2008 record: 9-4, 6-2 (3rd in Big East)
2008 bowl: Lost to Georgia 24-12 in Capital One
2008 final AP/coaches' ranking: 24/24
Coach: Mark Dantonio (16-10, 3rd year; 34-27 overall, 5 years)
Offensive coordinator: Don Tredwell (3rd year)
Defensive coordinator: Pat Narduzzi (3rd year)
Returning offensive starters: 7
Returning defensive starters: 8
Location: East Lansing, Mich.
Stadium: Spartan Stadium (grass; 75,005)
Last league title: 1990 (tie)
2009 schedule: [view]
2009 roster: [view]
2008 statistics: [view]

Offensive: The departure of running back Javon Ringer can’t be undersold. Ringer had 1,637 yards (or 96.7 percent of Michigan State’s output) and 22 touchdowns. He had 390 carries (other running backs in the program combined for 43). So who picks up the slack? Great question. Sophomore Ashton Leggett, a 5-foot-8, 228-pounder, is an earth-mover type with great promise. But Michigan State is more likely to share the carries among several backs, maybe even pulling a few freshmen into the mix. Sophomore Kirk Cousins, who played in five games last season, is favored to inherit the job for the departed Brian Hoyer. Inexperience at quarterback could be helped by a veteran group of receivers, including senior Brian White (43 catches), junior Mark Dell and junior tight end Charlie Gantt. There is concern on the offensive line with three new starters, but senior center Joel Nitchman is solid.

Defensive: Michigan State has one of the Big Ten’s top front-seven units and speedy junior middle linebacker Greg Jones is the biggest reason for that status. Jones, a first-team All-Big Ten pick, shifted over from the strong side and his trademark intensity will be something to build upon. Another big-play linebacker, junior Eric Gordon, moves to Jones’ old position. Up front, junior Oren Wilson is a potential star at nose tackle, while senior Trevor Anderson (eight sacks) hopes to fulfill his potential. The secondary is stacked with eight returning players (and three starters), but too many yards were surrendered last season.  

Specialists: One of the nation’s best situations. Senior place-kicker Brett Swanson was 22 of 28 on field-goal attempts. Junior punter Aaron Bates averaged 42.0 yards per kick and is excellent at pinning opponents inside the 20-yard line.

Coaching: In his third season after leaving Cincinnati, Mark Dantonio has Michigan State’s program on the upswing. His can-do attitude and attention to detail has transformed the Spartans from underachievers to factors in the Big Ten title race.

Heisman Hopefuls: With Ringer’s departure from the backfield, Michigan State has a more anonymous crew of skill-position players. The Spartans shouldn’t expect a Heisman invitation in 2009.

Game of the year Nov. 21 vs. Penn State The Spartans met Penn State in last season’s finale with a share of the Big Ten title at stake. Michigan State wasn’t up for that task (Penn State 49, Michigan State 18), so here’s a chance to see if the Spartans are not only a year older, but a year better.

Overview: The stars could be aligning for the Spartans. Fourteen starters are returning. The defense looks ferocious enough to carry the retooling offense, at least for a while. Michigan State should earn its second consecutive New Year’s Day bowl appearance (something the program hasn’t accomplished since 1987-88). What’s more, Ohio State rotates off Michigan State’s Big Ten schedule. Dantonio’s program has an opportunity to take the next step — maybe even a giant step.

Next up: No. 19 Georgia

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