Michigan State at a glance

2001 schedule Sept. 8 vs. Central Michigan Sept. 15 vs. Missouri Sept. 22 at Notre Dame Sept. 29 at Northwestern Oct. 13 vs. Iowa Oct. 20 at Minnesota Oct. 27 at Wisconsin Nov. 3 vs. Michigan Nov. 10 vs. Indiana Nov. 17 at Purdue Nov. 24 vs. Penn State 2000 results (5-6, 2-6 in Big Ten) Marshall W 34-24 Missouri W 13-10 Notre Dame W 27-21 Northwestern L 37-17 Iowa L 21-16 Wisconsin L 17-10 Michigan L 14-0 Illinois W 14-10 Ohio State L 27-13 Purdue W 30-10 Penn State L 42-23

OFFENSE
This year, though, the QB situation, with Jeff Smoker and Ryan Van Dyke, is in much better shape, and they have a big-time threat at wide receiver in highly skilled youngster Charles Rogers to open up the box some for Heisman Trophy candidate T.J. Duckett. And on defense, the hope is that converted TE Ivory McCoy really provides an All-American presence at OLB. Remember that last year the Spartans were close in a number of games, allowing a lead to slip away against Wisconsin and appearing for three-plus quarters to have the upper hand against Iowa. Had things gone their way in those two games, instead of a disappointing record of 5-6, they are 7-4 and participating in postseason action.

With six starts under his belt, sophomore QB Smoker enters fall practice as the No. 1 signal caller, although Van Dyke, a senior, hasn't allowed much separation to take place at this spot. If there is an edge for Smoker, it would figure to be his ability to run the option and diversify the attack. Even so, both had good springs and unless Smoker takes firm control the first 10 days or so of fall practice, expect to see both signal callers as part of the equation during the 2001 season.

Duckett is a prime-time performer, there is no question about that. However, he can't be a one-man show. Last year, Duckett carried the ball too much and was also forced to play through injuries. Defenses crowded the box, forcing him to earn every inch of real estate. This season, with Smoker more experienced and the physically gifted Rogers providing a major boost at WR, defenses will have to back off. The result will be a much better situation for Duckett. In addition to Rogers, who figures as an emerging star in the Big Ten, the Spartans have several other weapons to assist Smoker and Van Dyke. Like Rogers, juco transfer B.J. Lovett is also 6-4 and over 200 pounds. He's coming off an excellent spring. Experienced senior Herb Haygood is the starter opposite Rogers, while TE Chris Baker has proven to be a quality performer dating back to his redshirt freshman season in '98.

In addition to Duckett, Michigan State has depth in the backfield, with senior Little John Flowers and sophomore Tyrell Dortch. FB Dawan Moss enters his third year as the starting FB.

While the offensive line returns only one starter, there is more athletic ability and overall potential with this group. Over the ball at center will once again be third-year sophomore Brian Ottney, a physical and talented 6-5, 305-pounder with future NFL ability. Steve Stewart also shows a great deal of potential. He'll be stationed at RT, next to youngster William Whitticker. On the left side, Paul Harker will work at guard, with either Ulish Booker or converted defensive lineman Joe Tate at LT.

DEFENSE
The strength of the defensive line will be at tackle. Senior Josh Shaw figures to spend a great deal of time behind the line of scrimmage, while youngster Kyle Rasmussen also ranks as a top-echelon performer. What the Spartans desperately need is more productivity from the DEs. The answer could be sophomore Greg Taplin, a gifted athlete with impressive outside pass-rush ability.

In addition to Taplin, the Spartans hope that converted TE McCoy provides a major upgrade at the strongside LB spot. In the spring, I'm told that McCoy was a real force off the edge. Four-year starter Josh Thornhill is solid in the middle. On the weakside, youngsters Mark Goebel and James Cooper are vying for the starting job heading into the fall.

Even though CB Renaldo Hill and FS Richard Newsome have graduated, the Spartans will be keyed in the secondary by experienced senor CB Cedric Henry and rugged junior SS Thomas Wright. At 6-1 and 200 pounds, Wright is a destructive hitter who figures to rank as one of the top players at his position in the Big Ten. DeMario Suggs is being penciled in at the other CB spot, but the key during fall practice will be whether a FS steps up to make up for the loss of Newsome, who was one of the Spartans' top tacklers the last two years. In contention for the starting FS job are seniors Lorenzo Guess and Duron Bryan.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Senior punter Craig Jarrett has the ability to boom the Spartans out of trouble but needs to develop more consistency in order to reach his full potential. Last year, the Spartans were unable to adequately replace former kicking standout Paul Edinger. Heading into fall practice those concerns are still there.

Overview: The Spartans came close to registering a 7-4 record in Bobby Williams' first season as head coach. This year, they figure to be back in bowl action and could possibly challenge for the Big Ten title if Smoker or Van Dyke take charge at QB and Rogers is an impact performer at WR and punt returner. Not only were the Spartans operating without a big-play wideout last year, but they lacked the punt-return ability that was provided by former Spartan Gari Scott in '98 and '99. If Rogers is the answer as the No. 1 option, Haygood can settle into more of a complimentary role. They also have an excellent TE in Baker.

What all this will do is make life easier for Duckett. If given the opportunity to run downhill more often, he'll put on quite a show, with his style and ability similar to that of Jerome Bettis. Ottney is a quality young talent at center. While there is some inexperience up front, this group shouldn't be a liability. So the Spartan offense has a chance to be extremely productive.