the horns. While this is one of the
deepest Badger offenses in a long time, most of the top reserves are
untested. That isn't going to be an issue for the line or the backfield,
but it could be a problem if injuries hit the receiving corps.
Defense: Seven starters return to the Big Ten's best defense that
finished fifth in the country. The corners will be terrific with Jack
Ikegwuonu and Allen Langford back on the nation's second best pass
defense (and first in pass efficiency defense), but the safeties have to
be replaced. Shane Carter is a future star at free safety, but strong
safety is a question mark. The front seven might not have any sure-thing
stars, but it'll be terrific as long as Elijah Hodge plays up to his
potential in the middle. The overall depth is talented, even though it's
young and relatively untested.
Oct. 6 - Northwestern
Offense:
After a year of trying to get the quarterback situation
straight, mostly due to an injury to C.J. Bacher early on, the offense should
start to shine as long as there aren't major injury problems up front. The line,
with four good starters returning led by center Trevor Rees and tackle Dylan
Thiry, will be one of the most effective in the Big Ten, but the developed depth
isn't quite there yet. Tyrell Sutton will once again be one of the nation's best
all-around backs and should be a lock for 1,000 yards for the third straight
season. The big improvement should be in the passing game, as long as Bacher is
healthy, with an interesting and promising group of receivers ready to emerge.
Defense: Even though there wasn't much in the way of a pass rush, there
weren't any plays in the backfield, and the run defense struggled, the defense
made major strides after a disastrous 2005. Now this should be one of the better
Wildcat defenses in years with a big, talented front four that should start
generating some sort of consistent pressure. Adam Kadela leads a decent
linebacking corps, while the safety tandem of Brendan Smith and Reggie McPherson
should be rock-solid. This isn't a fast defense and it's thin in key areas like
free safety and tackle, but there's enough all-around talent to keep the
mediocre offenses under wraps.
Oct. 13 - Indiana
Offense: The IU spread offense has the pieces in place with rising star
quarterback Kellen Lewis about to come into his own as a leader, and a good
receiving corps to put up big numbers, led by James Hardy. There's speed at
running back, but Marcus Thigpen and Demetrius McCray have to be more
productive. The X factor is the line, which the late Terry Hoeppner did a great
job of putting together in the 2006 recruiting class. Rodger Saffold and Pete
Saxon are just two who should upgrade the front.
Defense: The IU defense has struggled over the last few years to slow
anyone down, but now the youth movement should produce results. The goal is to
bend but not break, and now there has to be less breaking. It's still a young
overall group, but there's experience and potential, especially at corner where
Tracy Porter and Leslie Majors should be among the Big Ten's best. There's
little proven pass rush up front, while the linebacking corps is small and quick
by design.
Oct. 20 – at Ohio State
Offense: You don't get better after losing Ted Ginn, Anthony
Gonzalez, Antonio Pittman, and, oh yeah, some quarterback who won a Heisman and
owned Michigan. While many will predict doom and gloom, the offense might crank
out close to as many yards as last year when it was 26th in the nation as long
as Chris Wells holds up and becomes the running back everyone's expecting him to
be, and new starting quarterback Todd Boeckman is merely above average. The
receiving corps is talented, but untested, while there's plenty of reason to be
excited about a line that'll field one of the best starting fives in the nation.
Tackles Alex Boone and Kirk Barton and guard Steve Rehring will be first day
draft picks. Welcome back to Tressel ball with more running and fewer shots
taken down the field.
Defense: A question mark last year thanks to a ton of turnover, the
defense reloaded and should be fantastic as long as the tackles and safeties
shine and a second corner emerges on the other side of Malcolm Jenkins. There
are stars to build around, with Jenkins, LB James Laurinaitis and end Vernon
Gholston among the best in the country, while there are emerging stars, as
always around OSU, in like linebackers Larry Grant and Ross Homan and end
Lawrence Wilson. Don't expect too many bells and whistles; this D will beat
teams by simply being far more athletic.
Oct. 27 – at Iowa
Offense: The Jake Christensen era starts after four years of the Drew
Tate regime, but backup quarterback Arvell Nelson is a terrific prospect who
could push hard this fall. With the 1-2 rushing punch of Albert Young and Damian
Sims, the ground game will be strong if the questionable offensive line pulls
out a better season than last year (when injuries were a major problem).
Dominique Douglas and Andy Brodell are emerging targets, and they'll shine with
a passer like Christensen winging it. As good as Christensen might be, the
offense will try to run first.
Defense: You basically know what you're getting with the Iowa defense.
It's not going to do anything fancy, it's not going to bring any funky blitzes,
and most teams should be able to get yards through the air without a problem.
However, everyone can hit and there are few mistakes made. Eight starters
return, led by end Ken Iwebema and one of the Big Ten's best lines, while the
replacements for the departed starters are good. Forcing more turnovers, making
more plays behind the line, and generating more pressure are all vital to coming
up with a better year.
Nov. 3 - Michigan
Offense: Offensive coordinator Mike DeBord didn't change things up much
in his first year, and there aren't going to be a lot of bells and whistles for
an attack with all the stars returning. Chad Henne, Mike Hart, and Mario
Manningham form the best skill trio in America, while tackle Jake Long and
quarter Adam Kraus form one of the nation's best left sides. The only issue is
depth, which is stunning undeveloped or a program like Michigan. Of course there
are talented prospects waiting in the wings, but there will be major problems if
injuries strike early on.
Defense: Defensive coordinator Ron English did a fantastic job in his
first season sending the dogs loose to attack more than previous Michigan teams.
Now the hope will be for overall speed and athleticism to make up for the lack
of experience and a few gaping holes. This won't be the nation's number one run
defense again, and it won't be fourth in sacks, but it will create plenty of
turnovers and force a ton of mistakes. It'll also give up too many big pass
plays. The safeties are fine, the linebacking corps won't be an issue, even
without David Harris to anchor things anymore, and the line, in time, will grow
into a strength. The biggest issue will be at corner, where Morgan Trent isn't a
number one lockdown defender, and there are several untested prospects waiting
to get their chance to shine.
Nov. 10 – at Purdue
Offense: The Purdue offense was like a big
budge action movie with a ton of fireworks and explosions, but had a plot that
goes nowhere. It cranked out yards in bunches but did absolutely nothing against
the big boys scoring three points against Wisconsin, seven against Maryland, 17
against Iowa, and was shut out by Penn State. It'll be in the top ten in the
nation in yards again with Curtis Painter getting a jaw-dropping good receiving
corps to work with led by the amazing Dorien Bryant in the slot. The 1-2 rushing
punch of Jaycen Taylor and Kory Sheets is the best yet in the Joe Tiller era,
while the right side of the line, Sean Sester at tackle and Jordan Grimes at
guard, along with center Robbie Powell, will be dominant. The left side of the
line is a concern and there's no developed depth anywhere, but the starting 11
should move the ball at will.
Defense: The Boilermakers haven't played defense for two years, and now
the hope is for experience to turn into production with nine starters returning.
Stopping the run will be priority one after finishing last in the Big Ten
allowing 191 yards per game. The porous secondary should be better with all the
young, inexperienced prospects of last year ready to shine as veterans. Overall,
the pillow-soft D needs to find a nasty streak and start to play far tougher.
Nov. 17 - Penn State
Offense: Known for being button-down conservative, now it's time
for Penn State to open the offense up. At least, that's what it has to do to
play to the team's strengths. The receiving corps has the potential to be the
best in the league with three great targets in Deon Butler, Derrick Williams and
Jordan Norwood, and an all-star-to-be in tight end Andrew Quarless. If senior
quarterback Anthony Morelli is consistent and gets the ball to his speedy
receivers deep, the passing game will be fantastic. The line, despite the loss
of Levi Brown, will be excellent with the expected emergence of tackles Dennis
Landolt and Gerald Cadogan, but the real question mark will be running back
Austin Scott. The one time star recruit Austin Scott has to finally show he can
be the workhorse for the running game. If not. it'll be throw, throw and throw
some more.
Defense: As always, the defense will revolve around the linebackers. Paul
Posluszny might be gone, but Dan Connor, who'll take over in the middle, could
turn into a better all-around playmaker, and Sean Lee will be an All-Big Ten
performer. The line doesn't have much experience with only one starter
returning, but there's plenty of promise on the inside in beefy tackles Phil
Taylor and Abe Koroma. The secondary will be stellar if Anthony Scirrotto gets
past his off-the-field legal troubles. If not, corner Justin King and safety
Tony Davis, who moves over from corner, will keep the pass defense from sliding
after a good 2006.
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