The Way Too Early MSU Preview

Over the next several weeks, Charlie's Nasties will be giving readers previews of the 2008 Irish opponents.

2007 record: 7-6
2007 conference record: 3-5
Returning starters: 9 on offense - 5 on defense

Based on last year's record, MSU looks like a team that could turn the corner in 2008. They fought the number 9 ranked badgers to a 3 point loss in Madison, they took the top ranked Buckeyes down to the wire in Columbus, and dropped their bowl game to a skilled Boston College team by only 3 points. Mark Dantonio’s team may have lost 6 times in 2007, but none of these losses were by more than seven points.

Tailback Javon Ringer rushed for nearly 1,500 yards last season while splitting time with Jehuu Cualcrick, who as we all know, was a BOWLING BALL against the Irish in 2006, but was kept out of the game in the final minutes as part of John L. Smith's genius self destruct plan. Cualcrick was used as the goal line back last season, tallying a school record 21 rushing touchdowns; look for Ringer to challenge that record if he can stay healthy.

Senior quarterback Brian Hoyer is coming off of an impressive campaign, throwing for 2,725 yards with a 131 quarterback rating. He will be without his two favorite targets, Devin Thomas and tight end Kellen Davis (both in NFL), but Hoyer should have enough talent to work with as the team returns two contributors at WR (Mark Dell and Deon Curry), and Ringer is also a capable receiving back. If for nothing else, an offensive line that returns 3 starters from last season should be able to give Hoyer time to throw, especially against a thin Irish front 7.

When breaking down teams, analysts and bloggers can come up with some pretty decent opinions, but the people who really know what they're doing are the bookies. Here's what BetFirms.com thinks about the Spartan defense:

"With only 5 returning starters there is talk that this same defense that created 20 turnovers and had a combined 40 sacks can improve on those numbers this season. The team is very high at the end spots with senior Brandon Long and transfer Trevor Anderson. Even though the only returning starter on the d-line is tackle Justin Kershaw, but sophomores Oren Wilson and Trevor Anderson have shown a lot of promise so far. The best player on this side of the ball is sophomore MLB Greg Jones, as he makes the switch to the middle from outside. Jones is only going to get better, as he led the team in tackles as a true freshman. Look for fellow sophomore Eric Gordon to be a solid campaign at linebacker. The secondary has 4 guys that have seen action at the corner spot, but look for junior Ashton Henderson and senior Kendell Davis-Clark to hold down the spots to start the season. Otis Wiley will return as the starting strong safety and it looks like junior Roderick Jenrette will be the guy roaming at free safety."

So on paper, the 2008 Spartans look like a pretty scary matchup, right? So why does BetFirms have MSU finishing 5th in the Big Ten? Why does foxsports.com say that MSU fans are only "cautiously optimistic" at this point in the season. Oh yeah, because they are Michigan State.

It seems like MSU is on the verge of greatness nearly every season, but they can never turn the corner. Whether they start out hot and suffer a cataclysmic loss that dooms the rest of their season, or consistently drop close games throughout the season, Spartan fans usually use this time of the year to think back on what could have been.

Notre Dame has won 15 of the last 17 games at Michigan State, but unfortunately, ND will be facing off against a capable offense and aggressive defense too early in the season for Michigan State to have completely collapsed. Look for Ringer to have a 150 yard game while an experienced Hoyer takes control of the ball enough to hold onto a 21-17 win. Notre Dame starts off the 2008 season 1-2.

Not to end on a bad note, here's one of the best highlight videos ever made: