MSU football head coach John L. Smith isn't worried about naming starters less than a week before the season opener. Smith and his coaching staff are more concerned about running out of the tunnel on Saturday.
"We might wet our pants when we come out of the tunnel," Smith said at the conclusion of practice, as the team prepares for Western Michigan.
Smith has yet to lead a team out into a major venue such as Spartan Stadium via a tunnel.
"There's some new excitement with a new setting," Smith said.
But who will be following Smith into his new home off West Shaw Lane to take the field against the Broncos remains a mystery. Smith has indicated that he won't name any starters. But he has moved players up and down on the depth chart consistently according to their recent performances in scrimmages and the conclusion of fall camp.
Just days ahead of the Spartans first game, some spots, including skill positions on the offensive side of the ball, are still up for grabs. Smith has named senior Jeff Smoker No.1 at quarterback and senior Ziehl Kavanaght the top receiver, followed closely by sophomore Matt Trannon.
In recent months, many believed Trannon would become "the guy," replacing All-American Charles Rogers, now of the Detroit Lions. But Smith isn't concerned about Trannon stepping into the spotlight just yet, saying they're still working with him and helping him adjust after a year away from football.
"We'll push him hard as we can," Smith said of Trannon.
The running back role may end up being a shared one. Junior Tyrell Dortch and sophomores Jaren Hayes and Jason Teague are all vying for the top tailback spot.
"All three will have to step up and play this season," Smith said.
But as practice and training becomes preparation for games and as the team adjusts to a different opponent each week, the camp competition to start will remain close. Smith said he hopes no one is comfortable in their No.1 spot.
Regardless of tunnel-trekking and starter-slating, Smith said the entire team is eagerly anticipating the beginning of a new season.
"As a football team, we're anxious," Smith said. "The first game is vital. We're looking for something positive to come out of the game."
The Spartans want to find out where they are as a team, Smith said, and improve on last year's woes.
"They don't like the taste in their mouth," Smith said. "They're tired of the way they're perceived."
The road to redemption, which begins with the home opener against Western (4-8 in 2002), stands still for the first three games of the season before the Spartans hit the road. The other nonconference games for MSU are against Rutgers and Louisiana Tech, two unfamiliar opponents who didn't fare well last season.
Rutgers, who the Spartans face Sept. 6, are 1-2 against the Spartans all time and haven't met MSU since 1991. Last year they finished with only one win. Louisiana Tech (4-8 in 2002), a first-time MSU opponent, comes to East Lansing Sept. 13.
After those three games, the road gets bumpy with a Sept. 20 trip to South Bend, Ind. to face Notre Dame, which beat the Spartans in a 21-17 thriller last year. Following the game against the Fighting Irish, MSU heads home to begin its Big Ten season.
With many questions surrounding the many possible candidates who are all trying to earn some playing time on both sides of the ball, Smith said it might be the offense that ends up carrying the team to victory due to the lack of depth on defense.
"I hope I'm pleasantly surprised, though," he said.
Far off as it may be, Smith remains confident there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Who leads him there from the field is yet to be seen.
