2008 Recap
Under Coach Dantonio’s second year, the Spartans went 9-4 and made their second post-season appearance in as many years. MSU won the games they were supposed to win, which was a big accomplishment after years of midseason meltdowns and too many seasons of playing up to the good teams and down to the bad teams. The Spartans were also able to pull off a couple of close games, most notably against Iowa and Wisconsin. Running back Javon Ringer carried the offense (quite literally at times) and was responsible for over 96% of MSU’s rushing yards. Quarterback Brian Hoyer was a known quantity whose decision making allowed the Spartans to pull off their best season since 1999.
Returning
MSU Quarterback Kirk Cousins
MSU Quarterback Kirk Cousins
7 offense, 8 defense, 2 kickers
Leading Returners: QB Kirk Cousins, WR Blair White, RB Andre Anderson, LB Greg Jones, K Brett Swenson
What to Watch For
Can the Spartans take the next step and win against the perennial powers? Ohio State is off the schedule, so to accomplish this they’ll need to win in the last game of the season against Penn State, a game that will be in East Lansing.
Schedule
As we mentioned, Ohio State is off the schedule this season, and will probably be the best team in the league. MSU faces a tough stretch early on, playing at Notre Dame, at Wisconsin, against Michigan and at Illinois. There are two tough games in the second half of the season, against Iowa and Penn State, but both games are at Spartan Stadium.
Must See Game
Penn State vs. Michigan State, November 21st, East Lansing MI
Spartan nation will be hoping that November 11th against Penn State shapes up the be the must-see game. If MSU wins the games they are supposed to win, they could again be playing for at least a share of the Big Ten title in the last game of the season.
Things are Going Well If…
…MSU emerges from the ND/Wisconsin/Michigan/Illinois with three wins and beat Iowa at home. If we can do that, we will likely be playing for a share of the Big Ten title going into the Penn State game, and will have a legitimate shot at going 10-2.
Run to the Bomb Shelter if…
…MSU gets picked apart by Central Michigan QB Dan LeFevour, lose three of four in the ND/Wisconsin/Michigan/Illinois stretch, then lose against the Hawkeyes going into the final part of the season. That likely puts us in the 6-6 or 7-5 range and makes us question everything that’s happened in the last two seasons.
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