Five and Five: Michigan State
By Paul Myerberg // Jul 14, 2010
What are five things I like about Michigan State in 2010? What about five things I don’t? This list has all the answers.
Likes
1. Quarterback Kirk Cousins. He’s a true pocket passer in a conference rapidly moving towards run-first quarterbacks. Cousins will challenge for 3,000 yards in 2010, his second season in the starting lineup.
2. Depth in the receiver corps. A quartet of talented pass-catchers, including converted quarterback Keith Nicol, are joined by a pair of tight ends that figure heavily into the passing game. All told, the Michigan State air attack will be even more potent than it was a season ago.
3. Linebacker Greg Jones. If he’s not the finest defensive player in the country, he’s certainly on the short list. The defense struggled in 2009, but Jones was better than ever. If possible — and if he can improve in pass coverage — Jones will be even better as a senior.
4. I like the Michigan State front seven, which includes Jones, fellow senior linebacker Eric Gordon and a handful of underclassmen ready to make an impact. One such youngster is sophomore tackle Jerrel Worthy, a future all-Big Ten selection.
5. The direction of the program. Last fall was a disappointment, yes. Nevertheless, I’m confident in Mark Dantonio’s ability to return the Spartans to nine-win status on a fairly consistent basis.
Dislikes
1. It would be nice to have some balance on offense. Sophomores Larry Caper and Edwin Baker are talented, but the Spartans remain far more effective via the pass than on the ground.
2. The secondary is a concern. Much depends on the play of senior cornerback Chris L. Rucker, who needs to revert to his 2008 form. The Spartans welcome back Johnny Adams from a one-year absence, but depth is a concern.
3. Three lost starters on the offensive line. This isn’t a huge worry, as I like what the Spartans have coming up through the ranks, but the team will need some thus-far unproven performers to play up to form.
4. The front seven may be improved, but the Spartans need to stand up stronger against the run. Like the offensive line, we won’t be able to see if Michigan State has improved in this regard until September.
5. Michigan State’s road quartet in Big Ten play: Michigan, Northwestern, Iowa and Penn State.
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Iowa’s last minute victory over Michigan State almost didn’t happen last year thanks to an incredible trick play call by Mark Dantonio’s staff. There’s clearly great play-calling with this team, which stands apart from the frenetic Michigan States of Past. However, the continual question with this team is why are the Spartans continually in the top five in recruiting, but rarely Big Ten champs?