Sports Betting Articles
#37 Michigan St. Spartans Preview
by Matt Fargo
Spring practices are in the books and fall camps will be here before you know it so that means getting an early jump on the 2006 NCAA football season. Knowing the teams now will save you time in August and Matt Fargo is here to help you get a grasp of what to expect this upcoming year. We go from worst to first in this 2006 College Football Preview.
#37 - Michigan St. Spartans 5-6 SU; 4-7 ATS
Fargo's Take Michigan St. once again had a fine start to the season last year but faltered down the stretch and missed out on a bowl game for a second straight season. The Spartans have gone 1-3 in their final four games in each of the last five years and that includes all three seasons that head coach John L. Smith has been at the helm. That is a problem and another finish like that could ultimately be the finish of Smith. The Spartans offense was one of the best in the country last season, finishing 5th in total offense and 18th in scoring offense. The problem was with the defense as Michigan St. had trouble stopping anyone toward the end of the season. The Spartans have enough experience to get back to their winning ways and the end of the schedule works in their favor for once. They have won more than six games only once in the past six years so it will be up to Smith to give this team some confidence in November.
Returning Starters on Offense - 7 The potent Michigan St. attack has a chance to be even better this season as all of the main cogs to the unit return. Led by quarterback Drew Stanton, the Spartans averaged 33.8 ppg but it was that very same offense that faltered down the stretch. They scored 42 or more points in each of their first four games but managed that output only once in their final seven contests. Stanton has six of his top seven receivers back but only two of his offensive linemen return. The good news is that there is experience coming in at those vacant spots while the depth is also very solid. The biggest surprise came from freshman running back Javon Ringer, who led the team with 817 yards despite a nagging knee injury. He is back to full health and could be ready for a breakout season.
Returning Starters on Defense - 6 The defense has gotten worse in each of the last three seasons but that trend actually has a chance to reverse itself out. There are some playmakers coming back and all three units should show improvement. All three starters are back at linebacker and while the defensive line must replace three starters from last season, there is some solid depth for the front four. The secondary was a big liability last season but could actually turn into a strength if strong safety Nehemiah Warrick, a JUCO transfer, lives up to his potential that he showed in the spring. Two senior cornerbacks are also back there so the 85th ranking in passing defense is sure to improve. The defense was said to have the best spring since Smith arrived in East Lansing and it will have to carry that into the regular season.
Schedule The Spartans never have an easy schedule with Notre Dame always on the slate as well as rival Michigan never being absent as well. Michigan St. upset Notre Dame last season and gets the Irish at home this year. The other non-conference games are against Idaho and Eastern Michigan at home and a tough trip to Pittsburgh before hosting Notre Dame. The Big Ten schedule starts with a game against Illinois before facing Michigan and Ohio St. in back-to-back weeks, the former being on the road. Three of the final five games are on the road but none of them are impossible and all have a chance to be won. The road games are at Northwestern, Indiana and Penn St. with the game against the Nittany Lions being the biggest challenge.
You can bet on... Smith got a bye after last season but another losing season will not be tolerated and if it occurs, he will be gone. It shouldn't happen though as a lot of things are in the Spartans favor. The Big Ten is as tough as ever but with Iowa and Wisconsin off the schedule, Michigan St. has a chance to be a sleeper team in the conference. The Spartans are just 17-29-2 against the number since 2002 including a horrendous 4-11 ATS mark in non-conference action. They will be tested versus the spread in their first two games against Idaho and Eastern Michigan and avoiding the Spartans in both of those could be the way to go since they are just 4-11 ATS when laying double-digits at home.
About the Author
Matt Fargo is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at www.procappers.com/Matt_Fargo.htm
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