By DAVID COOK
Last year was the year for which Spartans fans had been waiting for over a quarter of a century. The Spartans not only won the Big Ten title, but they also won the Rose Bowl in dramatic fashion. Coach Mark Dantonio has the program sitting strong, and another big season is the goal this fall.
OFFENSE: Quarterback Connor Cook won the job early last year, and by the end of the season, he was as productive as any quarterback in the Big Ten. With the bulk of the receivers back, along with 1,000 yard-rusher Jeremy Langford, the offense is locked and loaded. The Spartans also have some key players back along what will be another solid offensive line.
DEFENSE: The defense raised the bar last fall, and sufficient depth has been developed so that it will continue to play at a high level. Defensive end Shilique Calhoun is the returning Defensive Player of the Year in the Big Ten, while free safety Kurtis Drummond was all-Big Ten. The Spartans lost some key linebackers, but several returning linebackers are ready to step up.
OUT TAKE: Dantonio has built the Spartans into a Big Ten power capable of challenging for the conference title year in and year out. If they can go out to Oregon and pick up a win and defeat the Ohio State University at home, they can challenge for a spot in the inaugural national playoff.
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