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Posted on Thu, Aug 6, 2009 : 5 p.m.

With heightened expectations, is Michigan State ready to contend in the Big Ten?

By Dave Birkett

CHICAGO - Michigan State has long been a frustrating football team.

Win big and create hope when expectations are low, lose maddeningly and foster despair when expectations are high.

After two overachieving seasons, third-year coach Mark Dantonio is hoping to change that trend.

Coming off consecutive bowl games for the first time since the mid-1990s, Michigan State was picked to finish third in the Big Ten at last week’s media day. The Spartans have obvious questions at quarterback and running back, but with no clear-cut No. 3 in the league behind Ohio State and Penn State, the hot hand became the popular choice.

“I think it’s very, very important to recognize that we’ve been in this situation before at times where the Spartans have sort of raised up a little bit on very high expectations and fell a little bit flat,” Dantonio said. “We’ve won very, very few games just going away.”

In 2002, the last time MSU was picked third, the Spartans finished 4-8 under a crush of off-field problems and fired head coach Bobby Williams. Three years later, with John L. Smith at the helm and Drew Stanton under center, they were expected to challenge for a Jan. 1 bowl, but went 5-6.

Under Dantonio, MSU has been a pleasant surprise each of the past two seasons. The Spartans won seven games and played in the Champs Sports Bowl as a rebuilding team two years ago, and last season strung together six consecutive victories and a little bit of luck to finish third in the conference.

All four MSU losses last year came to superior teams - Cal, Penn State, Ohio State and Georgia in the Capital One Bowl - and Dantonio said the challenge this year is to perform better in “these marquee games where more than just winning and losing is riding on it.”

“One of the biggest goals is we need to play up, play to the best of our ability and overachieve when we play those people,” Dantonio said. “That’s what it’s going to take.”

It’s also going to take big production from new faces at quarterback and running back, two positions up for grabs entering fall camp.

Keith Nichol, a transfer from Oklahoma who spurned MSU out of high school after Smith’s firing, and Kirk Cousins are battling for the starting quarterback job. The dual-threat signal callers represent the evolution of MSU’s offense, and Dantonio said both could play early in an effort to find Brian Hoyer’s replacement.

At running back, no fewer than five players are in the mix to take over for Javon Ringer, the workhorse who rushed for 1,637 yards and 22 touchdowns on an NCAA-best 390 carries a season ago.

If those holes are filled, Dantonio said his team has a chance to make good on its own heightened expectations.

“Our goals will be a Big Ten championship, a BCS game and we’ll move from there,” he said. “Good things are happening, and I’m very, very excited about this year.”

Dave Birkett covers the University of Michigan football team for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at davidbirkett@annarbor.com

Comments

azwolverine

Sun, Aug 9, 2009 : 9:14 a.m.

Salinedad, I agree with your assessment that the fans need to support the team better. Even during the Syracuse game back in 98 fans were turning their backs on the DEFENDING NATIONAL CHAMPS with TOM BRADY at QB when they were down big at halftime. Unbelievable. Just as unbelievable, imo, is the fan reaction the very next year when Michigan was leading Illinois by 20 in the 3rd quarter. Some fans began to leave and, even those that stayed acted like they were at a social event rather than a football game. As Illinois crept back into the game, I recall some key third downs in which the Michigan fans weren't even paying attention as Illinois converted time and again and finally won. We need to be more hardcore! Make the Big House the toughest place in America to play. I'm glad that we are getting boxes to hold in some noise and I'm also glad to see that RR is taking steps to bring up the excitement level. Now we as fans need to step it up and do our part. Go Blue!!!

SalineDad

Fri, Aug 7, 2009 : 10:13 a.m.

Tater, the little eight ended years ago...especially for Michigan. OSU and Tressel could still make a case for dominance. The fans in the Big House better learn to deal with adversity better than in the past. I was at the Oregon game and Florida State years ago, the Stadium was emptying out at half time. All football coaches talk about 60 minutes and finishing strong in the 4th quarter. The fans of the Big House should take that to heart also, your players and coaches deserve the support.

tater

Thu, Aug 6, 2009 : 6:18 p.m.

I think it's hilarious that MSU fans suddenly think their program is now a threat to go to the Rose Bowl because of one good season, and that MSU is now superior to UM. And, of course, that MSU OWNS the state of Michigan in recruiting. MSU had a decent year under a decent coach and turned it into a decent recruiting class. All in all, that should give them a spot near the top of the little eight and a decent bowl game.