While Michigan State has become a basketball powerhouse since Tom Izzo took over in 1995. MSU football can be described as eratic at best, it seems that Mark Dantonio may be building a foundation for long term success. This 2010 team is one that is filled with potential pro prospects, but also expierence enough to come together and win close games. It seemed in the early years of Dantonio's career at MSU they would lose a lot of close games and get blown out by the tougher foes. Now that the talent he has recruited has finally matured we should be able to see some sustained success. I would not be afraid to pick MSU to go undefeated this season and even win a share of the Big 10 trophey. This is a team that should play in a january bowl game and finally win one. Lets take a deeper look into this Michigan State team and their remaining schedule. On the offensive side of the ball they have one of the top rushing attacks in all of college football led by a trio of youngsters. Edwin Baker(Sophmore) is the leading rusher who provides excellent burst and tends to make big plays. Le'veon Bell(Freshman) is the guy who can pound the ball but he also has excellent speed and has gotten some big runs as well, and Larry Caper(Sophmore) is slowly getting back into the game after some early season injuries but showed flashes of talent his freshman year. The Passing attack is led by Junior QB Kirk Cousins, he has shown great poise and decision making. He hasnt turned the ball over much (4 INT) and has proved he can lead game winning drives. Michigan State has a nice group of recievers led by senior Mark Dell and junior BJ Cunningham both are solid 6-2 receivers, Keshawn Martin provides the speed threat and is a master return man and former QB Keith Nichol rounds out the wideouts. MSU also has a stellar pair of tight ends in Charlie Gantt and Brian Linthicum both whom i have heard to be considered pro prospects. The O-line has proved to be an excellent run blocking team but still needs to improve its pass blocking. The Defense is led by their stellar group of linebackers specificaly All-American senior Greg Jones who is a possible first round draft pick. He is paired with stand out linebacker Eric Gordon and Jon Misch and Chris Norman. The D-Line has also been good led by DT Jerel Worthy. The main concern coming into the season for the Spartans defense was their pass defense. But those concerns while still there have been lessened as they have all ready passed their season total in interceptions last year (6) by 3. Chris L. Rucker has been outstanding this season and continues to lock up opposing recievers. As for the special teams as i previously stated Keshawn Martin has look Devin Hester esque providing big plays when needed. Aaron Bates has continued to be an excellent punter and yet again the Spartans have found another great kicker to replace Brett Swenson in Dan Conroy. This is an all around good team but if i had to pick a weakness it would still be their pass defense. But this team has been tested by some good offenses all ready this season and it has held. The Spartans have already beat 2 ranked opponents in Wisconson and Michigan and only one remains on the schedule (Iowa). Looking at the rest of the season as long as they dont lapse they could win their next to games (Illinois, at Northwestern). The biggest challenge will come after that when they play at Iowa then they have another 2 "easier" games (Minnesota, Purdue). Then they conclude the season at Penn State. I feel that this is a team that can win the easy games and win the tough ones but im still nervous (ive been traumatized by the Dallas Cowboys). I personally think they will go 12-0 i really feel they can beat both Iowa and Penn State. I would love to see them go to the Rose Bowl this year and win it. But even with my uncharacteristic optomism im feeling i still have that gut feeling they will let me down. But i am definatly excited to see the football program catching up to the basketball program finally. It seems like its going to be a good time to be an MSU fan.
