Ringer, linebacking corps set mid-season grading curve

With a 5-1 record, the Spartans have reached the midpoint of the regular season in good shape for a Big Ten championship run. From stellar running-back play to a surprisingly stout defense, the team has earned high marks through six games. Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the MSU football team halfway through the season.

Quarterback — B-
By the numbers (four touchdowns, three interceptions, 47 percent completion percentage), Brian Hoyer could probably be graded much lower than this. Granted, he has missed some open receivers, but there have also been too many drops by his young wide receivers. In the beginning of the Iowa game, Hoyer showed promise by stepping up and making quality throws. However, he made too many mistakes for a second-year senior starter.

Running backs — A+
What can be said about Javon Ringer? Through six games he’s carried the Spartans on his back, he’s held up physically despite carrying the ball an average of 35 times a game and he’s gained national recognition as a potential Heisman Trophy finalist. Backups Andre Anderson and Ashton Leggett have been solid the few times they’ve been called upon.

Wide receivers and tight ends — B
Plain and simple, these guys drop too many balls, which is the only thing keeping them from receiving a higher grade. Sophomore Mark Dell and redshirt freshman B.J. Cunningham each have big-play potential, while junior Blair White has become a reliable No. 3 guy. We knew junior tight end Charlie Gantt could block, but he has surpassed expectations as a ball catcher. This group is sometimes seen as inconsistent, but that’s just because its ceiling is so high.

Offensive line — B+
A big question mark heading into the season, these guys deserve a hand. Not only have they paved the way for more than 1,200 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, but they have also protected Hoyer, allowing just two sacks through six games. They struggled against California and Iowa — two teams who are notorious for their physical toughness — which were the only times Ringer failed to rush for 100 yards.

Defensive line — B-
After struggling early, the defensive line has drastically improved, getting seven of their 10 sacks the last three games. Senior Justin Kershaw and sophomore Oren Wilson are a strength at the tackles, while junior defensive end Trevor Anderson, who was slowed by a hamstring injury early, is also back and looking healthy. Plus, the Spartans have quality depth at every position. Looking back at the last three games, it’s hard to give these guys a B-, but remember: This is a progress report, not the final grade.

Linebackers — A
Every linebacker this season is ranked somewhere between “solid” and “outstanding.” Sophomore Greg Jones is a ball hawk, junior Adam Decker has made big plays and sophomore Eric Gordon is incredibly consistent. Backup Brandon Denson has been a key contributor on special teams.

Secondary — B+
The most improved area on the team has struggled against California and Indiana but performed immaculately against Notre Dame and Florida Atlantic. Senior safety Otis Wiley has bounced back this season with four interceptions in a secondary as deep as the Mariana Trench.

Special teams — B+
There haven’t been many middle-of-the-road performances on special teams. Punter Aaron Bates, kicker Brett Swenson and punt gunners Ross Weaver and Denson have been fantastic, while the kick return game has been nonexistent and two punts have been blocked in six games.

Coaching — A-
When it comes down to a coach’s performance on the field, there’s only one statistic that matters: The record. At 5-1, you couldn’t ask for much more with three tough games to MSU’s credit, including a treacherous season-opening road game against a Pac-10 foe.

Published on Thursday, October 9, 2008