The X-Factor For the Spartans Against Boise State Will Be...

Spartan kicker Dan Conroy
Photo Courtesy of: Mlive.com

By Blain Bradley
@blainbradley201

August 31st is almost here and the Spartans are growing anxious as their nationally televised game verse Boise State approaches. The BCS-busting Broncos look to take down the 13th ranked Spartans. Michigan State will need to be clicking on all cylinders to beat the Broncos. The team will need all units to perform exceptionally well.

The Spartans will Need an "x-factor" in order to win the Boise game, as well as other tough games down the road (Nebraska, Ohio State, Michigan, etc.). That "x-factor" will come in the form of the special teams unit. Special teams is often considered to be one of the most crucial components in a successful season. The Spartans have weapons on specials that will cause frustrations for many teams.

The biggest weapon in the Spartans' special teams arsenal is kicker Dan Conroy. In Phil Steele's 2012 College Football Preview, Spartan kicker Dan Conroy is ranked as the sixth best in the nation. The senior kicker from Wheaton, Illinois is poised and accurate. He is a fifth year senior who will be a third year starter this fall. He is a preseason favorite to earn numerous place kicking accolades (specifically the Lou Groza Award). Over his career, Conroy has made 82% of his field goal attempts. He is 93 for 94 in PAT attempts. Conroy can prove to be big in tight games. He has great range and veteran instinct. Conroy will attribute to the Spartans scoring. The Spartan offense appears to be suspect at times, with new quarterback Andrew Maxwell taking the reigns. Look for Conroy to make big plays this season.

Mark Dantonio has preached the importance of special teams during his tenure at MSU. According to msuspartans.com:

" Since Dantonio's arrival to East Lansing in 2007, a Spartan kicker or punter has earned All-Big Ten recognition six times, and MSU has also produced Big Ten leaders in kickoff returns and punt returns. In addition, MSU led the Big Ten last season with five blocked kicks and scored two touchdowns on special teams."

The proof is in the pudding. Statistics show that blocked punts/kicks increase a team's chance of winning by over 50%. Creating such a situation is key to gaining a momentum swing. 

Handling the kickoff will be returning starter Kevin Muma. He is a strong leg kicker who frequently kicks for touchbacks. Muma will also be the reserve placekicker.

Mike Sadler will be punting the ball away. Sadler earned praise as a redshirt freshman last year. He will look to pin back opposing punt return teams. 

Sophomore running back Nick Hill will be the return specialist. Hill is explosive and lightning quick. He has an eye for small openings in hectic return situations. Hill will fill the void left behind from the departure of Keyshawn Martin (Martin currently is playing for the Houstan Texans).

Special Teams will be key for numerous reasons this season. The Spartans are a young team with a stellar defense and questionable offense. They will find themselves forcing many teams to punt the ball away. On the other end of the spectrum, the Spartans may find themselves punting frequently too. Regardless of the situation, look for the Spartan special teams to step up at the right moments. 

5 Players Most Important to Spartan Success this Fall

From The Detroit Free Press

By: Connor Wilton
@ConnorJayWilton

The Michigan State Spartans once again have high expectations this fall. Obviously, there are several Spartans who will need to step up this season in order for MSU to achieve their ultimate goal of playing in the Rose Bowl in January. But here are 5 players who will be most important in determining Spartan success this season.

5. TE - Dion Sims

This may come as a surprise to some people. Tight ends are becoming less valuable in college football as more teams implement spread offenses. However, with tons of inexperience at the wide receiver position, Sims could be called upon to become the Spartans primary target in the passing game this year.  At 6'5 285 pounds, Dion Sims is essentially a lineman playing tight end. His size will allow him to get to almost any part of the field without too much resistance. He had a fantastic spring and summer which was capped off by a dominating performance in the intra-squad scrimmage where he had 10 receptions for 171 yards and a TD. The most important role for Sims this season will be providing as the safety valve for QB Andrew Maxwell. It's often believed that the TE is a QB's best friend and I think that will prove very true this season.  Sims will also be very important for converting 3rd down passing situations. If Sims can stay healthy, he could help Maxwell immensely and turn the Spartan passing game into a strength.

4. LB - Max Bullough

As a true sophomore last season, Bullough proved he was more than capable of leading the Spartan D.  An All-Big Ten second team selection by the coaches, Bullough was arguably the most consistent defensive player for MSU last year. Coming into his junior year, Bullough will be called upon to be even greater for the Spartans.  At 6'3, 240 pounds, Bullough is a true middle linebacker whose size allows him to tussle with the big boys in the middle. While his size is a major plus, his most gifted attribute is his intelligence. Pat Narduzzi recently called him "the most unbelievable middle linebacker I've ever coached, just because the mental aspect of the game." Bullough always appears to be in control of the defense, something that will need to continue for the Spartan D to have success.

3. RB - Le'Veon Bell

Even though Le'Veon Bell did not become the primary RB until halfway through last year, there was no question he was MSU's most effective RB. With Edwin Baker now gone, Bell will get the majority of the carries with Larry Caper spelling him in passing situations. At 240 pounds, Bell is extremely difficult to bring down and he is surprisingly quick and agile for his size.  With a more experienced offensive line leading the way, there is no reason Bell can't become one of the best running backs in the country and rush for 1000 yards. Bell will be extremely important to the Spartans this year and counted on to take pressure off QB Andrew Maxwell and the questionable passing game.

2. DE - William Gholston

The potential and talent of William Gholston is undeniable. He's a 6'7 275 pound defensive end with the speed of a linebacker. Gholston registered 70 tackles and 5.0 sacks last season which was good enough to earn him All-Big Ten second team honors. Personally, I thought Gholston was a little inconsistent at times.  There were games were he would be constantly harassing the QB, and other games where he appeared to disappear. There also was his incident in the Michigan game where he punched QB Denard Robinson, resulting in a one game suspension. Gholston enters this year on the watch list for nearly every defensive award possible. The success of the Spartan defense will heavily rely on Gholston's play this season. If he can consistently dominate lineman and get to the quarterback, the Spartans will have a great chance at winning the Big Ten.

1. QB – Andrew Maxwell

Even though the importance of having a top-notch quarterback is diminishing in college football, no player will have a greater impact on Spartan success this season than Andrew Maxwell.  Besides being a first year starter, Maxwell will have to deal with the pressure of replacing Kirk Cousins, the most successful quarterback in Michigan State history.  Despite never starting a game for MSU, Maxwell is entering his third year in the Spartan program so he knows the offense better than anyone.  Maxwell will have a strong running game to lean on, as well as a solid offensive line that should give him plenty of time to operate in the pocket.  Maxwell also had a very impressive performance in the intra-squad scrimmage this past weekend.  All signs point to Maxwell having a strong season, but nothing is certain until he takes the field August 31^st. 

2012 Michigan State Football Preview

From MSU Facebook

 By: Connor Wilton

@ConnorJayWilton

As summer comes to a close, that can only mean one thing, college football is back.  With the season only 12 days away, I’ve decided this is a great time to preview the upcoming Michigan State football season and provide predictions and players to watch for each game.

Mark Dantonio and the Michigan State Spartans are coming off back-to-back 11 win seasons. Despite this success, the Spartans have yet to win the Big Ten conference outright.  This will only add to an already very motivated Spartan team as they look to finally get over the hump and win the Big Ten title.

Game-by-Game Analysis

August 31^st - Boise State at Michigan State

Player to Watch: QB Andrew Maxwell

I think all Spartan fans will be very curious to see how Andrew Maxwell comes out in his first game as starter. Replacing Kirk Cousins is no easy task, and expecting him to perform up to Cousins standards may be unfair at this point in the year. However, the success of the Spartans will rely heavily on the play of Maxwell and all eyes will be on him August 31^st.

Preview: The Spartans aren’t doing themselves any favors with their opening matchup.  MSU takes on the pesky Boise State Broncos.  Boise has had great success over the past six years under head coach Chris Petersen including two BCS bowl game victories. With that being said, this is a much different Boise State team.  With the loss of standout QB Kellen Moore and 14 other starters, Boise State could struggle mightily against the vaunted MSU defense.  But remember, this is Boise State and they relish the underdog role.  The game will be competitive throughout most of the game, but I believe the Spartans will pull away late and kickoff their season with a victory.

Prediction: Michigan State wins 24-14

September 8^th – Michigan State at Central Michigan

Player to Watch:  DT Tyler Hoover

After battling injury last season, Hoover decided to add 20 pounds in the offseason to make the switch to defensive tackle from defensive end.  Hoover impressed in 2010 at defensive end but it will be very interesting to see how he handles the defensive tackle position. At 6’7, Hoover is a huge presence in the middle and someone who could greatly help the Spartan D down the road.

Preview: Michigan State fans still have bad memories of what occurred in 2009 when the Chippewas of Central Michigan shocked the Spartans in East Lansing.  State fans should have nothing to worry about this year.  CMU is coming off a dismal 3-9 season which included a blowout loss to MSU 45-7.  If Spartans play up to their abilities, it will be more of the same this season.

Prediction:  Michigan State wins 42-10

September 15^th – Notre Dame at Michigan State

Player to Watch:  WR DeAnthony Arnett

If you follow Spartan football, you likely already know of DeAnthony Arnett. Arnett transferred from Tennessee this season so he could be closer to his ailing father. He was granted a hardship transfer by the NCAA, allowing him to play without siting a year. This is huge for the Spartans, since they already have major inexperience at the WR position. Arnett is only a sophomore, but with a year of SEC football under his belt, there is no reason to think he won’t contribute in big ways for the MSU passing attack this season.

Preview: Another difficult non-conference test will come from rivals Notre Dame in their annual showdown. After being embarrassed in South Bend last season, expect MSU to come out seeking revenge and try to overwhelm the Irish from the get-go.  Notre Dame always has the talent, but for some reason, they never seem to live up to the hype.  Notre Dame will keep it close with their talented defense led by Manti Te’o, but I expect the Spartans to prevail.

Prediction:  Michigan State wins 31-20

September 22^nd – Eastern Michigan at Michigan State

Player to Watch: RB Nick Hill

Nick Hill is slated to once again be the KR for the Spartans this season. With the departure of Edwin Baker, Hill is now third on the depth chart at RB behind Le’Veon Bell and Larry Caper.  With a blowout against Eastern likely, this could allow Hill to get a substantial amount of carries late in the game.  If Dantonio likes what he sees, this could allow Hill to get some more touches as a change of pace back or third down back.

Preview:  Like I said, I don’t expect Eastern Michigan to be competitive in this game. As long as Michigan State comes out ready to play, they will have absolutely no problems beating the Eagles. If anything, this game will provide an opportunity for some young players to gain some experience. 

Prediction: Michigan State wins 38-3

September 29^th – Ohio State at Michigan State

Player to Watch: LB Denicos Allen

Allen really came on to the scene last season after his phenomenal game against Ohio State, which was capped by a highlight-reel sack where he leaped over an OSU blocker. Allen finished the 2011 season with All-Big Ten Second Team honors and is expected to wreak havoc from the outside once again this season.  Being an Ohio native, it seems Allen really loves playing the Buckeyes.  Look for another standout performance out by Allen against OSU this season.

Preview: Under new Head Coach Urban Meyer, Ohio State will be a difficult team to beat this season, despite their inexperienced players.  Due to NCAA violations, the Buckeyes are not qualified to compete for the Big Ten title. This makes them even scarier in my opinion, since they have nothing to lose.  However, the fact that this is a home game for MSU gives just enough the advantage they need to defeat the Buckeyes.

Prediction: Michigan State wins 24-17

October 6^th- Michigan State at Indiana

Player to Watch:  DE Lawrence Thomas

Thomas is another player who is making a position change this season. Playing primarily LB in high school, Thomas made the switch to DE for this season. Thomas was a very highly rated prospect in high school so his talent is evident. Even though he won’t be starting, I believe Thomas can make an impact on the Spartan defensive line later in the season.

Preview:  Coming off a terrible 1-11 season, Indiana returns 19 starters.  Stephen Houston is a talented RB that could cause some problems for the Spartans, but not nearly enough to upset MSU.  Indiana is a team that is slowly turning things around, but don’t expect them to give MSU any problems.

Prediction: Michigan State win 31-14 

October 13^th – Iowa at Michigan State

Player to Watch: RB Le'Veon Bell

Le'Veon Bell is probably the best weapon the Spartans have on offense and will heavily rely on Bell this season.  If the MSU offense is successful this year, Bell may be the number one reason.  Bell had a fantastic game against the Hawkeyes last season totaling 112 yards and a TD.  With Iowa losing their entire defensive line last year, I anticipate Bell will once again surpass the century mark in yards.

Preview: Spartans will be relieved to see Iowa coming to East Lansing this year, as oppose to making the trip to Kinnick Stadium where the Spartans have had little success. With Iowa returning nobody on their defensive line, I expect MSU to run the ball early and often, which should eventually open up the play action pass game. I expect a similar game to last season.  Not domination, but a clear Michigan State victory.

Prediction: Michigan State wins 28-14

October 20^th – Michigan State at Michigan

Player to Watch: DE William Gholston

After a very solid season as a true sophomore last season, Gholston is touted to have an All-American worthy season this year. But the reason he is my player to watch is for what he did against this very team last season.  Gholston created headlines after last season’s game for his dominating play and illegal punch to Michigan QB Denard Robinson’s head.  This resulted in a one-game suspension for Gholston. It’ll be interesting how aggressive Gholston plays this time around, and if Michigan will seek any retaliation.

Preview: For me, this game is ultimately going to decide who wins the Legends Division. I also think this game is nearly impossible to predict at this point. This game is going be a bitter bloodbath and will probably be the best game in the Big Ten all year.  The reason for Michigan State’s past success against U of M is they have found the formula to stop or limit QB Denard Robinson, especially in the running game.  They have to slow down Denard big time again if they want to come out on top. But when it’s all said and done, I believe Michigan will finally get over the hump and take back the Paul Bunyan trophy. My reasoning? They are the home team and the law of averages.  I believe Michigan and Denard Robinson are due, plain and simple. This is Denard’s final chance to finally beat State and I’ll think he’ll come out and take it.

Prediction: Michigan wins 27-24

October 27^th – Michigan State at Wisconsin

Player to Watch: LB Max Bullough

Heading into his second year as the starting MLB, Bullough will be called upon to orchestrate the Spartan defense this season.  If the Spartans want to beat Wisconsin, they will have to shut down Ball and the Badger run game.  Bullough is arguably the best MLB in the Big Ten and he will be a major factor in this defense becoming good or great.

Preview: We all remember what happened last season when these two teams met. First, there was the remarkable Michigan State victory in East Lansing capped off by “Rocket”; which was followed up by a back and forth affair that ultimately resulted in a Wisconsin victory.  State’s emotions will be running high heading into this game. Michigan State will have to be on their A-game to defeat the Badgers at Camp-Randall, especially at night.  Even though Wisconsin loses QB Russell Wilson and 11 other starters, they return Heisman finalist Montee Ball, someone who has done extremely well against State. I fear it will be more of the same for Ball and Wisconsin who will hand the Spartans their second consecutive loss.

Prediction: Wisconsin wins 31-17

November 3^rd – Nebraska at Michigan State

Player to watch: TE Dion Sims

After a having a nice season last year and a fantastic spring, a lot is expected out of Dion Sims.  He is not your typical tight end though, as he weighs 285 pounds.  This allows him to be effective as both a pass-catcher and blocker.  A tight end is often referred to as a QBs security blanket.  Maxwell may need that security blanket more than ever when they play in hostile environments like Camp-Randall Stadium and Michigan Stadium. Sims could be very important against Nebraska in setting up the play-action, which can keep the Cornhuskers defense off balance. 

Preview: After getting thoroughly outplayed by Nebraska last season, the Spartans will seek payback on their home turf this season.  Nebraska returns 16 starters this season and could be a sleeper candidate to win the Legends Division.  Like Wisconsin, State will have to shut down Nebraska’s running game and force QB Taylor Martinez to throw the ball, where he is extremely inconsistent.  State also needs to get off to a much better start than they did in Lincoln last season.  If State can grab an early lead and force Nebraska to eventually abandon the running game, State will be victorious.

Prediction: Michigan State wins 27-17

November 17^th – Northwestern at Michigan State

Player to Watch: CB Johnny Adams

To be honest, I think Johnny Adams will be someone to watch in every single game this year.  A preseason All-American, Adams very well may be the best CB in the entire country.  Adams will be another very important part of the Spartan defense.  Having a shut down corner like Adams will give State’s front 7 plenty of time to disrupt the QB.  With this being his final game at Spartan Stadium, I would expect Adams to go out in a big way.

Preview: The final two games for MSU are relatively easy following the brutal three game stretch of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nebraska.  They face Northwestern in what will be their home game of the season. Northwestern has played MSU tough in the past, but this game is not in Evanston.  I see absolutely no way that Michigan State loses at home to Northwestern, especially on senior day.

Prediction: Michigan State wins 31-7

November 24^th – Michigan State at Minnesota

Player to watch: S Demetrious Cox

Demetrious Cox is the most high profile recruit of the Dantonio’s 2011-2012 recruiting class. Cox is not the most gifted safety, but he closes quickly and has great awareness and vision.  Assuming he isn’t redshirted, I could see Cox getting some playing time late in the year to provide rest for starters Isaiah Lewis and Jairus Jones. Cox is the future of the MSU secondary and we may get a little glimpse of him this season.

Preview: Michigan State finishes off their regular season against the Golden Gophers of Minnesota.  Minnesota is arguably the worse team in the Big Ten after finishing last season 3-9.   They are a team that has a never quit attitude, much like their head coach, Jerry Kill.  Unfortunately for Minnesota, effort does not win football games. I expect the Spartans to finish the regular season on a high note, with a thumping of Minnesota.

Prediction:  Michigan State wins 34-10

Final Record: 10-2

Michigan State has one of the most difficult schedules in the Big Ten this season so to expect a Rose Bowl appearance may be too much for the Spartans to handle. With that being said, the Spartans are a good enough to once again reach double digit wins and earn a birth in a good bowl game. Even with the question marks that MSU faces at QB and offense in general, there is one thing not to question with the Spartans, and that is their dedication and motivation; two things that can take a team a long, long way.

Michigan State Spring Practice Storylines

From MSU Football Facebook Page

By Sean Gagnier
@SeanGagnier

The post-Kirk Cousins era has begun in East Lansing, Mich and Junior Andrew Maxwell is at the helm. Cousins is coming off a very successful college career but he has said that the team is in good hands with Maxwell.

"He's (Maxwell) a lot farther along at this point in his career than I was," Cousins said at media availability earlier in the season.

While Maxwell has only attempted 51 passes in games during his Spartan tenure, Head coach Mark Dantonio has confidence in the junior. He is talented, no one is doubting that, the real thing is if he can get the team to coalesce around him.

MSU Football Facebook Page

Maxwell inherits a young receiving corps that includes Bennie Fowler, Juwan Caesar, Keith Mumphrey and Tennessee-transfer DeAnthony Arnett. While a group of inexperienced receivers may seem like a negative thing for most quarterbacks, Maxwell may be in luck. These are the guys that he has been working with for several years during practices while the big names were catching passes from Cousins.

That relationship and understanding of one another that was built during their time on the practice squad will end up helping both Maxwell and the receivers that are tapped as starters for this season.

The receiving corps is another point that is thought to be a weakness, but with Caesar being a touted recruit and Coach Dantonio's recent statements about the progression of Mumphrey, not to mention the experienced Fowler and Arnett - this team won't miss a beat, or a pass for that matter.

Michigan State enjoyed one of the best defense's in the Big Ten and country during the 2011 season and despite losing Jerel Worthy the Spartans "D" doesn't look to miss a beat.

The Spartans will have Marcus Rush, Tyler Hoover, Anthony Rashad White, William Gholston, Micajah Reynolds and Lawrence Thomas on the defensive line in 2012. And if opposing offensive lines can keep those behemoths back long enough their QB's will have to face linebackers Taiwan Jones, Max Bullough and Denicos Allen.

Michigan State looks to have only improved in the off-season despite losing many faces of their program, but that is a mark of a good program. Players come through and draw attention to the team as they succeed and are replaced by players who look to improve on what came before them.

  

Spartans ranked No. 9 in ESPN poll

From ESPN.com via US Presswire

By Sean Gagnier
 
In one of their first rankings of the season ESPN has published their "Way too early Top 25" and Michigan State is sitting at No. 9 on that list - five spots ahead of their rival Michigan. While as it says, this ranking is way too early, it shows that the Spartans are beginning to be recognized nationally for what they have accomplished over the past several years and that the hard work of the coaching staff is beginning to pay off.

ESPN's Mark Schlabach wrote in his article,
           "Michigan State is quietly becoming the Big Ten's most consistent program, winning 11 games in each of the past two seasons and winning its first bowl game during coach Mark Dantonio's tenure. Eight starters are coming back to a very stingy defense, but the Spartans will miss All-Big Ten defensive tackle Jerel Worthy, who left early for the NFL draft. Replacing quarterback Kirk Cousins and his top four receivers won't be easy, but tailback Le'Veon Bell will be back in 2012. Tennessee transfer DeAnthony Arnett and four-star prospects Monty Madaris and Aaron Burbridge might be able to help at receiver immediately. The Spartans play nonconference home games against Boise State on Aug. 31 and Notre Dame on Sept. 15, and they'll have to play perhaps the two best teams from the Leaders Division (against Ohio State at home on Sept. 29 and at Wisconsin on Oct. 27)."

What this is saying is that the first two 11-win seasons in school history has not gone unseen by the rest of college football - Michigan State is quickly being seen as one of the top schools in the Big Ten Conference. Yes the Spartans lost quite a bit at graduation this year, but what they restocked their team with might end up being better.


Edwin Baker left the team for the NFL Draft - he was part of a trio of running backs that would have seen him fall to second on the depth chart behind Le'Veon Bell. He saw his window of opportunity closing and took a leap, whether or not he will catch on at the next level is still to be seen but the Spartans can still field a formidable collection of running backs.

The starting RB will be Le'Veon Bell and will split carries with Larry Caper and possibly Nick Hill. These RB's will have the help of a strong offensive-line that will return to healthy form and will be able to open running lanes. Both of Michigan State's tight end's graduated but the Spartans have Dion Simms to fill the gap and could start one of their new recruit's.

But importantly MSU is bringing in a haul of wide receiver talent with Aaron Burbridge, Monty Madaris and Tennessee-transfer DeAnthony Arnett all being ranked as four-star prospects, it appears as though the Spartan receiving corps won't miss a beat in 2012.

More important than who will be catching the ball will be who is throwing the ball to them, and that is Andrew Maxwell. The junior quarterback has drawn attention from the coaching staff while on the practice squad and even caught the eye of outgoing QB Kirk Cousins who had great words of praise for Maxwell.

"He's much farther along at that point in my career," Cousins said. "I think he's going to be very good here. I wish I could stick around and watch."

While this Top 25 may be way too early, it is a sign of good things to come at Michigan State. They have proved that they weren't a fluke and have established themselves near the top of the Big Ten.

Top Spartan Recruiting Snags for 2012

By Sean Gagnier

While their rivals in Ann Arbor stocked up with a full 25 player, nationally ranked recruiting class, the Spartans compiled the 35th ranked class in the country with 18 players - but that's just how Coach Mark Dantonio does things.

In the five years that Dantonio has been the head coach at Michigan State they have never had a recruiting class ranked in the top 25 in the country; and yet the Spartans have compiled the first back-to-back 11 win seasons in school history. Michigan State has consistently turned three and four star players into top players under Dantonio - Greg Jones, B.J. Cunningham, Kirk Cousins.

The 2012 recruiting class is stocked with essential needs for the Spartans - they addressed the wide receiver, tight end and safety positions well and are poised to have another successful year. With the graduation of Cunningham, Keith Nichol and Keshawn Martin, Michigan State was needing at the WR position and it was addressed.

The Spartans wrapped up Tennessee-transfer DeAnthony Arnett, No. 1 ranked player in Michigan Aaron Burbridge, Kyle Kerrick and Monty Madaris. Arnett was a four-star recruit last season before heading to Rocky Top, he transferred to Michigan State for this semester to be near his ailing father and is awaiting a NCAA waiver to play next season. Burbridge was deemed the top ranked player in the state of Michigan as a four-star recruit.

Madaris who signed his letter of intent at 7:35 a.m. on Thursday, is a four-star recruit out of Cincinnati and is ranked as one of the top players in the state of Ohio. Kerrick is a three-star recruit out of Coatesville, PA as is Macgarrett Kings Jr. out of Ft. Lauderdale University School, FL.

Dantonio has stated that Arnett and Burbridge could make immediate impacts with the team meaning that they could both compete for starting positions in 2012. The Spartans also boast Bennie Fowler, Juwuan Caesar and Keith Mumphery in the current receiving corps.

A big get for Dantonio was four-star safety Demetrious Cox, Jeannette, PA. Cox has previously verbally committed to Penn State but after the child abuse scandal surrounding Happy Valley he decommitted and signed up with the Spartans on Wednesday.

Of the 2012 recruiting class, there are about 12 that could have a chance to break into the starting lineup next season - but seeing as the Spartans red-shirted all but one recruit last season, that number could be much smaller than 12. Arnett and Kerrick could break into the receiving corps and tight end's Evan Jones and Josiah Price could compete with Dion Simms for a starting TE job.

Arnett has already settled into the role as a Spartan and has ruffled some feathers in Ann Arbor in a recent interview regarding his recruiting choices. When asked whether he considered Michigan as a transfer location from Tennessee, Arnett said it "wasn't a hard decision. I looked at Michigan and it's kind of thing where, Denard (Robinson) is going to do Denard."

He has not submitted a waiver to the NCAA to play next season with Michigan State and the Spartans have said that there is no timetable for when Michigan State would expect to hear from the NCAA after Arnett officially files his papers. Dantonio has stated that if needed they could wait on Arnett but that he would see the field immediately should he clear NCAA waivers.



Check out the Spartans full recruiting class and the official recruiting video provided by the Michigan State Athletic Department. 

http://www.msuspartans.com/allaccess/?media=296368

Spartans 2012 Recruiting Class
Riley Bullough            ***     LB     6-2"    220 lbs    Traverse City St. Francis
Aaron Burbridge       ****  WR    6-1"    190 lbs     Farmington Hills Harrison
Demeterious Cox      ****   S       6-1"    192 lbs     Jeannette (Pa.)
Jermaine Edmondson ***    DB    6-1"    170 lbs    Canton (Ohio) McKinley
David Fennell             **     DT     6-3"    274 lbs    Portland (Ore.) Sunset
Zach Higgins              ***   OL     6-5"    305 lbs    Alliance (Ohio) Marlington
Evan Jones                ***    TE     6-6"    240 lbs    West Lafayette (Ohio) Ridgewood
Kyle Kerrick             ***    WR   6-3"    183 lbs    Coatesville (Pa.)
Kodi Kieler               *** OT/OL 6-6"    305 lbs    Gibraltar Carlson
Macgarrett Kings Jr.  ***   WR   5-11"   178 lbs    Ft. Lauderdale University School (Fla.)
Jamal Lyles              **** DE/LB 6-3"    215 lbs    Southfield-Lathrup
Monty Madaris        ****   WR   6-2"    190 lbs    Moeller (Ohio)
Benny McGowan      ***    OL    6-4"    290 lbs   Centerville (Ohio)
Mark Meyers           ***     DB   6-0"    180 lbs    Toledo Whitmer (Ohio)
Tyler O'Connor        ***     QB   6-3"    202 lbs    Lima (Ohio) Central Catholic   -ESPN Elite Eight QB
Josiah Price             ***      TE    6-5"    239 lbs   Greent'n (Ind.) Eastern Jr./Sr.
Ezra Robinson         ***      DB   6-0"    174 lbs   Sarasota (Fla.) Booker
Nick Tompkins        ***     RB   5-10"   185 lbs   Snellville (Ga.) Brookwood 









 

DeAnthony Arnett chooses to play for Michigan State

By Sean Gagnier

It's official, Saginaw's own DeAnthony Arnett will be staying in Michigan and playing for Michigan State.

The University of Tennessee granted Arnett his release to either Michigan or Michigan State on Tuesday after having previously released him to any of the Mid-American Conference schools in the state of Michigan. Arnett had asked for a release from Tennessee to be able to be closer to his family and ailing father back in Saginaw, Mich.


As a true freshman with the Vols' Arnett caught 24 passes and was a major part of the Tennessee offense last season. Arnett will seek a hardship waiver to be able to play with the Spartans next season.

Classes at Michigan State begin on Jan. 9th and Spartan students will have a new classmate as Arnett will begin attending the school on Monday when students return from winter break.

"It was tough from an emotional standpoint, going through things with my father," Arnett said. "The choice of going to State wasn't hard at all."

Arnett said that he had to wait until Tennessee released him before he could talk to anyone from the University of Michigan or Michigan State University. Once he was released to choose a school Arnett said the choice was easy.

"State is home. They were one of the teams that recruited me the hardest. I didn't talk to anyone from (University of) Michigan. I wasn't able to talk to Coach (Mark) Dantonio. I had to wait until Tennessee released me. When that happened, everything else happened right away. It was an easy choice. State is only a 50-minute drive from my house."


The transfer had been on Arnett's mind since September, but he had only asked Vols' head coach Derek Dooley for the transfer just before winter break. When he was being recruited Arnett's father had been doing alright health wise but recently has had heart surgery and has had to undergo dialysis. Because of his declining health, Arnett's father was not able to travel to Tennessee to see any of Arnett's games, something Arnett says is important to him.


While Michigan State may have snagged an impressive receiver, things are not finished - Arnett has to apply for and be approved a hardship waiver by the NCAA. But regardless of if he is approved he will be donning the green and white next season. If his hardship waiver is approved he will maintain all three years of eligibility but if it is declined, according to Arnett he will use his redshirt year in 2012 and will still have three years of eligibility remaining.


Arnett is joining a Michigan State team with a wide open wide receiving corps situation - with B.J. Cunningham, Keith Nichol and Keshawn Martin all graduating this year. Should Arnett be eligible to play next year the Spartans would field a formidable receiving corps of four-star recruit Aaron Burbridge, Arnett, who was ranked as a four-star recruit when Tennessee recruited him, and Juwan Caesar.


With Arnett joining the Spartans he will be joining a team that will be lead by former Midland high school quarterback Andrew Maxwell. Arnett should be familiar with Maxwell as the two played each other when they were both in the Saginaw Valley League in high school.


"I'm walking into a beautiful situation," Arnett said. "I talked to Andrew. We talked about things. I'm ready to roll. We've played against each other. He beat us every time. But the Midland High game when I was a sophomore was one of my best games. It was the game that got my name out there."

Tennessee releases Arnett to either Michigan State or Michigan

By Sean Gagnier

Vols' head coach Derek Dooley has made and exception and WR DeAnthony Arnett is heading home to the state of Michigan. Arnett has been released by the Vols' to either Michigan State or Michigan, his release had previously only been to a Mid-American Conference school within the state.

Dooley stated that he made the exception for Arnett because of the failing health of his father in his hometown of Saginaw, Mich. Arnett's father has had surgery on his heart and another to impact a stent for dialysis over winter break and Arnett wants to be close to his family because of it.

That is what has been said publicly, behind closed doors some believe that Arnett is using his father's illness to get out of Tennessee after their receivers coach, Charlie Baggett, retired this off season. Baggett recruited Arnett out of Saginaw and was one of hs major reasons for choosing to head to Rocky Top, with his retirement it could be motivation for Arnett to head back north.

Michigan State had been a favorite of Arnett's all the way through the recruiting process and the receiving situation there could be appealing to the pass catcher. With the Spartans top three receivers in B.J. Cunningham, Keshawn Martin and Keith Nichol graduating it leaves wide openings in the receiving corps that Arnett could take advantage of.

If Arnett secures his hardship waiver from the NCAA he will be eligible to play next season and if he were to join the Spartans he would be competing for three starting WR positions against Bennie Fowler, Juwan Caesar, Aaron Burbridge and Keith Mumphery and he could easily come out on top of that battle.

Michigan State should go hard after Arnett because with his addition to the team they will be able to reload the receiving corps in one season while returning all three running backs, most of the offensive line and all but two of their defensive players. If Andrew Maxwell could step up and perform like they believe he can and the Spartans are able to snag Arnett Michigan State could easily be back in Indianapolis competing for another chance to smell the roses in Pasadena.

Family says there's "no chance" Arnett returns to Tennessee

By Sean Gagnier

The highly coveted 2011 wide receiver recruit out of Saginaw, Mich. will not return to the University of Tennessee under any circumstances; this according to a family member of Arnett's. Arnett has said that he will not make any public statemtns until the situation has been resolved with the Volunteers.

After a stellar true freshman season at Tennessee that saw Arnett catch 24 passes he has requested a release from his letter of intent to the university. Arnett is seeking a "hardship waiver" to be able to attend either Michigan, Michigan State or Notre Dame in order to be closer to his ailing father.

 14.2.5 Hardship Waiver. A student-athlete may be granted an additional year of participation (per Bylaw 14.2.4) by the conference or the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement for reasons of “hardship.”

According to family statements, Arnett fully enjoyed his time at Tennessee and his request to be released has no basis in any dissatisfaction with the school or his coaches. It was also stated that he was happy with his playing time and that there was nothing the Vols' did that motivated his request, it has everything to do with his ailing father in Saginaw.

Since the beginning of winter break Arnett's father has undergone two surgeries; heart surgery and another to impact a stent in his arm for dialysis, which may need to be redone should it be unsuccessful.

Arnett is attempting to transfer schools without losing any eligibility; following his season at Tennessee he has three years of eligibility remaining. Due to Tennessee policies they have denied Arnett's request to be released to Michigan or Michigan State because they do not allow releases to any schools that they compete against or recruit against.

Although his request has been denied to head to Ann Arbor or East Lansing, the Vols' have released Arnett to play with any of the Mid-American Conference schools in Michigan - Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan or Western Michigan.  

Regardless of whether Arnett receives his release to Michigan or Michigan State he will have to fulfill his National Letter of Intent, which requires that Arnett have at least one year of education at Tennessee. Arnett will attempt to satisfy his letter of intent by taking online classes through Tennessee while remaining close to his father in Saginaw.

Depending on the release that Tennessee grants Arnett, he may have to pay his own way should he choose either Michigan or Michigan State, sit out a season, lose a year of eligibility or some combination of those. But Arnett has made the Vols' know that he will not be returning to Knoxville and his family has stated that the university understands.

Vols' DeAnthony Arnett seeks transfer to Michigan State or Michigan

By Sean Gagnier

The Michigan native WR DeAnthony Arnett is seeking to secure his transfer off of Rocky Top and back home to Saginaw, Mich. in order to be closer to his family and his ailing father.

In a letter to the media, Arnett disclosed that his father has recently suffered two heart attacks and has been placed on dialysis and that his focus has reasonably not been on football or even in Tennessee but at home.

"I want to play football but I NEED to be here for my Dad and with my family," Arnett wrote in the email.

In the email, Arnett also disclosed that he is seeking a transfer to all schools in the state of Michigan. Although the University of Tennessee has said that they will only release Arnett to a Mid-American Conference school and not to Michigan or Michigan State. If Arnett decides he would like to attend either school he would have to finance his own education and athletic career.

In Arnett's email he states that his family has been enduring financial struggles and that he is unsure of his ability to finance a move to a Big Ten team. He went on to accuse Volunteers head coach Derek Dooley of hindering him by not allowing him to compete at the BCS level.

Tennessee has stated that they are not blocking Arnett from competing at the FBS level but following a policy of not transferring players to schools that they would play or recruit against. Although the Vols' won't be playing Michigan State or Michigan any time soon, but they do cross paths on the recruiting trail quite often.

The addition of Arnett to the Spartans receiving corps would be a huge gain as they are thin after Keith Nichol, B.J. Cunningham and Brian Linthicum graduated. Arnett would have to sit out a year after a transfer but would be able to jump in and help Bennie Fowler, Keith Mumphery, Juwan Caesar and four-star recruit Aaron Burbridge.

Tennessee can still change its mind and allow a transfer to Michigan or Michigan State rather than a MAC school. The situation is a difficult one but both sides have to understand the other and realize that not everyone can come out on the winning end.

Pat Narduzzi staying put - for now

By Sean Gagnier

The University of Akron will have to look elsewhere for its new head coach - Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi recently told the Zips, thanks but no thanks. However, his refusal to head to Ohio doesn't mean Narduzzi isn't still on other short lists across the country.


With departure of Ron Zook from the University of Illinois the Illini look to be very interested in the services of Narduzzi. It also appears as though Pittsburgh is interested in acquiring his services - keep an eye open for them.

Despite the head coach title swirling around him Narduzzi has maintained that his focus is on preparing the Michigan State defense for the Georgia Bulldogs in the upcoming Outback Bowl.

There has been very little said from Michigan State about the future of Narduzzi with the Spartans, with Athletic Director Mark Hollis and Head Coach Mark Dantonio both refusing to make any detailed comments on the subject. Hollis has said that he has set aside an undisclosed amount of money to increase the pay to Dantonio's assistants - something he has been advocating for for years.

This is Narduzzi's fifth year with the Spartans, having come over when Dantonio was named head coach, and the best statistical season for his Spartan defense to date. Despite being attractive to recruits and players as well as presiding over one of the best defenses in the Big Ten, Narduzzi makes only $233,000 a season. A figure that is more than three times lower than many other coordinators of his stature. That being said that is when most coordinators attempt to make the jump to the head coaching position - they aren't sure if they'll ever be in the spotlight again.

With many schools seeking to steal Narduzzi away from Michigan State, Hollis and Dantonio will have to come together after the Outback Bowl and decide on a plan regarding their defensive coordinator - do they do nothing and run the risk of him leaving for a head coaching position or do they offer him an extension on his contract and try to lock him up for the near future.

Regardless of their choice and where Narduzzi eventually lands one thing can be said, it is a good sign when schools come and try to poach coaches from other programs - it means that you're doing something right and they want to try to harness some of your success. While the possible departure of Narduzzi could pose a problem for this Michigan State team the implication of having your offensive coordinator spirited away last year and teams interested in your defensive coordinator means that you have quite the team.

Top Spartan recruit jumps ship

By Sean Gagnier
 
Four star defensive end Se'Von Pittman, Canton, OH, has decommitted from Michigan State after a Dec. 9 meeting with Ohio State's Offensive Coordinator Jim Bollman and has committed to Ohio State.

New Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has made what inevitably will be the first of many moves that will make him a thorn in the side of coach Mark Dantonio and Spartan fans for years to come.

The move shouldn't come as too big of a surprise to Spartan fans as Pittman had been publicly wavering on his commitment as soon as the talk of Meyer to Columbus began. Growing up in Ohio the lure to become a Buckeye must just have been to strong when Meyer was tapped to become the head coach.

The weakside defensive end would have added depth to the strong Spartan defensive line; he would likely have been redshirted during the 2012 season before manning the line in 2013. Pittman is ranked 81st overall and 8th at DE according to Rivals.com.

With the departure of Pittman the Spartans 2012 draft class loses one of its three four-star recruits - the other two being WR Aaron Burbridge out of Farmington Hills Harrison, Farmington Hills, MI and DE Jamal Lyles out of Lathrup, Southfield, MI. Michigan State retains commitments from 14 recruits with an average recruit ranking of just over a three-star. While the class may not look as impressive of that of Michigan's there is still plenty of time to fill out the class - and Dantonio has a knack for turning two and three-star recruits into stars on the field.

Are the Spartans Cocky or Just Confident?

In the wake of their first Big Ten championship in decades and what ought to have been a trip to the Rose Bowl the Michigan State Spartans are coming into the 2011 season with a swagger. But many are questioning that swagger; are the Spartans on an ego trip or is their attitude deserved?

The 2010 campaign saw Michigan State win a school-record 11 games and advance to their third straight bowl game; their second on New Year's Day.

Michigan State only stumbled twice last season, being blown out by both Iowa and Alabama in Iowa City and the Capital One Bowl respectively. But in between those losses the Spartans stocked their trophy cases with victories over rivals Michigan, Notre Dame, Minnesota and Penn State.

During the 2010 season the Spartans climbed the national rankings, finding a comfortable spot in the Top Ten for several weeks after reaching all the way to No. 5. Michigan State finished the season ranked No. 14 nationally and enter the 2011 season as No. 17.

The attention and respect that Michigan State has long cried for is finally being paid to them; national television programs, newspapers and bloggers are all tabbing the Spartans as threatening for the inaugural Big Ten Title game.

With an overwhelming majority of their players returning this season and replacements for those who left with years of experience under their belt the Spartans look to be a tough team to beat this season. All three of Michigan State's running backs return to the team as well as several of the play-making receivers.

The offensive line took another hit this off-season but has appropriately plugged the holes and will be able to keep QB Kirk Cousins upright this season. One of the most exciting points for this football team is the defensive line; with the likes of Kevin Pickelman, Jerel Worthy and William Gholston all rushing the passer, the Spartans will improve greatly on defense.

With a Big Ten championship ring on their fingers and an impressive team around them, the Spartans have no need to be cocky, they know their good and they're acting as such. Michigan State has it's swagger back.



Do you have an idea for the nickname for the Spartan defensive front-four? Submit it in a comment or tweet one of our writers and if we like it we'll use it for the rest of the season in our articles.

Dantonio Has Spartan Football's Eyes Set on Rose Bowl

Michigan State has gone to three straight bowl games under Coach Mark Dantonio and won a school-record 11 games last season, but Dantonio isn't resting on his laurels, he's setting his sights even higher. The Rose Bowl.

The Spartans resume last season should have gotten them to Pasadena, but the shoddy BCS system and Wisconsin running up the score against their inferior opponents cost Michigan State their chance to smell roses.

Michigan State instead had to settle for a three-way, eventually two-way, split of the Big Ten Championship and a trip to the Capital One Bowl to face juggernaut Alabama. The Crimson Tide dispatched with the Spartans in Orlando, but Dantonio remained undeterred.

His recruiting class for this season is once again impressive, reeling in yet another top-prospect in the state of Michigan. Lawrence Thomas, LB Renaissance High, Detroit, joins the Spartans this season; and while the true-freshman may simply watch from the sidelines, his addition to the team shows that the green and white have reloaded after losing several of their top players this off-season. 

Last season showed the country what Mark Dantonio was made of; he was a intense, defensive-minded coach who wasn't afraid to make the gutsy call when it needed to be made. From "Little Giants" to "Mouse Trap" Dantonio made sure opposing defensive coordinators could never count his team out.

The year after the Spartans collected all of their rivalry trophies, the head coach has his eyes set on something much different; roses.

Each season the Spartan football team his given a new motto to adhere to and this season the motto reflects the aspirations of the coach. This year's motto is; "P4RB." While that may just seem like text talk to most people, it means much more to Michigan State.

It means, "Prepare for Rose Bowl."

Big talk from the preseason No. 17, but Dantonio has every right to believe he can smell the roses later this year. His team lost linebackers Greg Jones and Eric Gordon but their replacements are on pace to exceed them. Chris Norman, Denicos Allen and Max Bullough all return for the Spartans and with a season playing with the likes of Jones and Gordon under their belts, they'll form a formidable corps.

William Gholston returns, healthy, to the front four along with Jerel Worthy, who has been ranked as one of the top defensive tackles in the country. Add in Tyler Hoover and Kevin Pickelman and the Spartans front four may be worthy of a nickname of their own. Rumors have defensive coordinator Pat Naduzzi shifting true-freshman Thomas to defensive tackle to play opposite of Gholston on the line, making for the toughest front four in the Big Ten.

QB Kirk Cousins returns for his final season and has most of his weapons from last season returning with him. Keshawn Martin, B.J. Cunningham and Keith Nichol all return to the receivers corps, along with Keith Mumphrey, who was red-shirted last season but displayed blazing speed.

Perhaps the most exciting area of the Michigan State offense are the running backs, all three starters return this season. Le'Veon Bell, Edwin Baker and Larry Caper bring back the "Full House Backfield" and look to continue their run over opposing defenses all season.

While it may seem a bold move to many; Dantonio calling for a trip to Pasadena in January, is closer than it has ever been for the Spartans.

Dantonio's Comments On Tressel Being Taken Out Of Context

In last week's Big Ten Media Day there was buzz around several names; new Michigan head coach Brady Hoke and former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel. Both of these men are connected to Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio and he was questioned on them both, but his comments on Tressel are what drew the most attention.

When asked about the scandal surrounding Ohio State that lead to Tressel's resignation Dantonio responded in a familiar way for Spartans fans; however others have taken his comments out of context as a way to slam the head coach.

"To me, it’s tragic. He becomes a tragic hero in my view. Usually tragic heroes have an ability to rise above it all in the end. That’s what I’ll look for in the end," said Dantonio.

By definition, a tragic hero is; a literary character who makes an error of judgment or has a fatal flaw that, combined with fate and external forces, brings on a tragedy.
 
His comment was spot on and accurately describes the situation surrounding Tressel and Buckeye nation. Coach Tressel was blinded by his power in Columbus, he felt that he could get away with anything; and for a long time he could, but just as Dantonio eluded to fate and external forces combined with his error of judgement and brought him down.

In Columbus Tressel had bred an unhealthy culture amongst the team, they felt the same their coach did; they believed that they were able to get away with anything. But when a federal probe into a drug dealing tattoo parlor operator lead to the uncovering of players pawning team memorabilia it caused Tressel's downfall.

While anyone who has read great literary works understands that in calling Tressel a "tragic hero," Dantonio was in no way condoning what he had done; those out to slam the coach grab at whatever they can.

Comment boards exploded with University of Michigan fans haranguing Dantonio for calling Tressel a "hero," saying how could Dantonio condone such actions as took place in Columbus. Many even suggested that Dantonio was conducting similar practices at Michigan State because of his support for Tressel.

These fans have all missed the boat on their thoughts, each one of them claimed that Dantonio had called Tressel a "hero," when he in fact referred to him as a "tragic hero." There is a huge difference between those two; with one you praise a man and with the other you acknowledge his great impact on an area before succumbing to his own vices.

Dantonio was simply trying to rally up support for his team this season as they seek to defend their Big Ten title. The comments were simply a friend commenting on the failure of his long-time friend due to his own actions, Dantonio handled himself appropriately.

Michigan coach Brady Hoke took the podium and tried his best to channel his inner Bo Schembechler, referring to Ohio State repeatedly as "Ohio" and issuing statements such as, "this may be arrogant but, we're Michigan."

While his purpose was to fire up his base, which face it was fired up as soon as Rich Rodriguez was fired, he came across to the other eleven schools in the conference as arrogant and naive. For a coach who has yet to set foot on the field at Michigan Stadium for a game to come out and insult the rest of the conference is ridiculous; that should have been the headline of the day. 

When Dantonio comes out and attempts to do the same thing as Hoke did just an hour prior, fire up his base and get going on the season, people seize upon a quote and take it out of context in order to serve their purpose. The only explanation as to why Michigan fans would seek out any kind of "quote" to use to damage Michigan State and Dantonio is because they are jealous of their recent success and of the success of their head coach.

If all of this venom is being tossed around and it's only the beginning of August, this football season is shaping up to be one of the best yet. The rivalry is back.