Cash Kruth
Although the MSU football team is anxiously waiting to see which Jan. 1 bowl game it’ll be playing in, the regular season has been in the books for nearly two weeks.
It was a great regular season for the Spartans, who finished 9-3 overall and 6-2 in the Big Ten, good for a third-place finish.
With the end of the regular season come some accolades, so without further ado, here are the 2008 State News football awards:
Javon Ringer — There are no ifs, ands or buts about it, the MSU football team only went as far as Ringer (and his offensive line) took it. The senior running back had 1,590 yards and 21 touchdowns on 370 carries, while jumping to No. 2 on MSU’s all-time rushing list.
Greg Jones — The sophomore linebacker led the MSU defense in tackles (115) for the second straight season, earning him All-Big Ten First-Team honors from the coaches. Jones also had 12.5 tackles-for-loss and two sacks.
Blair White — The former walk-on came out of nowhere in his first season as a scholarship player, making a name for himself with clutch performances against Michigan and Wisconsin. He led the team with 39 receptions for 628 yards and a touchdown.
Otis Wiley — After falling short of expectations during a disappointing junior season, the senior free safety bounced back in a big way. The captain was third on the team with 71 tackles. His four interceptions were a big reason why he was selected to the All-Big Ten First Team by both coaches and media.
Aaron Bates — Punters may not be the most exciting guys on the football field, but they are without a doubt one of the most important. With 18 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, it can be argued that Bates was as instrumental in MSU’s 9-3 season as anyone.
Ross Weaver and Brandon Denson — Weaver, a junior cornerback, and Denson, a junior linebacker, used their speed on both punts and kickoffs to limit any big returns from the opposition this year. Bates kicked the ball inside the 20-yard line and these guys made sure it stayed there.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
