| ESPN Network: ESPN | NBA.com | NHL.com | ABC | Radio | EXPN | Insider | Shop | Fantasy |
| |
|
Updated: August 18, 5:51 PM ET Smith out to restore Spartan spirit By Herb Gould Special to ESPN.com |
||||||||||
|
Michigan State Spartans
|
| 
Coach: John L. Smith (1st season at MSU) 2002 overall record: 4-8 Conference record: 2-6 Returning starters Offense: 6, Defense: 7, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: David Richard (654 yds) Passing: Jeff Smoker* (1,593 yds) Receiving: Charles Rogers (1,351 yds) Tackles: Thomas Wright (126) Sacks: Clifford Dukes* (4) Interceptions: Thomas Wright (4) Outlook: Smith, who made Louisville a mid-major power, will be hard-pressed to keep his string of six straight bowl trips intact. The Spartans, who collapsed last fall after looking like a Big Ten contender, now look like a serious rebuilding project. Smith's first job is to restore pride and discipline to a program that went into free fall last fall, costing Bobby Williams his job in a surprising midseason firing. Senior quarterback Jeff Smoker, who left the team during the season due to a substance-abuse problem, could reemerge, but only if Smith is convinced Smoker has cleaned up his life. A reformed Smoker could go a long way toward easing the first season of Smith, who likes to rely on an explosive passing game. Standout wideout Charles Rogers, taken second overall in the NFL draft by the Detroit Lions, is gone. But the Spartans have some capable receiver candidates. And they have more than enough all-around returning talent to match or better last year's win total if Smith continues to handle a difficult situation. Keep an eye on: Redshirt sophomore receiver Kyle Brown, who sat out last season with a knee injury. Under Smith, Michigan State is going to throw the ball, and Brown is a leading candidate to catch it. Key game: At Notre Dame on Sept. 20. The Spartans could equal their 2002 win total in this game. And with their toughest games in the second half of their Big Ten schedule, they could ride a victory over the Irish to a surprisingly good start. It's a good year if. . .: Michigan State starts turning around what became a devastating situation last fall. A bowl game is within reach if Smith and his new players bond quickly. The talent is decent. But the main thing is for the Spartans to restore a foundation for the future. Herb Gould covers the Big Ten for the Chicago Sun-Times.
| ||||||||
|
|
