2008 Michigan State Spartans Football Preview

2008 Michigan State Spartans season preview from Maddux Sports. Below you can find our official Michigan State Spartans football preview as well as the 2008 Michigan State Spartans Football Schedule. Dont miss Maddux's free college football picks on the weekly college football odds from the #1 sports handicapping team.

Coach: Mark Dantonio (2nd year at Michigan State)
Team Name: Spartans
2007 Overall Record: 7-6
Returning Starters: 13

In 2007, the Michigan State Spartans (7-6 overall, 3-5 Big Ten) finished good enough under new coach Mark Dantonio to get a bowl invite, going to the Champs Sports Bowl. The Spartans met the Boston College Eagles, losing to them by a score of 24-21. Can the Spartans continue to improve in 2008?

The offense returns senior QB Brian Hoyer (376 ATT, 223 COMP, 2,725 YDS, 20 TDs, 11 INT) and senior RB Javon Ringer (245 CAR, 1,447 YDS, 6 TDs). Hoyer was streaky last season, playing extremely well in victories against Purdue and Penn State and then throwing four picks in the Champs Bowl. His main receivers—standout WR Devin Thomas and sure-handed TE Kellen Davis—have gone pro, leaving the catching ranks thin. Sophomore Mark Dell and freshmen B.J. Cunningham look to be the next line of go-to guys. Ringer, who has averaged more than six yards per carry in college, looks like a true All-American. The line is capable, returning three starters.

MSU was tough against the run last season, holding opponents to 125.9 YPG (30th nationally). Although the frontline returns just one starter, the skilled senior DT Justin Kershaw, it’s got solid talent. Cincinnati transfer DE Trevor Anderson brings an ability to fill the gap quickly. MLB Greg Jones (78 tackles, 40 solo, 4.5 sacks) is a speedy tackler and solid enforcer. Senior SS Otis Wiley (4 INT, 77 YDS) is a major contributor in a sound secondary.

The Spartans’ toss-up games include home contests versus Notre Dame (September 20), Iowa (October 4), and Purdue (November 8). On October 11, the club travels to Northwestern for an important swing game. They open on the road against California. If the Spartans can beat the Golden Bears, it’ll be a major upset.

Last season, new coach Dantonio led Michigan State to its first winning season in three years. Additionally, the club’s six loses were all by one touchdown or less. If this team can win its swing games another bowl berth is certainly in the cards. If they can also pull an upset victory, a New Year’s Day post-season appearance could be theirs.

Michigan State Spartans Football Schedule

Date	Opponent	Home/Away
Aug 30	California	Away
Sep 6	Eastern Michigan	Home
Sep 13	Florida Atlantic	Home
Sep 20	Notre Dame	Home
Sep 27	Indiana	Away
Oct 4	Iowa	Home
Oct 11	Northwestern	Away
Oct 18	Ohio State	Home
Oct 25	Michigan	Away
Nov 1	Wisconsin	Home
Nov 8	Purdue	Home
Nov 22	Penn St	Away

 

For more info on the 2008 Michigan State Spartans football program, view their official website or read up on the rest of the Big Ten foes below.