Truth & Rumors > NCAAF

Spartans switching to option?

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Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio hinted his offense could add a new element next season. "We got the option," Dantonio said as he ran to the practice field after meeting with reporters. "We'll just leave it at that." There's undoubtedly several questions that need answering for an offense that lost running back Javon Ringer and quarterback Brian Hoyer. Ringer was at Thursday's practice but doubted the option would be a big part of Dantonio's plans. "What?" Ringer said when initially asked. He then said: "I know he's opening the playbook. They are probably going to do all types of stuff." Dantonio must find a replacement for Ringer, but the coach also is open to a committee of contributors. That group includes A.J. Jimmerson, Andre Anderson and Ashton Leggett.

Detroit News

Mark Dantonio, Getty Images Mark Dantonio, Getty Images
April 13, 2009  08:05 AM ET

Next thing you know they'll be running the spread

April 13, 2009  09:24 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

Next thing you know they'll be running the spread

The spread was tried and failed during the Slappy era. As a Spartan fan, someone may need to talk me down from the ledge if they go back to the spread.

I should probably define slappy. During John L. Smith's last year as head coach at Michigan State, MSU started its self-destructive slide that was common under Mr Smith. After losing to a horrid Illinois team on homecoming. He went to the press conference and decided it was a good idea to slap himself on national tv. I can handle watching my team play like crap on national TV, but I almost choked when I saw our head coach go psycho during a press conference that was the lead video on ESPN.

April 13, 2009  09:59 AM ET

I would love to see some major program, exclusively run the wishbone again.

April 13, 2009  10:09 AM ET

How about the flying wedge

April 13, 2009  10:17 AM ET
QUOTE(#3):

I would love to see some major program, exclusively run the wishbone again.

We'd love for you to talk Pete into trying the wishbone.

The wishbone formation, as originally designed and implemented by Daryl Royal at Texas, was based on overloading the responsibilities of the middle linebacker. After UT enjoyed a few good years with the formation, Notre Dame came to the Cotton Bowl with a defensive scheme that basically brought a safety into the breech to cover the QB if he ran, letting the MLB stay outside the QB and cover the pitch. Durn Ara's stinkin' hide, that D worked and they beat us. Unfortunately, a lot of defensive coordinators saw that game, which meant that the wishbone was on its way to becoming extinct. The wishbone's younger cousin, the wildcat formation that some NFL teams are experimenting with, has one less running option, but adds more of a passing threat. I think it might work in the NCAA, would like to see a major school try it.

April 13, 2009  10:24 AM ET

Actually, Tech has the option.

April 13, 2009  10:52 AM ET

tech looked good all year until they met LSU who seemed to be everywhere

April 13, 2009  11:07 AM ET
QUOTE(#5):

We'd love for you to talk Pete into trying the wishbone.

I actually talked to him about the Delaware Wing-T. But he wasn't havin it.

April 13, 2009  11:19 AM ET
QUOTE(#6):

Actually, Tech has the option.

Sting 'em, Jackets!

April 13, 2009  11:22 AM ET
QUOTE(#7):

tech looked good all year until they met LSU who seemed to be everywhere

Lot of teams looked better against other opponents that they did against LSU. Suspect that's going to be even more the case in 2009.

April 13, 2009  11:23 AM ET
QUOTE(#7):

tech looked good all year until they met LSU who seemed to be everywhere

LSU has had a pretty mean D for some years now. Watching the Georgia - Georgia Tech game, one could plan a defensive counter to Tech's scheme (almost all of which was on display against the Bulldogs). LSU prepared and executed well.

April 13, 2009  11:28 AM ET

Honestly, I want to get excited about Dantonio's stewardship of Spartan's football. I'd like nothing better than the Guys in Green owning OSU for the next decade - overcoming improbable odds to find ways to beat the Buckeyes time and again. Luck. Fate. Buckeye brain cheese. Whatever puts the "W" in Sparty's column.

April 13, 2009  11:31 AM ET

Raising the bar against Big Blue will make Jimminy Cricket chirp. Imagine each and every Spartans - Wolverines game being a toss up. Smash-mouth football. There will be blood on the uniforms.

April 13, 2009  11:32 AM ET
QUOTE(#2):

...He went to the press conference and decided it was a good idea to slap himself on national tv....

Good one! This, along with Gundy's "I'm a man!" rant, should go to the Sports Broadcast Hall of Fame!

April 13, 2009  11:33 AM ET

Oh, and Sparty owning a better record against OSU than Big Blue. That might almost be enough to turn the blue & gold faithfull green with envy.

April 13, 2009  11:36 AM ET

Good for Spartina or as Mike Taylor likes to call them, The AGGIES. Funny thing is a few Sparties were at UM's Spring game this weekend. Draymond Green and another basketball player, I believe.

April 13, 2009  11:39 AM ET
QUOTE(#11):

LSU has had a pretty mean D for some years now. Watching the Georgia - Georgia Tech game, one could plan a defensive counter to Tech's scheme (almost all of which was on display against the Bulldogs). LSU prepared and executed well.

GA Tech should add another dimension in 2009 - a more effective passing game. Imagine the Jackets being sharper in executing their ground attack and laser perfect in their passing. That would improve their chances against fast, pursuing Ds.

April 13, 2009  11:41 AM ET
QUOTE(#16):

Funny thing is a few Sparties were at UM's Spring game this weekend.

Sounds like a dog fight.

April 13, 2009  11:44 AM ET
QUOTE(#14):

Good one! This, along with Gundy's "I'm a man!" rant, should go to the Sports Broadcast Hall of Fame!

what about John L Smith's rant after a OSU loss in 05

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvrRvUYRdD8

 
April 13, 2009  11:47 AM ET
QUOTE(#2):

The spread was tried and failed during the Slappy era.

You know he did remind me of Dopey brother...Slappy what a classic comment!

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