The MSU football team hasn't been to a bowl game in two years, finishing with a 5-7 record in 2004 and 5-6 in 2005.
The consecutive losing seasons and lack of a postseason berth haven't dimmed the players' morale, however. Some MSU players are confident the Spartans will not just make any bowl game but will actually be in the Fiesta Bowl — playing for the national championship.
"I'll put the burden on my back and say we'll be even better than a bowl team," senior cornerback Demond Williams said after MSU's final spring scrimmage on Friday.
He paused, then unleashed a bold three-word statement regarding what his hopes are for the upcoming season:
"National championship. Really."
Though Williams' goal could be perceived as a bit far-fetched, MSU does seem to be headed in the right direction. The Spartans are loaded at the skill positions on offense, with a deep pool of running backs, tight ends and wide receivers. The offense also boasts senior quarterback Drew Stanton, who didn't throw a single interception throughout spring practice.
Stanton said the players need to share Williams' viewpoint if the Spartans are to have any hope for a successful season. He said confidence is a key when it comes to winning games.
"You can't cut yourself short no matter where you are," Stanton said. "If you go out there expecting to lose a game or two or three, you are only setting yourself up for failure. We have to take that mentality into it."
"We don't have to sit out here and publicize it, but we have to have that mentality going into it. We can beat anybody on our schedule."
Head coach John L. Smith wasn't quite as eager to predict a championship season for the Green and White — asking, "Were they drinking before they left?" in response to Williams' and Stanton's statements — but said he does see the team improving.
Smith was particularly pleased with MSU's performance on the offensive side of the ball but said the defense looks more athletic and has more playmakers.
Junior safety Nehemiah Warrick and senior linebacker David Herron Jr. made their presence felt from sideline to sideline — Williams made a leaping interception on a pass by sophomore quarterback Brian Hoyer, and junior bandit SirDarean Adams intercepted a pass by redshirt freshman quarterback Domenic Natale and returned it 82 yards for a touchdown.
So the offense is strong and the defense is improving, along with the players' health. The Spartans also finished their spring practice schedule without sending any new players to the infirmary.
"We made it through without any injuries, and that's always a positive," Smith said. "Now what we have to do is just concentrate on the next couple weeks, finish up strong academically and get in the weight room and get better in the summer."
