New era for Spartans
Asked to single out the most painful loss in a college career filled with them, Javon Ringer backpedaled to his freshman year at Michigan State.
The running back dredged up a 34-31 overtime defeat to Michigan, which sent Michigan State into its annual downward spiral.
Then, Ringer laughed.
For a split second, the junior had forgotten that rainy night last September at Spartan Stadium.
"The Notre Dame game," Ringer suddenly remembered. "We had that game. That's No. 1. I should have said that first."
No game better encapsulated Michigan State's fast-starting, fast-fading nature under former coach John L. Smith than a 40-37 setback to Notre Dame last year. The previously undefeated Spartans led 31-14 at halftime and 37-21 late in the third quarter before brain cramps, questionable playcalling and turnovers doomed the home squad.
In familiar fashion, Michigan State proceeded to lose seven of its final eight games, missing a bowl for the third consecutive season, the program's longest drought since 1983.
"No matter where I go - go home (to Dayton, Ohio) or walk around Michigan -- they always ask me, every time, 'Guys, what happened in the Notre Dame game?'æ" Ringer said. "They asked me last month.
"I can't get away from it. Hopefully, we can change that this year."
First-year coach Mark Dantonio is the man entrusted to facilitate such change.
Dantonio, who served as a Michigan State assistant from 1995-2000, boasts a solid defensive background and, perhaps more important, a no-nonsense coaching style. Unlike the flamboyant Smith, Dantonio is businesslike and blunt.
At Big Ten media day, he spoke about regaining the respect of MSU fans. He vowed that the Spartans defense would no longer be soft. He even pointed to Michigan, the Spartans' rival, as a measuring stick for the program.
"There's going to be growing pains as we move forward," Dantonio said. "I understand that. We have to show that we can handle adversity."
It's precisely what Michigan State couldn't handle the last four seasons under Smith. The Spartans went 4-16 after Oct. 18, infuriating their fans.
"I really can't blame them for being disappointed," Ringer said, "but I want them to know we're working harder than previous years."
The Spartans offense should have a more traditional look behind junior quarterback Brian Hoyer, who has completed 97 of 167 passes in 13 career games. Hoyer could be a better pure passer than Drew Stanton, though the offense should highlight the run with Ringer and 255-pound bruiser Jehuu Caulcrick.
Though Ringer will continue to share carries with Caulcrick, he expects a bigger role.
"I probably get less carries than a lot of running backs in the Big Ten," said Ringer, who averaged 5.8 yards a carry last year but had fewer attempts than Stanton. "Now, hopefully, things will change."
The defense returns six starters, two in each position group. Senior end Ervin Baldwin is a solid pass rusher, and the back half is anchored by safety Otis Wiley.
Michigan State's secondary must improve in the red zone after allowing 32 passing touchdowns last year, tied for the second most of any team in the country.
"Where I've come from, we've played well on defense," Dantonio said. "I expect that to continue. Our defense is predicated on pressure, tackling in space, playing the ball in the deep part of the field.
"Attention to detail."
Precisely what the Spartans need.
Michigan State
Coach: Mark Dantonio (first year at MSU; 18-17, 4th year overall)
2006 record: 4-8, 1-7 (T-10th)
Last bowl: 2003 (Alamo, lost to Nebraska)
All-Big Ten candidates: S Otis Wiley, PK Brett Swenson, RB Javon Ringer, DE Ervin Baldwin
The Spartans will go to a bowl if … first-year coach Mark Dantonio commits to the run, develops his leftover talent on defense and instills discipline sorely lacking for in recent years.
BCS finish the last five years (2006 listed first*): 75th, 48th, 71st, 31st, 71st
*Ratings (courtesy CollegeBCS.com) are pre-bowls.
-- Adam Rittenberg
Schedule
Sept. 1 UAB 11 a.m.
Sept. 8 BOWL. GREEN 11 a.m.
Sept. 15 PITTSBURGH 11 a.m.
Sept. 22 at Notre Dame 2:30 p.m.
Sept. 29 at Wisconsin TBA
Oct. 6 NORTHWESTERN TBA
Oct. 13 INDIANA 6 p.m.
Oct. 20 at Ohio St. 2:30 p.m.
Oct. 27 at Iowa TBA
Nov. 3 MICHIGAN TBA
Nov. 10 at Purdue TBA
Nov. 17 PENN ST. TBA