Mountain(s) To Climb: The Spartans Ascension to Reach Big Ten’s Peak

I continue to be amazed at the lack of hype given to the 2011 Spartan squad. But ironically, I could not be happier. Let’s not forget that this was a team predicted last year to be a 2^nd tier contender hoping for 8 wins and a decent bowl bid. But this team defied expectations and stuck together, continuing to play through adversity. From Coach Dantonio’s Cardiac “Episode” and with injuries to both Kirk Cousins and Keshawn Martin, this team responded to every hardship like it was planned and eventually won the big ten championship.

One magical season later, the Spartans are still not getting credit they deserve. But just as true as Spartan Nation itself, this team responds when the cards are stacked against them. National pundits such as ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit and BTN’s Gerry DiNardo are once again predicting MSU to... (Click read more below)

Featured Video: Early Season Upsets - App State "Hail to the..."

From LostLetterman.com - Featured Video:
Appalachian State Stuns UM in ’07

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With the opening weekend of college football quickly approaching, we take a look back at Appalachian State’s famous 34-32 upset of No. 5 Michigan in the BigHouse on September 1, 2007.

Julian Rauch kicked a 24-yard field goal to give the Mountaineers, an FCS school from Boone, NC, the lead for good. Then, Corey Lynch famously blocked a 37-yard FG on the final play to leave 110,000 fans in stunned silence.

The Mountaineers became the first FCS team to defeat an FBS opponent ranked in the AP poll. Despite being the two-time defending FCS champs, it was a monumental win – perhaps the biggest upset in college football history – for Appalachian State.

Lynch, a sixth-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008, currently is a safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Spartan Pride: Max Bullough

If you are a Spartan, you have to include Max as one of your favorites. This photo explains why:

Click here to read associated story (not available in the resource center on this page)

chUMps Lost Three Players Last Week

From Ann Arbor News...

News came Monday that freshman offensive lineman Tony Posada was gone from the Michigan football program.

Tuesday, junior wide receiver Je'Ron Stokes was out. Today, word came that freshman tight end Chris Barnett was headed elsewhere.

Nine days before Michigan opens the season at home against Western Michigan (3:30 p.m., ABC), what do you think of the departures? Take our poll:

The reader comments were the typical silver lining crowd - basically, "We didn't need them anyways", "If they didn't want to be here, they weren't [chUMp] Men anyways - good riddance", "That's OK, it leaves more scholarships for this year.", blah, blah, blah...

One reader comment was realistic.

GoblueinNE_PA

 at 9:35 PM on August 25, 2011

I'm having a hard time being optimistic about any of this. I slammed RichRod because of his faux class last year, one that steadily fell apart. I know Hoke didn't have much time to put this class together, but it was mediocre at best and is getting worse by the moment. We can say all we want about how these kids were no good or wouldn't contribute, but frankly, we don't know that. All we know is they have decided to leave Michigan. I'm really worried about depth going forward. So far, we've lost a LB, T, and TE out of this class and as I said it wasn't loaded to begin with.

Let's hope the rumors about the shakiness of the 2012 class is just that, rumors. Frankly, I'm now just waiting for the season to get started so we can (hopefully) get past this crap.

Spartans pick up 3-star TE recruit 14 for 2012

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ohio -- When looking at the team picture of the Ridgewood football team it isn't hard to pick out Evan Jones.

Jones, a senior tight end and defensive end, stands 6-foot-6 and weighs in at 244 pounds.

That size and athleticism has enabled Jones to verbally commit to Michigan State University to play football next fall.

"I went to the spring game there and just really loved the atmosphere and the coaches," Jones said... (click read more below)

Cousins second player in MSU history to be named captain 3 years

From M-Live:

Michigan State picks team captains: Kirk Cousins, Joel Foreman and Trenton Robinson

Published: Thursday, August 25, 2011, 2:35 PM     Updated: Thursday, August 25, 2011, 2:37 PM

By Greg Johnson | The Grand Rapids Press

AP PhotoKirk Cousins is a Michigan State captain for a third time.

EAST LANSING -- Quarterback Kirk Cousins, left offensive guard Joel Foreman and free safety Trenton Robinson were elected captains by their teammates Thursday as they finished up the last day of fall camp.

Cousins, a senior, enters his third year as a starter and captain. He is the second MSU player in program history to be named a captain for three years joining Robert Curry, who was a captain of the 1946, '47 and '48 teams.

Foreman, a four-year starter, is a captain for the first time, as is Robinson, who will be... (click read more below)

Spartan Dan Enters Debut Post with MSU Football's "ONE" Theme

“ONE”

By: Spartan Dan S.B.

The United States Army prides itself on a mantra of empowering soldiers to become “An Army of One.” In a much smaller parallel, the Michigan State Spartans have embraced a “One Focus” motto. Coach Dantonio consistently refers to his players buying into this team concept working together as “one.” In just a few short weeks, the 2011 college football season will be upon us. But before we excite ourselves with this year’s Spartans, let’s explore last year’s championship season.

The Spartans had an impressive run, claiming their first Big Ten title since 1990. But along their road to Number “One” in the Big Ten, there were several “One” Moment(s)- a type of spark that ignited this team (and Spartan nation) to take victory from the jaws of defeat. Let’s take a look at a few examples.

First let’s start with Notre Dame. It’s hard not to...

(Continue by clicking the jump break below)

More news from around the web

These articles are not available in the resource center (bottom of page), but I'll try to bring them to you via posts when I can. Make dUMp the chUMps your one stop for Spartan Sports news...

Bill Broderick: Caper gives MSU quality depth
Battle Creek Enquirer
The depth at running back doesn't stop there at MSU. The Spartans also saw Le'Veon Bell blossom as a freshman last year as he finished with over 600 yards rushing and MSU likes the talents of redshirt-freshman Nick Hill. "I think we are very fortunate ...

College Football Rankings 2011: Dark-Horse Teams Who Will Shock Us All Bleacher Report Michigan State: The Spartans have gotten better every year under coach Mark Dantonio, and last year they won a share of the Big Ten title. I think this year they are ready to take that next step and put themselves into BCS talks, if not contention. ...

BIG TEN PREVIEW: Legends Division
Scranton Times-Tribune
Michigan State: The Hawkeyes have to exorcise some of their November demons, and what better way to do it than against the talented Spartans at... (see and read more links by click "read more" below)

In-depth Defensive Analysis and Position Group Rankings

This post on Bleacher Report is not available in the resource center. It includes a few videos and some opinions that are a bit less dreamy than we've been hearing from others.

Defensive Overview

2010 scoring defense: 22.3 PPG (fourth in the conference), total defense: 353.8 YPG (sixth), rushing defense: 3.85 YPC (fourth), passing efficiency allowed: 121.33 (third).

Average scoring defense conference ranking over last five years: 6.8.

Best scoring defense conference ranking over last five years: four (2010).

Worst scoring defense conference ranking over last five years: 10 (2006).

Returning starters: DE Denzel Drone, DE Tyler Hoover, DT Jerel Worthy, DT Kevin Pickelman, LB Chris Norman, CB Troy Woolfolk, CB Johnny Adams, S Trenton Robinson.

Open positions: LB, CB, S.

Defensive Breakdown

Mark Dantonio was a defensive back during his playing days. He has always been a defensive coach. Most notably, he was the defensive coordinator under Jim Tressel from 2001-03.

Despite this background,... (click "read more" below)

Spartan Digest explores the happenings in the secondary

Barnett Positive on Young Players
		By Dave Berk Spartan Digest Posted Aug 20, 2011 |More Michigan State defensive back coach Harlon Barnett is missing one defensive back and looking at young and veterans to fill the void. Barnett talked about a few of his charges and how they are performing.
As Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio eluded to on Friday, Jairus Jones is faring well rehabbing back from his injury. Spartans defensive backs coach Harlon Barnett seemed hopeful Jones could be back on the field this season. How is Jones rehab coming along? “Very slowly but surely,” said Barnett. “He’s feeling better every day and working with the trainers and getting treatment. So hopefully we’ll see him out there full speed very soon.” As for what Jones is allowed to do at this time, Barnett stressed it was limited. “Just straight line running and stuff right now from what we understand,” said Barnett. “Not a lot of cutting or transition just straight line running.” Barnett feels it’s a blessing for Jones to be on the fast track back. “A lot of prayers have been answered on his part,” said Barnett. “He’s a good young man, a faithful young man and I’m sure that has something to do with it as well.” While a couple of spots are filled, Barnett stresses there are still battles going on in camp. “It’s still a battle,” said Barnett. “We still have a battle going on and... (click "read more" below)

Video: Big Ten Network Visits Spartan Camp

Big Ten Network will air the complete MSU breakdown Tuesday night at 8PM Eastern

Click here for the video

Bleacher Report Spartan writer is over the top optimistic

From Bleacher Report... (not available in Resource Center)

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

As usual, a lot of pundits are picking Michigan State to disappoint this season. Most aren’t saying that Michigan State will do poorly; instead, they are saying that the Spartans simply won’t have as good of a season as last year. I’m going the other way and predicting another double-digit victory season, and a trip to the Rose Bowl. 

Michigan State starts slow, with easy games lined up against Youngstown State and Florida Atlantic. With that crushing loss to Central Michigan just two years ago still on many Spartans' mind, don’t expect Sparty to drop these two. Both of these will be 50ish-20ish Michigan State. 

The first real challenge, and perhaps in some ways the most dangerous one, is at Notre Dame. This vicious, long-running and largely even rivalry will be a major test for both teams. If the Spartans lose here, it might deflate team confidence and contribute to later losses. 

More importantly, the Fighting Irish will test what has long been Michigan State's Achilles heel, the secondary. Thankfully, this unit is looking to be quite strong and I expect them to hold out against the Irish in a hard fought game and etch out a narrow victory. A loss wouldn’t be a surprise, however, as this will be an explosive team.

Either way, expect a high scoring game with a key turn over or two by our secondary. The teams will trade the lead, but the Spartans come out on top, 38-35.

How many games will the Spartans Win?

1-33-67 or 89 or 1011 or 12National ChampionsSubmit Vote vote to see results

Next, a quick Chippewa snack.Central Michigan will likely have another down year and Michigan State will make quick work of their MAC brethren, 42-21 Spartans. 

Then, an all-important visit to Ohio State. If this were at Spartan Stadium, I would already be placing my bank account on a Spartan victory. Ohio State will have a down year due to all of the off-field distractions, the loss of some of their best players for the first five games and unexpected changes at quarterback and head coach.

Still, this is the Horseshoe stadium and the Buckeyes will defend their turf. Ohio State will get the first score, but Michigan State will take the next two. It will be a hard-fought battle with Ohio State giving its all, but Michigan State will come out in a narrow six-point victory. Expect some key stops from our defense. Spartans win, 21-17.

Michigan will come in with all the swagger in the world. There will be the normal trash talking and arrogance on both sides, and the game will be hard fought. Continue reading by clicking on the jump below...

Another great post by Joe Rexrode

Anderson at full back will help new O-line - particularly when Deon Sims is in the formation...

Here is a taste of one of the many tid-bits in Joe's Blog:

    We also got an official weight on Todd Anderson -- 266 pounds. That's up from 240 when last season started. He said he's benching 515. Anderson talked a lot about how much more physical this offense will be this season, a topic we'll explore more in the coming days. If that sounds like quite a transformation, consider Travis Jackson. He's 280 -- and he was also 240 when last season started. Many high school centers are larger than that. Jackson is assuming nothing and believes his battle with Blake Treadwell is close to even, but Jackson is getting most of the reps with the ones. We'll find out Monday if anything has changed on that front.

Read the article - click here.

More Spartan news at the bottom of the page...

Help for reconstruction of O-line comes from unlikely source

Todd Anderson adding physicality and size to dangerous offense:

From LSJ: 12:41 AM, Aug. 18, 2011  

Fullback Todd Anderson

Written by

Joe Rexrode
jrexrode@lsj.com

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• MSU football notebook: Roushar's scheme not all about run game

EAST LANSING - The list of MSU's offensive assets is long, but it sounds like Todd Anderson belongs somewhere on it.

The converted defensive end is turning heads - and snapping heads - with his blocking at fullback.

"I don't think there's a lot of teams at all with a 275-pound fullback that can move, so I'm excited," Edwin Baker said of running behind Anderson. "I can't wait."

Anderson is actually listed at 6-foot-2, 260, but that's still bigger than most at that position.

Baker said Anderson has "blown a couple people up" in camp and is creating sizable running creases.

"Oh yeah, most definitely," Baker said. "I mean the holes are much clearer than last year. You know, he's moving people out of the way, it's not really a standstill."

Anderson, a former walk-on from Napoleon who earned a scholarship last season and played in eight games at end, is replacing Nick Bendzuck. Bendzuck played at 240 pounds.

"One of the things that's impressed me is how physical we are," offensive coordinator Dan Roushar said. "We've got a very physical football team at times. We've got new fullback play in there, Todd Anderson's been really physical. ...

"So we're getting something out of the fullback position that maybe we haven't had in the last couple years. So that's been an impressive situation."