East Lansing, MI- As Michigan State goes into the 2009 football season, they have lots of hope of changing what some could be considered as a "rebuilding"
As offensive leaders Javon Ringer and Brian Hoyer march on to bigger things, the Spartans will have to fill their shoes with a strong disciplined team to follow. As for 2008, MSU did not have the greatest defense in the big ten but intend to grow into something big as they return eight starters. The spartans will only have to replace seven key players from last year as they look to climb to the top of the big ten for 2009.
The big questions that climb through every spartan fans head might have something to do with their offensive starters and who are they going to be? With not too many returning leaders at the skilled positions, it makes you wonder how the spartans will be scoring most of their points. With young inexperienced running backs such as Andre Anderson, Ashton Legget and returning senior A.J. Jimmerson, it will be concerning if there is enough talent to take over Ringer's position. With three returning running backs being accompanied by two highly recruited freshman, this position will be alright down the road but will have to take a while to get going.
Returning sophomore quarterback Kirk Cousins and Oklahoma transferred quarterback Keith Nichol are fighting for the starting QB position as they both bring positives in different ways. With the experience of knowing the system, Cousins style is very comparable to Hoyers with him being very good at managing the game. As for Nichol, his style is much like former quarterback Drew Stanton by being very agile with much talent. For right now, Cousins is more familiar with everything and has the edge over Nichols with learning the system while Nichol has the edge with talent by being able to make those big plays. Whoever does play will have excellent targets with returning wide receivers Mark Dell, Blair White and BJ Cunnigham.
With a lot of question marks crowding the offense, their isn't as much concern for the defense as they are heading in the right direction. Key returning players for defense include Greg Jones, Trevor Anderson, Johnny Adams and five others who intend to prove their point as a defensive powerhouse. With big defensive games last year with Iowa and Notre Dame, MSU will intend to continue their progression. The green and white will have their hands full as the big ten fills up with offensive talent in many of their opponents.
The Michigan State spartans will start the season with non-conference opponent Montana State on Saturday, Sept. 5th.
