Aug. 29, 2006

2005 Record: 5-6 (2-6 Big Ten) 9th
Head Coach: John L. Smith Record at Michigan State: 18-18, Overall Record: 128-78
Starters Returning: Offense 6, Defense 6, Special Teams 1

Michigan State started 2005 on a four game winning streak in which the Spartans could not be touched. They outscored their opponents 196-83 (a scoring differentiation of 113) that included an impressive overtime win over Notre Dame and a record breaking victory over the Fighting Illini. Although a few wins don't make a season and while the Spartans stumbled in the second half of the year there is no question they have the talent to turn the corner. The defense has a reputation to shed after last season but even All-America candidate senior quarterback Drew Stanton can see the turnaround, "Our defense has that swagger again...We saw that this spring, when they came up and hit us in the mouth a little bit."

One of the biggest advocates of a revitalized Spartan team is Head Coach John Smith, "This is probably the most excited I've been for a season since taking the job at Michigan State. We had one of the best springs that I've ever been a part of both on and off the field. The kids have been working very hard and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can get accomplished this season." With the likes of Stanton back to lead (scary to say) a more dangerous offense and improved defensive depth in junior college players Ervin Baldwin and Nehemiah Warrick, the Spartans hope to see their season continue on into January.

In 2005, the Spartans were ranked in all four NCAA offensive categories averaging 497.3 yards per game overall (5th). Leading the way in his fifth year Stanton looks to improve on an already impressive career. Last year, Stanton completed 236-356 throws (.667) for 3,077 yards becoming only the second quarterback in school history to reach the 3,000-yard passing milestone in a season. In addition, Stanton's 22 TD passes and 3,415 total yards set school records. Perhaps most impressive is Stanton's 300+ passing total against No. 15 Ohio State in Columbus.

Stanton's mastery of the spread offense has produced a cast of viable targets. Just last year the Spartans were the only NCAA I-A team to have five players with at least 400 receiving yards each (J. Scott, K. Reed, M. Trannon, T. Love). All-Big Ten honorable mention wide receiver Jerramy Scott comes back in his junior year after leading the team in catches (49) and receiving yards (722). This year, Scott needs 40 more catches to break Andre Rison's career receiving record of 146.

While the Spartans lose Kyle Brown, an experienced and quiet leader who was third in receptions last year, they have a deep receiving core. Junior Kerry Reed contributed with a team-high five touchdown catches in 2005 while Matt Trannon, second to Scott in receiving yards and catches last year, returns needing only 11 receptions and 620 receiving yards to crack MSU's all time Top 10. In addition, Terry Love has logged some valuable playing time off the bench playing 21 games including nine starts in the past two years. Anticipated junior college transfer Devin Thomas comes to East Lansing from Coffeyville Community College (Ks.) where he lead the Red Ravens with 33 receptions for 674 yards and five TD's in 2005.

As a freshman, running back Javon Ringer rushed for a team high 817 yards and an astounding 6.7 per carry. Perhaps what is more impressive is the Sporting News Freshman All-American honorable mention honoree wasn't 100 percent, hampered by a high school knee injury. Ringer looks to break out this year along with counterpart Jehuu Caulcrick. Last year, Caulcrick rushed for 478 yards and a team high seven TD's. Combined, the two running backs rushed for 1,295 yards and eight TDs.

Stefon Wheeler and Gordon Niebylski must be replaced on the offensive line but senior Kyle Cook and junior Mike Gyetvai provide experience and consistency throughout. Cook has started 23-consecutive games at left guard and led the team in pancake blocks (50) last season. Gyetvai will get his chance this year moving from right to left tackle to fill the shoes of Wheeler. Gyetvai started all 11 games last year, finishing fourth on the team in pancakes (36). Head coach John Smith acknowledges his team's potential, "We're going to be exciting on the offensive side. I believe we are going to be able to score. We've always been able to do that. It's going to be fun. It's going to be a circus. We're going to enjoy it and we'll put points on the board. But for us to be where we want to be, our defense has to step up. We're going to be exciting to watch offensively, but we better be exciting to watch defensively as well."

QB Drew Stanton became only the second Spartan to ever reach the 3,000-yard passing milestone in a season.

In 2005, the Spartan allowed on average 28.7 points per game. This year, Head coach John Smith will rely on a deeper bench and a new wrist card signal system to reduce communication problems to carry the Spartans further on in the season.

The Spartans lose three of four starters on the defensive line including Domata Peko who led the line and received All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition last year. Yet, with the likes of All-American JUCO transfer Ervin Baldwin (DE) and experienced senior Clifton Ryan moving from defensive end to tackle the Spartans hope to add quickness to the interior.

Inside linebacker David Herron Jr. ranked second on the team in tackles (65), and tackles for losses (4 for 15 yards) returns for his senior year. Herron recorded double figures in tackles last season against Michigan and Minnesota. Speedy defensive back SirDarean Adams led the team in tackles for losses (5 for 29 yards) and interceptions (3 for 54 yards) as a young sophomore. Seniors Demond Williams and Greg Cooper bring experience staring all 11 games last year.

Junior college transfer, Nehemiah Warrick, has big shoes to fill with the departure of strong safety Eric Smith but looked promising during the spring season.

Michigan State place kickers made only 5-of-16 field goal attempts last year in addition to a total of six blocked kicks by opponents. Look for incoming freshman Brett Swenson to make an immediate impact. Swenson is touted among the nation's top five kickers by Rivals.com receiving Class 5A second-team all-state selection recognition by the Florida Sports Writers Association and first-team all-county pick by the Sun-Sentinel his senior year.

A consensus All-American in 2004, Brandon Fields, is in his fourth year within the Michigan State punting core. His career 45.6-yard punting average ranks No. 1 on MSU's and the Big Ten's all-time lists as well as among the NCAA I-A active punters.

Overall, the offense should have no problem picking up where they started off. With Stanton at the helm and an excellent wide receiving core the Spartans will flex their offensive muscle once again. Defensively, the Spartans will have to rely on newcomers for an immediate spark but experience and added quickness presents potential.

The Spartans are 10-0-1 against preseason teams Eastern Michigan, Pittsburgh and Idaho (this will be the Spartans first meeting with Idaho) while the Fighting Irish look to avenge last year's loss, although they will have to enter Spartan Stadium to do so. Michigan State's homecoming game will bring the Fighting Illini as well as Ohio State, Purdue and Minnesota making a trek to East Lansing. The annual battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy will take place in Ann Arbor with other road games including Northwestern, Indiana and Penn State.