The Spartans march into Big Ten play this weekend, having successfully wrapped up their nonconference schedule.
Through four games, MSU has shown in some ways it hasn't changed - a familiar lack of discipline, another last-minute loss - but the major change it did make before the season is naming John L. Smith head coach, which has the Spartans on course to do some damage this season in the Big Ten.
The Spartans' win last week at Notre Dame put them where many expected them to be going into the Big Ten season: 3-1. While their record after four games isn't surprising, their path to that record is.
After a shocking loss to Louisiana Tech, MSU rebounded on the road with a win over a floundering Notre Dame team. It's true this year's Irish squad isn't great, but MSU somewhat redeemed itself with last weekend's win at Notre Dame.
I treated the loss to Louisiana Tech as if it were the first step in another Spartan tailspin, one that could mirror last year's. That claim might have been premature, but if they were standing at 2-2 right now instead of 3-1, believe me, I'd quickly be pulling out Bobby Williams-era references.
However, as this season wears on, it's becoming clear that this team isn't dwelling on last year's distractions. From senior quarterback Jeff Smoker, who was neck-deep in the controversy, to defensive end Greg "The Animal" Taplin, who was on the fringe with a two-game suspension, the events of last year seem meaningless.
And Smith? Considering the focus this team has demonstrated - especially on defense - I doubt he ever gave last year's off-field problems a second thought. His no-nonsense style really seems to have taken hold of this team. During post-practice interviews, players gush about the new coaching staff and the excitement it brings.
During the summer, while I was working out of state, I regularly checked to see if Smith had reinstated Smoker. As time passed and Smoker's status remained uncertain, I became increasingly frustrated with Smith's indecision. My frustration evolved into doubt and ultimately distaste for Smith, who hadn't even coached a game for MSU.
He finally decided to bring back Smoker in August, but I still wasn't satisfied. I was left wondering if the delay had damaged Smoker's fragile psyche or whether the quarterback's status caused confusion and uncertainty among the Spartans.
How wrong I was. Smoker returned with gusto and, unlike last year, seems committed to the team. If Smoker hadn't missed half of the Louisiana Tech loss, his team would be undefeated.
But going into this season, Smoker had already established himself as a quarterback worthy to start at MSU. It's not a big surprise he's having success in Smith's spread offense.
To fully grasp the impact Smith and his staff have had on unproven players, look no further than the defensive line. Doubters will claim that the front four haven't faced a legit run offense yet. Though that might have some weight, you have to give credit where it's due. Cornerbacks coach Paul Haynes put the situation in proper perspective the week after the Rutgers win: "(The opponents are) on scholarship, too. Some guys are going to make plays at certain times."
But so far, opposing running backs have barely been able to get out of the backfield, much less make plays.
I don't know what Smith and his coaching staff have done to inspire these linemen, but it's working. Considering MSU's Big Ten schedule, fans can only hope the rest of the team is under the same spell.
Joe Guillen is The State News deputy sports editor. He can be reached at guillenj@msu.edu.
