John Smith is no longer any old name on campus. It conjures images of cowboy boots, a little "magic" and a prestigious football team, and now it marks the Big Ten Coach of the Year.

Head coach John L. Smith nearly restored the integrity of the MSU football program with team unity, minimal off-the-field trouble and, most of all, wins.

While small troubles with junior bandit Robert Flagg might cast some doubt on Smith's restoration, his recognition as the best coach in the conference this season is well-deserved. An about-face from last season, down to the record, characterizes Smith's first season.

The entire mentality of his first year seemed appropriate. The focus on the team over the individual brought more success than last year's "Smoke and Fire" reference to quarterback Jeff Smoker and receiver Charles Rogers.

Despite losing one of those superstars and almost losing the other, Smith turned the team around with an emphasis on teamwork, spreading the offense to more than a dozen receivers.

He also brought Smoker back from near the brink of disaster to dark horse Heisman Trophy contention and gave all the seniors reason to be proud of their final season.

Smith earned respect from his players, the students and MSU fans, and showed he was worth the investment of his salary.

And this success was found with players he had almost no involvement in recruiting.

Recruiting will be boosted by the strong performance of this season, and the best indicator of the coach's work here will be seen four years from now, when his recruits are leading the team.

The Coach of the Year honors usually go to the coach of the league champion; this year, that's Michigan's Lloyd Carr.

It's nice for MSU to beat Michigan in something football-related this year; perhaps in the future, his victory over the Wolverines will come on the field.

John Smith now is a very significant name here in East Lansing.

Give 'em L., John.