[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Superman=#54

I think Michigan St. should be an interesting team in the Big 10. I'm not saying they will win the Big 10, but I could see them pulling a few upsets. The offense looks like it will be able to put some points on the score board. The defense on the other hand... well they have 11 guys. Last year the defense was giving up an average of 25.2 points per game.

Of course the key to Sparty's success will be Sr. QB Drew Stanton. His touchdown to interception ratio was not so great last year (8-6), but other than that his passing stats are solid. He is also a threat with his legs. The problem with Stanton is keeping him healthy. He missed two games last season and in a few other games he had limited playing time due to injury. Another problem that could plague Stanton is that he has no clear #1 receiver to throw to. It also looks like the running game could be a problem unless Jehuu Caulcrick steps up to carry the load.

The key match-ups:
9/17 @ Notre Dame
10/01 Michigan
10/15 @ Ohio St.
11/05 @ Purdue
11/12 @ Minnesota

Last year they pushed Michigan to their limit at home, but came up just short in OT. Michigan and Ohio St. back to back could be a will breaker is the Spartans get spanked in consecutive games. Minnesota will want revenge after they got spanked on the road against Sparty. Again Michigan St. will have to play Minn. and Purdue in consecutive weeks. Could be tough if they lose both those games late in the season.

Their schedule is tough but if they could win 1 or 2 of those 5 games above, then they have a solid chance at 7-8 wins and a bowl birth.

BTW, I am not a Michigan St. fan, just a Big 10 fan. I grew up in Big 10 country and no matter where I move I always will be loyal.

I think Michigan St. has some promise as well. I think they are well situated to beat Michigan this year. They are at home. They have a mobile quaterback, assuming he's healthy. No way Michigan would have won last year if Stanton hadn't gotten injured. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Michigan cannot and never has been able to handle a mobile quaterback on a decent team. McNabb killed them. Vince Young killed them. Stanton was killing them before he went down with the shoulder.

Michigan will be vulenrable this year. The offense should be ok, even with the loss of Edwards. But the secondary was pretty suspect last, giving up a number of big plays, and it has lost a number of starters. Not good times...