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Michigan State is counting on several junior-college transfers to have big seasons, including, from left: linebacker Steve Juarez, defensive lineman Jonal Saint-Dic, defensive lineman Kenny Shane, guard Daniel Zynn, defensive tackle Bobby Jones and defensive back Demond Williams.Michigan State: What to watch for
Center Chris Morris, blocking for Drew Stanton, could be the most underrated player in the Big Ten.
Ashton Watson (12) is getting another opportunity at cornerback.
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Five decisive games
• Notre Dame, Sept. 17: First one to 60 points wins? This is a matchup -- at Notre Dame Stadium -- of two good offenses and questionable defenses.
• Illinois, Sept. 24: Michigan State has a realistic chance for a road victory, which would go a long way toward a winning record and bowl bid.
• Michigan, Oct. 1: Michigan State has had a year to stew over that frustrating triple-overtime loss last season in Ann Arbor. Defensive line coach Steve Stripling's stunning move from East Lansing to Ann Arbor adds more intrigue.
• Minnesota, Nov. 12: The Spartans will have to deal with an opponent's revenge in this one. Minnesota lost 51-17 last season in East Lansing. The Gophers will be ready, but it's still another decent chance for a Spartans road victory.
• Penn State, Nov. 19: Michigan State needed to win last season at Penn State to maintain its bowl hopes but got embarrassed 37-13. The Spartans might need to win this game to become bowl-eligible.
Five predictions
• Michigan State will score 60 points against a porous Hawaii defense: A little payback for last year's finale, when the Spartans believed they got ripped off by the officials.
• Michigan State's defense won't be quite as bad as advertised: The line will be improved and take some of the pressure off the secondary.
• Quarterback Drew Stanton will start every game: After all the talk about whether he could remain healthy, he will lead the Spartans to a winning record.
• Michigan State will make its first appearance in the Music City Bowl: The Spartans will play a Southeastern Conference team on Dec. 30 in Nashville, Tenn.
• The first-class renovations at Spartan Stadium: Along with a winning record, they will result in John L. Smith's best recruiting class here.
Newcomers to watch
• CB Demond Williams: One of eight junior-college transfers. Williams wasn't in top physical condition when he arrived for camp, but still moved up to first team within a couple weeks. The Spartans are desperate for help in the secondary.
• RB Javon Ringer: The Spartans used an effective three-man rotation at running back last season, but they're missing the "home-run" threat with DeAndra Cobb's departure. Ringer, a freshman, has made a rapid comeback following knee surgery last season and could fill that role.
• LB Steve Juarez: He was somewhat overlooked in junior college after playing last season at Los Angeles Harbor College. The Spartans have been encouraged by his speed, which could make him a terror on special teams.
• WR Kerry Reed: A late junior-college addition. He committed earlier this month after finding out Texas A&M didn't have a scholarship for him as promised. The Aggies' loss appears to be the Spartans' gain. Reed has soft hands and gives the receiving corps another threat.
Five seniors with NFL hopes
• C Chris Morris: He could be the most underrated player in the Big Ten. Other centers, such as Minnesota's Greg Eslinger, get more publicity, but Morris anchors an offensive line that was arguably the best in the conference last season. The Spartans are simply going to have to win more for Morris to get the credit he deserves.
• OT Stefon Wheeler: Came back to have a solid season last year after suffering a neck injury late in the 2003 season. Street & Smith's preseason magazine selected Wheeler to the All-Big Ten first team this year. He's a crucial part of the offense because the Spartans likely will use Drew Stanton in more drop-back passing situations and Wheeler must protect the blind side.
• DT Brandon McKinney: A foot injury and weight problems have kept him from becoming the type of player that was forecast two years ago. Now, it's his final chance and McKinney seems to be responding. He's in much better shape than he has been in since the injury. He is a key to the season.
• DB Eric Smith: Has been told since he was in high school that he's not athletic enough, but Smith continues to excel because he's such a cerebral player. His teammates say he knows what everyone on defense should be doing on every play. He is the heart and soul of the secondary.
• DT Domata Peko: His brother, Tupe, played at Michigan State and has had a decent NFL career. Domata improved his strength during the offseason, but he needs to show he can make more plays.
Five players ready to break through
• LB David Herron Jr.: He finally has settled in on defense after making the move from fullback two years ago. Herron has the speed to roam sideline to sideline. He will make a lot of tackles this season, but also has to make a bigger impact by forcing more turnovers.
• WR Kyle Brown: John L. Smith threatened to move him to defensive back after last season, which served as great motivation. Brown worked hard on his receiving skills and has started to catch the ball more with his hands instead of letting it get too close to his body. No one ever questioned Brown's athleticism. He has the speed to make plays.
• DE Clifton Ryan: Ryan is a junior whose leadership skills are starting to show. He has great strength at 6-foot-2, 302 pounds. He and the rest of the defensive line simply must put more pressure on the quarterback than they did last season -- or it could be a long season.
• TE Kellen Davis: He has receiver's skills at 6-foot-6, 241 pounds. A real mismatch (too fast for linebackers, too big for defensive backs), but he needs to become more of a consistent blocker to get more playing time.
• DB Ashton Watson: Most people gave up on him after he lost a starting cornerback job early in the 2003 season. He stuck with it and now he's getting another opportunity. Don't forget: Watson was ranked among the top defensive backs in the nation as a high school senior, so the talent is there.
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