Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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4. MICHIGAN STATE SEPT. 15 2011 record: 11-3 Last Meeting: Notre Dame 31, Michigan State 13 (2011) Impact Player: DE William Gholston — The 6-7, 275-pound junior made a huge impression in his Spartans' defense is the main reason for the team's success in recent years. They return the majority of their playmak- ers from a top-10 unit last year, including future pros Johnny Adams at cornerback, Max Bullough at middle linebacker and Gholston. The only major loss is All-American defensive tackle Jerel Worthy, who left a year early for the NFL Draft. The offense is a different story. Starting quarterback Kirk Cousins graduated along with his top three receivers — B.J. Cunningham, Keshawn Martin and Keith Nichol. Junior running back Le'Veon Bell will have to carry a heavy load this season while the passing game gets its feet wet. He has 1,553 career rushing yards in 27 games. Bell and what should be a very good defense give the first two seasons with the Spartans while relying on his size and athletic ability. Now, he is starting to hone the technical side of his game, which could make him almost impossible to stop. He recorded 70 tackles and had five sacks last season. Outlook: Michigan State has found consistency for the first time in a long time with Mark Dantonio at the helm. The Spartans a shot to get back to the Big Ten title game for the second year in a row. Spring Storyline: Junior Andrew Maxwell missed the last two weeks of spring practice, but is still a sure bet to replace Cousins at quarterback. Maxwell has a similar set of tools and the luxury of two full seasons to learn the offense before seeing the field. The biggest question mark is whether or not he'll be able to replace Cousins, a three-time captain, as a leader. The Spar- tans will find out early in the year — they open their schedule with Boise State on Aug. 31. Michigan State defensive lineman William Gholston headlines a strong Spartans team that could challenge for the Big Ten title again. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN STATE JUNE/JULY 2012 74