The state's most famous little brother has done some serious growing up.

Last year, Michigan State snapped a six-game losing streak against the Wolverines, reached its second consecutive bowl and held tough in a Capital One Bowl loss against SEC stalwart Georgia.

No matter what Mike Hart may think of the Spartans, expectations are high entering Mark Dantonio's third season in East Lansing. Michigan State may have lost Javon Ringer from last year's team, but the Spartans expect to again be in Big Ten title contention.

VIDEO: MIKE HART TAKES HIS JAB AT MICHIGAN STATE

Of course, the Spartans traditionally haven't done so when when the expectations are high. Dantonio discussed the program's penchant for "falling flat" during inopportune moments, but is trying to turn the Spartans into a group of overachievers, writes AnnArbor.com football reporter Dave Birkett.

To do that, he'll need one of two QBs challenging for the starting job to step up. The Spartans have about a month to figure out whether Oklahoma transfer Keith Nichol or long-time backup Kirk Cousins will line up under center on opening day.

Spartans' success could lead to a bigger question: Are the sands starting to shift, and is Michigan State beginning to supplant Michigan as the state's dominant football program? That's the question Michael Rothstein and Birkett debate in today's edition of "For Argument's Sake."

And finally: At first, Spartans kicker Brett Swenson was the lone player from his high school to head north for college football. Some of his teammates have followed his path. You might be familiar with his Big Ten cronies, writes Rothstein.