Preview section brainscramble
It's kind of like final exam cramming, putting together the MSU preview section (comes out Wednesday, buy extra copies, click on every story multiple times, leave nice comments), but one of the things I enjoy is looking back on the previous year's version.
Back pats
Defensive backs preview:
"Rucker and Adams could make for an excellent pair of corners. Hyde and Robinson took lumps along with everyone else last season, but coaches were pleased with their play in the spring and in August. The real tests begin Saturday. With four guys getting most of the snaps, MSU should communicate better."
"The big surprise may be less-heralded freshman corner Darqueze Dennard, who quickly ascended to the No. 2 defense and appears ready to help."
Special teams preview:
"And the former high school quarterback (Bates) also holds on field goals, can convert a trick play if needed..."
Picking Wisconsin to go 11-1 overall, 7-1 in the Big Ten and reach the Rose Bowl:
The main reason to believe? Wisconsin finally has a returning starter at quarterback – and Scott Tolzien is a good one.
Picking Ohio State to share the title at 11-1, 7-1 and go to the Orange Bowl, and this evaluation of Michigan in picking the Wolverines to go 6-6:
"Offensively, there’s a lot to like about Rodriguez’s third team – especially if sophomore Denard Robinson is as ready as advertised to transform into Pat White. Defensively, you’re talking about a terrible unit in 2009 even with senior star end Brandon Graham. Expect U-M to outscore people early, struggle against an unforgiving Big Ten schedule and get to a bowl game. Then wait and see if it’s enough to save Rodriguez’s job."
Point and laugh
Picking MSU to go 8-4:
"To truly contend, though, the Spartans need to be able to run the ball right at people, especially on the goal line. And they need someone other than linebackers to get sacks and help the secondary."
Picking Illinois to go 5-7:
"There’s still skill talent in Champaign and linebacker Martez Wilson is back from a neck injury, but the Zooker is going to have to come up with some surprises to get Illinois back to winning football."
The MSU-Wisconsin game prediction:
"Oct. 2 vs. Wisconsin
Wisconsin 23, MSU 21
It’s still September, but this game – like Iowa a year ago – is the key to MSU’s hopes of contending. Also like Iowa, the Badgers emerge with a gritty comeback victory."
The MSU-Northwestern game prediction:
"Oct. 23 at Northwestern
Northwestern 28, MSU 27
Just as MSU’s fans start gearing up for a showdown game at Iowa … Pat Fitzgerald’s always-solid Wildcats score a spoiler. Adios, Big Ten title hopes."
Running backs preview:
"The star: Caper still appears to be the most complete back in the program. He was a step away from a lot of big plays in 2009, although his tackler-shedding overtime touchdown jaunt against Michigan certainly qualifies. Caper already has ascended to a leadership position in the locker room, he’s added five pounds of muscle and he is the favorite to lead the team in rushing as the season begins."
One last thing, here's the updated breakout box on coaching tenures that accompanied the preview section main story comparing Mark Dantonio with Brian Kelly (some of you ridiculed the suggestion that we still don't have full evaluations of both coaches, by the way, I would hope last season changed some minds).
The five-year plan: An MSU rarity
Since the glory days of Biggie Munn and Duffy Daugherty, MSU has now seen three of eight head coaches (not counting 2002 interim coach Morris Watts) reach a fifth season – with Mark Dantonio the third. George Perles won the Rose Bowl in his fifth season (1987) and went 31-14-3 with two Big Ten titles in years five through eight. Nick Saban went 9-2 in his fifth season (1999), then bolted for LSU.
Here’s a look at how MSU coaches have fared since Daugherty retired in 1972, along with a look at two Big Ten head coaches whose programs are models for MSU:
Coach Years 1-3 Year 4 Year 5
Denny Stolz 19-13-1 No No
Darryl Rogers 19-12-2 5-6 No
Muddy Waters 10-23 No No
George Perles 17-17-1 6-5 9-2-1
Nick Saban 19-16-1 6-6 9-2
Bobby Williams 16-17 No No
John L. Smith 18-18 4-8 No
Mark Dantonio 22-17 11-2 ?
Barry Alvarez (Wisconsin) 11-22 10-1-1 8-3-1
Kirk Ferentz (Iowa) 11-24 11-2 10-3
