Sophomore Drew Stanton is MSU's starting quarterback for Saturday's game against Iowa.
Stanton is still recovering from the effects of his knee injury, but said for the first time in five weeks he did not have to get fluid drained out of his knee. He was asked if he was ever worried about his chance to become the starter this season.
"No, not really, just because of the circumstances with my knee," Stanton said. "That's just kind of the way it worked out."
Smith said the team is searching for its offensive identity and Stanton helps to give the group some identity with his leadership.
"We're hoping that's the case," he said. "Having Drew in there, you have to build on what his strengths are."
Smith said Stanton is ready to lead the team and that he will grow into the position of being vocal and holding other players accountable for their actions. Stanton knows the leadership on offense is limited and is ready to step up and take the challenge of leading the offense.
"The most important part about a leader is to know when to lead and how to lead," Stanton said. "Knowing when to lead by example and when to get in people's face and to know when to let it slide."
Dave's day
Senior place kicker Dave Rayner was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance at Indiana.
He went 3-for-3 on field goals and extra points, hitting field goals of 22 yards, 39 yards and 44 yards.
"I think it was huge - confidence wise - I needed a big game," Rayner said after the game.
Rayner was almost perfect for the day, but had one miss before the game started.
"I said to (coach) that I was going to be perfect," Rayner said. "We were out in pregame warm-up and I was looking around and the snap came and I just ran at it, kicked it and missed it."
"I said, 'All right, I'm going to be perfect after this,' and I was."
Out for the season
Smith announced Monday that junior linebacker Seth Mitchell is out for the season.
"We're going to go to fix Seth's knee, or attempt to, so don't expect to see him this season," Smith said.
Mitchell will have a two-step process, including scopes, in hopes of repairing his right knee. Mitchell, who started nine games in 2003 , was expected to be a starter at linebacker this season. He has one year of eligibility remaining.
No wheels
Junior tackle Stefon Wheeler did not play against Indiana last Saturday due to an ankle injury suffered against Notre Dame the week before.
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"I don't know that he'll be ready," Smith said. "If I had to lean one way or the other, I'd lean that he's probably not going to be ready."
