Judging from the way he played in MSU's loss to Notre Dame, sophomore Drew Stanton appeared to be the more comfortable and more productive of MSU's quarterbacks.

But head coach John L. Smith remained noncommittal at his weekly press conference Monday when discussing which quarterback, Stanton or redshirt freshman Stephen Reaves, will start at Indiana this Saturday.

Reaves, who has started the last two games but has finished neither, is listed as the starter on this week's depth chart, with Stanton and senior Damon Dowdell behind him.

But "that doesn't mean anything," Smith said.

Perhaps Smith's hesitance to commit to a starter reflects each quarterback's level of reliability.

Reaves has shown the talent to make difficult throws but he hasn't performed consistently. Under Reaves in the first half of MSU's 31-24 loss to Notre Dame on Saturday, the offense didn't score a touchdown. He was pulled at halftime in favor of Stanton.

Stanton, though yet to start a game, has played almost three full quarters this season. As a passer, Stanton has been spotty; he completed one pass in the third quarter against Notre Dame. As a running threat, he has been surprisingly effective, despite his surgically repaired right knee. He ran for 53 yards and one touchdown on eight carries Saturday.

"I think he's always had that ability and we've always thought you need a big, strong guy that can do that," Smith said. "That's definitely one of his pluses."

Stanton's knee has been a factor all season in Smith's decisions.

After Saturday's loss, however, Smith said only a small amount of fluid was removed from Stanton's knee, much less than in the past.

"Stanton's knee responded very well (after the game)," Smith said. "Actually, the best that it has been this entire year. So, with the increased activity and even less fluid, it's a very positive week."

Despite the offense's improvement under Stanton against Notre Dame and the progress of his knee, Smith wouldn't divulge the name of his starting quarterback against Indiana.

"That's for me to know and you to find out," he told reporters Monday.

Redshirt deadline nears

MSU coaches are in the process of deciding which freshmen will redshirt this year, saving a year of eligibility.

According to the 2004 media guide, the Spartans have 27 true freshmen on their roster. Smith said he's planning on redshirting all but six - tight end Kellen Davis, defensive back Sir Darean Adams, wide receiver Miles Williams, defensive lineman Nick Smith and linebacker Eric Andino.

"We knock on wood anytime you redshirt somebody," Smith said. "It's a little bit of a gamble because you're sitting them on the pine and then all of a sudden somebody gets hurt and you have to use them. You hope that doesn't happen."

Spartans stick together

Without giving specifics, Smith hinted at some behind-the-scenes finger-pointing after the loss to Notre Dame. He made it clear he won't tolerate his players blaming others.

"If you're going to do that, you're not going to be around here," Smith said. "The finger-pointers are a dime a dozen. In fact, that's overrating them, they're a penny a dozen.

"So don't come in this locker room and don't you ever point a finger at your teammate. It takes no courage, you're a coward if that happens. It takes a little courage to stand up for your teammates and back them up regardless, and that's what we're going to do."

Sophomore defensive end Clifton Ryan agreed with his coach.

"We can't point fingers because all we have is each other," he said.

Closed door policy

MSU's Tuesday practice will be closed to the media for the second straight week. Reporters and photographers typically can attend the first 20 minutes of practice each Tuesday.

"I let you guys come out and the first thing you see is everything's on the Internet," Smith said.

"You guys have to be like the football team, why don't you police this thing? Whoever's putting the crap on the Internet, take him out and kick the snot out of him," he joked.