The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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michigan state • nov. 2 8 Finding Answers On Offense Will Determine Spartans' Fate A By Ryan Tice fter back-to-back double-digit-win campaigns for the first time in school history, the Spartans stumbled to a 7-6 showing last year. Although they were the victims of several close defeats, they also pulled off four narrow victories. Overall, MSU went 4-5 in games decided by four points or less. The Spartans' offensive line broke down last year due to a pair of injuries, and that stunted the unit's production. The hope is that the return of fifth-year offensive tackle Fou Fonoti, who was lost for the year in game three, and redshirt junior center Travis Jackson, who suffered a season-ending injury in week five, will solidify the front that paved the way for an average of just 149.38 rushing yards per game (No. 75 nationally), despite the presence of first-team All-Big Ten running back Le'Veon Bell, who is now in the NFL. The offense should be better with quarterback Andrew Maxwell going into his second year as the starter. He's the favorite to win starting duties in 2013, but was relieved by redshirt sophomore Connor Cook at the end of the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. The youngster led the team to its 17-16 win by directing the longest touchdown drive of the season — a 90-yard trip that ended with his first career touchdown pass — and leading the team on its game-winning drive. Redshirt junior running back Nick Hill is the only returning rusher who tallied ground statistics last year, and his backfield experience is minimal, although he has totaled 1,669 yards on 69 career kick returns. The Spartans have a little bit more out wide, although the early entry of tight end Dion Sims into the NFL Draft stings. Redshirt junior Keith Mumphery paced the team last year with 42 catches, which went for 515 yards and a score, while fifth-year Bennie Fowler Players To Watch OFFENSE: Bennie Fowler, Sr., WR — The 6-1, 212-pounder recorded just 195 yards and one touchdown through the air in his first two years of eligibility, but reached those numbers by the fifth game of last season … He finished 2012 leading the team in receiving yards (524) and touchdown catches (4), while he ranked second in receptions (41). DEFENSE: Isaiah Lewis, Sr., S — The two-year starter at strong safety has earned All-Big Ten honors from both the league's coaches and media in each of the past two seasons … He was named second-team all-conference in 2011 and honorable mention last season … He has made 169 career tackles and six interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns, in 40 games played. notched 41 catches for a team-best 524 yards and four touchdowns. The defense was stout last year, and the back seven has the potential to be even better in 2013. The 2012 unit led the Big Ten and ranked among the nation's 10 best in scoring defense (ninth, 16.31 points allowed per game), rush- Senior middle linebacker Max Bullough was Michigan State's leading tackler last season, posting 111 hits. ing defense (eighth, 98.62 yards surrendered a contest) and total defense (fourth, 274.38 yards given up a game), while they ranked third in the conference and ninth nationally for passing defense (175.8 yards allowed an outing). First-team All-Big Ten cornerback Darqueze Dennard is one of the nation's best cover men, and the Spartans boast returning starters at both safety positions. Leading tackler and Butkus semifinalist Max Bullough leads the way at linebacker, where All-Big Ten honorable mention Denicos Allen and part-time starter Taiwan Jones will flank the third-year starter in the middle. Those six returning players combined for 413 tackles, 37.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, nine interceptions and 27 pass breakups in 2012. The defense should be just fine this year, but the offense will need to improve. No matter who the quarterback is, answers will have to come forward at the skill positions to keep coach Mark Dantonio's streak of six straight postseason appearances intact. Notes photo courtesy michigan state Quick Facts All-Time Series: U-M leads 68-32-5 First Meeting: U-M 39, MSU 0 (Oct. 12, 1898, at Ann Arbor) Last Meeting: U-M 12, MSU 10 (Oct. 20, 2012, at Ann Arbor) Head Coach: Mark Dantonio, 51-28 at MSU (7th year) and 69-45 overall (10th year) Off./Def. Systems: Multiple/Multiple 4-3 2012 in Review: 7-6 overall, 3-5 Big Ten (4th Legends Division) Final 2012 Ranking: Unranked Returning Starters: 17 (9 offense, 7 defense, 1 specialist) Last Bowl Appearance: 2012 (Buffalo Wild Wings, vs. TCU, W 17-16) Big Ten Conference Championships (last): 7 (2010) Returning Leaders Passing: Andrew Maxwell (1,793 yards, 13 TD, 9 Int.) Rushing: Nick Hill (48 yards) Receiving: Bennie Fowler (524 yards, 4 TD) Tackles: Max Bullough (111) Sacks: Denicos Allen (3) Interceptions: Darqueze Dennard (3) According to Athlon, the Spartans have the Big Ten's best linebacking corps, and the magazine ranked the group fourth nationally; they also have the nation's ninth-best group of defensive backs … The first eight games of the slate are against opponents who combined to go 42-55 (.430) overall and 14-41 (.250) against conference foes last year; the combined record of the Spartans' final four opponents is 34-19 (.640) overall and 20-12 (.630) against league competition. ❑ 2013 Schedule DateOpponent Aug. 30 Western Michigan Sept. 7 South Florida Sept. 14 Youngstown State Sept. 21 at Notre Dame Oct. 5 at Iowa Oct. 12 Indiana Oct. 19 Purdue Oct. 26 at Illinois Nov. 2 Michigan Nov. 16 at Nebraska Nov. 23 at Northwestern Nov. 30 Minnesota 2012 Result — — — L, 20-3 L, 19-16 (OT) W, 31-27 — — L, 12-10 L, 28-24 L, 23-20 W, 26-10 the wolverine staff Prediction Why Michigan Could Win: Though the Maize and Blue have vanquished their in-state rival, they will not take their sights off Michigan State, knowing the Spartans are a dangerous opponent that devotes night and day to besting the Wolverines. The two could have equally fierce defenses, but while MSU has question marks at quarterback, running back, tight end and receiver, Michigan is far better off and will be able to move the football on State better than the Green and White should be able to against U-M. Why Michigan Could Lose: Michigan hasn't bested Michigan State in East Lansing since 2007, and after falling a year ago, and hearing talk that they're about to be relegated to 'Little Brother' status again, the Spartans are foaming at the mouth. There is more to the Green and White than just attitude; MSU could feature the conference's premier defense, a unit that has had no trouble slowing the Maize and Blue the past two seasons and won't tremble with fear over the prospect of facing off with Devin Gardner either. Prediction: Flip the timing of this game with the Northwestern contest two weeks later, and State wins because of the nature of the three-game obstacle course the Wolverines have to conquer, but coming off a bye, and with linebacker Jake Ryan likely to return to action this first week of November, Michigan levels the Spartans' pride. Michigan 24, Michigan State 14. The Wolverine 2013 Football Preview ■ 183