The Sporting News Top 25 Countdown

#23 Michigan State

By Todd Schulz
For The Sporting News

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Tom's Take
The Spartans could have one of the more explosive offenses in the nation if a steady ground game develops. There may be no better pass-catch duo than QB Jeff Smoker to WR Charles Rogers. But a veteran line must improve in pass protection. The secondary is good but could be compromised if the front seven fails to develop.

Offensive backfield
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Receivers
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Offensive line
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Defensive line
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Linebackers
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Secondary
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(maximum rating four stars)
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Michigan State coach: Bobby Williams

Offensive philosophy: The Spartans evolved into the Big Ten's most explosive passing attack in 2001 and, with the early departure of TB T.J. Duckett, might have to air it out even more. But coach Bobby Williams is determined to maintain the balanced approach that produced the second-most total yards in the league last season. Williams is counting on an offensive line that returns all five starters to pave the way for Duckett's replacement. If Michigan State can run the ball, watch out. The pro-style offense will burn any defense forced to stack the box.

Offensive stars: QB Jeff Smoker and WR Charles Rogers are together again. Despite platooning the first five games and missing one because of injury, Smoker was the Big Ten's most efficient passer (162.8), throwing 18 touchdown passes against seven interceptions. Smoker also displayed impressive toughness, enduring 12 sacks to engineer a wild, last-second win against Michigan. Rogers, who sat out his freshman season as an academic partial qualifier, proved well worth the wait in 2001. He scored touchdowns in 11 of 12 games, and his 12 touchdown grabs led the Big Ten. Rogers' blazing speed (4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and size (6-4, 200) create huge matchup problems and make him a big play waiting to happen, as evidenced by his 21.1 yards per reception. Whomever lines up opposite Rogers figures to see a lot of single coverage. That means B.J. Lovett and/or Ziehl Kavanaght could be in for a big season. At 6-4, 207 pounds, Lovett is cut from the same mold as Rogers, though he lacks blazing speed.

Defensive philosophy: The Spartans play a fairly standard 4-3 scheme. The front four is solid, the linebackers are young but fast, and the secondary is deep and experienced. One area of emphasis will be stopping the run. The inability to do so last season against Minnesota and Indiana cost the Spartans. They also want to mount a better pass rush and force more turnovers.

Defensive stars: LB Mike Labinjo and CB Broderick Nelson were thrust into the spotlight last season because of injuries. Labinjo, a converted fullback who began the season at end, was easily the team's biggest surprise of 2001. He used speed and savvy to make 64 tackles, including 17 for losses. Labinjo has great instincts that lead him to the ballcarrier. Nelson, a converted safety, led the Spartans with five interceptions. He is capable in coverage and as a run stopper. CB Cedric Henry is back after missing last season due to academics. His return means Michigan State will have one of the best cornerback duos in the Big Ten. T Kyle Rasmussen is adept at mucking up the works in the trenches, but his pass-rush push is minimal.

I like MSU a lot. They have a great qb in smoker and some good receivers. it should be interesting to see how they do this year.