There is Hope for Spartans. Really... Read This Post.

Here we are - back in time, pinning our season on DUMPING the chUMps - Again. I really wanted to be past that, but in reality, with the divisional set-up in the Big Ten now, it is unlikely MSU could ever have a really good season without winning that game. So BEATchUMps.com lives on...

I decided to dedicate this post to help talk "Anonymous" (see comments on previous post) and other Spartan fans off the ledge. There is hope my friends. Yes, the Spartans could win next week, but they could also get blown out. Yes, they could still win four more games, but might only win one. I am far more confident about 2013 than I am with anything to do with 2012. The "program" is not dying. It is not the end of  "the good times". The foundation Dantonio constructed is stronger than a bad season.

2012 is a reality check. For Spartan fans who thought that MSU was going to become an Oklahoma, Ohio State or even a Georgia or the football version of Izzo's basketball program - it ain't gonna happen. It never was going to happen. East Lansing will never draw that many high caliber players - ever, no matter who is coaching here. MSU can, however, be highly competitive and have occasional shots a national prominence.

Believe it or not - 2013 is a high likelihood year to make a big splash. Prior to the two magical seasons of 2010 and 2011 was a disappointing 2009 season (6-7 record). The difference with 2013? It will be MSU's best shot at a Rose Bowl since the Spartans actually went to the Rose Bowl.

Here is why... Look at the team that played this Saturday against Iowa. This is a Junior dominated team with some major support from under-classmen. Think of what it could mean for next year...

Total Players on Depth Chart vs. Iowa: 65
Total Senior Starters: 5
Total Seniors on Depth Chart: 9

Total Junior Starters: 12
Total Juniors on Depth Chart: 19

Offense - 30 total players on depth chart:
Senior Starters (2):
C Ethan Ruthland (in for injured sophomore Travis Jackson)
RG Chris McDonald

Senior Depth Player (1):
RB Larry Caper

Defense - 30 total players on depth chart:
Senior Starters (2):
NT Anthony Rashad White* (listed as "OR" with sophomore James Kittredge) = 1/2
STAR LB Chris Norman* (listed as "OR" with sophomore Taiwan Jones) = 1/2
Boundary CB Johnny Adams

Senior Depth Players (3):
*The other 1/2 of White and Norman plus
DT Tyler Hoover
SAM LB Steve Gardiner

Special Teams: - including snappers, holders, return men, kickers, punters:
The Spartans list Seniors Caper and Conroy on the depth chart.

Consider a 5th year senior QB with every receiver back (opposite of this year), tons of senior leadership with a bad taste from 2012 and the memory and experience of 2011.

Add in this very manageable schedule with two bye weeks neatly placed marking three distinct parts of season and Wisconsin, Ohio State and Penn State off the slate:

2013 Michigan State Spartans Football Schedule
Date		Opponent	Time/TV	Tickets
Saturday 08/31/13		Western Michigan Broncos  Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI	TBA	---
Saturday 09/07/13		USF Bulls  Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI	TBA	---
Saturday 09/14/13		Youngstown State Penguins  Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI	TBA	---
Saturday 09/21/13		at Notre Dame Fighting Irish  Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IN	TBA	---
Saturday 09/28/13	---	Open Date	---	---
Saturday 10/05/13		at Iowa Hawkeyes  Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	TBA	---
Saturday 10/12/13		Indiana Hoosiers  Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI	TBA	---
Saturday 10/19/13		Purdue Boilermakers  Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI	TBA	---
Saturday 10/26/13		at Illinois Fighting Illini  Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL	TBA	---
Saturday 11/02/13		chUMps  Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI	TBA	---
Saturday 11/09/13	---	Open Date	---	---
Saturday 11/16/13		at Nebraska Cornhuskers  Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE	TBA	---
Saturday 11/23/13		at Northwestern Wildcats  Ryan Field, Evanston, IL	TBA	---
Saturday 11/30/13		Minnesota Golden Gophers  Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI	TBA	---
Saturday 12/07/13		Big Ten Championship Game Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN	TBA	---

What are your thoughts? Click on the comments link below.

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