All would appear right now with the Big Ten universe. Ohio State only needs to wait a year, then, thanks to their hiring of Urban Meyer, they will return to their rightful place among the nation’s elite. Michigan won their first BCS bowl in ages in Brady Hoke’s first year, while winning 11 games in the process. And those upstart Spartans lost their entire passing attack and their ball-hawking safety to graduation, as well as their All-America DT, Jerel Worthy, to the NFL. Now they will return to reality. Their run was nice, if annoying, with 28 wins in 3 years and 4 straight over Michigan, but it’s over. The Spartans will return to being a middle-of-the-pack Big Ten team.
As Lee Corso of College Game Day is so fond of saying, “Not so fast, my friend.”
Going into the Outback Bowl, Georgia averaged 413 yards per game. They ended up with 340 total yards. The Spartans front seven sacked Aaron Murray 4 times, and totaled 18 tackles for losses. They also forced a fumble and intercepted 2 passes. Coming into the game, the Spartans were ranked 5th in the nation in total defense. This was their coming out party, announcing to college football that they were for real. If not for two long TD passes, thrown against that ballhawking senior free safety, Trenton Robinson, Georgia’s yardage would’ve been even lower. That defense returns 9 of the 11 players who started in that game. Granted, Worthy had a lot to do with those numbers, but this defense could still be better next year. One, injured DE Tyler Hoover, a junior, also will come back. Second, of the 9 returning starters, only 2 graduate next year, CB Johnny Adams and LB Chris Norman.
Replacing a player of Worthy’s caliber won’t be easy. But the Spartans moved Sophmore Micajah Reynolds to DT prior to this game, and have a pair of freshmen they red-shirted available next year. Replacing Robinson’s leadership won’t be easy, but again, it’s likely another red-shirted freshman, likely Roger Williamson, moves into the role, increasing an already fast defense’s overall speed.
As far as replacing the pass offense, Sophmore Andrew Maxwell, a former Elite 11 QB, likely gets the first crack at QB. Dion Sims, who the Spartans used a lot already, steps into the starting role at TE. Sophmore Bennie Fowler and freshmen Keith Mumphrey and Tony Lippett will get the first chances at the wide receiver positions. Other options will likely include speedsters Jeremy Langford and Donal Spencer. The Spartans also have commitments from 4 star WR Aaron Burbidge and 3 star Athlete McGarrett Kings, Jr., so the passing attack should be fine and might be more balanced than this year where half the completions went to either Cunningham or Martin. The news that DeAnthony Arnett is transferring from Tennessee and might get to play right away only adds to their depth. He would immediately move into a starting spot.
Until they gel though the Spartans will lean on the ground game. This year the Spartans struggled, mostly due to injuries on the offensive line, and inexperience. But that should even benefit Michigan State as 6 of the 7 players to start at least 2 games this year return. They also return all three of the top four running backs, with Sophmore Le’Veon Bell most likely to continue being the lead back. The only starter not returning is LG Joel Foreman. Ethan Ruhland is the main candidate, though if Arthur Ray, Jr. is granted a 6th year of eligibility, since he missed three years with surgeries related to cancer this should be a formality, he would be the dark horse candidate to start at LG. Finally, both Dan Conroy and Eddie Sadler return as the kicking game, and red-shirt freshman Nick Hill returns as a return man.
Although the schedule might be tough with visits from Boise State, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa (after two years, finally), Nebraska and Northwestern, and road trips to Central Michigan, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, Mark Dantonio will keep his team focused and ready to play.
Sorry Big Ten. We just won’t go away.