There's a new sheriff in town for the MSU football team.
Gone are the run-and-gun days of John L. Smith, who was let go after yet another disappointing season (5-6 overall) for the Spartans. In his place is Mark Dantonio. MSU hired Dantonio to replace Smith on Nov. 27. He promised a return to tough, defense-oriented football. And he promised the Spartans would compete for championships. That may sound far-fetched, but Dantonio has been there. He was the defensive coordinator for Ohio State when the Buckeyes won the 2003 national championship. At his introductory press conference, Dantonio showed off his championship ring. "I wear this championship ring very, very few times, but I wear it for a reason," Dantonio said. "I wear it to symbolize what could happen — what could happen if you have the players and, most importantly, when you have the commitment." Dantonio came to MSU after three seasons at Cincinnati, where he had an 18-17 overall record. He may be bringing a new attitude to MSU, but the cupboard is a bit empty. The Spartans' field general for the past three seasons — Drew Stanton — is headed for the NFL. MSU's top three receivers from 2006 also are gone. Junior quarterback Brian Hoyer played in eight games last season, filling in for the oft-injured Stanton. He threw for 863 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. In 2007, he'll be expected to be a leader. "It was a little different, not having someone above you there," Hoyer said at MSU's first spring practice. "But it's something I've been waiting for the past three years." On the other side of the ball, the Spartans are a bit more experienced. Linebacker David Herron Jr. and defensive tackle Clifton Ryan have moved on, but senior linebacker SirDarean Adams, junior safety Otis Wiley, senior linebacker Kaleb Thornhill and senior defensive end Ervin Baldwin — each of whom made major contributions in 2006 — all are back. While the Spartans seem optimistic for the moment, time will tell how long it lasts. MSU's 2007 campaign kicks off Sept. 1 against Alabama-Birmingham. "We're still in the honeymoon period," Hoyer said. "We're all hyped to get out there and play."
